Dealer Website Reviews/Suggestions

[KuniBMW]

Hey there - Just wondering what everybody likes/dislikes about various dealer websites they have visited :character0275::

How in-depth do you use dealer sites when shopping for cars?

What unique things have you seen that you like?

What would you like to see more of?

What drives you crazy?

Thanks for sharing your experiences...

[boxboss]

Hey there - Just wondering what everybody likes/dislikes about various dealer websites they have visited :character0275::

How in-depth do you use dealer sites when shopping for cars?

What unique things have you seen that you like?

What would you like to see more of?

What drives you crazy?

Thanks for sharing your experiences...
Having used a lot of dealer sites the past month, I noticed a huge difference in quality of sites. Browsing new/used inventory is a must as well as specific options on a car. Some have generic info such as the standard equipment list you can find on BMWUSA.com and others list "Gray" as a color rather than which "Gray." "Stock" photos are also common and are a frustration for me. I like very detailed info on the cars available! One thing Kuni had that most do not, is the "specials" page - car and deal. That's very helpful.

Not responding to inquiries drives me crazy. I had calls from dealers a week after I had contacted them, then continuing emails.

[m630]

:agree:

As someone who is actively lurking for the past month as continung to do so on my quest, Im quite frustrated by sites that do not list the car details specifically. I personally do not need to see standard options on the inventory pages, I just need to know the exact colors and the options and packages, we can figure out the rest by going to bmwusa website.

What most dealers seem to forget or not care about on many sites I've visited or frequent, is that when dealing with higher end cars such as the 6er or the Ms, its best to have real pix as boxboss points out as well, it shouldnt take more than 5 mins worth of effort to properly advertise $100K cars, which is unfortunately quite lacking on most sites I've visited recently.

[D!Tailed]

I like sites that update as their inventory changes. Even some sort of "new inventory in the last week" or some way to filter how long certain cars have been on the lot are nice as well.

D!

[Dr. Norbert Reithofer]

:agree:

As someone who is actively lurking for the past month as continung to do so on my quest, Im quite frustrated by sites that do not list the car details specifically. I personally do not need to see standard options on the inventory pages, I just need to know the exact colors and the options and packages, we can figure out the rest by going to bmwusa website.

What most dealers seem to forget or not care about on many sites I've visited or frequent, is that when dealing with higher end cars such as the 6er or the Ms, its best to have real pix as boxboss points out as well, it shouldnt take more than 5 mins worth of effort to properly advertise $100K cars, which is unfortunately quite lacking on most sites I've visited recently.

:agree:

KuniBMW, please take note of what our valued customers here demand from BMW Websites.

We wish to be second to none in this, or any regard.

[KuniBMW]

:agree:

KuniBMW, please take note of what our valued customers here demand from BMW Websites.

We wish to be second to none in this, or any regard.

:bravo: :bowdown:

[karen1122]

Hey there - Just wondering what everybody likes/dislikes about various dealer websites they have visited :character0275::

How in-depth do you use dealer sites when shopping for cars?

What unique things have you seen that you like?

What would you like to see more of?

What drives you crazy?

Thanks for sharing your experiences...

KuniBMW,

I am with the others that the standard information available through general searches on BMWUSA.com is a waste of my time. I am more impressed with a site that can easily show me the specifics of the inventory you have and what the details are. 3 minutes is the max time to spend. Show me how you are different with the inventory and deals you can make.

[boxboss]

KuniBMW,

I am with the others that the standard information available through general searches on BMWUSA.com is a waste of my time. I am more impressed with a site that can easily show me the specifics of the inventory you have and what the details are. 3 minutes is the max time to spend. Show me how you are different with the inventory and deals you can make.
That seems to be the prevailing opinion. I hate to click the options link on a specific car and be redirected to the bmwusa.com list of standard equipment. I know that...I want to know the options (CA, HUD, Sat, iPod, etc) on the car, not standard equipment.

[KuniBMW]

"Stock" photos are also common and are a frustration for me.

What do you think about actual photos like this:
http://www.bmwportland.com/webdetail.aspx?iid=3136503

VS.

Color and Option accurate stock photos like the ones on bmwusa "build your own" like this:
http://www.bmwportland.com/webdetail.aspx?iid=3600956

Thanks for all of the valuable input!

[m630]

"Stock" photos are also common and are a frustration for me.

What do you think about actual photos like this:
http://www.bmwportland.com/webdetail.aspx?iid=3136503

VS.

Color and Option accurate stock photos like the ones on bmwusa "build your own" like this:
http://www.bmwportland.com/webdetail.aspx?iid=3600956

Thanks for all of the valuable input!


I prefer the first link, I just luv looking at 'real' pix..this is a perfect ex too...i luv jerezblack as in the second link, but the computer graphic pix make it difficult to see the real color...in this case jb is much different in real life vs the pix provided by bmwna....jmho!!

[boxboss]

I prefer the first link, I just luv looking at 'real' pix..the is a perfect ex too...i luv jerezblack as in the second link, but the computer graphic pix make it difficult to see the real color...in this case jb is much different in real life vs the pix provided by bmwna....jmho!!

:stupid: Real pics, please. I know that's harder for the dealer, but much better for the internet shopper. I guess it all boils down to if a dealer wants to seriously be into internet sales.

[D!Tailed]

:stupid: Real pics, please. I know that's harder for the dealer, but much better for the internet shopper. I guess it all boils down to if a dealer wants to seriously be into internet sales.

I think having a salesman who is just in charge of internet sales helps with that. Someone who doesn't have the commission schedule that some of the other salesmen, but just focuses on internet sales.

D!

[bdaw]

I think having a salesman who is just in charge of Internet sales helps with that. Someone who doesn't have the commission schedule that some of the other salesmen, but just focuses on Internet sales.

D!

I think most dealerships do, or at least most larger dealerships.

I think that having a well updated website also shows how serious the dealership is about an Internet sale. It also respects a true buyer's time and rewards them for their effort and weeds out all the browsers. You'll get instant respect from prospective clients for helping him/her do their work.

I would also look at Autotrader and see what kind of tools they have. Do a write up on leases vs purchase, add a payment "predictor" where they can add their deposit and calculate a predicted payment. During business hours add a live chat which you can activate/deactivate so they can get an instant response to a question that could save you a lot of time in the long run (example: "is this all of your inventory?" response "yes Mr customer, however we are planning on receiving a 2007 M6 in a few days. would you like me to send you an update when it come in?"). Have a secure way for clients to apply for the credit application. The same system can be used by your sales team to check your own inventory and guide the client through the application process. Once complete the sales guy can print out the hard copy and have them sign it. Have an area in your service bay or your showroom where you can take pictures of the inventory with controlled lighting so the client is not confused by the changes in natural light. Have the ability for clients to subscribe to updates on your inventory based on a specific type of car. At the top of the email welcome them to change what they are subscribing to. Maybe they saw a Space Grey and now they are interested in that color. Like most people on this board, your average client is going to know what they want, they are just waiting for someone to meet their needs.

But then again, I'm still on Dial-Up. D! is typing this for me.

'Nuf of this...I'm going back to bed.

[D!Tailed]

I think most dealerships do, or at least most larger dealerships.

I think that having a well updated website also shows how serious the dealership is about an Internet sale. It also respects a true buyer's time and rewards them for their effort and weeds out all the browsers. You'll get instant respect from prospective clients for helping him/her do their work.

I would also look at Autotrader and see what kind of tools they have. Do a write up on leases vs purchase, add a payment "predictor" where they can add their deposit and calculate a predicted payment. During business hours add a live chat which you can activate/deactivate so they can get an instant response to a question that could save you a lot of time in the long run (example: "is this all of your inventory?" response "yes Mr customer, however we are planning on receiving a 2007 M6 in a few days. would you like me to send you an update when it come in?"). Have a secure way for clients to apply for the credit application. The same system can be used by your sales team to check your own inventory and guide the client through the application process. Once complete the sales guy can print out the hard copy and have them sign it. Have an area in your service bay or your showroom where you can take pictures of the inventory with controlled lighting so the client is not confused by the changes in natural light. Have the ability for clients to subscribe to updates on your inventory based on a specific type of car. At the top of the email welcome them to change what they are subscribing to. Maybe they saw a Space Grey and now they are interested in that color. Like most people on this board, your average client is going to know what they want, they are just waiting for someone to meet their needs

:agree:

[Richard in NC]

I think Flow BMW (Winston Salem NC) does it right. See http://www.flowbmw.com/Search.aspx. They have a nice set of real pics for most cars and show the options as well. It works for new or used.

Hendrick BMW, on the other hand claims their volume is too high to bother with an online new car inventory. It bugs me to have to call and find out whats in stock.