This is how Autohaus Vortkamp crosses the border prepared

Across the border

Being located in the border area is one of the company’s ‘unique selling points’. Grandfather had foresight and agreed with Volkswagen years ago that he wanted to sell the cars, but only if he could settle near the border.

“In a few years, there will be no more borders.” Dirk still hears his grandfather say it. And he was right. The borders are no longer there. However, the government with all its rules isn’t ready yet.

Catering to the target audience

German cars are often characterized by an extensive luxury package at a good price. Despite the good deal and despite the physical disappearance of the border crossing, many Dutch people still find it ‘scary’ to buy a car ‘across the border’. The language barrier, mistrust towards the car industry in general, lack of knowledge of regulations, and the extra costs of importing. A large group drops out because of this.

Many Dutch people still find it 'scary' to buy a car 'across the border'.

This can be bridged by a new branch in the Netherlands. A gap in the market for the youngest Vortkamp descendant. “We have carefully looked at the wants and needs of the Dutch target audience and take away all concerns,” Dirk explains. “As a buyer, you know exactly what to expect. The price is inclusive of all costs and all the administrative work has been done.”

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Doing business abroad

For a foreign entrepreneur, starting a business in the Netherlands can be challenging. Everything is different, from taxes, personnel policies, rental law to regulations. Assistance in starting up in the Netherlands was therefore very welcome. Dirk was connected to Daniël Mol through his German accountant.

The international tax advisor of de Jong & Laan with German roots proved to be a great match. The openness, entrepreneurship, and mutual trust established a good collaboration between both parties.

“Dirk presented me with a well-thought-out business plan for starting in the Netherlands. Not just quick deals, but a long-term plan. Additionally, I recognized a personal approach to customers in the company. A Twente straightforwardness, warmly welcoming customers, aligns well with the working method and DNA of de Jong & Laan. And of course, my boyhood heart beats faster when I see all those beautiful cars,” says Daniël with a smile on his face.

It's easy to overlook something. That can be fatal for an entrepreneur.

To be accessible to Dutch customers, Vortkamp cars, in addition to offering an attractive product, also employs Dutch people both in Enschede and just across the border in Gronau. They understand customer needs, speak the language, and that builds trust.

Starting a branch in the Netherlands and employing Dutch people sounds easier than it is. It involves a lot of regulatory issues and complex labor law and tax law.

• For instance, Dutch employees are much more protected than German employees. In the Netherlands, an entrepreneur is obliged to continue paying employees for 2 years during illness, whereas in Germany it is only 6 weeks. It’s wise to get insurance for this.
• What obligations do you undertake concerning compliance with the collective labor agreement and participation in pension schemes?
• Choosing the best suitable legal structure and place within the organizational structure requires careful attention.
• Even simpler matters like opening a bank account demand time and attention from entrepreneurs like Dirk. As an entrepreneur, you have to demonstrate various things, and this can take weeks.

Many details and regulatory issues come at the entrepreneur. Matters you often aren’t familiar with, and it’s easy to overlook something. That can be fatal for an entrepreneur.

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Involvement

In the end, they figured it out together. With Dirk's entrepreneurial spirit and Daniël's substantive knowledge, significant strides have been made. “The branch in the Netherlands is running, and we're already thinking further. Personal attention is highly valued by us, and I find the same at de Jong & Laan. It just works well,” Dirk says with a laugh.

"That's why I discuss ideas more and more with Daniël. Just to hear his perspective. De Jong & Laan understands my way of thinking, investigates, and thinks along with me. It's not like they arrange ‘it’ for you and then leave you hanging. No, there is real involvement. Together, we strive for optimal business results."

In a world where globalization is increasing, more and more clients are not shying away from cross-border challenges. It brings opportunities. Opportunities that have certainly benefited Vortkamp, and we are keen to contribute to that.