Starting a new business is exciting, but it also takes a lot of careful consideration. From finding financial backing to developing your brand to creating the best customer experience, there are countless things to organize and strategize for. Running a car dealership is no different, and many things could go right and wrong for a business like this. If you have been interested in opening a dealership, or are in the process of planning for one, here are 5 basic things you need to think about before you open.
1. Location
Location is very important when it comes to your dealership. You need to be somewhere that is both easily seen and easily accessible. This is why a lot of dealerships can be seen from the road; it’s an eye-catching position that’s easy to find. Although having a lot that is on the side of a busy road isn’t essential, you should make sure your dealership is positioned somewhere that has similar benefits to that kind of location.
2. Strong Sales Team
You’re selling cars, so naturally, you need a strong sales team to help you. You must have these skills as well so you can lead by example. You should also consider the approach you want your team to take when it comes to promoting products and sealing a deal. There are various ways that sales teams can operate as some take a more aggressive approach than others. Before you open your doors to customers, decide what approach is right for your business, and make sure your team understands that by giving them thorough training.
3. Car Maintenance
A lot of dealerships offer servicing and maintenance on-site, and you should include this if you want to compete with other businesses. The makers of the cars you’re selling (if new) will also prefer you to have these services in place and have fully trained staff to carry out this kind of work. This is because they want customers to have faith in their brand and the car model. Therefore, they want to make sure any issues can be resolved quickly and efficiently at the dealership to put their mind at ease. You should also have this in place if you’re selling used or older models of cars to make sure they’re working properly before you make a sale.
4. Car Transportation
Your customers might drive off with a new car from your dealership once they have bought it, but others might require you to organize delivery. Whether they need it dropping off at their home across town or the country, you should look into working with specialists in car transport. These companies can offer a range of services to you and will make delivering cars to your customers much easier.
5. Marketing
Finally, one of the most important but basic things you need to pay attention to as a business is your marketing strategy. While your location might help to promote your dealership, you must also explore other platforms such as digital marketing, print media, and even conventions and fairs to advertise your business.
If you’re thinking about opening a car dealership and want it to be a success, make sure you have thought about these 5 basic things carefully first.
