Websites using Dealersolutions

Okay, let s break down Dealer Solutions, covering its overview, revenue (where available), alternatives, pricing (as far as possible), and customer care.

Overview

Dealer Solutions (often written as DealerSolutions) typically refers to a category of software and services aimed at helping automotive dealerships manage various aspects of their business. Key functions usually include:

• Inventory Management: Tracking vehicles in stock, managing pricing, and optimizing inventory levels.
• CRM (Customer Relationship Management): Managing customer interactions, leads, and sales processes.
• Dealership Management System (DMS): A comprehensive system covering accounting, finance, sales, service, parts, and more. Think of it as the central nervous system of the dealership.
• Website and Digital Marketing: Building and managing dealership websites, SEO (Search Engine Optimization), SEM (Search Engine Marketing), and social media marketing.
• Service and Parts Management: Scheduling service appointments, managing parts inventory, and tracking repair orders.
• F&I (Finance and Insurance): Tools to help with financing and insurance sales.

Dealer Solutions Brands & Companies (Important Clarification):

It s crucial to note that Dealer Solutions isn t always one single monolithic company. The term can refer to:

• Cox Automotive Brands: Cox Automotive has several brands that fall under the Dealer Solutions umbrella, including:
  • Xtime: A service scheduling and customer retention platform.
  • vAuto: Inventory management and pricing software.
  • Dealer.com: Website and digital marketing solutions.
  • VinSolutions: CRM and marketing automation.
  • Dealertrack: A DMS and F&I solution.
  • Autotrader/KBB: Online marketplaces for vehicles.
• Other DMS Providers: Other DMS providers like CDK Global, Reynolds and Reynolds, and RouteOne also offer many of the services mentioned above.

Revenue (Difficult to Pinpoint):

• Because Dealer Solutions isn t always a single entity, finding a precise revenue figure is challenging.
• Cox Automotive (the parent company of many brands) reports overall revenue, but breaking it down by individual Dealer Solutions brands is not publicly available.
• DMS providers like CDK Global and Reynolds and Reynolds are publicly traded companies, so their overall revenue is available.

Alternatives:

The best alternative depends on the specific needs of the dealership (size, type of vehicles sold, budget, etc.). Here s a breakdown by category:

• DMS Alternatives:
  • CDK Global: A large, established DMS provider.
  • Reynolds and Reynolds: Another major player in the DMS space.
  • RouteOne: Popular for F&I integrations and connectivity.
  • Dominion VUE: DMS that offers a robust feature set.
  • PBS Systems: Cloud-based DMS solutions for dealerships.
  • Frazer: Specializes in independent dealerships.
• CRM Alternatives:
  • Salesforce Sales Cloud: A general CRM platform that can be customized for dealerships.
  • HubSpot CRM: A free CRM with paid add-ons for marketing automation.
  • Elead CRM: Another well-known CRM in the auto industry.
• Inventory Management Alternatives:
  • Rapid Recon: Focuses on vehicle reconditioning workflow.
  • MAX Digital: Offers tools for pricing and merchandising.
• Website and Digital Marketing Alternatives:
  • Dealer Inspire: Known for its website designs and marketing services.
  • Sincro: Integrated digital marketing platform.
  • Google Ads and Microsoft Advertising: Pay-per-click advertising platforms.
  • Social Media Marketing Agencies: Many agencies specialize in automotive marketing.
• Service Scheduling Alternatives:
  • Bolt On Technology
  • Openbay

Pricing:

Dealer Solutions pricing is notoriously opaque. It s almost always custom-quoted based on:

• Dealership Size: Number of rooftops (locations), sales volume, and service bays.
• Modules Selected: The specific features and functionality needed.
• Contract Length: Longer contracts may offer better pricing.
• Implementation and Training: There are often upfront costs for setting up the system and training staff.
• Integration Costs: If you need the system to integrate with other existing software.

General Pricing Considerations:

• DMS: Expect to pay a significant monthly fee, potentially thousands of dollars, depending on the factors mentioned above.
• CRM: Pricing can range from a few hundred dollars to several thousand per month, depending on the features and number of users.
• Inventory Management: Similar pricing structure to CRM.
• Website and Digital Marketing: Website development can be a one-time cost, with ongoing monthly fees for maintenance, hosting, and marketing services.

Customer Care:

The quality of customer care varies greatly between Dealer Solutions providers and even within the same company. Factors affecting customer care include:

• Account Management: Some providers assign dedicated account managers to larger dealerships.
• Technical Support: Availability of phone, email, and online support. Response times and the quality of support can vary.
• Training Resources: The availability of online training materials, webinars, and in-person training.
• User Communities: Online forums or communities where users can share tips and best practices.

Things to Ask About Regarding Customer Care When Evaluating a Provider:

• What are your support hours?
• Do you have a dedicated account manager?
• What is your average response time for support requests?
• Do you offer training for new users?
• What kind of documentation and online resources are available?
• Can I speak with current customers to get feedback on your support?

In summary: Dealer Solutions is a broad term encompassing various software and services for auto dealerships. Due to the fragmented nature of the market, it s crucial to research specific providers and their offerings based on your dealership s unique needs. Getting custom quotes and speaking to other dealers using the software is highly recommended.