The online world offers many ways to stay up to date and connect not only on a social level but for businesses as well. Auto dealers specifically have several resources, tools, and guides available through various online sources, all of which may be used to help establish, operate, and grow their business.
Below are the best online resources just for auto dealers to use in creating and sustaining a successful dealership.
Industry Regulations
Failing to be in compliance with federal and state regulations as an auto dealer can put the business – and its customers – at risk. Several rules and guidelines must be followed in order to keep up with employee and dealer training, along with documentation for interactions with customers and movement of inventory. The National Independent Automobile Dealers Associations, NIADA, offers several resources online for staying compliant with industry regulations as they shift over time.
Licensing Guidance
Every auto dealer must have a license in the state where the business operates, but that process can be both overwhelming and confusing. This comprehensive online resource provides an easy to follow guide for getting licensed as an auto dealer, how to decipher business requirements and paperwork processes, and which agencies offer auto dealer licenses in each state.
Bonding Assistance
Part of being an auto dealer is understanding the requirements for protecting customers through surety bonds. A surety bond for an auto dealer is required by nearly all states, as it provides peace of mind to buyers that dealers are operating in-line with current rules and regulations. The best bonding agencies offer a plethora of online resources, from what it takes to get bonded as an auto dealer and how to reduce the cost of a bond when it is needed.
Education and Training
The auto industry ebbs and flows, especially as it relates to training requirements for dealers and their staff. Having the right access to education and training resources online is necessary for keeping the business operating in the most efficient and compliant way possible. The National Automobile Dealership Association, NADA, offers a wide range of educational and training tools and courses online through its academy, helping prepare auto dealers for success in the business.
Sales Resources
Auto dealers must have a strong sales team to stay afloat, but not every salesperson is a natural at closing deals consistently. Sales training resources found online have the potential to improve business results over time and create an engaged and motivated salesforce that pushes profits forward.
Marketing Help
Above and beyond sales resources, auto dealers also benefit from assistance in the marketing department. The industry continues to grow, and that means more competition than ever from both physical dealers and those operating solely online. Auto dealers who aren’t highly skilled in marketing may fall by the wayside, so checking out these marketing resources online can be a significant advantage.
Technology Tools
As the business environment shifts to embrace a digital framework, auto dealers must also take hold of technology and software tools to help run an efficient and profitable business. There are several technology resources available online, from business management and operations assistance to accounting and inventory systems. Capterra keeps a comprehensive list of auto dealer technology available on the market today, along with customer reviews and comparison tools.
Professional Blogs
Staying up to date with industry news, thought leadership from auto dealer experts, and trends in sales, marketing, and business management should be on the to-do list for all auto dealers. Blogs are a great way to achieve this with ease. Many easy to read blogs are available from leaders in the market on a wide range of topics, with some of the most up to date articles found here and here.
Auto Dealer Forums
Online discussion boards offer a different perspective for auto dealers. Many forums specific to auto dealers facilitate ongoing conversations between business owners and staff regarding sales, training, marketing, business management, and customer service pre- and post-sale. Forums are available from many sources, but the top two include Dealer Refresh and Driving Sales for auto dealers.
Small Business Management
The Small Business Administration is an excellent resource for auto dealers of any size. The organization offers a variety of tools, templates, and educational guides relating to small business in general, as well as information for funding, hiring staff, and registering the business. All of these details are housed online through the SBA’s comprehensive website.