Dealer.com Enhances Online Experience For Region’s Largest Auto Dealer;
BURLINGTON, Vt.--Dealer.com, a leading provider of eMarketing solutions in the automotive industry, today announced its success in launching the revitalized CheckeredFlag.com - in less than three weeks. Using its SmartSiteTM technology, Dealer.com built Checkered Flag’s most complex site to date, with solutions for Checkered Flag’s critical need for superior inventory management and tools with which to build on its commitment to customer service.
Checkered Flag Motor Car Corporation, a family owned and operated dealership group serving Hampton Roads, Va., is a leading force in the sale of foreign automotive brands in the area, selling more than 1,000 cars per month at its five dealerships. Checkered Flag approached Dealer.com after internal surveys showed that more than 80 percent of its customers use the Internet as a search tool prior to purchasing a vehicle. Checkered Flag saw the need to update its existing website – a system that had become increasingly difficult to manage, particularly in capturing current inventory and overcoming design and functionality limitations imposed by rigid website templates.
Checkered Flag’s Dealer.com-built website came online mid-September with the functionality Checkered Flag was seeking, but even more important is the speed and success of the design and build process.
“Our goal was to build a best-of-breed solution that incorporates all the features customers need – accurate and current inventory, accurate prices, research tools, financial calculators, quick response mechanisms to inquiries and more,” said Alex Snyder, Checkered Flag’s director of e-Commerce. “We were immediately convinced that Dealer.com would meet our needs.”
The most critical aspect of the new site is inventory management. Dealer.com used its proprietary CarFinderTM technology to enable customers to custom “build” or enter specifications for new or used vehicles. Customers can enter any number of specifications – brand, price, features, best warranties, monthly payments, and more. The system then scans current inventory across Checkered Flag’s dealerships and displays every vehicle in inventory that matches the search or may suit the customer’s needs. As vehicles are added to inventory, CarFinder automatically sends eMail to the customer with information and photos about any new matches.
“We strive to meet and exceed our customers’ expectations,” said Mark Bonfigli, Chairman, CEO and President of Dealer.com. “The speed with which we were able to launch the new CheckeredFlag.com is an example of the unparalleled service we provide to all our customers – professionally designed and built websites that allow dealers to better service their customers, while also managing leads and inventory – all within a time frame that suits our clients’ needs.”
With Dealer.com’s support, Checkered Flag plans to integrate the body shop, service and parts, finance and outside vendors into CheckeredFlag.com. Future integration with the dealership’s CRM and sales force management systems will further enhance sales and customer retention efforts.
About Dealer.com:
Founded in Burlington, Vt. in 1997, Dealer.com is a leading provider of eMarketing solutions for the automotive industry. The company offers the only fully-integrated web solution that includes Search Engine Marketing (SEM), Search Engine Optimization (SEO), and Lead Management. By combining award-winning automotive dealer website development, user-friendly lead management tools and the most proven local search engine advertising solutions available, Dealer.com is the only company to truly revolutionize the online marketing and sales effectiveness for auto dealers with an unmatched level of speed, precision and ease-of-use. For more information, please visit www.dealer.com or call 888-894-8989.