As customers’ attitudes continue to change about their need to interact with a person rather than a machine, we’re faced with great opportunities to make some innovations to the parts departments in dealerships.  I am guessing that most of you have looked up and ordered an item online or perhaps have gone through a self-checkout line in a store.  Where several years ago, customers would have fought doing either, today most people do either one [...]

The parts department is one of the most complex parts of any dealership. It serves as the first impression for many customers and has challenges that no other department will face. At times, it may even seem like an impossible task to make everyone happy. Keeping your parts department running smoothly boils down to three key processes. The Process of Having the Right Inventory on Hand A critical measurement of a parts department is to [...]

When it comes to parts, most people don’t think about them until they need them. Therefore it is critical to be at the front of your customers' minds when that need arises. One of the easiest ways to do that is to set up parts displays in your showroom near your equipment displays. While the customer is looking at new equipment, they are not thinking about parts at that moment. However, a display conveniently located [...]

Not just anyone can be picked off up the street and be placed at the parts counter. There is a mix of customer service, technical knowledge, sales ability, and attention to detail required to be an excellent parts person. So, when you are in need of the mystical parts person, how and where do you find them? With season upon us, there never seems like there are enough to go around. We often talk about [...]

Today, it makes no sense for a dealership to maintain a large parts inventory, or stock ten of the same item, because manufacturers have greatly improved their ability to get you the parts you need when you need them. Twenty years ago, it took almost 30 days to get a part, and now you can get a part delivered to you in one to four days. Think how that changes your approach to deciding on [...]

Online shopping has topped the charts in the last couple years, producing trillions of dollars in sales worldwide, with an average of 7% of ALL sales being made online*. In our industry, the convenience  of allowing customers to shop from home, but guarantee the parts through a reputable business name makes this side of sales a huge win for some dealers. So, what are the top 3 things to keep in mind when exploring the [...]

The parts department is one of the most complex parts of any dealership.  There is the constant balance between having enough inventory on hand to meet the demands of both the service department and counter customers, but not having too much inventory that just sets on a shelf tying up precious dollars. Establishing great processes in your parts department will help set up your dealership for success during season. 1. The Process of Having the [...]