Join us in an enlightening conversation as we sit down with Chris Sutton, Vice President Retail at JD Power and Associates, to unravel insights from their comprehensive study involving 35,000 car buyers. Delve into the dynamics of the automotive industry, where constraints and high prices challenge buyers, yet improvements in the overall consumer experience continue to shine through.

Despite service appointment delays and the absence of loaners, consumers have reported incremental enhancements in their service interactions, showcasing a resilient and evolving landscape. The heart of positive sales and service experiences lies in the personal connections forged with salespeople and advisors, emphasizing the pivotal role of human touch in delivering a friendly and memorable customer journey.

In the quest to foster customer loyalty, retailers are recognizing the significance of building lasting relationships through meaningful interactions. Chris sheds light on the transformative impact of video inspections and MPI (Multi-Point Inspections) in building trust and confidence among customers, essential elements that drive business growth and enhance customer loyalty.

With over 30 years of industry benchmarking expertise, JD Power and Associates unveil key consumer preferences in dealership experiences, shedding light on the evolving landscape of digital retailing. While online transactions have gained traction, a significant percentage of customers still prefer a blend of online and in-store experiences, especially in the realm of EV (Electric Vehicle) purchases.

As customer expectations continue to rise, retailers are urged to streamline processes and reduce wait times to meet evolving demands. Discover how the automotive industry is adapting to the changing landscape of consumer preferences and digital advancements to enhance business performance and customer loyalty.

Tune in to gain valuable insights into consumer expectations, digital retailing trends, and the future of dealership experiences from the industry expert, Chris Sutton.

Dealer Talk with Jen Suzuki Podcast |Jennifer@edealersolution.com | 800-625-1590 | edealersolutions.com

🔥Check out our sponsors!🔥

LotLinx.com is a VIN Management Platform that enables precision automotive retailing via /AI/ technologies that improves dealership profitability.

CallRevu.com is the leading automotive communications intelligence platform, offering call monitoring and call analysis, with technology optimized for sales, service (fixed ops) and marketing.

In this fast-paced solo episode, I focus on the world of customer loyalty and the intricate strategies involved in creating and maintaining loyal clients. I share invaluable insights on the often-overlooked aspects that can make a significant impact on customer retention and satisfaction.

With a keen focus on the service department, the episode delves into the critical role that service actions play in fostering loyalty. By pinpointing small yet crucial areas that are frequently disregarded, our host sheds light on the importance of setting up robust systems and processes to ensure a seamless customer experience.

I also highlight the significance of confirmation texts or calls to mitigate no-shows and enhance customer engagement. From addressing missed appointments to defining trade appraisal processes on the service drive, she offers practical approaches to maximize client outreach and capitalize on sales opportunities.

Drawing attention to the untapped potential of contacting clients with unused maintenance plans, our host emphasizes the need for proactive communication to retain customers and drive sales. By bridging the gap between sales and service, I underscore the importance of acknowledging and rewarding loyalty to foster long-term relationships.

Through personalized contact strategies, such as reading and highlighting client history and notes, I advocate creating a tailored experience that sets your dealership apart. By demonstrating genuine interest, showing appreciation, and maintaining a high level of etiquette, I emphasize the power of building rapport and trust with customers.

The episode concludes with actionable steps to enhance customer loyalty, including consistent follow-up calls, personalized interactions, and value-driven communications. By leveraging low rates from OEMs and conducting post-visit follow-ups, I showcase how a customer-centric approach can drive satisfaction, loyalty, and ultimately, business growth.

Dealer Talk with Jen Suzuki Podcast |Jennifer@edealersolution.com | 800-625-1590 | edealersolutions.com

🔥Check out our sponsors!🔥

LotLinx.com is a VIN Management Platform that enables precision automotive retailing via /AI/ technologies that improves dealership profitability

Reynolds and Reynolds offers automotive retailers the industry's exclusive Retail Management System (DMS), along with integrated retailing tools to enhance dealership operations and customer satisfaction. https://www.reyrey.com/solutions/dms

CallRevu.com is the leading automotive communications intelligence platform, offering call monitoring and call analysis, with technology optimized for sales, service (fixed ops) and marketing.