Exporting vehicles from Canada to the US offers franchise dealers a powerful way to boost profits and move aging inventory. With access to a larger pool of buyers, there are times when you can earn more for your vehicles in the US market than you would locally. If you're considering exporting, here’s what you need to know for a smooth and profitable start.  

1. Understand market trends.

Timing is everything because, as you well know, vehicles are depreciating assets. Your goal south of the border is the same as it is here: Turn inventory fast. Successful exporters do this by keeping a close eye on real-time market trends in the US, focusing on retail days' supply and wholesale transaction volumes to identify in-demand vehicles.  

Pro Tip: Use Signal’s Market Guide to track wholesale transactions and retail listings across US regions. This tool helps you quickly identify which vehicles are in high demand and moving fast so you can turn inventory quicker.

2. Use data to maximize profits.

Export profitability starts with smart buying and accurate pricing. Using data and technology helps you make informed decisions on which inventory will perform well in the US market and keeps your bids and pricing in line with demand. Tools that provide these insights by Year, Make, and Model (YMM), as well as US wholesale prices, recent value changes, and cost factors like FX rates and depreciation, are critical to making each transaction as profitable as possible.

Pro Tip: Use Signal’s marketability data, Market Guide, and Export Calculator to assess demand, set competitive bids, and manage costs all in one place. These tools give you the confidence to buy the right inventory, price it effectively, and maximize profits on every car.

3. Choose a flexible finance partner.

Exporting is all about quick access to capital, but not all banks are happy to finance cross-border sales. Working with a financing partner that understands the export industry and can provide quick approvals for cross-border deals allows you to keep your business moving forward without the common holdups.

Pro Tip: Leverage Signal Financing tailored specifically for vehicle exporters. We provide quick access to capital with added protections such as RateLock, ensuring that your profits stay steady despite FX rate changes.

4. Simplify compliance and docs.

A lot of Canadian franchise dealers are put off by exporting because it’s complex (E.g., Department of Transportation regulations, customs paperwork, and compliance standards). The process isn’t daunting anymore when you work with the right partner. In fact, today, it’s all about automation, speed, and transparency.

Pro Tip: Work with Signal’s Registered Importers to streamline compliance and gain full visibility into your import process. Our platform offers a faster, more accurate, and more transparent import process so you can focus on growing your business while complying with regulations.

5. Diversify your sales.

Expanding your sales beyond the Canada market to interested US buyers increases your inventory’s exposure to a larger audience. When you have an inroad with an export marketplace and a diversified sales network, you’re reaching a larger pool of interested buyers to boost sales and maximize profits south of the border.  

Tip: Our remarketing platform taps into the US-based ACV online auction and dealer network, consisting of tens of thousands of buyers who can reserve your vehicles during mandatory hold periods. We will help you speed up sales once holds are lifted, so you can reinvest in fresh inventory faster.

Signal simplifies complicated exports - covering everything from compliance and documents to finance and insurance, pricing, demand trends, and more. As a true one-stop shop for exporting vehicles from Canada to the US, you’re backed by a team that’s been there and done that as both exporters and Registered Importers. We know the ins and outs of exporting and, most importantly, the smartest and fastest paths to profitability.

It’s time to look beyond the Canadian market if you want to expand your reach, increase your profits, and keep your inventory moving. If you’re ready to make exporting part of your ongoing strategy, we’re here to help you succeed.

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