Press Announcement – automotiveMastermind, part of IHS Markit, has created a COVID-19 resource center for dealerships. The resource center contains various types of content to help dealers continue connecting with and supporting customers during this unprecedented time. You can find whitepapers, videos, details on their upcoming webinar, “Maximizing Your Service Drive During COVID-19 Disruptions”, and more. In addition to this resource center, from now through April 30, Mastermind will donate $25 per virtual demo of Market EyeQ to the CDC Foundation to help combat the coronavirus.
For Management: Adapt and Be Resourceful
- Be available for virtual deal-desking, but empower your team, too.
- Have your usual morning team meetings via video conferencing.
- Get comfortable conducting virtual assessments for trade-ins during this time.
- Don’t stop marketing; It’s critical to keep in touch with your community.
- Be positive and empathetic; inspire your team to be solutions-driven.
For BDC: Focus on What You Can Control
- Plan prospecting efforts around customers whose needs best match your current inventory.
- People are spending increased time shopping online; know your products well and be prepared to answer all internet leads promptly.
- OEMs are offering tons of incentives right now – make sure you’re aware of them all.
For Sales: Think Outside the Box
- Don’t go dark. Check in with your customers to see if they’re OK or have unique needs.
- Focus on solving your customer’s problem: need lower payments, lower APRs, if out of warranty, or reliability if servicing too often.
- Promote live video walk-throughs of new and used cars for customers.
- Bring test drives to the customer’s home – and be prepared to handle delivery paperwork on the spot if the customer is ready to buy.
For Service: Go Above and Beyond
- Offer pick-up and drop-off for all service offerings.
- Utilize protective tools for vehicles such as steering wheel covers, disposable seat and floor mats, interior wipe downs, etc. and communicate this plan to your customers.
- Work with BDC to proactively reach out to delinquent service customers with the message of requiring a reliable, newly serviced vehicle.
Utilize protective tools for vehicles such as steering wheel covers, disposable seat and floor mats, interior wipe downs, etc. and communicate this plan to your customers. Work with BDC to proactively reach out to delinquent service customers with the message of requiring a reliable, newly serviced vehicle