subject: 5 Ways to Sell More Cars Using Dealer Chat [print this page] 5 Ways to Sell More Cars Using Dealer Chat
Today, more automotive dealerships are adding instant chat to their websites as a way to increase the number of interactions with consumers visiting their internet showrooms. In its latest report, the website www.dealerchatmarketshare.com reported that more than 15% of auto dealers now include instant chat on their dealership websites. Beyond dealerships, auto manufacturers have also begun placing live chat on their Certified Used Car listing websites as a way to drive more traffic to local dealerships. Additionally, each of the major third-party automotive listing sites have begun offering chat on dealer listings as a way to increase shopper interaction. In a recent press release, Chip Perry, CEO of AutoTrader.com said:
"Faster than email and more convenient than a phone call, online chat enables consumers to get instant answers to their questions while enabling dealers to begin creating a relationship with their prospects before they show up on the lot."
Here are 5 tips dealerships can use to generate more sales using dealer chat:
TIP #1: Add the Option to Chat Wherever Contact Information Is Presented
Remember that live chat is simply a text form of communication. In an age of iPads, smartphones and instant messaging, not allowing consumers to chat with you instantly is synonymous with blocking incoming email communications. Try to include chat on:
* Dealership Homepage, Listing and Contact Pages
* Third-Party Listings
* Craigslist Listings
* Facebook Pages
TIP #2: Personalize Chat Invitations With A Photo
People want to connect with a real person. Chat conversions can double simply by adding a photo. What's more, real names and photos help salepeople build real rapport with customers during live conversations.
TIP #3: Answer More Chat Leads By Getting Mobile
Remember that car buyers shop online and request to chat when it's convenient for them. Be available anytime and anywhere using mobile chat. Contact At Once! (the leading chat provider in the automotive industry) offers a mobile chat app for iPhone, iPad, iPod Touch and smartphone users. The app can be downloaded from the iTunes App store or found here: http://itunes.apple.com/app/contactatonce/id390887924
TIP #4: Have A Chat Receptionist Answer When You Can't
Data shows an increase in dealership responsiveness to consumer chats of 153% when a chat receptionist is used to answer chats during peak showroom hours, after hours, over holidays or other times when dealership salespeople are typically less available. Using a chat receptionist to fill in the gaps can help to ensure that dealers never miss out on sales inquiries.
TIP #5: Get Trained
Better training means better results. Training the salespeople responsible for managing and responding to chat leads will ensure that dealerships receive the highest ROI. Free video self-paced training is available online at http://autodealerchat.com/pages/mastering-dealer-chat-with-contact-at-once. This training covers the do's and don't of chat communication; how to master analytics and improve performance; and sound advice from experienced users.
