Frequently Asked Questions

Even though you may be too polite to ask some of these questions, we know you're still thinking them. And because we want you to be as confident and comfortable as possible with your decision to start using Showroom Traffic Manager, we decided to answer all your questions – even  the ones you're just thinking about.

I already have a dealership management system. Why do I need Showroom Traffic Manager?

Traditional dealer management systems are missing a key element of the sales process – the ability to manage the customer while they are on the showroom floor, and the tools you need to identify, improve and manage each piece of the showroom sales process. A 2007 study by English Automotive demonstrated that even with a traditional dealer management system in place, Showroom Traffic Manager provides a significant increase in sales – 1.5 to two times the national average, or more.

I tried a traffic system years ago and it didn't work. How is this one any different?

Showroom Traffic Manager was designed to work where it counts – in the dealership, in real time. Twenty years in the automotive industry showed us that gathering meaningful dealership statistics, especially showroom statistics, was not an easy process. Our system was created as a user-friendly training and management tool that allowed dealers to go beyond just gathering stats. It gives a clear picture of what's happening, day-to-day, on the showroom floor and allows you to analyze and evaluate the performance of both the dealership and your salespeople, and immediately identify areas requiring attention or improvement.

By the time I get the information I need from a traffic system, isn't it too late to change what is happening?

Not with Showroom Traffic Manager. You get all the informationyou need in real time, while the customer is in the dealership, so you can manage your sales live. If any problems arise, it’s easy to take action immediately, and work with the salesperson while the customer is still on the floor – thereby decreasing the chance of a lost sale. Showroom Traffic Manager is a web-based system, so you have access to what is happening on your showroom floor anywhere you have access to the internet.

I manage several dealerships. Do I have to use a separate system for each one?

Showroom Traffic Manager can handle as many dealerships as you do. Because it is a web-based system, you can access information on all your dealerships from anywhere you have an internet connection, whenever you need to.

We sell both new and used cars. Do we need two systems?

We will customize Showroom Traffic Manager to meet the specific needs of your dealership. The system easily combines new and used car sales and, if needed, allows you to track them separately.

I don't have enough monthly traffic to justify a system. Can't I just count customers myself?

Since the advertising dollars you spend are designed to improve traffic, you want an accurate starting point in order to measure improvements. Beyond the overall count, you need to know the source of your traffic, what models they looked at, who they spoke to, and how they were handled during the sales process – information that cannot be obtained by simply counting heads. Consider it an investment.

Managing my sales staff is keeping me from focusing on sales. Can Showroom Traffic Manager help?

That's what it's designed for! Showroom Traffic Manager gives you the tools you need to support your sales staff. You'll easily identify your top and bottom performers, see at which point in the sales process they are having trouble, and create a customized improvement plan.

I have high turnover in my sales staff. Won't training new people be expensive?

Showroom Traffic Manager is designed to be easy on your bottom line. A flat monthly fee covers all the consulting and training you need. Additionally, our solution is designed to be easy to use, and does not require extensive training.

We already have too many servers and computers to maintain. Do I have to buy more hardware?

Absolutely not! Because Showroom Traffic Manager is a web-based system, there is nothing to install at your dealership. You have instant access from anywhere you have an internet connection – you don't even need to be onsite.

All systems generate reports, and they're usually confusing. How are yours any different?

Showroom Traffic Manager doesn't leave you to decipher things on your own. We send a Showroom Traffic Specialist to your dealership every month to review your reports, support your sales managers, and offer coaching and training. You always have the option to print and review the reports yourself at any time, but we'll be there to make the process easier.

I hate administrative work. How much time will I have to spend on this stuff?

We hate it too. That's why it only takes seconds to input a customer into the system. At a glance, you’ll know how many customers are in the dealership at any given time, who they are dealing with, and where they are in the selling cycle. You can also quickly add data to any customer record before filing, which is invaluable for follow-up.

Traffic systems are expensive, and we don't have a huge budget. How much does this cost?

Showroom Traffic Manager was designed for dealerships of all sizes and budgets. Our system is priced at less than half the gross of one car per month. In fact, because it's proven to increase sales and more effectively manage and train staff, our customers tell us that they've come to consider it an investment.

Other systems lock you in to an expensive contract. What's my commitment?

With Showroom Traffic Manager, there is no commitment and no contract to sign – you pay as you go. We want you to stay with us because you're happy with the service, not because you're locked in. All we ask is three months notice if, for whatever reason, you want to discontinue using it. It's that easy.

I need to implement this now. How long does it take to set up?

Showroom Traffic Manager has a very fast and easy start process – as little as two business days. Simply contact a Showroom Traffic Specialist to get started!