How to Find the Best CRM Software System for Auto Dealerships

Dealerships need a management system to manage their growing loyalty programs, inventory, and customers. But with so much software, how do you know what’s right for your dealership? There are many dealership customer relationship management systems (CRM) options to choose from. Every dealership is different, and the ideal system will be different, too, depending on your business model, the type of inventory you carry, and your customers’ needs.

The perfect CRM vendor will be able to understand your business and recommend a solution that meets all your needs. Whether you’re just beginning with a new dealership management system or looking to upgrade an older version, here are five key strategies to help you improve your dealership’s management system with loyalty rewards.

1. Be sure to ask the right questions

When interviewing potential CRM vendors, the first step will be to ask them questions. You’ll want to understand how they would evaluate your dealership’s operations and the challenges you face. This will help you identify your specific needs.

For example, you may want a system that lets you decide what data fields to use. Or you may want something more comprehensive that includes more standard data fields. You should also figure out what type of hardware and software you want.

• Do you want a cloud-based system, or something installed on your computers?
• Will you need integrations with your other software systems?
• And do the vendors you are interviewing have experience with dealerships like yours?

The more questions you ask, the better equipped you’ll be to find the best solution for your dealership.

2. Make data-driven decisions

One of the best ways to improve your dealership’s management system is to make data-driven decisions. A good CRM will give you data about your customers and dealership operations. For example, you will see which customers are buying your cars and which aren’t.

• You’ll know what time of day they come into your showroom and which days of the week they visit.
• And you’ll have data on your marketing campaigns. Data will help you make data-driven decisions.
• You’ll be able to see what promotions are working, which customers are buying, and which ones aren’t.
• You’ll be able to see what times of day most shoppers visit your dealership and what days of the week they come.
• And you’ll be able to track your customer journey through your website and into your showroom. Data will help you make data-driven decisions at every level of the business.

3. Leverage automation

Automation is another way to improve your dealership’s management system with loyalty rewards. CRM software offers automation tools to help you manage tasks and streamline your workflow. Some of your workflow processes may include using CRM software to collect customer data and a fleet management system for your car rental availability.

Other tools can help you manage your operational processes. For example, your CRM may have a tool that helps you manage your advertising. Or a tool that helps you manage your parts inventory.

You may even be able to use your CRM to manage your service process. Whatever processes you can automate, you’ll free up your employees to focus on higher-level tasks and improve your customer service level.

4. Create a culture of continuous improvement

Another way to improve your dealership’s management system is to create a culture of continuous improvement. You’ll want to work with your CRM software system and AutoAwards’ team to create a culture of constant improvement.

You’ll want to understand how you can use your CRM to track progress and identify areas for improvement. For example, you can track your customers’ buying journeys using your CRM.

This will help you see when customers drop out of the process and why. You’ll be able to track your marketing campaigns to see which ones are most effective.

• You can use your CRM to forecast future sales.
• And you can use it to track operational KPIs, like your service times or inventory in stock.
• And you can use the software to track your employees’ performance and identify areas for improvement.

5. Be selective with tools and partners

Another way to improve your dealership’s management system is to be selective with the tools and partners you choose to integrate. You can integrate your CRM with other software systems you use. For example, you can integrate your database of customers with your CRM.

For example, you may want your CRM to talk to your customers through phone, email, or social media. Or you may wish for your CRM to connect with your websites. You may even want to integrate your CRM with other software. Selecting the integrated tools and partners will help you improve your dealership’s management system. You can use these integrations to improve data accuracy, reduce manual labor, and increase the efficiency of your business.

Contact AutoAwards for CRM Software

The perfect CRM software will be able to understand your business and recommend a solution that meets all your needs. The best way to find a suitable system is to understand your dealership’s operations. Then you can ask vendors the right questions and evaluate their solutions based on your needs.

Be sure to make data-driven decisions, leverage automation, create a culture of continuous improvement, and be selective with tools and partners to improve your dealership’s management system with loyalty rewards.

Get started with your new loyalty rewards program now. We look forward to speaking with you soon and walking you through our service. Contact us online to discuss your loyalty rewards program or call 302-696-6000 for more info.