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When your dealership was first built... |
 ...it was very specifically located in what was a high traffic area, or a very automotive-related geographical location. For many dealerships, especially domestic ones that were built in the 1950's and 1960's, some proved to be poorly located as many cities changed and various areas grew, while others dwindled. Most of those built in the 50's and 60's have subsequently been renovated or relocated to new facilities in today’s higher traffic locations. In fact, a great deal of research goes into the selection of a location for an automotive dealership. With so much research and expense going into the selection of a location that ideally has a lot of drive-by traffic and/or specifically automotive-related traffic, I would have to assume that the dealership would take a great deal of time, care and effort in the presentation of the vehicles on the lot, the upkeep of the lot as well as all other customer-seen physical displays. Here are a few things to consider: Front Line Cars - Your dealership's carefully and specifically chosen location is in a high traffic area. For the most part, people take the same routes to and from work every single day. That being said, many of the same people are driving by your lot every day, and are they seeing the same cars each and every day for weeks upon weeks? Chances are very good, after two or three days, they stop looking. Change the front line every two to three days. Not only does it demonstrate care for your display, but those driving by perceive it as activity, that those vehicles must have sold. Would you like the public at large to think you're selling lots of cars? Organized & Straight Rows - When you walk into a grocery store, there are very organized straight rows aren't there? The reason being, it makes it considerably easier to find what you are looking for. As customers drive through your lot is it easy for them to see all of your selection in a simple logical manner? Doesn't it make sense to have the rows lined up straight? Signage - Obviously, as part of the manufacturers' dealer agreement, there is some signage on your lot and facility, but look at your location from a customer’s perspective. Is it very clear that you have both new and pre-owned vehicles? Can I find them easily? Where do I park? Where do I go for service or parts? These are merely a few things to consider. Remember that we in the business become somewhat blind to the obvious as we are in and around dealerships every day. You need to step back and objectively look at your dealership from a customer's perspective. It is critical to the customer-friendly feel of the dealership and the benefits of a well-laid-out operation will be more than you would ever expect. Good luck! |
For more information or should you have any questions please contact:
shawn.ryder@autouniversity.com© 2008 Auto University - A Division of Ted Ings Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved 
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