Blog

Despite the pandemic, a chip shortage, and inflation, the car business didn't shut down…completely. Instead, customers took to the internet to buy their cars, and dealerships adapted to meet that need. 

Accessory catalogs are a dime a dozen. Complex accessory selling systems with reporting to prove R&I, incentive employees, and strategically boost sales are not. 

When your bottom line is a significant department focus, it's vital to have tools that give you a well-rounded picture of what you're selling. Insignia Group is that tool for selling accessories at a dealership. In addition, we have many different reports available that managers can use to monitor their teams and move products faster than ever before—including the report for parts and vehicle views.

“Leadership is lifting a person's vision to high sights, the raising of a person's performance to a higher standard, the building of a personality beyond its normal limitations.” - Peter Drucker

To lead a dealership or dealer group as the General Manager is to consistently raise the standard for every department. From the cleaning crew to the finance department, General Managers have the ability to command excellence that sets the store apart.

Every good salesperson knows that the car sale begins almost immediately. 

A customer walks into your dealership and sits down at your desk. Building rapport is strategically interwoven with an assessment that lets the salesperson know what their customer wants and needs. When the needs assessment is appropriately thorough, the first walkaround comes easily. 

If you’ve ever struggled to sell a car (so basically…everyone), read on to see how three walkarounds per customer can improve your odds of delivering a vehicle your customer can’t turn down.

Did you know the number one reason people quit their job is poor company culture? When you're in management, you can set the temperature in the workplace environment and lead by example. 

Whether you've just landed a job as a dealership sales manager or been in the role for a while, it's good to assess your leadership skills. So check out these ten tips to make you a better dealership sales manager!

The efficiency of the parts department is only as good as the tools and systems you utilize. When you have the right software, your job is ten times easier. Take a look at what's available to you and see where you can make improvements. 

18 Adorable Instances of Puppies in the Parts Department 

Puppies riding along to get the car serviced is a thing. 

Where do they lounge while the oil gets changed? The parts department, of course. In some dealerships, customers dropping their pooch by the parts counter is a regular part of the day. Other stores let employee pets come in too. 

They’re terrible workers—though they do make the day a bit brighter. Enjoy these adorable instances of pups in the parts department.

A staggering percentage of people (92%) begin shopping for a car online. What’s more, 86% of consumers say sure; “I’d buy a car entirely online!” 

When Carvana came out in 2012, people scoffed at the idea of a vending machine approach to car buying. Today, buying anything online, sight unseen is a viable and widely accepted option. 

The parts department, in particular, should embrace this change of pace with open arms. Digital retailers have made operating parts counters online more straightforward than ever before. 

Yes, this is a happy time to be in the parts department. Potential buyers are in the millions, missing orders or forms are a thing of the past, and the staff is whistling a bit more than usual. 

Digital retailing is the gift that keeps on giving!

Many people don’t realize what a stressful job parts managers have. 

Between the meticulous details, constant inquiries, cross-departmental conflict, and varying personalities on staff, it’s no wonder the parts manager keeps Goody’s Powder in their desk. 

It doesn’t have to be that bad. Parts managers, consider this a virtual hug. Take control of your department by overcoming these four headaches.