Why are so many dealers DMS databases incomplete? It requires commitment and a process above the normal course of business. You as Owners need to see the benefit and how your database will make you consistent profits. Managing your database is like managing your check book. Out of date balances lead to overdrawn accounts and lost money. As dealers we invest in expensive systems to manage our companies and then do not do our diligence in making sure that the data is useful and accurate. How many incorrect phone numbers, bad addresses and missing information does it take to create some action? As a CRM application that polls dealer databases we see it all. Some dealers rely on the DMS system to refresh their databases monthly and that is a start but the dealer should start at the sale with all contact information from the customer. You as the dealer are required to meet the Red Flag rules since credit is a good part of the transaction. Maintaining a solid database for your records is good business and is a requirement in today’s world. Do not assume it is being done in your dealership, it is boring work but the payback is high. Check your processes today and periodically to assure that you have the database tool that will help sell more cars.
AutoRaptor can migrate your sales history and periodically updates as new business is created. With the ability to export any defined search, having an up to date database is the best marketing strategy you can have. Just follow time proven processes and manage your database today to get on the road to more sales.
This a familiar topic that I keep coming back to: Why is it so difficult for some sales people to adopt to new technologies? How many sales people do not have an email address? Approximately 30 percent do not have a personal address let alone one for business use. Getting one is so easy and it is one of the few things in this world that are free. Fear of technology and the lack of understanding of how to use this communication device to create sales stops them in their tracks. Some can talk but just can’t type or spell correctly. I once downloaded a typing program to help my staff get started. It helped some but not all. Sales people who stare out the window waiting for the next up just do not want to change. Proactive follow up is just not in their genes. So how do we make them see the potential to increase their sales by using one piece of technology? You the owner or manager have to champion the process; it always starts by command till the benefit is realized by your staff.
A side benefit is that you will also have an additional way to communicate with your staff, written communications that can tell you that the mail was read, is a sure way to keep everyone on the same page. It is an efficient and productive method to make sure your directives are read and followed.