Pub. 1 2011 Issue 2

9 It is imperative that dealers today buy what the consumer wants, buy at a great price, and present a better looking vehicle to the savvy consumer. Used vehicles are selling at record prices but at lower profit margins than ever before. The Internet has nearly eliminated haggling over a price. With profit margins down, a fast turnover is the only option to maintaining the necessary sales numbers. No dealer can afford to present any obstacles that will lead to negotiation. Consumers now have a lot of the same informa- tion that you have with regards to tracking what is being sold, at what price and by what dealers. Using the data available to both the dealer and the consumer can substantiate your price. Equally as important as purchasing the right mix of ve- hicles and pricing them competitively is presentation. Don’t disappoint your consumer by offering a less than perfect used vehicle! Your reputation of selection, pricing and presentation can be lost before they even drive onto your lot. An online photo of a beautifully reconditioned vehicle, inside and out, that has a condition warranty is worth greater profit margin and increased credibility. Online accessibility implies that the dealership must be ready with an immaculate presentation BEFORE they even list the ve- hicle for sale. Don’t lose the customer when they get to your lot! Scrambling to explain that your used vehicle was just obtained and you didn’t have time to inspect and/or correct any defects, doesn’t sit well in the minds of the consumer! They now have a choice NOT to visit your lot. They also have the choice NOT to wait for you to clean the carpet, fix the dent or repair the vinyl. When a less than perfect vehicle is listed online as ready to sell, the consumer has the choice to pass on your selection in favor of a dealership that photographs the inside and outside of the vehicle from all angles AND provides a warranty. My experience in the past 5 years of working on over 75,000 cars substantiates thatthe majority of the cars that Car purchases are increasing due to an improved economy and consumers are more informed due to the availability of information technology. It is a New World! BE READY! Q it’s a new world — continued on page 14 where can I find a strong DMS package? will you take the time to talk to AutoSoft? what DMS software can save me a considerable amount of money? is a long-term contract right for me? are you going to be the one to make the change? am I paying too much? why are more and more dealers switching to AutoSoft? ? Dealership Management System AutoSoft a Get Your Questions Answered by Automotive Parts Service 888-888-1180 • 630-397-5500 • www.autosoft-asi.com