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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. 

The turnover rate at dealerships has reached an unsustainable point. According to JMA Group, “the employee turnover rate in the automotive industry is 46%, an all-time high.” That staggering percentage is taking an overall snapshot of the dealership. When you examine individual departments, the situation is grimmer. As of 2019, pre-pandemic, annual turnover for service advisors came in at 49%, while yearly turnover for sales consultants was at 80%.

If you bring up low inventory at family Thanksgiving this year, you're canceled. 

"Let's talk about the chip shortage over cranberry stuffing," said no one ever. We don't have a lot of inventory, guys. So let's bedazzle what we do have and slide into 2022 with a bit of pep in our step. Yes, this year was supposed to be better than the treacherous pandemic year and didn't deliver. Through these rose-colored glasses, however, 2022 is looking pretty good. There are steps you can take today and into Q1 to turn survival into thriving next year. 

Is anyone else sick of being cynical? The doom and gloom surrounding the automotive culture are getting too heavy to lug around. As we creep into November, it’s clear that low inventory will continue into 2022, so we’ve got to find a way to make lemonade. While OEM’s and the media are projecting a pessimistic outlook as the world tries to rebound, low inventory can bring opportunities you may not have considered. As we wait for something to change that’s out of our control, let’s make the most of this time. 

As much as we’d like to, we can’t all approach 2021 with arms crossed, waiting patiently. We’ve got to be on our toes, arms wide open, to every possible lead. Despite the cold, it’s time to take off the mittens and embrace the metaphorical snowball of online car buying. (Unless you live in the North; then you should definitely keep the mittens—frostbite is no joke.) 

These are unique times for the automotive industry. Online car sales are surpassing what we're used to, while in-person sales are transforming to fit the times. Unfortunately, accessories can fall by the wayside when we're hyper-focused on moving metal. After all, many dealerships are merely surviving. How can a salesperson offer accessories online without losing the customer's interest? How can an in-person sale survive the perceived "extra step" of an accessory presentation?

The reality is, accessories can cushion your bottom line. After all the hard falls we had this spring, we could all use some extra cushion now. So don't neglect the incredible profit potential Vehicle Personalization has to offer! Lead in to your lead-in products for an easy transition from car sale to accessory presentation.