SCOTTSDALE, ARIZONA, April 20, 2017 – Auto dealers who offer dealer-branded prepaid maintenance (PPM) plans to customers extend to them valuable goodwill that can help offset the risk of debt for vehicle repairs, says Ryan Williams, president of retention company Fidelis PPM.
“A dealership in tune with customer dynamics and that offers dealer-branded prepaid maintenance options is not only looking out for their customers but is also encouraging a proper vehicle maintenance habit,” Williams says. “We know regularly maintained vehicles are more roadworthy, safe, and economical.”
A new AAA survey notes repair costs for irregularly maintained vehicles can quickly put consumers at risk of debt due to an unexpected repair bill.
The survey found that 64 million American drivers could not pay for an unexpected vehicle repair of $500 without going into debt. Bankrate.com confirms this, as its own studies show that only half of the U.S. population maintains an emergency fund, and that 63% of Americans say they are unable to handle a $500 car repair. Because of this, AAA says, over 30% of U.S. drivers skip or delay recommended vehicle services or repairs.
“The data point to a tremendous opportunity for dealers to help their customers avoid this kind of financial bind, and when presenting their PPM options, it doesn’t hurt to help cite these repair/budget stats when promoting prepaid maintenance services to them,” Williams notes.
By buying routine maintenance services such as oil changes and tire rotations at a packaged pre-paid discount price from their dealer, consumers can save important maintenance dollars.
“That savings can make it easier for consumers to visit their dealers’ service department more regularly to keep their vehicle running right and safely,” Williams says.
Fidelis PPM is the authority in helping dealers retain customers through process-driven prepaid preventive maintenance retention programs. These programs drive consumers into participating dealers’ service departments. Deep reporting tools provide dealers with detail-rich accountability metrics.
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About Fidelis PPM
Fidelis PPM, a CU Direct company, turns prepaid maintenance into a brand-building, revenue-generating retention machine. Developed by dealers, Fidelis PPM knows the importance of substantiating ROI from its products. Powered by Driv Customer Retention Software, Fidelis PPM provides an easy-to-use interface for at-a-glance tracking of dealers’ ROI on their PPM program. For more information, visit http://www.getfidelis.com or email Williams at [email protected]
