The Live NADA 2025 Recap: How to Own the Road This Year

Whether you made it to NADA 2025, or not, consider this your Cliff Notes version of all of the hot topics and trends that emerged, coming straight from several Automotive Industry experts and leaders such as Pauly Daly – ASOTU, Bridgit and Jim Fitzpatrick – CBT News, George Nenni – Generations Digital, and Ken Kraft – Cox Automotive who share what actions they believe you should take to drive profitability, consumer satisfaction and gain market share in the coming year to Own the Road.

Listen or Watch to this episode to hear more about the following hot topics covered in the episode:

  • Cox Automotive Solutions: An overview of the new capabilities and solutions showcased at NADA 2025 that highlight the importance of driving efficiencies and profitability.
  • Resilience and Adaptability: The automotive industry continues to show resilience and adaptability, with a strong focus on planning, organization, and time management to succeed in 2025.
  • Operational Efficiencies and Consumer Experience: Why and how your focus should be on operational efficiencies, consumer experience, and market share optimization, aiming to improve profitability for dealerships.
  • Technology and Staff Training: Experts are stressing the importance of practical tech adoption, staff training, and maintaining a personal touch in customer interactions to enhance the overall dealership experience because of the advantages you’ll hear about.
  • Customer Retention and Thoughtfulness: Hear why dealers are encouraged to focus on retaining existing staff and customers, and the ways to do this to improve customer experience without a large budget.

ABOUT OUR GUESTS:

Paul J. Daly
ASOTU
Founder and Host

George Nenni
Best-Selling Author and Founder
Generations Digital

Bridgit Fitzpatrick
CBT News
Co-Founder

Jim Fitzpatrick
CBT News
Co-Founders and CEO

Ken Kraft
Chief Marketing and Sales Officer
Cox Automotive

TIME STAMPS:
0:00 – 0:31
Introduction
Speaker 1 introduces the podcast and highlights the importance of NADA 2025, emphasizing resiliency, commitment, and the ability to adapt.

0:31 – 1:23
Significance of NADA 2025
Jade Terreberry discusses the significance of the week as the first real week of 2025, and why you should be focusing on time management, organization, and planning.

1:23 – 2:20
Content Release Strategy
For the road forward – why the goal of providing actionable insights for dealerships to improve business performance.

2:20 – 3:54
Focus Areas for 2025
Importance of focusing on operational efficiencies, consumer experience, and market share optimization, with a goal of improved profitability.

3:54 – 5:21
Partnerships and Market Trends
Jade outlines partnerships with Jonathan Smoke for market trends and forecasts, and co-hosting an nVision series with Jeff Flack.

5:21 – 6:34
Inventory Management Strategies
Collaborations with Brian Finkelmeyer and Micah Tindor on inventory management and acquisition strategies.

6:34 – 8:18
Additional Topics
Discussion on measurement strategies, pay plans, organizational structure, sales meeting management, brand differentiation, and reducing risk and fraud.

8:18 – 9:20
Industry Expert Insights
George Ninni shares his dedication to attending NADA despite challenging travel conditions and emphasizes the need for good marketing solutions and tools for used car acquisition.

9:20 – 10:26
Extended Deals and Practical Tech Adoption
Jade highlights the extended deals offered by Cox Automotive teams, and Paul J Daly with ASOTU discusses the importance of practical tech adoption and leadership in making staff feel secure and successful.

10:26 – 11:02
Operational Efficiency and Customer Experience
Paul emphasizes the importance of being nice to staff and the ROI of niceness, advising dealers to focus on stopping unnecessary activities to improve operational efficiency.

11:02 – 12:30
Thoughtfulness and Customer Retention
Thoughtfulness and small surprises can enhance customer experience without a large budget, and the importance of keeping staff and customers is highlighted.

12:30 – 13:45
Industry Normalization and Positive Forecasts
Jim Fitzpatrick discusses the excitement for 2025 and the normalization of the industry, with positive forecasts from Cox Automotive.

13:45 – 15:00
In-Person Interactions
Bridget Fitzpatrick emphasizes the importance of in-person interactions and the energy at NADA.

15:00 – 16:30
Cox Automotive Solutions
Jade and Ken Kraft discuss the excitement and hard work behind Product Week 2025 at Cox Automotive headquarters, highlighting new capabilities and solutions showcased at NADA.

16:30 – 17:50
Perseverance and Adaptability
The team is proud of their perseverance and adaptability, despite travel challenges, showcasing the grit of the industry.

17:50 – 18:30
Closing Remarks
Jade encourages viewers to call their Cox Automotive reps for demos and to take advantage of the extended NADA deals.

True Connected Deal Experiences: What they Look Like and the Big Advantages

Featured Guest: Patrick Hennon, Senior Director of Enterprise Solutions with Cox Automotive gives a first look at the where the industry is heading when it comes to a true omnichannel approach and advances in connected technology such as Deal API, and the big advantages consumers can gain such as experiencing best-in-class experiences, and dealers in delivering those experiences, improving return on advertising spend, and increasing consumer satisfaction and conversion rates.

Listen or Watch to this episode to hear more about the following hot topics covered in the episode:

  • Enhanced Consumer Experience: Deal API aims to improve the consumer experience by ensuring seamless information transfer from OEM websites to local dealerships, eliminating the need for consumers to re-enter their information.
  • Omni-Channel Retailing: Hear how Deal API supports a truly connected ecosystem and what that looks like, allowing consumers to start, stop, and resume their shopping process across various platforms, creating a true omni-channel experience.
  • Industry-Wide Integration: Learn how Cox Automotive’s Deal API is designed to work across all automotive software systems, not just Cox products, to create a unified consumer ecosystem, giving dealers the flexibility to choose their preferred software solutions.
  • Time and Accuracy: Theroad forward includes saving consumers time and ensure deal accuracy, ultimately improving the car buying process and aligning with Cox Automotive’s mission to enhance the way vehicles are bought, sold, owned, and disposed of to both fast-track and help gain revenue opportunities.
  • Future of Automotive Retail: It starts and ends with connection, ease and profitability. Be one of the first to hear how Deal API is set to drive real-time retailing anywhere and everywhere, enabling dealers and OEMs to offer best-in-class experiences, improve return on advertising spend, and increase consumer satisfaction and conversion rates.

ABOUT OUR GUEST:
Patrick Hennon
Senior Director of Enterprise Solutions
Cox Automotive

TIME STAMPS:
0:00 – 0:31
Introduction
Jade Terreberry introduces the podcast and the guest, Patrick Hennon, Senior Director of Enterprise Solutions at Cox Automotive.

0:31 – 1:23
Guest Introduction
Patrick Hennon expresses his excitement about discussing the new Deal API and shares why.
1:23 – 2:20

Overview of Deal API
Patrick explains that the Deal API is an open-source API designed to move extensive deal information securely and efficiently and outlines some of the advantages.

2:20 – 3:54
Consumer Experience Improvement
The Deal API aims to enhance the consumer experience by ensuring seamless information transfer from OEM websites to local dealerships and it’s helping in many ways.

3:54 – 5:21
Omni-Channel Experience
Patrick discusses how the Deal API will support a connected ecosystem, enabling consumers to start, stop, and resume their shopping process across various platforms – these added abilities are yielding incredible results.

5:21 – 6:34
Cox Automotive’s Unique Position
Patrick explains why Cox Automotive is uniquely positioned to bring the Deal API to market due to its depth and breadth in the industry, consumer report higher satisfaction and dealers close rates improve.

6:34 – 8:18
Industry-Wide Integration
The Deal API is designed to work across all automotive software systems, not just Cox products, to create a unified consumer ecosystem and he outlines what this looks like.

8:18 – 9:20
Dealer Choice and Contracting
The API allows dealers to choose their preferred software solutions while enabling consumers to complete contracts online seamlessly and there are big advantages.

9:20 – 10:26
Biggest Goals of Deal API
The primary goals are to save consumers time and ensure deal accuracy, ultimately improving the car buying process, and it’s helping them gain in several areas.

10:26 – 11:02
Closing Remarks
Wrap up of the episode.

What’s New in Compliance for 2025 

Starting off the year, the compliance landscape for auto dealerships includes both regulatory and enforcement shifts as well as some important best practices aimed at fraud prevention. As Robert Newman, Director of Performance Management and an auto retail compliance specialist at Cox Automotive says, “Compliance isn’t just about checking a box—it’s about building a foundation of trust and transparency that supports long-term success.”  

Dealers need practical, actionable strategies to protect their business and their customers, ensuring confidence and reliability in an increasingly digital and regulated landscape. With that in mind, here are some of the key trends you should take into consideration for deal compliance this year: 

1. Consumer Protection  

The Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals recently overturned the FTC’s Combating Auto Retail Scams (CARS) Rule on procedural grounds. The legislation was designed to protect consumers from unfair and deceptive practices with a focus on add-on products, vehicle pricing and advertising, and hidden junk fees. 

The CARS Rule aside, laws prohibiting unfair and deceptive practices remain in place across various jurisdictions. Dealers should be aware of the significant rise in state legislation aimed at banning junk fees, hidden fees, and promoting pricing transparency. In addition, deceptive practices including material misrepresentations and hidden fees remain prohibited under federal and state UDAP regulations.  

What You Can Do: Prioritize compliance measures including consistent disclosures and consumer notices to protect consumers from unfair and deceptive practices. Ensure that your advertising remains transparent, truthful, and fully compliant with TILA requirements and other UDAP standards, as these unlawful practices are still subject to legal action and reflect on their reputation with consumers.  

2. Aftermarket Financing Scrutiny 

In recent years, aftermarket items must be disclosed separately, and a dealer must clearly disclose that their purchase is voluntary and not required to obtain financing. Many states also have detailed regulations about how various aftermarket items must be separately disclosed to the consumer. 

What You Can Do: Be aware of state laws that require specific notices to be given to consumers regarding certain aftermarket products. Pay special attention to parts of the finance process like unwanted add-on products (such as payment insurance and paint protection), inconsistent contract language, inaccurate reporting to credit companies, and more. Charge the same price for each product and each grouping of products, online or in-store. Do not surcharge credit customers, as the surcharge is considered part of the “finance charge” under TILA and must be calculated into the APR and disclosed in the RISC. 

3. Privacy and Data Security 

Federal regulators and at least twenty states—including California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maryland, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, Oregon, Rhode Island, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, and Virginia—have enacted new data privacy and security laws. Several other states are considering similar legislation. 

What You Can Do: Make sure you are protecting your dealership, employees, and customers from the rising number of data and other security breaches through appropriate technology and training. Familiarize yourself with your state’s privacy regulations because they can vary from one state to the next. 

4. Fraud Prevention 

Fraud accounted for $7.9 billion in losses for the auto lending industry in 2023 according to Point Predictive. Sophisticated exploits such as synthetic identity fraud represent a growing percentage of this criminal activity. 

What You Can Do: Make sure your compliance processes and staff training reflect this growing risk. Don’t hesitate to add ID verification steps such as out of wallet questions whenever there’s uncertainty—and consider using compliance tools for ID verification  such as red flag alerts and OFAC checks, as well as fraud detection technology designed to detect ID fraud or synthetic ID fraud attempts. 

5. Building and Executing Your Compliance Program 

Every dealership needs a robust compliance program that should include appropriate resource allocation, training, monitoring, assessments, updates, oversight, and disciplinary measures.  

What You Can Do: To make sure your program is comprehensive, be sure work with your legal counsel to review enforcement actions, reports, and updates issued by federal and state regulators to develop policies that will help you avoid unlawful and discouraged practices.  

Take Charge of Compliance in 2025 

Learn more about the latest compliance trends and get a handy reference all year long when you download the free Dealertrack Compliance Guide.  

To get some useful compliance tips at a glance, download our Best Practices for Compliance at Every Stage of the Deal infographic. 

If you don’t have Dealertrack Compliance to safeguard your deals, schedule a demo with a compliance specialist today. 

Disclaimer: This is not meant as legal advice, and we do not purport to provide any legal or regulatory analysis. Consult with your attorney for any legal, regulatory, or compliance questions you may have. 

An Industry Journalist’s Outlook: The Trends Shaping the Coming Year

Featured Guest: Nancy Dunham, Principal Analyst, Retail at WardsAutomotive gives her thoughts on the key predictions and trends for 2025, sharing what she believes dealers, as well as the industry as a whole, should be focused on in the coming year in order to not only prepare, but to be a step ahead and plan for the shifts and changes bound to happen in a post-election cycle.

Listen or Watch to this episode to hear more about the following hot topics covered in the episode:

  • Predictions for 2025: The automotive market is expected to see growth in new, used, and wholesale vehicle sales. Dealers should focus on value models and certified pre-owned vehicles to attract budget-conscious consumers.
  • EV Mandates and Dealer Challenges: Dealers are struggling with the current EV mandates due to insufficient infrastructure and consumer education. Crucial items are outlined for dealers to align their offerings with consumer demands and educate them about EV benefits.
  • Vehicle Affordability: Affordability remains a significant concern. Hear recommendations on why Dealers should partner with lenders and use tools to help consumers understand financing options and insurance costs, emphasizing education to make vehicles more accessible.
  • Consumer Satisfaction and Omni-Channel Retailing: Personalization, inventory incentives, and omni-channel retailing are key drivers of improved customer satisfaction. Dealers need to cater to diverse consumer preferences and enhance their online and in-store strategies.
  • Staff Education and Technology: Why you should be educating dealership staff on the benefits of technology and AI, and the ways it can improve customer interactions and sales processes. Dealers should use technology to enhance, not replace, the human element in customer service.

ABOUT OUR GUEST:
Nancy Dunham
Principal Analyst, Retail, WardsAutomotive
Nancy Dunham is an automotive journalist with WardsAuto, serving as principal analyst for retail. Her experience includes extensive work as a managing editor, section editor, breaking news editor and public speaker. She has had pieces published in Automotive News, NADA publication, Bobit Publications, CARFAX, and US News & World.

TIME STAMPS:
0:00 – 1:00
Introduction
Jade Terreberry introduces the podcast and the guest, Nancy Dunham, Principal Analyst of Retail for Ward Automotive.

1:00 – 2:14
Guest Introduction
Nancy Dunham is introduced, and she expresses her admiration for Cox Automotive and Jonathan Smoke.

2:14 – 3:01
Post-Election Cycle
Discussion on the impact of the post-election cycle on the automotive industry, focusing on EV mandates and dealer challenges.

3:01 – 5:10
EV Mandates and Dealer Challenges
Nancy highlights the difficulties dealers face with EV mandates and the importance of infrastructure and consumer education.

5:10 – 7:06
EV Sales and Consumer Sentiment
Jade and Nancy discuss the importance of dealership staff being prepared to sell EVs and the impact of consumer sentiment on EV sales.

7:06 – 8:45
Vehicle Affordability
Nancy talks about the ongoing issue of vehicle affordability and the strategies dealers can use to address these challenges.

8:45 – 9:21
New and Used Car Sales Predictions
Predictions for new and used car sales in 2025, emphasizing the importance of education and partnership with focus.

9:21 – 11:46
Ownership Benefits and Incentives
Discussion on the importance of educating consumers about ownership benefits and available incentives.

11:46 – 12:57
EV Market Growth
Predictions for modest growth in the EV market and the importance of offering a balanced mix of vehicles.

12:57 – 14:21
Inventory Mix and Sourcing
The significance of maintaining a diverse inventory mix and sourcing high-demand vehicles.

14:21 – 15:52
Consumer Satisfaction and Omni-Channel Retailing
The rise in consumer satisfaction driven by personalization, inventory incentives, and omni-channel retailing capabilities.

15:52 – 18:03
Technology and Dealer Staff Education
The importance of using technology to enhance the dealership experience and educating staff on its benefits.

18:03 – 19:50
AI and Automation
How AI and automation can help dealers do more with the same resources and improve consumer trust and satisfaction.

19:50 – 21:25
Selling to Multiple Generations
The need for dealers to cater to five distinct generations of consumers and the importance of diverse communication strategies.

21:25 – 23:04
Top Advice for Dealers
Nancy’s top advice for dealers: Educate staff to treat consumers as valued customers and leverage community engagement.

23:04 – 24:43
Closing Remarks
Jade wraps up the episode.

An Industry Expert’s Outlook: A Closer Look at Current Trends in 2025

Featured Guest: Jim Fitzpatrick, Co-Founder and CEO of CBT News discusses the key predictions and trends starting off the year and weighs in on how he believes dealers both big and small should prepare including what actions to take in order to have continued success, capture more profitability and identify additional opportunities on the road ahead as we move past the election and into an ever evolving market for both the automotive industry and our nation.

How to Choose the Right Dealer Management System  

A Dealer Management System (DMS) is more than a tool—it’s the backbone of your car dealership’s operations. With the right DMS in place, automotive businesses can streamline workflows, improve efficiency across departments, and boost profitability. However, selecting the best DMS for your dealership isn’t an easy decision. With so many features, vendors, and integration possibilities, the choice can feel overwhelming.  

This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to find the perfect solution for your business needs. From identifying your requirements to testing and finalizing a decision, read on to ensure you’re making an informed and strategic investment for your dealership. 

Included in this guide: 

What is a Dealer Management System?  

5 Steps for Selecting the Right DMS  

6 Key Factors to Consider when Choosing a DMS 

Finalizing Your Decision 

What is a Dealer Management System?  

Simply put, a Dealer Management System (DMS) is a software platform that integrates and runs your dealership’s core functions. From managing inventory and sales to streamlining service operations, accounting, and customer relationships, a DMS centralizes and automates key processes. This allows teams to work collaboratively with real-time data, leading to greater efficiency and enhanced customer satisfaction.  

5 Steps for Selecting the Right DMS  

When it comes to choosing car dealership management software, careful planning and research are essential. Follow these five steps to find your ideal DMS.  

Step 1: Identify Your Dealership’s Needs  

Every dealership operates differently. Start by conducting an internal assessment that identifies workflows or tasks slowing your business down. Consider the needs of each department, including sales, service, parts, and accounting. For example: 

  • Your sales team may need a lead-tracking module.  
  • Your service department may rely on technician scheduling tools.  
  • Your accounting team might require robust financial reporting.  

Aligning the DMS with your goals will ensure your investment directly supports operations across the dealership.  

Step 2: Research Vendors  

Not all DMS solutions are built the same. Take time to compare key providers, their features, pricing models, and overall reputations.  

  • Look at online reviews and testimonials. Are other dealerships happy with this provider?  
  • Research vendors with experience in the automotive industry. They are more likely to anticipate your specific operational challenges.  
  • Prioritize proven reliability, uptime records, and strong customer support.  

Step 3: Request Product Demos  

Seeing the software in action is critical to understanding its strengths and limitations. During the demo: 

  • Evaluate the interface for ease of use. A clunky, overly complicated system may frustrate employees instead of empowering them.  
  • Check which features are included in the base package and which require additional fees.  
  • Ask questions about scalability—will the system grow with your business?  

Step 4: Pilot Testing in Real Scenarios  

Once you’ve narrowed down your options, ask providers if they offer pilot testing in a real environment. Identify a small group of employees to use the system hands-on. This step will help you pinpoint any challenges before implementing the system at full scale.  

Step 5: Make Your Decision as a Team  

Gather feedback from your employees—after all, they’re the ones who will interact with the DMS daily. Ensure you gain full consensus from everyone involved to align on the best choice. Consider factors such as ease of use, feature functionality, customization capabilities, and vendor reputation before making the final call. 

6 Key Factors to Consider When Choosing a DMS  

The right DMS isn’t one-size-fits-all—it depends heavily on your dealership’s unique needs. Here’s a breakdown of essential features by department and overall considerations to keep in mind.  

1. Important Features by Department  

  • Sales Management: Look for features like lead tracking, CRM integration, deal structuring, and automation tools to simplify your sales workflow.  
  • Service Management: Tools for streamlining appointment scheduling, repair orders, and parts inventory tracking are a must.  
  • Parts Management: Make sure the DMS offers robust inventory management, parts ordering, and pricing strategy features.  
  • Accounting & Finance: Financial reporting, streamlined payment processing, and full GL integration are vital for long-term stability.  

2. Seamless Integrations  

Your DMS should integrate easily with both manufacturer systems and third-party applications, such as your marketing platform or website. This ensures a smoother flow of information across tools.  

3. User Interface & Customization  

An intuitive design reduces training time and minimizes errors. Additionally, a flexible system should allow for customization to match your dealership’s specific workflows.  

4. Technical Support & Training  

Enthusiastic staff adoption can make or break your DMS rollout. Choose a vendor that stands out in post-purchase technical support and offers comprehensive training for your team.  

5. Cost Considerations  

Factor in both upfront costs (like setup fees and implementation) and ongoing expenses (like per-user fees and potential licensing upgrades). Being transparent about costs will save your dealership from budget surprises.  

6. Vendor Reputation  

Finally, choose a provider with credibility. Research how they’ve performed with other dealerships—reading case studies or speaking directly with references can help verify this.  

Finalizing Your Decision 

After carefully evaluating all the key factors, it’s time to confidently choose the right Dealer Management System for your dealership. This decision should ensure the system aligns with your business goals, addresses your team’s specific needs, and provides the tools necessary to support long-term growth. Take the time to schedule a final demo to resolve any remaining questions, review the service terms in detail, and clarify the available support options to ensure a smooth and seamless transition. Consider how the DMS will integrate with your current processes and systems, as well as how it can adapt to future advancements or expansions in your business. Selecting the right DMS is more than just a purchase—it’s a strategic investment in your dealership’s efficiency, productivity, and overall success. Take the next step with confidence, knowing your choice will drive your business forward. 

Maximize Your Dealership’s Potential with the Right DMS  

Investing in the best dealer management system for your automotive business is a decision that will transform how your dealership operates. From increased efficiency to better customer satisfaction, taking the time to carefully select the right DMS will pay off in dividends.  

Remember, the right technology doesn’t just help your dealership run—it helps it thrive. The right DMS technology will help your dealership stand out from the competition while maximizing your profit potential—now and in your immediate future.  

Discover how dealers are finding opportunities despite the top five challenges they face. Download the eBook today!  

The Top 5 Predictions for 2025: What they Mean to Dealers and Actions to Take

In her first solo episode, Host Jade Terreberry, Senior Director of Strategic Planning for Autotrader and Kelley Blue Book takes you through the key predictions Jonathan Smoke, Chief Economist for Cox Automotive released for the automotive industry and breaks down what each of them means to Dealers, including what actions they should take in response to best prepare and strategize for increased success and profitability in 2025.

Click to Close: Five Important Steps to Master to Stay Competitive

Featured Guest: Mike Tegtmeyer, AVP with Autotrader and Kelley Blue Book with Cox Automotive gives an inside look and top takeaways from the new From Click to Close Learning series, hosted alongside Dealer.com, which shows dealers the five steps you need to master in order to stay competitive, stand out to your ideal customer at their very first click during the automotive consumer buyer journey and fast-track to a close.

Virtual Sales Assistant 101: A Comprehensive Guide for Car Dealerships 

Efficiency and customer satisfaction are crucial in the competitive world of automotive sales. What if you could enhance both with a single solution? Enter the virtual sales assistant—your dealership’s secret weapon for streamlining operations, enhancing customer relationships, and driving more sales.  

Virtual sales assistants have quickly become an essential tool for modern automotive dealerships, combining efficiency with customer-focused solutions. But what exactly is a virtual sales assistant, and how can it help your dealership thrive?  

This guide breaks down everything you need to know—from answering “what is a virtual sales assistant?” to showing you how it can transform your daily operations.  

What is a Virtual Sales Assistant?  

A virtual sales assistant is an AI-powered tool designed to perform sales-related tasks efficiently. Unlike human assistants, they work 24/7, enabling dealerships to provide round-the-clock support and services.  

These digital tools leverage cutting-edge technology, such as artificial intelligence and machine learning, to handle routine sales operations, answer inquiries, and even personalize customer experiences—all while saving sales teams precious time.  

Why the Automotive Industry Needs It  

The car-buying process has evolved, with digital engagement becoming a vital part of customer outreach. A virtual sales assistant ensures no lead is left unattended while creating a seamless experience for potential buyers.  

How to Use Virtual Assistants for Sales Support Tasks  

Using a virtual assistant for sales is simpler than you might think and can significantly streamline your operations. These intelligent tools are designed to handle tasks like lead qualification, appointment scheduling, and follow-ups, freeing up your team to focus on high-priority sales activities. Here’s how dealerships are incorporating virtual sales assistants into their operations to boost efficiency and improve customer experience: 

  1. Lead Management  

Virtual assistants can identify, qualify, and nurture leads automatically. They ensure inquiries are followed up promptly, increasing the likelihood of conversion.  

  1. Customer Engagement  

Personalization is the name of the game. Virtual sales assistants craft tailored messages and responses, keeping customers engaged and connected to your brand.  

  1. Appointment Scheduling  

Say goodbye to back-and-forth emails! Assistants can manage scheduling, ensuring test drives and consultations fit seamlessly into your sales calendar.  

  1. Post-Sale Follow-Up  

Keep the conversation going. Virtual assistants follow up with customers after a sale, gathering feedback and strengthening relationships for future upselling opportunities.  

What Tasks Can a Virtual Sales Assistant Handle?  

Virtual sales assistants are versatile tools that can handle a wide range of tasks, making them invaluable for businesses of all sizes. From managing repetitive administrative work like data entry, scheduling, and follow-ups to providing customer-facing support such as answering inquiries, processing orders, or assisting with product recommendations, these assistants help streamline operations. They free up valuable time for sales teams, allowing them to focus on building relationships and closing deals. Here’s a closer look at their capabilities:  

Administrative Tasks  

  • Data Entry: Accurately updating CRM systems.  
  • Document Management: Organizing and sending paperwork like contracts or invoices.  

Customer Support  

  • Answering FAQs: Providing quick responses to common customer inquiries.  
  • Live Chat Support: Handling live conversations with prospects.  

Marketing Assistance  

  • Email Campaigns: Composing and scheduling personalized marketing emails.  
  • Social Media Outreach: Engaging with prospects on social platforms to generate leads.  

Analytics and Reporting  

  • Performance Reports: Compiling and analyzing sales performance trends.  
  • Customer Insights: Offering insights into behavioral patterns to improve customer experiences.  

The Benefits of a Virtual Sales Assistant  

Implementing a sales virtual assistant offers several game-changing advantages for dealerships:  

  1. Save Time and Boost Efficiency  

Automating repetitive tasks allows your sales team to focus on closing deals and building relationships instead of handling administrative burdens.  

  1. Enhance the Customer Experience  

With faster response times and tailored engagements, customers feel valued and are more likely to choose your dealership over competitors.  

  1. Reduce Costs  

Rather than hiring additional staff, virtual sales assistants provide an economical alternative that works round the clock.  

  1. Maximize Lead Conversion  

No lead goes unnoticed. Virtual assistants ensure timely follow-ups, giving prospects the attention they need to decide.  

  1. Gain Actionable Insights  

AI-powered assistants analyze customer data, providing you with insights to fine-tune your sales process and marketing campaigns.  

Choosing the Right Virtual Sales Assistant for Your Dealership  

Not all virtual sales assistants are created equal. Each dealership has unique needs, and the right assistant can make all the difference in boosting efficiency, improving customer interactions, and driving sales. Here’s how to find the one that fits your dealership’s specific goals and requirements: 

  1. Assess Your Needs  

Identify the specific areas where your dealership could use support. Do you need help with data entry, lead management, or customer engagement?  

  1. Evaluate Features  

Look for tools that offer capabilities beyond just supporting tasks, such as data analysis, integration with your CRM, and multilingual support if applicable.  

  1. Consider Scalability  

Your dealership’s needs may grow. Choose a solution that can scale with your business.  

  1. Seek User-friendly Interfaces  

Ensure the software is easy for your team to adopt and requires minimal training.  

  1. Review Case Studies or Testimonials  

See how other dealerships have benefited from the virtual assistant. It’s a great way to gauge effectiveness in real-world scenarios.  

Unlock the Potential of a Virtual Sales Assistant Today  

Implementing a virtual sales assistant isn’t just about staying ahead of the competition—it’s about transforming how you connect with customers and streamline sales. With automation, increased efficiency, and unmatched insights, your dealership can unlock its full potential.  

Curious to learn more about how to revolutionize your dealership’s operations? Take the next step and explore the potential for significant growth in your retailing approach with this helpful resource from VinSolutions: Take a New Approach to Retailing.