3 Min ReadMay 31, 2022

Get What You Want From Your Next Automotive CRM With This Checklist

Get What You Want From Your Next Automotive CRM With This Checklist

Most dealers are painfully aware of what part of their current system they are unhappy with, but far fewer have considered exactly what they want or need. This makes it incredibly difficult to make an effective apples-to-apples comparison when evaluating dealership CRM software systems. As a result, buyers are more susceptible to being sold a complicated system that doesn’t meet the organization’s needs, or purchasing an off-the-shelf tool that only offers a surface level of functionality.

To help you gain a greater understanding of your needs, complete the following three-part automotive CRM buyer's checklist. In just a few minutes, you'll be able to make a more informed decision while feeling better prepared for the challenges that come with change.

Part One: Debate Why You Are Considering a Change

  • What main challenge with your current system is driving you to invest in a different CRM?
  • What operational challenges do you need to solve?
  • What features does your Sales team want in a CRM?
  • How do your customers want you to improve the ways you communicate?
  • Why did you choose your digital retailing partner, and what integration is there with your CRM?
  • How does your team leverage the mobile app?
  • What processes do you lack that would improve the customer experience?
  • How much customer data do you have, and what condition is it in?
  • What information do you need to collect for actionable insights, and how is it gathered?
  • Who is your call tracking partner and what level of integration do they have with your CRM?

Part Two: Decide What You Would Like to Get From Your New CRM

  • Can you provide a connected, modern online to in-store shopping experience?
  • Is data easily imported/exported or shared in real time via API?
  • What mobile functionality is available for your employees and customers?
  • What texting capabilities are offered, and how are they tracked in the customer record?
  • How is video integrated into communications and into the customer record?
  • Is it possible to quickly and easily segment customer lists for marketing campaigns?
  • Are both Sales and Service data and transactions tracked in the customer record?
  • Do the digital retailing, desking and F&I tools fully integrate with penny-perfect accuracy?
  • What types of reports and dashboards are available, and are they easy to create and customize?

Part Three: Determine What Using the New System Will Be Like

  • Is it easy to customize the system and workflows to support your business model and processes?
  • How long does implementation take?
  • Does the CRM integrate with tools you already use?
  • What are your training and long-term support options?
  • Who is your call tracking partner, and what level of integration do they have with your CRM?
  • Do you have access to an open API network to seamlessly share data with your vendors?
  • Are you leveraging Artificial Intelligence and machine learning?
  • Can you easily leverage your customer database to acquire inventory?
  • Can the new CRM help your team turn Service customers into Sales opportunities?

The Choice Is Yours
Working through this checklist will help you determine what you’ll need to streamline your business, increase profitability and strengthen your customer relationships. And while changing your CRM may seem like a big project, once you’ve made the right choice for your dealership, it’ll pay dividends for years to come.

Share This

CDK Global
By CDK Global
Staff

Recent Insights

Online versus In Person. A Hybrid Car Sales Approach.

Online vs. In-Person: A Hybrid Car Sales Approach

Today, many auto dealerships across the U.S. are debating whether some or all of the new vehicle sales process should...
4 Min ReadFeb 13CDK Global
The Importance of Greeting Customers at the Dealership.

The Importance of Greeting Customers at the Dealership

It’s essential to make a good first impression with a car shopper, as those initial minutes set the tone for...
3 Min ReadFeb 11CDK Global
C D K Brings N A D A to You.

CDK Brings NADA to You

A winter storm may have shut down flights around the country during the last week in January but it didn’t...
4 Min ReadFeb 5CDK Global
Are Credit Card Surcharges Right for Car Dealerships?

Are Credit Card Surcharges Right for Car Dealerships?

Inflation is hurting everyone. According to a recent Gallup poll, more than 40% of Americans named inflation as the top...
3 Min ReadFeb 5CDK Global
Why Your Dealership Needs to Prioritize Tire Sales.

Why Your Dealership Needs to Prioritize Tire Sales

Tire sales represent an opportunity to drive additional Service revenue and highlight the convenience and quality of work performed at...
3 Min ReadFeb 4CDK Global
Moods Bright During January Car Sales

Moods Bright During January Car Sales

The automotive landscape may look different as the calendar flips to February, but last month saw car steady car sales...
3 Min ReadFeb 3David Thomas
Five Questions to Ask When Selecting Your D M S Provider.

Five Questions to Ask When Selecting Your DMS Provider

Selecting the right dealership management system (DMS) can be a daunting task, given the number of options and the complexity...
3 Min ReadJan 30David Thomas
The 10 Commandments of Used Vehicle Inventory Management

The 10 Commandments of Used Vehicle Inventory Management

If you have it, they’ll come — the right car that is. Car dealerships run on inventory and without it,...
1 Min ReadJan 23CDK Global
Dealers Speed Up Sales According to Latest CDK Friction Points Study

Dealers Speed Up Sales According to Latest CDK Friction Points Study

Customer expectations are at an all-time high in the post-pandemic automotive retail industry. Shoppers want more screen time and less...
1 Min ReadJan 20CDK Global
A Glossary of F and I Products at Dealerships.

A Glossary of F&I Products at Dealerships

The Finance and Insurance department — better known as the F&I office — is where customers finalize financing, sign auto...
3 Min ReadJan 16CDK Global