Many dealers have been asking how to use AutoFi to enable their remote sales process during this uncertain time. Remote selling is a worry-free, streamlined process for both automotive dealers and consumers. It is also a safe and effective method of vehicle purchase during this time. Here are five tips for successful remote selling:
1. Communicate. Communicate. Communicate.
Have you changed your store hours? Will customers be greeted differently at the dealership (e.g, no handshakes)? Do you have a new cleanliness policy? Do you offer free hand sanitizer to those who walk into your store? Make sure that customers, and potential car buyers, know what to expect as you adjust the in-store experience.
2. Enable remote selling and vehicle delivery.
Make sure your dealership is enabled for remote vehicle purchasing. Can you transact the entire vehicle sales process online? Can your dealership’s technology handle remote-assisted vehicle transactions? Your online showroom is a transparent, secure, time-saving vehicle purchase process that gives car buyers peace of mind. If customers aren’t comfortable coming to your store, don’t make them.
3. Train your staff to be engaged online.
Your people are the heart of your dealership. Are they confident of your in-store policies? Are they trained to sell vehicles online? Does your BDC have chat enabled to answer consumers’ questions as they walk through the vehicle purchase process online? Does your dealership’s staff know how to use technology to collaborate with consumers purchasing vehicles from home? Do you have any online-only specials that your staff needs to know? How are you maintaining regular operations, even if employees need to work from home?
4. Create a plan for Service.
How are you handling service requests from customers who are apprehensive about or unable to come to your dealership? Does your dealership’s website offer online service appointment scheduling? What service specials are running about right now? Can customers schedule vehicle pickup and delivery for service? Are you offering new or different hours for vehicle service? Communicate customer care.
5. Advertise your online showroom.
Connect with your website vendor to create a landing page addressing your online showroom processes. Make sure both current and prospective customers know that this is something your dealership offers. Are there any “Online Only” vehicle offers?
If your dealership doesn’t have the ability to transact vehicle purchases online, AutoFi can help. It’s vital, not only for consumer preference but for consumer safety, that your dealership offers an online showroom option. This allows you to maintain regular operations and provides consumers with peace of mind. To learn more about implementing a remote sales process at your dealership, reach out to your AutoFi team.
View the Social Distance and Remote Selling Overview webinar on demand, and join us for the AutoFi Remote Selling & Social Distancing Series, every Tuesday, 9:00 AM Pacific through May 5, 2020.
Find out how AutoFi can help your business thrive.