DMS Fundamentals
What is a DMS? Dealer Management System Explained
Complete guide to Dealer Management Systems (DMS): what they are, core features, costs, and benefits for independent and franchise dealers.
Priya Sharma
Mar 15, 20248 min read
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Insights for Automotive Leaders
Industry trends, best practices, and tips to grow your dealership.
DMS Fundamentals
What is a DMS? Dealer Management System Explained
Complete guide to Dealer Management Systems (DMS): what they are, core features, costs, and benefits for independent and franchise dealers.
Mar 15, 20248 min read
DMS Fundamentals
DMS vs CRM: What Each Does in a Dealership
Understand the difference between DMS and CRM for auto dealerships. Learn what each system does, when to use each, and how they work together.
Apr 22, 20246 min read
DMS Fundamentals
Cloud DMS vs On-Premise: Pros/Cons for Dealerships
Compare cloud DMS and on-premise dealer management systems: cost, security, access, maintenance. Detailed pros/cons analysis for independent dealers.
May 10, 20248 min read
DMS Fundamentals
DMS Implementation Checklist: Timeline, Data Migration, Training
Complete step-by-step checklist for implementing dealer management software: preparation, data migration, user setup, training, and go-live process.
Jun 18, 202410 min read
DMS Fundamentals
DMS KPI Dashboard: Sales, Inventory Aging, Gross, Recon
Essential dealership KPIs to track in your DMS dashboard: sales metrics, inventory performance, profitability, and operational efficiency indicators.
Jul 25, 20247 min read
DMS Fundamentals
How to Choose a DMS: Buyer's Guide for Independent Dealers
Complete guide to selecting dealer management software: 8 decision criteria, vendor evaluation checklist, contract red flags, and implementation planning.
Aug 30, 20249 min read
DMS Fundamentals
DMS ROI Calculator: What to Measure
Calculate the ROI of dealer management software: cost savings, efficiency gains, revenue improvements, and real-world ROI examples for independent dealers.
Sep 12, 20247 min read
DMS Fundamentals
DMS Integration Requirements: Accounting, Syndication, Lenders
Essential DMS integrations for dealerships: accounting software, vehicle marketplaces, VIN decoding, lenders, and payment processors.
Oct 20, 20248 min read
DMS Fundamentals
DMS Security Requirements: Data Protection, Access Control
Dealer management system security standards: encryption, access controls, audit logs, compliance certifications, and red flags to avoid.
Nov 15, 20246 min read
DMS Fundamentals
DMS Compliance Features: US & Canada Regulations
Essential compliance features in dealer management systems: FTC Buyers Guide, OMVIC contracts, audit logs, document retention for US and Canadian dealers.
Dec 8, 20249 min read
Inventory & Merchandising
Inventory Aging Best Practices for Used Car Dealers
Master inventory aging analysis: optimal turnover targets, aging thresholds, pricing strategies to minimize carrying costs and maximize profit.
Jan 10, 20268 min read
Inventory & Merchandising
VIN Decoding: What It Is, Data Sources & Common Errors
Complete guide to VIN decoding for dealerships: how it works, reliable data sources (NHTSA, NMVTIS), common decoding errors, and best practices.
Jan 12, 20267 min read
Inventory & Merchandising
Vehicle Merchandising Checklist: Photos, Options, Pricing
Professional vehicle merchandising guide: photo requirements, option verification, competitive pricing, and descriptions that convert browsers to buyers.
Jan 15, 20269 min read
Inventory & Merchandising
Syndication to Marketplaces: Prevent Mismatches & Duplicates
Automotive marketplace syndication best practices: avoid listing errors on AutoTrader, CarGurus, Facebook Marketplace. Data consistency checklist.
Jan 18, 20267 min read
Inventory & Merchandising
Inventory Turnover Targets by Dealership Size
Industry benchmark inventory turnover rates: small (1-10 units), mid-size (11-50), large (50+) dealerships. Calculate your ideal turnover ratio.
Jan 22, 20266 min read
Inventory & Merchandising
Recon Workflow Best Practices: Speed & Cost Control
Optimize vehicle reconditioning: reduce cycle time, control costs, track mechanical/detailing/photo stages. Recon workflow checklist for dealers.
Jan 25, 20268 min read
Inventory & Merchandising
Pricing Strategy for Used Car Dealers: Market-Based vs Cost-Plus
Used car pricing strategies: market-based (competitor analysis), cost-plus (margin targets), dynamic pricing. When to use each approach.
Jan 28, 20269 min read
Inventory & Merchandising
Floor Plan Management: Minimize Days in Stock
Floor planning best practices: optimize curtailment, reduce interest expense, manage days-in-stock. Strategies to minimize floor plan costs.
Feb 1, 20267 min read
Inventory & Merchandising
Vehicle Acquisition Strategy: Auctions, Trade-Ins, Wholesalers
Multi-channel vehicle sourcing: auction buying tips, trade-in evaluation, wholesale relationships. Build optimal inventory acquisition mix.
Feb 5, 202610 min read
Inventory & Merchandising
Seasonal Inventory Planning: Demand Forecasting
Seasonal inventory strategies: predict demand shifts, adjust acquisition timing, optimize stock mix. Historical sales analysis for planning.
Feb 8, 20268 min read
CRM & Lead Operations
Lead Response SOP: Speed-to-Lead Workflows
Lead response best practices: 5-minute response target, automated workflows, multi-channel outreach. SOP template for dealership BDC teams.
Feb 12, 20267 min read
CRM & Lead Operations
BDC Playbook: Automation vs Human Follow-Up
Business Development Center optimization: when to automate, when humans add value. Email/SMS sequences, call scripts, conversion tracking.
Feb 15, 20269 min read
CRM & Lead Operations
SMS/Email Compliance Basics for Dealers (Canada/US)
Dealer communication compliance: CASL (Canada), TCPA (US), CAN-SPAM requirements. Consent management, opt-out workflows, record-keeping.
Feb 18, 20268 min read
CRM & Lead Operations
Lead Scoring Model for Dealerships: Prioritize High-Intent
Automotive lead scoring system: assign points based on engagement, vehicle interest, budget signals. Focus sales effort on ready-to-buy leads.
Feb 22, 20267 min read
CRM & Lead Operations
Follow-Up Cadence Optimization: Email, SMS, Phone Mix
Multi-channel follow-up sequences: optimal timing, channel mix (email vs SMS vs call), personalization strategies. Test results from 10,000+ leads.
Feb 25, 20269 min read
CRM & Lead Operations
CRM Reporting KPIs: Conversion, Response Time, Pipeline
Essential CRM metrics for dealerships: lead-to-appointment conversion, average response time, pipeline value, close rate by source.
Mar 1, 20266 min read
CRM & Lead Operations
Trade-In Lead Workflow: Appraisal, Negotiation, Close
Trade-in lead process: instant appraisal tools, negotiation scripts, ACV verification. Convert online appraisals to showroom visits.
Mar 5, 20268 min read
CRM & Lead Operations
Customer Retention Strategies for Dealers
Service reminder campaigns, birthday greetings, equity alerts, loyalty rewards. Lifetime customer value strategies for independent dealers.
Mar 8, 20267 min read
CRM & Lead Operations
Referral Program Setup: Incentivize Repeat Customers
Customer referral program design: reward structures, tracking mechanisms, promotional materials. Turn happy customers into your sales team.
Mar 12, 20267 min read
CRM & Lead Operations
Lost Lead Analysis: Why Deals Fall Through
Analyze lost deals: common objections, price vs competitor gaps, process breakdowns. Use lost sale data to improve close rates.
Mar 15, 20268 min read
Compliance & Documents
Dealer Document Retention Checklist: US/Canada Requirements
Legal document retention periods: deal jackets (7 years), payroll (6 years), tax (7 years). Federal, state/provincial requirements for dealers.
Mar 18, 20269 min read
Compliance & Documents
Audit Log Requirements: What to Track, How Long to Keep
Compliance audit trail: track user changes, document access, deal modifications. Meet regulatory requirements for dealer recordkeeping.
Mar 22, 20267 min read
Compliance & Documents
Deal Jacket Best Practices: Complete Documentation
Deal jacket checklist: required documents, signature verification, filing workflow. Avoid compliance violations with complete deal files.
Mar 25, 20268 min read
Compliance & Documents
OMVIC Compliance Checklist for Ontario Dealers
Ontario motor vehicle dealer compliance: OMVIC contract requirements, disclosure obligations, trust account management, garage register.
Mar 28, 202610 min read
Compliance & Documents
FTC Used Car Rule Requirements: Buyers Guide
Federal Trade Commission Used Car Rule: Buyers Guide posting, warranty disclosures, 'As Is' vs warranty sales. Compliance checklist for US dealers.
Apr 1, 20267 min read
Compliance & Documents
State DMV Title/Registration Workflows
DMV title transfer process by state: required documents, timing requirements, fees, lien releases. Streamline registration for faster delivery.
Apr 5, 20268 min read
Compliance & Documents
Canadian Privacy Compliance: PIPEDA for Dealers
Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA): consent requirements, data security, customer rights. Canadian dealer compliance.
Apr 8, 20269 min read
Compliance & Documents
Lemon Law Disclosure Requirements: State-by-State
State lemon law requirements: buyback disclosures, branding rules, warranty obligations. Avoid penalties with proper lemon law compliance.
Apr 12, 20268 min read
Compliance & Documents
Warranty Document Templates: US & Canada
Dealer warranty forms: limited warranty template, 'As Is' disclaimer, service contract addendum. Compliant warranty documentation for both countries.
Apr 15, 20267 min read
Compliance & Documents
Compliance Audit Preparation: What Regulators Check
State/provincial dealer audit checklist: documents reviewed, common violations, red flags. Prepare for regulatory audits and avoid penalties.
Apr 18, 202610 min read
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