The way customers shop has changed fundamentally in recent years. Online shopping offers lightning-fast delivery, ...
The way customers shop has changed fundamentally in recent years.
Online shopping offers lightning-fast delivery, personalized recommendations and transparent processes - all of which have raised the bar for service quality and speed. Customers now expect these standards to apply in other areas, including car dealerships. Instead of long wait times and opaque processes, they are looking for a seamless, efficient and trustworthy buying experience.
Car dealerships that are prepared to respond to these expectations can clearly set themselves apart from the competition. Digitalization plays a crucial role in this: from vehicle pricing to contract processes and lead handling. This article shows five concrete ways in which car dealerships can transform the customer experience and increase efficiency at the same time.
#1 DiGITALIZation of inventory processes
What sounds like a purely internal process has a direct impact on the customer experience. This makes real-time data a win-win situation for customers and dealers.
Customers benefit from up-to-date information about the vehicle stock, without waiting times or misinformation. Thanks to digital systems, they know immediately which models are available and can register specifically for test drives or purchase decisions.
Dealers, in turn, can work more efficiently with real-time data about their stock. Incorrect or outdated data is eliminated, saving time and money. A digital inventory also facilitates collaboration between branches, as vehicles can be better coordinated across different locations.
how does the inventory become digital?
A centralized digital inventory system is the key. Tools such as RFID scanners or cloud-based warehouse management systems help to update stocks in real time. Integration with sales platforms and internal CRM systems ensures that all departments can access the same data set.
and let's be honest: what are the obstacles?
In the long term, digitalization is the best investment for the future. But of course it requires implementation costs. There is no getting around these, but the investment can be stretched out through smaller pilot projects and a gradual roll-out.
With the changeover, it is also important to involve employees from the outset to ensure acceptance of the change. In addition to comprehensive training on the software, success measurements are also a good way of demonstrating the added value of the measures.
#2 Digitalization of contracts
Sounds trivial, but it can save hours: Customers benefit enormously from a fast, paperless and clearly structured process on the way to buying a car. They can sign contracts from the comfort of their own home and have access to their documents at all times. This creates transparency and saves time.
It also makes it easier for dealers to conclude contracts this way, as digital contracts significantly reduce the administrative workload. Not only are annoying errors such as incomplete documents or lost documents a thing of the past, but sales cycles are also accelerated and sales are generated more quickly.
how are contracts going digital?
There are now numerous established software solutions for electronic signatures and cloud-based contract platforms - one of the best known is DocuSign. These tools are intuitive to use and can be seamlessly integrated into existing processes.
#3 Digitalization of price displays
We have already dedicated several articles to the benefits of digital price labeling - including how it can reduce standing times and increase used car margins. With the Digital Auto Display (D.A.D), we ourselves have launched the first digital price display on the market and thus supported numerous car dealerships on their way to successful digitalization.
Transparent, always up-to-date and comprehensible prices create trust and make purchasing decisions easier. Customers can see at a glance which models are within their budget and whether there are any special offers - hard to miss thanks to the eye-catching digital display.
Dealers, in turn, can dynamically adjust their prices to market developments without having to carry out manual updates. This saves them time and increases their competitiveness at the same time.
how to say goodbye to analogue
Implementing a system like our Digital Auto Display offers numerous advantages. Price labels can be managed centrally and updated automatically. This reduces errors and allows quick adaptation to market trends.
and let's be honest: what are the obstacles?
The switch to digital price labeling is accompanied by a reorganization of internal work processes. However, as long as this step is accompanied by an experienced provider, it is more of an adjustment than a real hurdle.
If you opt for our Digital Auto Display, we will be at your side as experts every step of the way.
#4 automatized lead processing
Slow communication turns warm leads into cold trails.
Customers want prompt responses to their inquiries. If they receive these, they feel that they are taken seriously and well looked after, which leads to increased trust and satisfaction.
For retailers, more efficient processing of new leads means a better chance of high closing rates. A fast follow-up process minimizes the likelihood of potential customers dropping out.
how to automate your lead communications?
Automated CRM systems can prioritize and track leads. Standardized but personalized responses help to speed up the process while remaining individual. Standardized templates and guidelines ensure that communication remains consistent. Automating simple processes allows employees to focus on more complex requests.
#5 Automatized value appraisals
Appraisals are time-consuming - this means effort for dealers and waiting for customers.
With automated valuations, customers receive an immediate and fair assessment of their vehicle. This creates trust and makes the decision to sell or trade-in easier.
Dealers can save time and create a data-driven, objective basis for price negotiations. At the same time, the automated process ensures a uniform purchasing strategy.
how to automate your appraisals?
The easiest way is to use AI-supported third-party valuation tools that analyze the vehicle history, market prices and condition of the car on offer. For a seamless workflow, these systems can be connected to the dealership's sales platform.
summary: the big win-win-situation
Customers' expectations of car dealerships have changed dramatically, but this presents a great opportunity, as improving the customer experience does not have to mean more work for the dealership. On the contrary, by digitizing key processes, dealerships can not only improve the customer experience, but also increase efficiency and profitability. From price labeling to lead processing - every digital tool is a step towards a modern, competitive dealership.
With the right partners, such as VISI ONE and the Digital Auto Display (D.A.D), you can actively shape the future of your dealership. Get started now!
