This form is a guide to rate Internet providers. The first section will help determine what the site will cost. Some providers charge a flat fee, some charge per lead, and others charge a combination of both. The points in this section are comparative, so all potential providers must be investigated before points can be given. Let's say that the setup fee for provider A is $1,500, the fee for provider B is $2,500, and the fee for provider C is $10,000. I would give provider A the maximum of 5 points, provider C would get 0 points, and B would get something in between.
The next two sections are for when you visit the site and try to buy a car. Spend a lot of time in these sections: this is where your customers will be and in the end, if they don't use the site, you won't get the leads. While you are still on the Internet, go to the last section and perform the searches. All three of these sections should be tested at various modem speeds and while using Internet Explorer, Netscape, and AOL. The fourth section, "Interface with the Dealership," can only be rated if you are currently a customer or by calling an existing dealer client.
This form is meant to be a comparison guide. There is no correct score for any of the current Internet providers. If you would like this form emailed to you in Excel format, please email me at sandi@olypen.com.
Sandi Jerome is manager of the computer consulting department of Jeff Sacks & Associates a member firm of Auto Team America. If you have specific questions or require more information about this subject, please check the appropriate box on the reader response form on page 3. sjerome@dealeronline.com