I was talking to an automotive consultant the other day and he was talking about what car shoppers are looking for these days. He said that you may be surprised to know that they're number one concern is not price, but reputation of the dealer and customer service. I agree with this to a point, but when I personally conduct a vehicle search online I don't use the key words "dealer with best reputation" or "best customer service", etc. I search for my ideal vehicle by make, model, year, and mileage first. Then, when I have found the best choices within my area I filter by "price" (lowest to highest).
Now, during this process I never once searched for the most reputable dealer, nor did I search by greatest customer service or most awards received. I want a straight forward and transparent price on the vehicles within my area. That's my primary concern (for the moment). Only after I find my top prospects (vehicles that I deem to be a good deal) will I contact the dealer. You see, I already know that I am getting a good deal, so there's no need to start the haggling process. No haggling means no stress, right? You're dang straight!
If the vehicle's history is clean and the price is the best possible price (validated by NADA or KBB), I already know going into the dealership that I am comfortable with the vehicle. I have verified that the price is competitive and mitigated most of my initial risk, therefore customer service, hot coffee, a nice waiting room and the wall of fame doesn't make any difference to me. I want to get in and get out.
E-Drive Autos provides the intelligent search tools that every consumer needs to make an informed decision on a vehicle BEFORE they step foot onto a car lot. Call me crazy, but this is very simple to me. Why does the industry complicate it?
Aaron Brinsko, VP of Sales
E-Drive Autos, LLC
Contact Aaron at aaron@edriveautos.com.
