Structured Stips: A Simple Enhancement that Speeds Funding and Strengthens Dealer Relationships 

Featuring AVP/Lender Strategist Andy Mayers with insights from the latest Cox Automotive Research 

Speed and clarity are everything in today’s competitive auto finance landscape. Lenders are under pressure to approve contracts and fund deals faster—without sacrificing compliance or accuracy. But one overlooked step may be slowing you down: how you communicate credit stipulations. 

You might think your dealer partners have this down. After all, they’ve learned your acronyms and shorthand — “POI” for Proof of Income, “POR” for Proof of Residency. But consider this: each year more consumers are taking financing steps online and getting pre-approved before ever setting foot in a dealership. 

Maybe you’re not seeing this trend yet. But according to Cox Automotive’s annual Car Buying & Financing Journey studies, the trend is accelerating. As Gen Z enters the market and Baby Boomers age out, digital-first expectations are reshaping the car-buying experience. These tech-native consumers expect a seamless, self-directed journey—one that mirrors how they buy everything else online. And that includes financing. 

Here’s where credit stipulations can either align—or collide—with that experience. 

Affordability concerns are driving more shoppers to start their financing research online. In our latest study, more than half of buyers researched financing on lender and third-party websites. About a third applied for financing outside the dealership. Now imagine one of these applicants has excellent credit and appears—at least preliminarily—to be a strong candidate for financing. Would they know which document to upload to satisfy your “POI” requirement? 

When stip requirements are vague or inconsistent, it slows everything down. Dealers spend time chasing documents and Lenders waste their analysts’ time reviewing the same application as stips are received. And that translates to deals getting delayed—or worse, unwinding. 

Structured Stips solves the problem by embedding clear, well-defined document requirements directly into the credit application workflow. Whether submitted by the consumer or dealer, everyone receives the same set of expectations upfront. All it takes is a simple code enhancement to your LOS—and lenders who’ve implemented it are seeing measurable gains. 

Lender Benefits: 

  • Cleaner Applications: More complete and accurate submissions the first time. 
  • Faster Decisioning: Less back-and-forth and manual follow-up. 
  • Accelerated Funding: Fewer delays from approval to funding. 
  • Stronger Dealer Relationships: Help dealers close more deals, faster—making your lending program more attractive. 

Value Across the Journey: 

  • Consumers get transparency and guidance, reducing confusion and delays. 
  • Dealers spend less time chasing documents and more time closing deals. 
  • Lenders streamline workflows and strengthen their value proposition. 

Structured Stips are a simple, scalable way to help lenders win more business by making it easier for consumers to take financing steps online and for dealers to work their deals efficiently. 

And it’s not just theory. This forward-thinking strategy is backed by the latest Cox Automotive research, which highlights the growing demand for digital efficiency and transparency in auto financing. 

Ready to Learn More? 

If you’re looking to streamline your credit application process, improve dealer satisfaction, and fund deals faster, it’s time to explore Structured Stips. 

Improving Stipulation communications improves funding operations 

How clearer, acronym-free guidance on all docs you require speeds financing approval, contracting, and funding.

0:04 
And we’re back. 

 
0:06 
Welcome to another episode of Small Bites. 

 
0:08 
I’m Greg Payne, Marketing Manager with Cox Automotive, and I’m joined once again by my colleague Andy Mayors, AVP of Dealer Track Lender Solutions. 

 
0:17 
Andy, I’ve really got to say that I’ve been joining these Small Bites sessions we’ve done so far. 

 
0:22 
Now in our last video, we talked about alternative deal structures and you mentioned that the next step in improving the deal making and funding process is something called structured steps. 

 
0:32 
Now tell me what exactly do structured steps enhance? 

 
0:35 
Is the dealer track credit application network? 

 
0:38 
Is the dealer workflow? 

 
0:39 
Is it the lender workflow? 

 
0:41 
I’m not quite sure. 

 
0:42 
But I do know that whatever it is, it’ll be be beneficial for all parties, lenders, dealers and consumers, am I right? 

 
0:50 
Absolutely, Greg, you’re getting good at this stuff. 

 
0:53 
Spend more time together. 

 
0:54 
You’ll be an expert in your own right taking out a job, probably. 

 
0:58 
But no, I mean structure stips, you know, as we, as we talk about our evolution of auto finance, you know, a lot of things that I always talk about as operational efficiency for both the dealer, the lender, the consumer and structure stips is a great example of where we can improve what we communicate back to both dealers and consumers on a digital journey. 

 
1:19 
Traditionally, as most people know, stipulations have been very cryptic, sometimes very easy for a buyer to send to a dealer back POI or POR or something like that. 

 
1:31 
But as we looked and as we’ve been talking about since consumers are now part of this journey, it’s really important not to just send back POR, but it’s also important to say that that proof of residence could be satisfied by a specific document. 

 
1:45 
So what structured steps are is really taking that shorthand that our our buyers have always provided back to our dealers and turning that into a consumable piece of information that a consumer and a dealer can use. 

 
1:57 
And the reason it becomes important is not only are consumers doing things online, we’re asking consumers now to provide stipulations like, hey, proof of insurance or proof of income or proof of residence. 

 
2:09 
Well, if you just tell a consumer, provide proof of residence and don’t tell them what document it is, that satisfies that it’s going to be hard for you to get the right documents. 

 
2:17 
So structured steps allows our community to share the right document information throughout the process. 

 
2:25 
So for the, for the consumer, you know, when they’re online and, and some people may be asking for these documents even before they got an approval, but you know, let the, the consumer know what document they have to upload to get their, their, their processing done quickly. 

 
2:42 
I’m reminded recently of me trying to get my Real ID. 

 
2:46 
And when I went to Real ID, which I’m sure everybody’s done, they were very clear on, hey, I need a proof of banking. 

 
2:53 
You know, and they said these are the valid banking statements or I need a proof of whatever. 

 
2:56 
So that’s really what structure steps is. 

 
2:58 
It’s really a communication tool that allows everybody to know what’s required. 

 
3:03 
And then it becomes really important when we talk about our next section, which is stip delivery, because when we actually want to send those stipulations to a lending partner, we know the actual documents that will satisfy those stipulations and speed up the entire process. 

 
3:17 
So that’s really what structure Stips is all about and it’s really a very easy thing for our lenders to implement. 

 
3:24 
It’s part of our standard response transaction back to in a decision. 

 
3:29 
And you know, I think as we talk about step delivery and things like that and automation, Structure tips becomes a good foundation for that. 

 
3:38 
Excellent. 

 
3:38 
Andy, thank you so much for that download on Structure Steps. 

 
3:41 
It sounds like it’s a great enhancement to streamlining the credit application process. 

 
3:46 
And I want to thank you again for just providing your expertise and knowledge to myself and the lender audience. 

 
3:52 
And I also want to say a big thank you to everyone who’s tuned in today. 

 
3:56 
So join us next time for our next Small Bytes episode where we address steps, upload and delivery. 

 
4:03 
Now, if you have any questions about structure, steps or any of the topics that we’ve talked about beforehand in other previous Small Bytes episodes, please reach out to a lender solutions experts. 

 
4:12 
Until next time, have a great day. 

 
4:15 
Thanks, Greg. 

Be Where Buyers Are: How Marketplaces and Data Discipline Fuel 2026 Growth

Be Where Buyers Are: How Marketplaces and Data Discipline Fuel 2026 Growth

Lindsay Llewellyn, Shannon Powell, and Terry Schramm from Autotrader and Kelley Blue Book join Jade Terreberry to share the top trends they’re hearing from dealers heading into 2026. They discuss tightening inventory, shifting buyer behavior, and why ROI, connected data, and AI‑powered insights matter more than ever. With all three preparing to support dealer conversations at NADA 2026, they also highlight the biggest watch outs—like chasing shiny new tools or relying on incomplete metrics—and explain how integrated systems, strong fundamentals, and a modern digital strategy can help dealers protect margins and make more confident decisions in the year ahead.

Guest Experts:
Lindsay Llewellyn
Client Success Manager
Autotrader and Kelley Blue Book

Shannon Powell
Client Success Specialist
Autotrader and Kelley Blue Book

Terry Schramm
Major Account Director of Sales
Autotrader and Kelley Blue Book

Top Takeaways:

  1. Dealers are prioritizing trust, efficiency, and real ROI.  Across markets, dealers are demanding proof that technology makes their business easier—not more complex. They’re focused on integrated systems, clarity, and measurable return rather than promises or “silver bullet” solutions.
  2. Inventory challenges remain the industry’s biggest pressure point.  Rising acquisition costs, tight margins, and a shortage of desirable vehicles are driving dealers to be more intentional about strategy, data, and spend. Strong fundamentals—pricing, merchandising, and process—are proving just as important as marketing.
  3. NADA 2026 conversations will center on connected data and AI.  As the team prepares for meetings and dealer conversations in Vegas, they note that this year’s NADA energy is all about unified consumer profiles, integrated systems, and AI‑powered insights that help dealers make smarter, faster decisions.
  4. Outdated metrics are holding dealers back.  Lead counts and last‑click attribution are no longer enough. Dealers that evaluate the full customer journey—and embrace weighted engagement and holistic metrics—are making better decisions and protecting margins.
  5. The biggest distractions are “shiny objects” and incomplete data.  New tools and flashy tech can pull dealers off track. The guests emphasize that data quality, integration, and ongoing enablement matter far more than any standalone feature. Systems must talk to each other for ROI to be real.

Timestamps: 

0:00 – 1:31 – Introduction
Jade Terreberry opens the episode, introduces guests Lindsay Llewellyn, Shannon Powell, and Terry Schramm, and previews the discussion on dealer trends and what’s ahead going into NADA 2026.

1:31 – 4:18 – What the Team Is Excited About for 2026
Lindsay, Shannon, and Terry share what they’re looking forward to—from reconnecting with dealers at NADA to the growing impact of AI, connected data, and integrated technology across Cox Automotive.

4:18 – 10:13 – Top Trends Emerging in Dealer Conversations
The guests highlight what dealers are most concerned about: inventory shortages, cost pressures, efficiency demands, and the rising importance of measurable ROI in a more complex retail environment.

10:13 – 13:18 – Key Watch Outs for Dealers in 2026
They break down major risks—including relying on outdated metrics, ignoring the full customer journey, and overlooking fundamentals like pricing, merchandising, and process alignment.

13:18 – 17:49 – Shiny Objects & Common Distractions
The team addresses the “bright, shiny object” effect at NADA, cautioning dealers not to chase new tools without strong data, integration, and proven results behind them.

17:49 – 24:23 – Staying Focused with Data & Integration
They offer practical guidance on prioritizing first‑party data, choosing integrated systems, and avoiding decisions driven by incomplete or misleading metrics.

24:23 – 27:10 – Final Advice for Dealers Heading Into 2026
Each guest shares one top piece of advice—from leaning into digital retailing to acting early on inventory strategy to demanding technology that truly connects the ecosystem.

27:10 – 28:39 – Closing Thoughts
Jade wraps with a preview of NADA‑week content, encourages listeners to follow the team, and emphasizes the importance of data‑driven decision‑making in the year ahead.

From Search to Sold: Autotrader’s AI Tools You Need to See at NADA

From Search to Sold: Autotrader’s AI Tools You Need to See at NADA

Key Points: 

  • See how AI helps shoppers find the right car faster with smarter search and real‑time guidance.
  • Get earlier, clearer signals from high‑intent buyers through conversational tools that keep shoppers moving.
  • Put your inventory in front of the shoppers who are ready to act with data‑driven market expansion. 

If you’re heading to NADA this year, make sure Autotrader is at the top of your show floor plan. Dealers everywhere are talking about the impact of AI on retail—and Autotrader is leading the way with tools that don’t just promise innovation but deliver measurable results. From AI‑powered search that connects shoppers to the right inventory faster to Intelligent Market Extension that puts your listings where demand is highest, Autotrader’s newest AI‑driven solutions are built to help you close more deals, reduce friction, and create a seamless experience for every shopper. 

Ready to see what unified, AI‑driven retailing looks like in action? Book your demo and plan for the NADA experiences you can’t afford to miss. 

1 – Smart Search aka Natural Language Search  

Autotrader’s Smart Search lets shoppers use everyday phrases—like “SUV under $30K” or “AWD hybrid with third row”—to instantly surface the most relevant inventory. Instead of relying on rigid filters or dropdowns, buyers can simply type out what they want, and the AI does the heavy lifting to match intent with available vehicles. This makes discovery effortless. You could see more engaged leads and higher conversion rates, because your customers find what they want faster and with less friction.  

Here’s what the data says: Natural Language Search drives 2x more VDP views and makes shoppers 52% more likely to submit a lead, turning casual browsing into real buying intent.1  

See it at NADA with a pre-booked demo: Try entering your own search phrase at the demo kiosk—see how quickly the platform surfaces matching vehicles and compare the experience to standard filter-based search.  

Pro question to ask: “How do intent signals from Natural Language Search help my team prioritize follow-up and personalize outreach in our CRM?” 

2 – Shopping Assistant 

Autotrader’s Shopping Assistant brings AI-powered guidance directly to your shoppers—right on the Search Results Page (SRP) and Vehicle Details Page (VDP). Instead of static specs and long lists, buyers get plain-language answers to their questions, instant vehicle comparisons, and personalized recommendations, all in real time. The assistant adapts to each shopper’s intent, helping them research, compare, and decide with confidence. 

Here’s what the data says:  Shoppers who engage with the Shopping Assistant are six times more likely to send a lead, giving your team a clearer path to high‑intent buyers.2 

See it at NADA with a pre-booked demo: Open an SRP or VDP at the Autotrader kiosk and ask the assistant to compare trims, explain features, or guide you through next steps—then see how it personalizes the journey for every shopper. 

Pro question to ask: “How are the assistant’s answers grounded in first-party data, and how can we customize responses to reflect our dealership’s unique value?”

3 – Roadmap: Ask Autotrader & AI Mode

Autotrader’s roadmap is all about making the shopping journey feel easier and more intuitive. Ask Autotrader gives shoppers a real‑time, chat‑based guide right on marketplace pages—so they can ask questions, compare vehicles, and get quick, helpful answers. Guided Shopping builds on that by walking shoppers through features, trims, and financing options step‑by‑step, adjusting as their preferences change.

AI Mode: A More Conversational Way to Shop 

AI Mode brings these experiences to life in a simple, conversational way. New entry points on the homepage and Search Results Page—invite shoppers to ask anything from general research questions to specific shopping needs. AI Mode uses live inventory and Kelley Blue Book insights to give clear, easy‑to‑understand responses. 

Shoppers can browse inventory, compare models, and narrow their options through conversation. If they want to switch back to the traditional SRP? No problem. AI Mode automatically pre‑fills the filters based on what they talked about, saving them steps and keeping the journey moving. The results are grounded in what the shopper needs to make confident buying decisions.  

Why This Matters 

With these results, you’re able to capture deeper intent and reduce drop-offs. And because everything is powered by Cox Automotive’s first-party data, you get clear signals about what shoppers want and where they’re at in the journey. 

See What’s Coming at NADA 

At NADA, you’ll get an early look at how Autotrader’s Smart Search, guided Shopping Assistant, and AI Mode work together across SRPs and VDPs. You’ll see how the experience learns from each interaction to help shoppers find the right car, faster-delivering more ready to close leads to your sales team. 

Pro question to ask: “How will AI Mode pass shopper intent into our CRM, and what say do we have in how that info is used?” 

4 – Intelligent Market Extension

Autotrader’s Intelligent Market Extension uses Cox Automotive’s proprietary first-party data and machine learning to automatically list your inventory in the highest-demand markets—without extra manual effort. Instead of waiting for shoppers to find your vehicles, this AI-powered tool identifies where demand is strongest and places your listings where buyers are already searching. 

For dealers, this means expanded reach, faster sales, and improved visibility in competitive markets. By targeting the right shoppers in the right locations, you can create more sales opportunities and accelerate inventory turn—all while letting the data do the work. 

Here’s what the data says: Dealers leveraging Intelligent Market Extension see increased visibility and engagement, connecting with buyers in high-demand areas and reducing time-to-sale. 

See it at NADA with a pre-booked demo: Review a live demand map at the Autotrader kiosk, see how your inventory is automatically placed in top-performing DMAs, and compare results to traditional listing strategies. 

Pro question to ask: “How often do demand signals refresh, and how can my team fine-tune market targeting to maximize results?” 

Don’t Miss Your Chance. Pre-Book Your Autotrader AI Demo Now

AI isn’t a future trend—it’s already reshaping how shoppers search, compare, and move toward a deal. And at NADA, you’ll see exactly how Autotrader is putting these tools to work for your dealership. From smarter search and real‑time guidance to wider market reach and more informed handoffs to your team, every innovation is built to help you connect with shoppers earlier and convert more of them into buyers. 

If you want to get the most out of your time at the show, pre‑book your demo. It’s the best way to get hands‑on with the newest experiences, ask questions specific to your goals, and walk away with clear next steps you can put in place as soon as you’re back at the dealership. 

Reserve your demo at the Cox Automotive Village now—and see how Autotrader can help you turn today’s AI momentum into tomorrow’s results. 

 Source: Autotrader Core Marketplaces Analytics. November 1 – December 31, 2025. 

Source: Autotrader Core Marketplaces Analytics. November 4 – December 15, 2025. 

Kelley Blue Book® Instant Cash Offer: AI‑Driven Acquisitions — Live at NADA 

Kelley Blue Book® Instant Cash Offer: AI‑Driven Acquisitions — Live at NADA

Summary:

  • Exclusive NADA demos: Get a first look at three AI-powered Kelley Blue Book® Instant Cash Offer innovations. 
  • Key features: Remote Damage Assessment, Dynamic Condition Quiz, and Enhanced Lead Routing for smarter, faster acquisitions. 
  • Benefits: Reduce friction, improve appraisal accuracy, and help dealers win more trades with confidence. 

Many dealers come to NADA searching for their next real advantage —and they’ll find it at the Kelley Blue Book® Instant Cash Offer (KBB ICO) booth. KBB ICO’s valuation engine delivers market‑reflective, trusted values backed by a century of Kelley Blue Book expertise and trillions of data points sourced across Cox Automotive brands.

This year, the fastest‑moving teams are focused on one thing: AI that tightens appraisals, speeds decisions, and strengthens every acquisition channel

KBB ICO is introducing new AI‑driven tools that turn trusted valuations into faster, more consistent Offers. From photo‑based damage detection to smarter condition assessments and optimized lead delivery, you’ll see exactly how to reduce friction and lift look‑to‑book in minutes.

If acquisition is your priority this year, these are the demos you can’t afford to miss. (And if you haven’t saved your spot yet, now’s the moment.) 

The AI-Innovations Dealers Are Lining Up to See

1) AI Remote Damage Assessment 

Faster, photo-based condition checks 

KBB ICO’s AI Remote Damage Assessment will use advanced image recognition to detect exterior damage from both consumer‑submitted photos and dealer‑taken photos on the lot. Dealers attending NADA will get an exclusive first look at this upcoming capability — a chance to try it out before it becomes widely available. Designed to accelerate condition capture long before a vehicle reaches your appraisal lane, this innovation reduces manual inspection time, removes early guesswork, and sets the stage for more consistent, market‑reflective appraisals. When it launches, these AI‑driven insights will help teams move faster and appraise with greater confidence — especially in workflows where speed and accuracy matter most. 

2) Dynamic Condition Quiz

Smarter, streamlined condition assessment

KBB ICO’s Dynamic Condition Quiz will use adaptive logic to ask only the questions that matter, tailoring the flow based on known vehicle details to reduce time and keep sellers engaged. By focusing on the most relevant condition factors, it supports more accurate, market‑reflective appraisals and minimizes the back‑and‑forth that often slows verification. This smarter, streamlined flow helps dealers reduce friction and increase redemption—all while giving consumers a smoother, more transparent journey with fewer surprises at the dealership.

3) Enhanced Lead Routing

Smarter sourcing, stronger conversion 

KBB ICO’s advanced algorithm reshapes how dealers receive and act on incoming opportunities by using predictive analytics and comprehensive data science to deliver more effective trade-in opportunities. With improved daily pacing, closer consumer proximity, and prioritized brand matching, you’ll be able to engage shoppers—and do so with far greater efficiency. This intelligence powers the Instant Cash Offer Buying Center experience and seamlessly supports add‑ons like Offer Accelerator, which extends reach through Autotrader and KBB.com. Together, these capabilities help you work more efficiently—delivering steadier lead flow, stronger shopper engagement, and higher conversion potential. 

NADA moves fast — and the advantage goes to the teams who are ready to modernize their acquisition workflows. With new AI‑driven capabilities like Remote Damage Assessment, the Dynamic Condition Quiz, and Enhanced Lead Routing, Kelley Blue Book® Instant Cash Offer is giving dealers a first look at tools built to reduce friction, strengthen appraisal accuracy, and help teams act on high‑value opportunities with greater confidence. 

These innovations reflect what today’s dealers are asking for: technology that’s grounded in trusted data, easy to use, and capable of delivering measurable gains where it matters most. If improving acquisition is at the top of your 2026 priority list, don’t leave NADA without experiencing these tools for yourself. 

Reserve your Kelley Blue Book® Instant Cash Offer demo and see what smarter, AI‑driven acquisition can unlock for your dealership. 

Automotive News Webinar Replay – Own the R.O.A.D. in 2026: Four Must Win Strategies Every Dealer Needs Now

Owning the R.O.A.D. in 2026 starts with clarity, but success requires action. When you align your dealership around ROI, build a seamless omnichannel experience, embrace AI as a competitive advantage, and use data to drive daily

decisions, you create a foundation that grows market share, protects your profit, and elevates every customer interaction. You need the R.O.A.D. framework! 

Watch the on-demand webinar below to learn:

  • Why ROI is the only metric that matters in 2026.
  • How to build a true Omnichannel ecosystem that converts clicks into sales.
  • How AI unlocks hidden opportunities your competitors are missing.
  • New ways your Data can create lifetime customer value.
  • How to create a clear and actionable ROAD plan for 2026.

Please find the R.O.A.D four step plan mapped out during the webinar.

Dealer-Ready Data: Dialogue to Bridge the Affordability Gap in 2026

Dealer-Ready Data: Dialogue to Bridge the Affordability Gap in 2026

“Affordability is the air consumers are breathing—and right now, the air is thin.” – Micah Tindor, Assistant Vice President of Consumer Vehicle Disposal at Cox Automotive 

Affordability is shaping every deal in today’s automotive market. Prices and payments are up. Loan terms are stretching. More trades arrive underwater. The path forward is clarity and empathy—explain the appraisal, invite a counteroffer when needed, and maintain a seamless handoff from online to in‑store.

That’s the message from Micah Tindor, Assistant Vice President of Consumer Vehicle Disposal at Cox Automotive, who recently unpacked the latest affordability trends and dealer strategies in an AutoNews webinar. As Michah put it, “Affordability is the air consumers are breathing—and right now, the air is thin.” 

In this article, we distill Micah’s research and actionable insights into five key segments driving affordability—vehicle price, monthly payment, loan structure, negative equity, and insurance costs—paired with practical soft-skill moves managers can use to bridge the gap for both dealers and consumers. 

The Five Segments Driving Affordability

Segment Key Metrics (Timeframe) Why It Matters How to Respond with KBB ICO 
Vehicle PricesNew: ~$50,080; Used: ~$25,721 (Jan’26) Higher prices narrow options, slow decisions Present the data-driven number by Kelley Blue Book Instant Cash Offer; explain value factors 
Monthly Payments Avg new payment: $740–$750; 1 in 5 buyers at $1,000+; 8.6% of loans at $1,000+ Budgets are tight; shoppers think in monthly terms Lead with monthly total (payment + insurance + repairs) 
Loan Structure StressAvg term: 69 months; 22% at 84 months; Avg APR: ~7% Longer terms lower payments now, but increase future risk Explain trade-offs; align on term/down payment 
Negative Equity28% of trades underwater; avg shortfall: $6,905; rolling shortfalls push monthly ~$907 Underwater trades complicate deals and financing Break down equity simply; invite Counteroffer; use Dealer Boost 
InsuranceInsurance: $2,697/year avg; premiums +16.5% (2024), +7.5% (2025) Ownership costs often surface late and derail confidence Bring these costs forward; set realistic monthly expectations

Unpacking the five segments of affordability above (price, monthly payment, loan structure, negative equity, and insurance costs) is the first step toward meeting the needs of today’s shoppers . Micah explains, “The cost of vehicles in particular are outpacing earnings.” That means buyers are feeling the pressure from all sides, not just when it comes to vehicles, but across their whole budget. 

Let’s break it down. According to Kelley Blue Book and Cox Automotive data, new cars are averaging about $50,0001, and used ones are close to $26,000 (as of January ‘26)2. That means buyers have fewer options that fit their budgets. Monthly payments are up too—the typical new car payment is around $740 to $7503, and about one in five buyers is paying over $1,000 a month4

To make those payments work, people are stretching out their loans. The average term is 69 months, and more than one in five loans lasts 84 months, with interest rates around 7%4. While that can help lower the monthly bill, it can also lead to negative equity down the road. 

Negative equity is showing up more often: about 28% of trade-ins are “underwater,” meaning the owner owes more than the car is worth3. The average shortfall is nearly $7,000 and rolling that can push monthly costs to about $9004. And don’t forget about insurance, which averages $2,700 a year. Insurance premiums jumped 16.5% in 2024 and are expected to go up another 7.5% in 20254

Why does all this matter? Shoppers are looking for clarity and empathy. They want to understand the numbers and feel confident in their decisions. That’s where Kelley Blue Book® Instant Cash Offer (KBB ICO) comes in. You can walk customers through how KBB ICO uses real-time market data and their vehicle’s details to create a fair, unbiased trade-in offer. Talk about monthly costs—not just the sticker price—including insurance. Explain trade equity in simple terms. And if a customer needs to negotiate, use Counteroffer to keep the conversation open and Dealer Boost to help make a deal that works for everyone. 

Bridge the Gap with Soft-Skill Moves that Win  

Affordability is more than just numbers. It’s about how you talk with customers. “As dealers, it’s not just about the numbers,” Micah explained in his webinar with the AutoNews team. “It’s about how we guide the conversation. When affordability is tight, transparency and empathy make all the difference.” Below are several soft skill moves that can help build trust, reduce friction, and guide buyers through their decision. 

Move 1: Lead with Transparency

Customers want…nay, need to know how you arrived at your offer. As consumers price shop their value they start to build their own idea of the logic and science behind the appraisal value so denying them the logic can erode trust faster than a spam call. With 100 years of credibility, an Offer backed by Kelley Blue Book can provide confidence that it is fair and unbiased, but you can take it a step further. Here’s what to do:

  • Walk through the appraisal step-by-step using Kelley Blue Book® ICO. Show customers how features, condition, and market data shape the KBB ICO offer.
  • Point out what adds value (features, condition), not just what subtracts (damage, mileage).
  • Explain how KBB ICO uses current market data to determine the final number.

Sample script:  “Let’s review your vehicle together. Kelley Blue Book® Instant Cash Offer uses current market data and your car’s details to generate this offer—so it’s not just my number, it’s KBB’s. Here’s what adds value, and here’s what brings it down. I’ll walk you through how KBB ICO arrived at this number.” 

Move 2: Normalize the Ask 

Many buyers need more money to make the deal work, especially if they’re underwater—right now; 28% of trade-ins have negative equity, with an average shortfall of $6,9052. That extra debt often pushes monthly payments to nearly $907. 

Here’s how tools like KBB ICO can help: 

  • Counteroffer gives buyers a simple way to say what they need and why, keeping the conversation open and honest.
  • Customers can either accept the Offer or make a counteroffer—which is especially important for those who are underwater. As many as 54% of consumers could be underwater by 2028 if trends continue.
  • As an ICO customer, you get notified right away and can respond directly, helping you prioritize motivated sellers and work toward a deal that fits both sides.
  • Additionally, if a customer makes a counteroffer and you want to stay competitive, Dealer Boost gives you the flexibility to adjust your offer within set rules, so you can win more trades while protecting your bottom line.

Sample script: “I see you submitted a counteroffer. I appreciate you letting us know what you had in mind. The next step is for us to take a look at your vehicle in person so we can give you the most accurate number. When can you bring it by for a quick appraisal? It usually takes just 10–15 minutes.”

Move 3: Talk Monthly, Not Just Total, Price

Shoppers rarely think in terms of a vehicle’s total price—they think about what they can comfortably afford each month. Breaking down the true monthly cost builds trust early and prevents surprises later. This should include the loan or lease payment, regular maintenance, and insurance.

Your responsibility:

  • Open the conversation with monthly expectations so you can:
    • Right‑size the vehicle selection early
    • Adjust loan terms or structure smartly
    • Align down payment options
    • Protect customer confidence before you even start penciling numbers

Sample script: “What do you have in mind for your monthly cost, including insurance? We can explore different financing options or find the right vehicle to fit your budget.”

Move 4: Pay Off AI-Assisted Research In-Store

 Most shoppers now start online and increasingly with AI tools. They arrive informed, confident, and expecting the dealership to operate as seamlessly as the digital tools they used before walking in.

What to do next:

  • Pick up where the customer left off online.
  • Avoid repeating steps or asking for the same info twice.
  • Keep notes and valuations synced for a smooth handoff.

Sample checklist:

  • Review the customer’s online activity before they arrive.
  • Acknowledge their online and even AI‑assisted progress.
  • Continue the process without duplication or rewinding.
  • Present the next step clearly and confidently.

Sample script: “I see you did some work online to narrow things down. Let’s pick up where you left off so we don’t repeat any steps. I’ve pulled in your details, so we can keep this as seamless as possible.” 

Affordability Front and Center

As Micah Tindor, Assistant Vice President of Consumer Vehicle Disposal at Cox Automotive, reminds us: “Evaluate every deal through the lens of affordability.” In today’s market, transparency and a customer-first approach aren’t just best practices—they’re essential for building trust and closing deals. 

Tools like Kelley Blue Book® Instant Cash Offer with Counteroffer and Dealer Boost features make it easier to have honest conversations, meet customers where they are, and create win-win outcomes. By pairing data-driven insights with these solutions, dealers can bridge the affordability gap and deliver the confidence shoppers expect. 

Ready to see how Kelley Blue Book® Instant Cash Offer can help you bridge the affordability gap?

Request a demo today and experience the trusted data, transparency, and tools dealers rely on to close more deals with confidence. Better yet, come visit us at NADA to see how you can experience more inventory wins.

  1. Kelley Blue Book 
  2. Cox Automotive data
  3. Experian Information Solutions, 3rd quarter 2025 (Car Payments)
  4. Edmunds

Your NADA 2026 Guide: How Dealer.com Uses AI & Automation to Turn Intent into Impact

Your NADA 2026 Guide: How Dealer.com Uses AI & Automation to Turn Intent into Impact

Summary: Dealer.com uses advanced AI and automation to boost visibility, personalize the shopper experience, and streamline digital operations. At NADA 2026, dealers can explore how these tools help attract more shoppers, optimize performance, and convert intent into measurable results. 


Digital expectations are rising fast. Shoppers want relevant results, intuitive website experiences, and seamless paths from research to decision. Dealer.com is meeting that shift with AI-powered products and solutions that help dealerships stay visible, adapt quickly, and deliver experiences that feel personalized, effortless, and modern. 

At NADA 2026, you’ll see how Dealer.com combines powerful automation with human expertise to help your store improve discoverability, maximize performance, and convert more of the shoppers already in your funnel. 

Personalization That Meets Every Shopper Where They Are

Dealer.com uses AI to tailor website experiences in real time, helping shoppers find what they want faster:

  • Website content, offers, and layouts adjust dynamically based on shopper behavior and Cox Automotive DRiVEQ intelligence.
  • Natural language search lets users describe what they want without rigid filters or friction. 
  • Smart merchandising ensures shoppers see relevant vehicles and information at the right moment.

These tools assist with removing any hurdles in the shopping journey so visitors can move confidently toward the right car.

Faster Updates & Better Performance Across Your Website 

Your website should move as fast as your dealership and now it can. Dealer.com’s AI-enabled site tools keep everything updated, optimized, and performing at its peak. 

  • A modernized content platform allows instant edits and gives teams real-time previews.
  • Design automation produces high-performing homepage layouts with minimal lift.
  • Performance insights highlight opportunities to improve speed, engagement, and conversions.
  • Google tag visibility ensures accurate tracking and smoother optimization.

It all adds up to a website that’s faster, fresher, and more aligned with shopper expectations.

Smarter Targeting & More Efficient Advertising

Dealer.com uses data and machine learning to help your dealership reach the right shoppers with the right message: 

  • Bids adjust automatically based on market conditions and likely converters.
  • Personalized video ads update creative elements based on audience signals.
  • Retargeting identifies high-intent shoppers and shows them relevant follow-ups across Cox Automotive platforms.

The result: higher impact with less manual work, and campaigns that stay aligned with real shopper behavior.

Managed Services That Blend AI With Human Strategy

Dealer.com’s Managed Services team combines automation with expert support to amplify results:

  • Social content and timing are informed by AI intelligence and guided by dedicated specialists.
  • SEO strategies support visibility in both traditional search and emerging AI-driven surfaces like ChatGPT, Bing Copilot, and Gemini.
  • GEO (Generative Engine Optimization) ensures your dealership can be referenced in conversational AI results.
  • Inventory promotion tools highlight vehicles that need attention and accelerate turn rates.

This partnership allows your dealership to move faster, show up stronger, and maintain a consistent digital presence without adding burden to your team.

A Platform Built for What’s Coming Next

Dealer.com continues to expand its AI capabilities so you can stay ahead of shifting shopper expectations:

  • More automation for inventory workflows and digital marketing
  • Enhanced GEO for greater visibility across AI-powered assistants 
  • New design and content tools that streamline personalization 
  • Deeper predictive and agent-driven features for real-time guidance and optimization

The goal is simple: help your dealership operate with greater confidence, speed, and clarity. 

Visit Dealer.com at NADA 2026

If your 2026 strategy includes improving discoverability, elevating the shopper experience, and reducing manual effort across your digital operations, make Dealer.com your first stop at NADA. 

See how our AI-powered platform helps you connect with more shoppers, adapt faster, and turn intent into measurable results.