Does your dealership have the digital tools to help you be successful? Let’s review some of the most important software tools to use.
Car sales aren’t simply about engaging with your customers to present them with vehicles they may want to purchase. In today’s world, you’ve got to know how to use some of the most dynamic digital retailing tools and software to close the sale. If your dealership doesn’t have some of these tools, they might be falling woefully behind the proverbial curve and need to invest in some of these tools.
AI chatbot
Most dealership websites include AI chatbots that are programmed to answer questions when the sales team is gone for the day. These chatbots also answer questions during business hours and schedule appointments for vehicle service, test drives, and meetings with the dealership staff. This allows the team to focus on serving the needs of customers who show up and expect their undivided attention. Instead of being concerned with making the next appointment or getting ready for a new customer, each sales team member can focus on the customers in front of them.
Capturing reviews
It might not sound like one of the most dynamic dealership digital tools, but your customer reviews are extremely important. If you have almost all positive reviews and a high average, there’s a really good chance you’ll have more customers ready to work with your dealership team. How can you capture reviews and customer feedback? Add a tool that allows you to manage reviews across Google, Facebook, and other platforms. This will help you have the feedback that you need to present to future customers.
Task management
It’s important to keep your day-to-day tasks on schedule and understand how to track and manage your operational tasks every day. This means tracking leads, efficiently managing customer relationships, and streamlining your day. Maintaining a high level of productivity while providing excellent customer service can be challenging. Thankfully, a good task management program can help keep all of your tasks on schedule without missing any customer service opportunities. Some programs have a comprehensive range of features to help manage inventory and build customer relationships.
Review response tracking
When you receive a customer review, you need to respond to it. One of the most important digital tools is software to help track reviews and responses. Some programs have complaint settings built in, which allows your dealership team to track a negative review or complaint from the time it’s received until its inevitable resolution. You also need the software to alert your team when you receive a review; that way, you can respond to the review, both good and bad, to show that your team is engaged with your customers.
Performance management tools
Are there areas of your operation that could be much better? Is your team working at maximum efficiency? If you want to find ways to improve your processes including desking, CRM, and enjoy complete reporting that shows you where you could streamline your operations, you’ll want to add performance management tools to the mix. These tools can help your entire team understand how to be more efficient and productive, while still providing customers the time they need when they come face-to-face with you.
Service center software tools
If your dealership has a service center, it’s important to have some robust digital tools that help them get the job done. Adding software that tracks inventory, schedules jobs, dispatching, and handles accounting makes it much easier for your service team to do their job. Your customers might buy a few cars from you over their lifetime, but they can visit your service center for every oil change, tire rotation, and maintenance need if you take care of them. The right software can help make that happen.
Customized to fit your needs
Some people might think that every dealership operates exactly the same way, but that’s not the case. You need software that fits your team and your needs without a lot of extra features that won’t be used. Finding the right digital tools for your team can be a bit of trial and error, in which you try some systems that seem to work. Once you find that right fit, you’ll have the tools that make everything work together and give you the customer support and efficiency desired.
The digital tools used at your dealership can make a huge difference for your team. The right tools promote customer relationships, productivity, and make it easier for your team to focus on the customer who walk through the door.
