I'm not making this call for fun!
91% of telephone enquirers buy a vehicle within 10 days of making their initial enquiry.

Test drive testimony
45% of prospects buy the only vehicle they test drive, with a massive 76% buying a vehicle having driven no more than three vehicles.

However....
A recent year long study, carried out by ourselves within the volume franchised arena, found that:

Only 16% of prospects were identified and qualified to a competent standard

Only 9% of sales personnel completed a meaningful feature and benefit presentation

80% of part exchange vehicles were not driven prior to valuation

Sales personnel found building rapport challenging

Only 26% of prospects were asked for their business in a clear manner

Performance Profanity
The majority of UK automotive retailers invest copious amounts of time analysing sales department performance data that bears little resemblance to showroom reality. The very same data often provides 'substance' to strategic business planning.

Women wear the trousers!
According to a recent survey by Eurotaxglass's, women not only account for 45% of the UK driving population but also have an influence on 80% of the vehicles purchased. However, 71% of women feel that they are not taken seriously by retail sales departments, with many being made to feel alienated. Equally concerning is the fact that a recent What Car? Investigation found that women were likely to be charged a premium of over £500 when buying the same car as a man!

Winning with the web!
77% of potential car buyers said that the internet was their first destination when looking to buy a car according to a recent Auto Trader Interactive study, representing a 30% increase in the last 3 years.

Time to get serious....
A recent survey carried out by service marketing agency Leepack Greenfields found that customer loyalty to car brands has slumped dramatically in the last 30 years, from 64% to 26%.

Talking with their feet
90% of disappointed customer's do not complain and simply talk with their feet!

Show me that you care!
Customer complaints that are solved on the spot, with the minimum of fuss, create a greater level of loyalty than is displayed by customer's who never have the need to complain.

Stylish, first class showroom or stylish, first class service?
In a recent report published by the Institute of the Motor Industry, quality of workmanship and the keeping of promises were voted considerably more important to the retail customer than the look of the premises that were to be occupied.

FSA Terms
Dealers will be able to pay their Financial Service Authority fees by instalments next year.