Transforming the Auto Dealer Experience with Digital Visual Solutions

As consumers seek digitally enabled buying experiences, it’s critical that the brands they interact with follow suit. For automotive retailers, this means integrating digital technology throughout the dealership. Whether buying or leasing a car, stopping for a trusted service, or scoping out the next best wheels, automotive retailers must enlist the help of technology partners to beat the competition.

With advanced retail technology, owners and managers can create a connected dealership where digital signage, self-serve kiosks, mobile devices, and POS terminals work in unison to create an intelligent buying and selling experience. From incremental workflow changes to managing day-to-day operations, automotive retailers can better navigate challenges related to both the customer and employee with digital technology. As these two critical stakeholder groups are better managed, businesses will reap the benefits.

Connecting with the Customer

Gaining the attention of today’s customer is not easy. Distractions are everywhere. With 65% of the population made up of visual learners, there are solutions that can help win eyes. For instance, the right digital signage technology can not only emphasize promotions or new-car sales, but also customize whatever content a dealer chooses to share based on the time of day, season, or any unique message of their choosing. Unlike paper signage or outdated TV setups, digital display content can be changed on a moment’s notice. Digital signage paired with self-serve kiosks and mobile devices can also improve line management and customer wait times. Digital visual solutions can greatly improve a dealer’s brand and reputation. This is critical as studies show that 54% of customers are more willing to buy a car from a dealership that creates a better buying experience versus one with lower prices.

Unburdening Employees

Only 13% of retail sales happen online, which demonstrates the power of in-person shopping experiences. With stiff competition, it is critical that brands prioritize better customer experiences when attracting, serving, or retaining shoppers to their locations. The challenge: amidst widespread staffing shortages, the customer experience can wane. Dealerships must turn to technology to supplement their in-store operations, empowering workers while showing customers that they remain the priority. For example, self-serve kiosks save on administrative time, allowing for staff to make more meaningful connections with consumers rather than focusing on check-in paperwork. Providing useful content, like car brochures and leasing information, digitally enables dealership managers to free up useful time for staff, making the customer experience more successful. Most consumers are at the dealership to make one of their biggest purchases of their year. Businesses need to free up staff to make that experience as comfortable as possible.

Optimizing Store Operations

A salesperson should always be equipped with as much information about their dealership and customer as possible. From car and parts inventory to order wait times, and repair information – dealerships should leverage digital technologies and data analytics solutions to promote the most accurate view into their business. With digital check-in tools, such as a mobile tablet or a self-serve kiosk, consumers can make profiles that employees have access to and can learn about their purchase history, brand affinity, and the exact type of car they’re looking to purchase. Equipping employees with timely, accurate information leads to a better experience and a positive impact on loyalty. Additionally, it will give store owners a better view into their business’s bottom line.

Digitally Powered Dealerships

Leveraging digital visual solutions and kiosks enhance the dealership experience. With this technology, dealers are empowering their employees and staff to deliver more personalized, impactful buying experiences. Dealers who integrate digital solutions within their store experience will separate themselves from the competition.