If Only, If Only with All Things Used Cars

David Long and the All Things Used Cars community were joined by Brian Kramer, Adam Arens, Todd Caputo, and Diego Vargas for a talk about the thought all our other questions have circled - I could buy/sell more cars IF…

With insightful comments by many others in the community, we were able to grab a few powerful bullet points we hope you can think about all week. Listen to the full replay on Clubhouse. 

1. Consistent equity mining. Your data is free. Your database is full of thousands of sales and years of contacts. In that data are phone, mail, and email connections that can become inventory if we only ask.
2. Service drive is your friend. Can any dealer say they are using their service drive to the fullest? Are we putting a written offer on every single car that comes through for fixed ops or warranty? Even an automatic email or text can be set up with some affordable software to make it easier. 
3. POS Material/Kiosk. A simple QR code or Kiosk in the service drive or waiting areas can get customers to enter their car information while waiting. Customers uninterested in selling may change their minds when they see what their car is worth.
4. Appoint a champion. Acquiring new inventory isn't a side gig for your dealership. Appoint somebody who can make the task their own and lead this part of your business to success. 
5. Stop your turnover. The people you work with get better every day.
6. Follow the data. New car production and the rental car industries have trackable implications for any used car business. 
7. Have a plan and measure the efforts. Measuring the impact of what you do and what you change is free planning advice waiting to be discovered.
8. Have the right prices. Treat each vehicle as an investment. The right price, the right advertising, the right process. It all matters and is different for each and every car. 

A commitment to growth has to be real every day. You should be making an offer to every customer who comes through the door. Like panning for gold, you won't always get something, but when you do, it is worth it.