Ah, The “Good Old Days”

It may seem like a distant history in 2019, but there was a time not that long ago when anything technical had to be handled by a third party that came in to install and troubleshoot. Such was the way of data management less than a generation ago. A business owner might have been lucky enough to have a part-time student employee that knew something about computers to bring that skillset in-house. Today, technology is integrated into every aspect of pretty much everything, allowing dealerships to get creative in how they leverage their investment. Just because you’re comfortable with your tech skills doesn’t mean you have to go it alone, though.

If there’s anyone who can attest to the importance of this kind of partnership, it’s dealers. Just like any software provider worth their weight in back-end code, we’re fueled by the dealer feedback. A few recently shared insights about what makes for a valued technology partnership.

Forward Thinking

A partner should understand your business and anticipate what’s ahead. They need to provide timely, effective solutions. As industry technology experts, they’ll take the time to know you and know your dealership. When your success is a priority, your dealership software will enable you to be there for your customers.

Worry-Free

It’s a no-brainer that your chosen tech partner should be there for you. But this doesn’t mean constantly being in-your-face. Mostly, you need a solution that just works, chugging along in the background, doing the heavy lifting. Sometimes being “out of sight, out of mind” is a good thing!

It Takes Two

Partnerships require two parties. Even with the cleverest technology, it can’t help you if you don’t actually use it. Your dealership tools involve work, but a true partner will go the extra mile to make it easy for your staff to follow through.

Find Your Best Advocate

A true partnership adds value beyond the software product itself, enhancing your relationship with your customers beyond the vehicle. Providing a customer experience that exceeds the transactional is key to retaining customers.

When a solution provider rises above “vendor” to partner, they advocate for your dealership, giving you the tools to advocate for your customers in ways you didn’t know were possible. This turns buyers into loyal advocates for your dealership.

Each dealer needs the right dealership technology partner in his or her corner. How is yours doing?