How To Explode Your Car Sales Online

If you're a salesperson whose dealership has recently gone online, or an entrepreneur looking to sell cars online, you're probably wondering about the best way to handle online customers. This new breed is entirely different, and dealerships everywhere are incorporating internet sales techniques into their existing auto sales training programs as a result.

The internet buyer is much more discriminating than their offline counterpart. They are searching for added value, choice and much more than the best price.
Therefore, being able to turn their enquiries into sales should be the goal of all online dealerships. But how do you, as a salesperson go about this effectively?

To begin with, a good understanding of today's internet buyers is in order. They are much more educated about what can be had online. That's because most auto dealer websites allow them to do just about everything except kick the tires. Internet car buyers have greater control over the buying process. They can access information around the clock, greatly reduce searching time, comparison shop and even obtain financing online. That means that once they've reached you, they are much better informed than the car buyers of old. However, it doesn't mean that the salesperson has been outmoded! Salespeople are as an integral part of the auto-purchasing process as they've always been. Customers still need someone to help clear confusion and finalize the sale.

It should be understood that the internet presents a golden opportunity for auto retailers and sales people to re-evaluate and reinvent their customer image. For example, the online salesperson can elevate the entire dealership's image by assuming a more advisory role with customers. This role is highly important, considering that said customer will already know a great deal about what you have to offer. As well, internet buyers, already being used to the low pressure, self-controlled buying process are more likely to respond negatively to traditional pressure selling tactics.

Internet auto sales training should communicate the benefits of using the internet to engage a customer at the shopping stage and provide superior customer service, something that has always been a cornerstone of the auto industry. Training should also identify the benefits of utilizing internet customer relationship marketing to reinforce strong brand loyalty.

How many internet sales a dealership makes will ultimately depend on the amount of useful information on that dealership's website. Today's internet buyer will not wait for new information to be added; if a website does not have what they are looking for, they will simply go elsewhere. The internet is seen as 'the great equalizer' of all businesses. Dealerships are no longer just competing with companies down the street; they are being compared to dealerships world wide. Therefore, it is even more critical that any auto sales techniques be original and dynamic; something that catches the buyer's eye or ear and leaves them compelled to know more.

Customer service is just as important online as it is offline; the salesperson must be willing and able to follow up with any and all internet enquiries received. According to a recent J.D. Power Autoshopper survey, 22% of all new vehicle buyers said that the internet affected their choice of a dealer, up from 14% in 2002. Therefore, how a dealer or salesperson responds to internet requests is of increasing importance to customers.

Quality customer relationship management software is another way that a net-savvy dealership can manage its enquiries. Incorporating technology into the office has many other benefits as well. Today's salespeople can now communicate from anywhere, whether it via PDA, cell phone or laptop, making them more accessible to customers than ever before. Web chat offers an additional outlet for sales people and customers to connect, giving customers the opportunity to receive real-time answers to pressing questions.

But the tactics and advice is the same: take the time to listen to what customers are saying so that you can tailor services to meet their needs, don't rush the sale and if a problem arises, avoid excuses; instead, explain why the problem has occurred. Assume a courteous disposition, be willing to ask what you can do for them, and showcase the benefits of working with you and your dealership. Internet customers are after the same things traditional customers are; to be heard and be advised.

You Can Visit Repossessed Car Auctions

Did you know that repossessed car auctions are open to the general public?

For years car dealers have been trying to keep this secret to themselves, by implying that you needed to be a licensed car dealer to attend a repossessed car auction.

While there are car auctions that are restricted to dealers only, most car auctions, including repossessed car auctions on behalf of government agencies, are open to the general public.

I would strongly recommend that you start attending repossessed car auctions.

You would be surprised at how many formerly high earners have their cars repossessed.

Top of the line cars such as Range Rovers, Cadillac Escalades, and many more cars are repossessed, many of these cars are then auctioned at car auctions.

By attending car auctions, you will have the opportunity to buy cars at below book value, and make money by reselling them through online and print advertisements.

Discovering Collectible Cars At Car Auctions

When attending a car auction, keep your eye out for collectible cars.

Although most car shoppers at the auctions will have little regard for a collectible car, it can be worth plenty of money outside of the car auction.

Take a laptop or cell phone with a wireless Internet connection to all car auctions, and research any odd or special looking cars.

You never know what you might discover at the car auction.

How To Make Sure You Buy The Right Car At An Auction

If you want to make sure you are buying the right car at an auction, closely observe the reactions of experienced bidders upon seeing the car.

Although an experienced car auction bidder will not divulge his preferences to you, it's another thing altogether to mask his natural reaction upon seeing the car.

You would be surprised at how even experienced car auction bidders will express out loud how much they like a car being offered up for auction.

Beware Of Curbstoning In The Car Auction Business

Curbstoning is the process of buying salvage cars at auctions, fixing them up with spare parts found at salvage and junk yards, and then selling the cars to unsuspecting car buyers.

As a car buyer or seller attending car auctions, you should be aware of this.

I suspect many of these cars are resold at car auctions, so beware of signs that will show that a car has been heavily repaired or refinished.

Your best bet when buying a car at an auction is to request a CarFax report, and to take a licensed mechanic with you.

Although an inspection might not reveal hidden flaws, it will at least help prevent you from bidding on blatant lemons at car auctions.

When done right, there is plenty of money to be made by buying and selling cars at car auctions.

Clever Way To Make Money At Car Auctions

Here is a simple but clever way to make money at car auctions.

Most cars purchased at car auctions will need small repairs, and basic maintenance, before the cars can hit the road.

You can make money at these auctions by forming a joint venture with a car mechanic.

Make an agreement through which you will receive a commission for all referred business.

Then spend your time giving out his business cards to the car auction attendees.

Even if they don't purchase cars at the auction, chances are that they will have cars at home that could use a good mechanic.

Never Compete With This Bidder At A Car Auction

Never Compete With This Bidder At A Car Auction

Bidding at car auctions can be exciting, because ultimately the highest bidder will be able to buy the car.

Even if your winning bid at the car auction is way below book value, and there are no reserves, it will be accepted, and you will be the new owner of a car at a sizable discount.

So bid with enthusiasm, and ignore the competitive nature of your fellow car bidders.

But there is one bidder you should never go against.

And that’s the bank.

A bank will keep on bidding to ensure that the car is not sold for below an amount that it seeks to recuperate.

If the bank is owed $5,000 on the car, and it desires to recoup at least half of the loan, it will keep bidding until the car auction reaches $2,500.

While you will be bidding in good faith, the bank will keep pushing up your bids to ensure that its needs are met.

Don't Ever Attend A Car Auction Without This

Before you attend a car auction, make sure that you have access to Carfax.

Now you can download mobile applications that will allow you to access
the Carfax database while you are attending a car auction.

Without Carfax, you are simply taking an educated guess as to the
condition of the car being auctioned.

By obtaining an instant report from Carfax, you will know the history
of the vehicle you are considering bidding for at the car auction.

Car auctions are amazing places to obtain cars at below wholesale prices,
but you need to be fully prepared so that you don't get stuck with a lemon.

The following wireless dealer management solution providers are available:

Autoniq (www.autoniq.com)
AutoRevo (www.autorevo.com)
CarTextInfo (www.cartextinfo.com)
Chronosafe (www.vinhunterpro.com)
GigglePop.com (www.gigglepop.com)
Laser Appraiser (www.laserappraiser.com)
Liquid Motors (www.liquidmotors.com)
vAuto (www.vauto.com)

How To Find Amazing Car Deals At Government Surplus Car Auctions

The best car auctions for amazing savings are
government run surplus auctions.

Government run car auctions are usually hosted by an
auctioneer whose sole motivation is to recoup some
money on an asset which the government has already deemed
as unnecessary.

This type of a government auction is referred to as a surplus auction.

While your primary purpose might be the purchase of a car,
these auctions can also serve as unbelievable sources for
inexpensive computer equipment and furniture.

Even though the auctioneer is tasked with recouping a fair value for the
government, the reality is that the actual final bids at the
auctions are the decisions of the bidders who attend these
government car auctions.

There are often implicit reserves or minimum bid requirements,
but the final sales prices at these auctions can be substantially lower than
if purchased in the open market.

The key to succeeding in finding a great automobile at a government car auction
is to attend lesser known auctions.

For example, a government auto auction held in Brooklyn New York is likely to attract many more bidders
than an auction held in Kansas City Missouri.

By attending a government car auction with a smaller number of attending bidders,
you will face less competition, and therefore should have a chance of
buying the car at a fantastic price.

Remember, many of these auctions offer online bidding, so even an
international bidder can participate in a government surplus automobile auction.

Why Government Car Auctions Are A Safer Bet Than Private Auctions

Have you come across ads for car auctions?

Have you noticed how exciting they sound, and the untold promises that are implied?

While I don’t meant to burst your bubble, car auctions will not enable you to buy a $65,000 H2 Hummer for $100.

Most private car auctions are run by, or on behalf of car dealers.

If a car dealer saw such an amazing buying opportunity at a car auction, you can be assured that he would be the first one to jump on it.

While you might not be able to find a similar deal at a government car auction, at least you will face less dealer competition, and have the opportunity to attend a car auction that is not run either by dealers, or on behalf of these car dealers.

Government auctions also seem to be marketed more accurately, with full disclosure as required by law, so you therefore will have a more realistic sense of expectation.

Car auctions are fantastic places to obtain great deals on cars, provided that you clearly understand the condition of the car that is being auctioned.

If you are looking for a more honest, and hopefully rewarding experience, I recommend attending government car auctions.

Don't Ever Forget This When Buying At A Car Auction

In the excitement of a car auction frenzy, it's very
easy to get swept away and forget some
basic car buying concepts.

When you visit a car dealer, you are well prepared,
and have looked into various issues related to
the ownership of the car.

One important issue that is often overlooked
at auctions, is the lifetime cost of maintaining the
car.

People overlook this important factor because they
become so enamored by the low prices that
cars are offered at during the auctions.

Imagine if you attended a car auction, and had the opportunity
to bid on an almost brand new Jaguar convertible.

What if the Jaguar had a book value of $30,000,
and you had the chance to bid as low as
$5,000 for it?

Wouldn't you be so excited about the low price
that you would forget to factor in the cost of
maintenance?

You probably would, unless your intent was
only to resell the Jaguar convertible at a substantial profit
right after the auction.

But if you plan to use the car for your own daily driving,
then you should factor in related costs such as insurance,
gas usage, and maintenance.

Car auctions are definitely a great way to save and
make money, just make sure
that you are well informed about the cars that you are
purchasing.

How To Save Or Make Thousands With The Help Of A Mechanic

When attending a car auction,
it pays to take a licensed mechanic with you.

Even though he won't be able to make
a fully detailed evaluation of the car
on the spot,
his experience will allow him to
give you a decent appraisal of the
condition of the car.

If you are short on money, you
might consider giving him a percentage
of the money that you receive when you
sell the car, or set up a payment plan with
him.

I definitely suggest having a mechanic take a
look at the car, even if it looks brand new.

If you are bidding online, ask him to
give you a list of questions you should
be asking.

Buying cars at government auctions is
definitely a way to potentially save or
make thousands of dollars, so it is
worth the investment to have a
trusted advisor working with you.

Why You Should Buy Cars At Online Government Car Auctions

Did you know that multiple government agencies run online auctions for seized and surplus cars?

There are literally hundreds of auctions that take place across the United States for cars that have been seized by law enforcement agencies, and for cars that the government agencies simply don’t need any longer.

Many of these auctions offer online bidding, and are therefore accessible to international buyers.

The best part is that if you win the auction, you can hire a company that specializes in picking up and transporting cars.

You never have to visit the auction in person in order to participate.

Car auctions have long been the best kept secret of car dealers.

Because the dealers know that they can buy cars for less than their book value at these auctions, they are a great source for the cars that they sell on their lots.

Ask yourself this, if the car dealer buys at auctions, and then marks up the cars before he sells them to you, why not circumvent the dealers and buy the cars directly at these auctions?

You can save a great deal of money on your next car purchase by participating in an online government car auction.