Aug 11

Written by: Chet Brock
8/11/2008 10:53 AM

So we have a new customer. And, when this customer entrusted us with the job of redesigning and re-releasing their website to the world, here is what they knew they were getting: professionally designed and easy to use website: CHECK; dynamic inventory integration: CHECK; a team of professional account managers, developers and technical support: CHECK... HOWEVER, for those of you who have not heard me say it, they are getting much more. What they may or may not know they are getting is a new way, NO, a better way for customers to enter the dealership.

 

When we are getting ready to take a website live and onto the internet, I liken it to that of a Grand Opening at a department store. Hordes of patrons crammed up against the glass doors, anxiously anticipating the arrival of the store manager so that the purchasing frenzy might begin. It might sound like a crazy analogy, but it’s really not far off. Can you imagine a store opening with the entire world invited? Enter - your website.

 

With 80% of consumers visiting the website before they make a purchase or even drive to the showroom, it stands to reason that your website should be a pretty vital part of your business plan. The online presence of a dealership has become even more important in this down economy. Buyers are no longer going out on $4 per gallon window shopping treks to local and regional dealerships. Why would they? The consumer of 2008 is savvy. Most know that the information they need to find a unit is online, or it should be. Why would they spend the family vacation money on finding the perfect family vacation vehicle?

 

Why, indeed.

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