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With the election season at our door steps it’s on everybody’s mind. And, you can’t help but wonder when you see or talk to someone, “Who are you voting for?” We make our own assumptions based on a variety of factors. But, have you ever thought to look at that person’s car? Bumper stickers are one of the most popular election merchandises. I know what you are thinking. What does that have to do with accessories?

When your customer purchases a vehicle from you, they don’t go to the gas station; you’ve already filled it up. They don’t drive to the car wash; you’ve prepped it. They go down the street from you and go shopping for all the cool stuff to dress her up and to make her their own.

“A car is the largest object you’re ever going to wear.”- BMW Designer Chris Chapman

 The Lipstick Index and Accessories

I know what you are thinking. What does lipstick have to do with the automobile industry? Well, they have a lot to do with each other when you are thinking of accessories and the best time to sell them. According to Leonard Lauder of Estee Lauder, when the economy takes a downturn, they sell more lipstick. According to the New York Times, people are focusing more on affordable luxury. Rather than spending money on something they cannot afford, they spend a small amount on a large number of items to improve what they can afford.

This translates into the vehicle personalization business because people will buy an affordable vehicle and then accessorize to give it an “upscale” look and feel. Or simply add a few items to personalize their ride!

Automobile Accessories Market

Since the turmoil in the automotive industry in 2008, automobile personalization has still managed to climb in popularity. According to Foresight research, 44% of all buyers spend at least $250 and intend to spend a whopping $1,810. The average amount spent and intended to be spent per new vehicle sold equaled $815 and availability was influential in selecting a dealer by 23% of all buyers.

Keeping Up with the Trends

If you haven’t started selling accessories now is the time. According to the SEMA 2011 Market Report, the following are the top 10 most popular generic accessories. Click on the 2011 SEMA Market Report for detailed information on OEM and Aftermarket, and what’s popular by brand.

1. Remote Engine Start
2. Floor Mats, All Weather
3. Heated Seats, Front Only
4. Leather Seats
5. IPOD Interface
6. Back-up Camera System
7. Headrest DVD System
8. Vent Visor Front and Rear Set
9. Drop Down DVD System
10. Window Tint

Insignia customer Carl Moyer, owner of Karl Chevrolet is making headlines in Automotive News.

The dealership constantly ranks in the top five   U. S. Chevy stores in new-vehicle sales, certified used-vehicle sales and accessories.

Karl Chevrolet’s business practices have allowed them to sell $100,000 dollars in accessories and increase their tire sales from $1million in 2009 to $3 million this year.  Carl’s competitive nature caused him to develop business practices like preloading 50 display vehicles from the Insignia Accessories Catalog and hosting "one-price sales" on the last Saturday of each quarter,

“We’ll sell 130 cars on that day” versus 50 on a typical Saturday, Moyer says. “It’s an organized zoo.” To learn more about Carl and how he uses accessory sales and other practices to leave his competitors in the dust, follow the link to autonews.com   for the article and watch the video.