We are looking closely at using either iMagicLab or Higher Gear for our CRM.

Is anyone using the iMagicLab CRM that has also used Higher Gear?

Which did they like better?

Is there anything you did not like about the iMagic’s DealerCRM or Higher Gear?  We have been told that the Higher Gear system communicates better with your Reynolds DMS than iCar, is that true?  I would appreciate any input…

Kevin Frye
eCommerce Director – Jeff Wyler Automotive Family

Our three-location dealership family is in the process of switching websites.  After a bit of research, I’ve categorized our web options into three groups:

1. All-inclusive website/online marketing/CRM tool
2. Standalone website
3. Local web design/host service

After considering cost, functionality, relevance, and flexibility, we have decided to pursue a standalone website.  We all use Autobase as our CRM, ADP WebSuite internally, and our IT manager (who is VERY sensitive to Can-Spam requirements) requires Mozilla (and his watchful eye) for our email campaigns.

Out of our standalone site options, we are considering two.  ADP Dynamic Web Premier and Dealerskins.  Two locations (our MB-Volvo-VW store and our Audi-Nissan-Subaru-Toyota-VW store) have decided on ADP and our Dodge store opted for Dealerskins.  Ownership would like to use only one vendor, so we have a dilemma.

As an ADP advocate, here is my argument.  I believe there are three main differences between the two.  Here are two.

1. The look.  In my opinion, ADP offerings are clean, fresh, and plenty flexible for our needs.  With a few small icon changes on the inventory pages, I think ADP would be a homerun for an Import store.  Inventory is represented well, and the media gallery (with int. and ext. spins) is very impressive.  I think Dealerskins sites are naturally too busy.  Both have good navigability, but seeing through the clutter is a bit trying.

2. Calls to action.  Dealerskins uses too many calls to action that require giving up gross.  In a market where most of our OEM lines are exclusive to the area, I don’t believe such a plan is needed.  ADP uses well-placed, relevant calls to action throughout all pages of the site.  I can see the benefit to a Dodge store, but I don’t know if the average Volvo buyer would necessarily respond to a $200 Internet coupon.

Which finally brings me to my question.  I believe that compatibility with our current inventory database is another very important difference. Since we use ADP already, our compatibility with Dynamic Web regarding inventory polling should be seamless.  And I have heard that Dealerskins uses a 3rd party program to link ADP inventory to the site.  I have also heard that ADP considers any non-ADP polling as hostile, and treats it differently.  From what I understand, some manual input is necessary.  Is this true?  Is there a distinct disadvantage to Dealerskins because of this?  With the exception of photos, I would prefer to be hands-off when it comes to inventory updates to our site.

Sincerely,

Eric J. Deising
Internet Sales Manager

Hello,

As a 22 year industry pro I took the past 4 years off from the auto biz.  I have been lured back in by a great dealer with a big sales slide problem.  I agreed to come in and help build his internet department.  What I am hoping you can help me find is some stats that show some industry averages on the internet such as:

• Lead to Appt ratio%
  
• Appointment Kept %
  
• Appointment to sale ratio

I know I need something to base projections on, and I need help gathering some number

Your time and assistance is appreciated.
Jon Hageman II
Internet Sales Manager

I’m completely new to the internet side. I’m the first person in this position at a Toyota Dealership. So I’m carving the way here but not sure steps I should be doing. I know we need an ISM tool ASAP but I don’t want to make a mistake on what one to choose. I have been looking at:

• icarConnect
• AVV Webcontrol
• Rey Rey Contact Management

I have heard that AVV doesn’t have the best support when you run into problems. To be honest I’m really not sure exactly what I should be looking for in a tool, because any tool would be better then no tool at all, which I’m at right now. Any help would be great. Thanks!

-Josh Couzzo

Hello Jeff and DealerRefresh readers,

My name is Nathan Trimble, I am currently working with a Chevrolet – Cadillac dealer in Monmouth, IL.(a rural city of aprox. 10,000) where we are in process of establishing an Internet sales dept. along with a crm/bdc dept. also.  In my quest for help in accomplishing this I came across your website.  There are so many companies available to assist in a project of this sort that it’s overwhelming!

I have found that there are companies that exist just to help implement and train you on this process; i.e. Dealer Synergy & Mosley Auto Group. Then you have companies that provide websites, ilm and crm/bdc solutions.

Finally there are those few companies that seem to provide all of the above; i.e. BZ Results, Higher Gear, etc.

Would you please be as kind to help advise me in this situation? With so many companies to choose from which way should we go? Possibly hire a few like Mosely for set up and training, then iMagicLabs for
web, ilm & crm, or hire one to do it all? By no means am I asking anyone to endorse  specific companies, just hopefully point me in the correct direction!

I thank you in advance for your assistance in this matter and look forward to hearing from you soon!

My Best to You,

Nathan Trimble