Published • 10 Oct 2024
Running a car dealership goes beyond simply selling vehicles. To draw customers in and build lasting relationships, you need to focus on trust, value, and unique experiences. Here are five practical strategies to help your dealership stand out and attract more customers.
1. Create Memorable Customer Experiences
It’s important to make your dealership a place people enjoy visiting, not just a spot for transactions. Get creative by hosting community events like charity car washes or themed car shows. You could even have a monthly contest for something light-hearted, like the worst trade-in, where customers can donate to a charity and smash an old car with a sledgehammer. Fun, quirky ideas like these help set your dealership apart and give customers a reason to share their experience, creating organic word-of-mouth marketing.
2. Create a Premium Lounge
Elevate your dealership’s customer experience by adding a modern, self-service breakroom. Stockwell by 365 Retail Markets offers a sleek, unattended retail solution that allows customers to grab snacks and drinks while they wait. Stockwell’s high-end selection and convenience turn your dealership into a more welcoming space. Offering small comforts like this shows customers you value their time, creating a more relaxed atmosphere that makes the buying process feel smoother.
3. Keep Your Website User-Friendly and Informative
Your dealership’s website is often the first place potential customers visit, making it a key opportunity to attract customers to your car dealership. Make sure it’s easy to navigate, with clear listings and detailed information about each vehicle. Include high-quality photos and point out standout features like leather seats or built-in GPS. Avoid overloading the site with pop-ups or flashy distractions that can frustrate visitors. When customers can easily browse and find what they’re looking for online, they’ll be more likely to come into your dealership ready to buy.
4. Make Your Dealership Family-Friendly
Many customers visit your dealership with their families, and creating a welcoming environment for everyone can make a big difference. Simple touches like providing toys, balloons, or a small play area for kids can help parents stay focused on the car-buying process without the added stress of keeping their children entertained. To make the experience even more convenient, consider offering kid-friendly snacks and drinks through the PicoCooler Vision from 365 Retail Markets. This unattended cooler is an easy way to provide quick snacks for families, showing that you care about every aspect of their visit. By fostering a family-friendly atmosphere, you help build trust and create a positive reputation, encouraging return visits and word-of-mouth referrals.
5. Provide Value-Added Benefits for Families and Young Drivers
Offer special incentives for families or young drivers, such as a free year of roadside assistance, discounts on first-time car buyers, or bundled services like discounted insurance or extended warranties. Families might also appreciate deals that focus on vehicle safety features or a complimentary child car seat installation consultation. By offering these targeted benefits, you show that you care about your customers' long-term safety and convenience, which can increase trust and the likelihood of a sale.
By focusing on clear communication, offering memorable experiences, and creating a comfortable environment, can attract more customers to your car dealership and encourage them to return in the future. Small changes like upgrading your breakroom or keeping your website simple can have a big impact on how customers perceive your dealership.
Want to create a premium experience for your customers? Reach out to 365 Retail Markets today and learn how our self-checkout technologies can elevate your space.