Page 10 - GIADA-May-2018-Final

Bolster Your Dealership’s Digital

Experience with Flexible F&I Solutions

The line between in-store and online is blurring, with an

end-to-end digital experience becoming the new standard

By Brad Rogers, Chief Operating Officer of RouteOne LLC

As we all know, the world of retail is swiftly Some shoppers prefer to pick up their next it’s true that the vehicle-buying process
changing, and the vehicle F&I industry outfit in-store, others online or from their differs somewhat from buying other retail
is not immune to the ongoing shift. Vast phone. Many subscribe to services where products, the basic principles remain the
changes in technology have empowered they answer a few profile questions, then same.
more consumers than ever to begin the the company regularly sends multiple
vehicle buying and financing process options that best fit their style, for them to Consumers want to browse and research
themselves, on their own devices and choose from the convenience of their own vehicles online. Many strive to conduct
timeline. home. as much of the F&I process as possible on
their time, and on their own devices.
Adapting to changing technology It can be a challenge to keep up with
Some people still prefer traditional tools, consumers’ expectations. Businesses Build a digital experience that is flexible
others opt for modern systems, and many succeed when they strive to provide a to current demands, with an eye toward
are skilled at a combination of both. Even variety of digital retail options, giving changes up the road. Consider a seamless
the conventional crowd is learning to adapt consumers access to the current and future F&I system, where a consumer “just
to new methods, however. services they desire as technology and skill looking” at your website can potentially
sets change. become a car buyer. When you supply the
The longer a technology is around, the more desired tools, you can reach your own sales
it becomes second nature, and part of the Manage consumer goals while elevating customer satisfaction
mainstream. For example, it used to be that levels.
digitally signing your name on a point-of- expectations
sale terminal was considered high-tech, but To navigate the ebb and flow of the ever- So, what’s the next “best feature” you should
now consumers are completely accustomed changing landscape, you need connections consider implementing into your strategy?
to a digital experience. that allow you to meet consumer
expectations while customizing your Allow customers to enjoy the convenience of
Retail has evolved. We’ve gone from old parameters. remote document delivery. This technology
carbon-copy credit card machines to provides buyers with the opportunity to
swiping a magnetic strip, and then to the Today, many buyers assume that the review the entire contract package at their
security of the chip and mobile payments shopping experience will be relatively own pace, from any location.
with a digital wallet for contactless payment. similar for all their purchases. Although Continued on page 46

8 | GIADA Independent Auto Dealer MAY 2018