To increase service customer retention and book more appointments, your store must stand out from other auto repair shops with the amenities customers want. Many of your customers have full schedules, and you can prompt them to visit by offering vehicle pickup and delivery services and/or rideshare services—all it takes is a revamp of your vehicle service center processes and technologies.

Does Your Dealership Offer Car Pickup and Delivery or Rideshare Services? 8 Reasons Why You Should

While loaner vehicles were previously a preferred transportation method, new insights show that younger service customers are also interested in car pickup service and rideshare options. According to our recent survey, service customers under 55 are three times more likely to use rideshare services and two times more likely to use car pickup and delivery services.

If your dealership is considering adding pickup and delivery services or complimentary rideshare services to your vehicle service center amenities, here are eight reasons why it’s a valuable strategy:

1. Convenience Is King

Customers value their time immensely. Vehicle pickup and delivery service eliminates the hassle of scheduling rides, waiting at the dealership, and picking their car back up. A dealership that demonstrates an understanding that the maintenance service process is not always quick or convenient—and works to save customers as much time as possible—can go a long way toward building long-term relationships. And adding this transportation option can significantly improve customer satisfaction and retention.

2. Increased Service Revenue

By offering a more convenient service option, you can attract customers who might otherwise avoid routine maintenance due to scheduling difficulties. In addition, keeping the service process simple and streamlined (rather than time-consuming or complex) may encourage customers to service their vehicles more frequently, or even opt for higher-ticket repair order items. This translates to increased service department revenue as well as more steady business.

3. Improved Customer Experience

Between dropping kids off to school or arriving to work on time, adding a stop to the route can be a hassle. Vehicle pickup and delivery services or rideshare services create a smoother and more positive experience for customers. It demonstrates that your dealership prioritizes their needs and makes car care less disruptive to their busy lives. Not only can this help grow trust and satisfaction, but it can also lead to positive customer reviews and recommendations.

4. Better Loaner Car Management

Adding car pickup service and rideshare options to your digital toolkit can help reduce the pressure on your loaner car inventory. As you schedule and manage vehicle pickups and deliveries, you’ll be able to more effectively monitor your loaner vehicles and other alternative customer transportation options. With fewer customers needing loaners, you can free up resources and streamline service processes.

5. Reach a Wider Customer Base

While you can’t relocate your dealership overnight, you can extend your reach to new customers. Vehicle pickup and delivery services can be especially helpful for customers farther away from your store as well as those with limited mobility, busy work schedules, or young children. Busy schedules and extra distance can prevent people from getting their cars serviced, and a car service pickup option can help remove the barriers. This expands your dealership’s reach, so you can cater to—and capture—a broader audience.

6. Competitive Advantage

The tools and technologies available to automotive dealerships is constantly adapting and improving. And in today’s competitive market, offering vehicle pickup and delivery and rideshare services can be a major differentiator. It helps your dealership to stand out from competitors who still rely on traditional service models. Plus, it helps supercharge your effectiveness and profitability.

7. Positive Brand Reputation

A convenient and positive service experience often translates to glowing online reviews. A car pickup and delivery service and a rideshare option can help dealerships build a strong online reputation and attract new customers. As you work to manage and boost your dealership’s brand reputation, be sure to promote your convenient transportation options in your service marketing communications and on your social media pages.

8. Boost Service Efficiency

Streamlining the service process through rideshare or vehicle pickup and delivery services can free up your staff to focus on other tasks. Fewer in-store service customers can help you reduce payroll costs, or free those staff members for different tasks to improve efficiency. Service-to-sales team members may even have the added ability to focus on the service customers who are waiting in your service lane and speak to them about vehicle upgrade options or other opportunities.

Essentials of the Right Mobile Mechanic Solution

To make the most of your vehicle pickup and delivery services, you need an advanced valet management software to efficiently organize each vehicle pickup and delivery process. Some of the activity features might include:

• Automating trip scheduling
• Assigning available drivers
• Conveying trip status to customers
• Tracking critical KPIs

A tailored mobile mechanic software will allow you to manage and optimize these activities, plus you’ll be able to control the necessary steps for mobile servicing. These steps require:

• Central command dispatching
• A mobile app for your drivers that tracks pickup locations
• A customer-facing mobile app that tracks driver locations
• Online bill pay capabilities across service, sales, and parts departments

Looking to Drive Vehicle Service Customer Retention?

Consumers now have more options than ever, and their expectations continue to grow in the automotive industry as well. Your dealership has the opportunity to stay ahead of customer demands to not only improve the customer experience, but also increase your service lane productivity and revenue.

Powered by Quickride, Affinitiv Transport gives you the ability to provide vehicle pickup and delivery services that prioritizes safety while driving business to your service lane. Our automated concierge solution features an easy-to-use interface so your drivers can schedule and manage rides, while also allowing your customers to track their vehicle location and time of return.

If you’re ready to find out more, contact us today and discover how Transport can help your dealership offer customers more convenient pickup, delivery, and mobile mechanic services.

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