E-MAIL

[Vred]

Trying to find a better way to collect e-mail addresses other then request them during the service write up process. Whats working for you, do you do a news letter, special coupons ETC. Thanks

[Lhansen]

A lot of dealerships I work with have success in getting e-mail addresses when they tell the customer that it is a nice, non-invasive way for the dealership to contact them in case of a recall, special program or for surveys. As long as there is an opt out option for the customer (in case you get too agressive with the e-mails) you should be fine.
I have seen an increase in the amount of customers responding to SSI and CSI surveys via the internet. You get much more timely information, and the customer can do it on their time.

Thanks!

Linda
Linda Graham Hansen
Auto Dealer Focus www.autodealerfocus.com

[GMwithquestions]

Try using a program that assists in the email harvesting effort, and mandate it from the top down as process for your staff. I have done this and we currently penetrate 42% of every client across the Service drive in Fixed, and 92% front end in F&I and with Sales reps.

My suggestion has been offered in the "Complaint management" thread in this area.

Let me know if you need any other feedback.

[wrenchman]

We have provided some value-added services to our Website that require a user to provide their email address to use them. Customers can create an account on our Website, and in return they can check our parts inventory, get their pricing, and place an order without having to call. This works more for our wholesale customers, but we've acquired new customers and get their email address from the start.


From our experience, customers will usually offer up their email addresses if they are getting a benefit in return.

Just another idea that has worked for us.

[jazdale]

With Web200x, you can email a copy of the invoice to the customer.
So, instead of just asking for the email address, you can ask the customer if they would like a copy of the invoice emailed to them when the work is complete.

This does 2 things.
1. Asking for the email address and immediately offering something back in return for the address.

2. Gives the customer an exact view of the 3C's and dollar amounts to assist in explaining the bill over the phone.

[wrenchman]

What is Web200x?

[jazdale]

Web2000 is ADP's latest software. I use the x because we are branding the software with the year it releases. Currently we are on Web2005. Web2006 was shown at NADA and will be available in a few months.

Concerning the email feature. All forms of web2000 can use this feature (assuming you have email on your PC). The statistical links on the left side of your screen will expose the detail behind the stat. The link called VEHICLE READY will allow you to see which vehicles are done with a hyperlink on the RO number. It opens in Adobe and from here you can email with the globe/envelope icon.

[GMwithquestions]

Try running a monthly promo... win a snow blower, lawn mower etc.

Usually see a spike in our stores of roughly 6-12% total database penetration.
If it costs you $600.00 for a lawnmower and you generate $30,000 in rev from an email campaign I see no problem with that business case LOL.

[topshop]

Lots of great replies! Another idea that I've seen work well is to place a container in the customer area for a monthly drawing for some prize with winner to be notified by email. So, to enter they must write their email on the entry slip.

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Tom Ham
AutomotiveManagementNetwork.com