A colleague recently mentioned going to an old-fashion diner and having her order taken on an iPad. As contrary as it seems, it got me thinking that nowadays, technology really has taken the crown – especially in the business world.
Things like the file cabinet, the briefcase, and the folder are a few of the passé ways in which business people stored valuable information. Nowadays it’s all about minimizing the clutter and presenting ourselves and what we embody in a more cohesive way.
Dealerships can also have a piece of that pie. iPads are a great way to sell more cars as well as your company. Here are a few ways you can use the iPad to amaze your shoppers:
THERE’S AN APP FOR THAT
Have you heard of CarStory? If you haven’t, check it out. This app not only gives your salespeople the basic information of a vehicle - it also helps you tailor your search to your customer’s needs.
Manufacturers like Mercedes-Benz, Ford, and Audi have jumped on the forward-thinking bandwagon as well. By launching applications such as Ford’s Showcase app, they’ve given dealers easy-to-use presentations of particular vehicles in the palm of their hand. If you have invested in a personalized app for your dealership, add it to your iPads! Think of it as a visual aid with a wow factor!
Plus, your shoppers won’t always know what all the car features mean in writing. Being able to show them what you're talking about visually will not only give them confidence in their purchase but in you as the salesperson.
STATE OF THE ART COLLAGE
Remember those digital photo frames that changed from picture to picture? The iPad can do that and one-up the fad.
Picture it: you’re talking to a prospect that’s almost ready to sign on the dotted line, and upon glancing at your iPad (cleverly set on your desk facing them) they see a slideshow of amazing dealer reviews and selfies of new car-owners holding the keys to their new car.
This will motivate your shoppers to buy because you’re appealing to the emotional side of their purchase. Your reviews will reinforce the shopper’s decision to buy from YOU instead of your competition.
But, most importantly, you’ll show your shoppers that having all the bells and whistles in a car are great – but so is the experience of owning one.
ALSO TRY: Showcasing your great reviews. According to a recent study, 88% of customers read online reviews to determine the quality of a local business. That's why exhibiting your online reviews will not only instill confidence in your shoppers but also build your dealership's credibility and reputation.
AN ALL-IN-ONE DEVICE
Being able to show customers vehicle features and cool pictures isn’t all the iPad’s good for. Salespeople can
also complete other time-saving tasks like:
- calculate payment options
- have paperwork signed
- run credit checks
The last one is a little tricky due to shoppers' privacy concerns and for a good reason. However, with technology always changing, there's still hope to find safer ways to run credit checks right from an iPad and cut down your customers' wait time.
As a recent car buyer, I can tell you the shopper will thank you for not having to wait an hour for the paperwork to be printed and signed - not too mention you are saving trees in the process!
Thinking beyond the Numbers
The iPad is a great tool to help you sell inventory. It’ll help your sales pitch and keep mobile shoppers from looking at competitor websites while they wait for you to whip up some numbers. But more than that, it’ll give your customers the confidence and motivation to buy that car.
While the world of sales relies on ROI and all around wins, we know that selling cars is about so much more. The experience you give your shoppers can encourage them to make you a part of a life-changing decision.
