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Digital retailing is transforming the automotive industry, signaling a significant technological evolution in how vehicles are bought and sold. Today’s car buyers have grown accustomed to seamless digital experiences in nearly every aspect of their lives—from booking flights and hotels to ordering groceries and managing finances—all through their smartphones. As a natural result, car buyers expect that same level of convenience, speed, and accessibility when it comes to purchasing a vehicle.

OEMs are keenly aware of this shift and are actively exploring ways to modernize the dealership experience,  particularly how to tailor the sales process to meet the current needs of their customers. The main goal? Create a faster, more convenient, user-friendly car buying journey that fits into the digital lifestyles of today’s consumers.

When it comes to selling accessories, many dealerships struggle to get off the ground. Yet Subaru dealers consistently prove that, with the right approach, accessories can be a continual revenue driver without slowing down the sales process or overloading the F&I menu.

So, what’s Subaru doing differently? It comes down to three things: brand-loyal customers, a robust catalog, and top-down buy-in. Let’s break down why their dealers are succeeding and how these strategies can be applied to your showroom floor.

Have shrinking profit margins put a damper on your Q4 goals? No need to throw in the towel or resolve to just get by until next year. There’s a manageable change you can implement today to finish 2024 strong!

The pendulum of dealer sales climates has swung sharply in the other direction for the first time post-COVID. 

The current inventory levels, unprecedented in years, have necessitated a shift in strategy. Salespeople, who previously thrived on high-profit orders, now need to accept smaller deals to maintain the dealership's momentum. 

In extreme cases, salespeople may even receive less than $100 for selling a vehicle. That’s one to two hours of work, sometimes more, to make $100 or less.

The reality is harsh, yet we all must work within it, knowing the pendulum is bound to stay in motion. 

Selling auto accessories is more than just tacking on extras to a car deal—it's about enhancing the driving experience and building customer relationships. To successfully navigate this niche, understanding and applying best practices can significantly boost your accessory sales and customer satisfaction. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you refine your approach and achieve better results. 

Quality salespeople will tell you they'll take "no" over "let me think on it" any day. 

No is easier to work with. This person may have been an unqualified prospect or someone to circle back to within a month. On the other hand, somebody who wants to think about it can require some gymnastics to get to the real objection. 

It's nothing you can't handle. Maintain a positive attitude, and don’t forget the tools in your back pocket.

Every salesperson knows the euphoria of finishing a car sale, complete with accessories, an “X” on the board, and extra commission. 

By the time you’ve reached that point, you’ve jumped through many hoops. And the hoops were on fire. Yes, overcoming objections can be tricky, and arguably, none are more dreaded than the deadpan reply, "I'm not interested." 

Customers know this is an excellent way to cut the sales pitch off before it starts. Don’t fret. You can take a few different routes to get around, over, and in front of objections to car accessories. 

Guest Post by Khrys Dorton

My husband and I hit six dealerships in about six hours during inflation and an inventory shortage. 

This is my tale. 

For three years, I’ve been driving a basic Ford Fusion S. The Fusion was a necessity purchase, and to be honest, I never really cared for it. As a hobby, we’d periodically check around online to see if we could trade it or sell it for something we liked. 

In April of this year, I turned 43. My family and I had gone out to breakfast, and I’d been feeling down in the dumps. Maybe it was a mid-life crisis, or maybe it was a slow decline from driving an unwanted base model. (Okay, maybe that’s dramatic). Wanting to lift my spirits, my husband did the only thing he could think of. He offered to take me (car) window shopping.

As a Parts Manager, we know you get it. You’re well aware that accessories are an untouchable industry, a pandemic-proof, money-making boost for the front and back of the house. 

Often, the parts department divides efforts to sell accessories via digital retailing, e-commerce, and in-store. While a combination effort is an admirable (and successful) approach, parts shouldn’t lose sight of their best and easiest customer—the sales department. 

Here are three reasons why working with sales to sell accessories is a good idea.