What do you like to see in a dealership website?

[Aubs]

If I come up with a plan, I may soon be running an internet department at a dealership...

I know how to do some of the web stuff, but not really any of the dealership stuff. Luckily, this is the same position of the person I'm competing against. So what do you guys like to see when you visit a website for a dealership?

I think most important are:
1. Prices
2. Pictures of the vehicle you want
3. Lots of accurate information about engine, options, etc.
4. Easy navigation
5. Custom look

Anyone have any other suggestions? I would love to hear them! Thanks:D

[Agriv8r]

with all the customization available, the websites that serve best are the ones that allow you to add accessories to a picture of the truck to see what it looks like on the vehicle. I have tried to get ours updated, but thats a parts thing:mad:

[Racer-X]

Try it like this -:D

I think most important are:
1. Babes in bikinis
2. Pictures of the vehicle with babes in bikinis
3. Lots of accurate information about the babes
4. Easy navigation to the babes in bikinis
5. More babes in bikinis

[Agriv8r]

Try it like this -:D

I think most important are:
1. Babes in bikinis
2. Pictures of the vehicle with babes in bikinis
3. Lots of accurate information about the babes
4. Easy navigation to the babes in bikinis
5. More babes in bikinis

X2:eek:

[KenP]

VERY accurate inventory, especially with used vehicles.
Payment calculator.
Estimated taxes and fees.
Ability to purchase online so you can showup and sign the paperwork and go all in a timely manner.

[Aubs]

Thanks for the replies guys.

I think mostly I'll be dealing with used inventory to start. I like the payment calculator, and ability to purchase online. No flash is a good idea too. I'd add babes, but I don't think my bro would be too happy with that... Go figure. He doesn't like to have prices online, nor does he generally like using the internet. I think he's missing a big pick of the market. In fact, I don't think his current emailing system even works. It always is returned as "Unknown Recipient".

[ree]

If you plan to do high volume, low margin sales to buyers in the know, make sure you partner up with some of the auto brokerage businesses. I'm sure it eats into your profits a little for the referral fees. But not everyone goes directly to the nearest dealer's website to shop for a vehicle. Many will go through a broker like autobytel.com to locate a sales department in the vicinity (radius search) that will treat them well.

Also,

accurate inventory
lots of pictures of the products and facilities
easy access to contact / address info for the various departments
good directions/maps linking out to the big map sites to make it easier
direct access to sales people, service writers, and managers (post phone numbers and offer email). Just make sure that these individuals will actually read and respond to the email or answer the phone in a timely manner
If you run events, some kind of active news area, e.g. do trip reports HUMMER Happenings. This is a good way to let people who networking see that your site isn't stagnant and find out about events without having to send fliers/invites out to all your customers.

[JamesT]

X10X2:eek:

[HummBebe]

I'd like to be able to schedule service appointments and request a loaner:D

[k9tim]

Nothing...... Auto BROKERS are the only way to go IMHO and my company builds car dealerships.

BUT If I used them, I only look for an online inventory. Plain and Simple.


Oh and no pics of guys in freakin plaid suits. Bad mojo there.......

[HUMTECH]

One thing I thought would be helpful to our customers would be the ability to access their repair order in real time to check on the status of their vehicle, providing the dealership is still not using paper ro's.

[ree]

One thing I thought would be helpful to our customers would be the ability to access their repair order in real time to check on the status of their vehicle, providing the dealership is still not using paper ro's.
That would be sweet! Especially if the service writers are not good about keeping customers informed up to the minute.

[westhillsat]

Thanks for the replies guys.

I think mostly I'll be dealing with used inventory to start. I like the payment calculator, and ability to purchase online. No flash is a good idea too. I'd add babes, but I don't think my bro would be too happy with that... Go figure. He doesn't like to have prices online, nor does he generally like using the internet. I think he's missing a big pick of the market. In fact, I don't think his current emailing system even works. It always is returned as "Unknown Recipient".

Nothing bugs me more than dealerships that don't put their prices online.

[Aubs]

Nothing bugs me more than dealerships that don't put their prices online.

I agree.

[HummerNewbie]

Nothing bugs me more than dealerships that don't put their prices online.

X2

I will go to another dealer for just this reason. Make sure you have very accurate inventory online with pictures and all important details. Have the ability to search based on information such as brand, vehicle type, year, mileage, price and so on. I created a site a couple of years ago for a used car publication that caters to car dealerships with this type of info and search capability. If you want, I will check and see what database files and code I still have for it and send it to you.

[CO Hummer]

Make sure you provide a link to "Sponsorship" forums here. This forum is really rockin'.

http://www.elcovaforums.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=17

[CO Hummer]

How is somethingelse.com coming along?

I'm still trying to think up a theme. I have writer's block right now.