I am looking to find ways to make the best of Internet opportunities for our dealership. at this point I am just hoping for feedback on how your dealerships are handling things, from Internet leads, to ebay or other online sites.
LOL I just saw another guy with a post similar to this. Good luck at any responses. Many dealerships are waaaay behind on internet/virtual marketplace connection with consumers. Blogging is also another shortfall. In this day and age you would think you could find more participants, but yet- the dealerships are totally ignoring this avenue. It is good to see you are inquiring, but this may require a little ingenuity and thought to sprout a winning and campaign! After all the diversity in this arena is very low! Mostly everyone is doing the same thing.
I feel there are many new and developed technologies for the internet right now. I am a huge advocate for a mix hybrid BDC/Internet department. However that could be when your dealership is in run mode. There are many things to look at, I have listed some that I feel are a must for any dealership right now. You will see that I have NO 3rd party leads. I feel that they are not a complete waste of time, I feel you can spend money and achieve the same results, and right now the Sub-prime lending market is horrible.
• Dealership Website (Needs evaluation and possible updating, more user friendly)
• BDC Call center
• Internet Sales team
• Inventory management ( at least 20 pictures, cpmplete descriptions and pricing)
• LiveChat (This is a must and should be monitored during open hours)
• eNegotiating (Skoots.com, allows consumers to make an offer online and neg back in front 24/7 from your website without your delaership being open.)
• eNewsletters (Sent to all customers monthly with specials, both service and sales)
• Search Engine Optimization (SEO is the most important thing, where are you positioned)
• Search Engine Marketing ( Possible pay per click to website)
• Manufacturer sourced leads (All from your manufacturer)
• Online Classified (Craig’s list, other sites)
• Inventory management (pictures, descriptions and pricing)
• Online Auctions (E-BAY, I have sold over 500 USED cars on E-bay)
• Community Bulletin Boards (Surrounding 20 communities)
* Blogging, My Space, You Tube, and other medias
