Opening a new dealership is no easy task. It can be a lot of work, and you must ensure you do everything right the first time. There are many things to consider, such as the dealership’s location, the type of vehicles you will sell, and your marketing strategy. When not careful, you could make costly mistakes. Competition is fierce in today’s market. By discovering some useful hacks, you can stay ahead of the curb when opening new locations for your dealership.
1. Make Sure Your Location is Strategic
You need to choose a location that is convenient for your customers. It should be easy to get to, and there should be plenty of parking. You need to ensure that the area is safe and secure.
Another important factor to consider is the demographics of the area. Ensure that your location is in an area where people are interested in buying the type of vehicles you sell.
Think about the future when choosing a location. You don’t want to choose a location that will soon be replaced by a new development or construction project.
For easy auto transportation to and from your business, you need to find a location with good highway access. This will make it easier for customers to get their vehicles to and from your dealership, as well as make it easier for you to get new inventory onto your lot.
Finally, you must make sure you can afford the rent or mortgage on the property. If you’re not careful, you could end up spending too much money on your dealership and not making a profit.
2. Get Involved in the Community
Your dealership should be involved in the community. This will help you build a good reputation and make people more likely to do business with you.
To get involved start by sponsoring local events. This can take any form from a little league team to a concert series. It shows that you’re invested in the community and care about making it a better place.
Another way to be involved is to sponsor local charities. It helps give back to the community and make people aware of your dealership.
You could offer volunteer services at local events. This will help you meet people and let them know about your dealership.
Getting involved with your community helps your dealership establish a stronghold in the community. To become a household name, you need to network and collaborate with the community around you. These are excellent ways to network with other businesses and brainstorm innovative ways to mutually benefit from the relationships around you.
3. Build a Strong Online Presence
In today’s world, it’s important to have a strong online presence. This is how most people will find out about your dealership. Make sure you have a website that is well-designed and easy to use. It should be updated regularly with new inventory and specials.
You should also have social media pages that are active and engaging. Post pictures and videos of your dealership, as well as special offers. Encourage people to leave reviews on your pages.
Ensure you’re responsive to comments and questions. If someone has a positive experience, they’re more likely to tell their friends about it. However, if they have a negative experience, they’re more likely to leave a bad review.
By implementing the opportunities that the internet presents, you can expand your services well past your geographic location. You can offer purchases for customers that live in more remote parts of the state simply by offering an easy-to-use online shopping experience.
By teaming up with an auto transportation company, you can offer delivery of vehicles, pick-up for service maintenance, and other benefits. If you have a specific vehicle in stock at a distant location, an auto transportation company can help give your customers access to your company’s entire stock of inventory. Auto transportation companies often offer discounts for repeat and bulk orders, allowing you plenty of options when it comes to capitalizing on the opportunities presented to you.
4. Create a Great Customer Experience
Your customers should have a great experience when they walk through the door. They should be greeted by a friendly salesperson and made to feel welcome. The sales process should be smooth and efficient. You don’t want to keep your customers waiting or give them the run-around.
After purchasing a vehicle, you need to ensure they’re happy with it. Follow up with them after they’ve had a chance to drive it and ensure everything is working properly. For any problems, make sure you fix them quickly.
You should also stay in touch with your customers after they leave your dealership. Send them periodic emails or postcards to inform them about new inventory or special offers. This keeps you top of mind and makes them more likely to come back in the future.
Finally, always show appreciation for your customers. Thank them for business and let them know they’re valued. This will make them feel good about doing business with you and encourage them to return.
5. Train Your Staff Well
Your staff is the face of your dealership. They’re the ones who will be interacting with your customers daily. It’s important to train them well and give them the tools they need to provide excellent service.
Make sure they know your inventory inside and out. They should be able to answer any questions a customer might have. They should also be familiar with the financing process and be able to explain it clearly.
Your staff should be friendly and personable. They should make customers feel welcome and valued. If a customer has a problem, they should be able to resolve it quickly.
Ensure you’re providing your staff with the resources they need to succeed. This includes sales training, product knowledge, and customer service skills. The better equipped they are, the better they’ll be able to serve your customers.
By following these tips, you can set your dealership up for success. You’ll build a strong reputation by providing excellent customer service and being involved in your community. And with a strong online presence, you’ll be able to reach more people and attract more customers. A little hard work will help you build a successful dealership that will serve your community for years to come.
