One of the new keys to the success of your business is right there in the palm of your hand. It’s the thing most of us put in our pocket or handbag right after our wallet. It’s your smartphone — and it could be working a lot harder for you than it is now.   Article republished from AutoRemarketing.comby Len Critcher and Lance Vickery Dealers are using all sorts of mobile devices in their everyday operations. The capability of these devices is limitless. As the competition for quality used vehicles grows even tighter, the smart move is to use the power of your smartphone. You can operate your dealership on-the-go, making fast, informed decisions from acquisition to retail that will ultimately improve your bottom line. Consider this example. At the auction, you and another competing dealer are eyeing the same unit in the lane. He pulls the vehicle value, history report and market pricing in seconds using his mobile device. You anxious...

I often speak to groups about the importance of owning the merchandising process.   It amazes me that in this increasingly competitive environment, dealers still feel they cannot take their own pictures, write descriptions, and properly list all non-standard options and features.  Why are so many determined to drag their feet to change?

I think we can all agree that the primary function in your dealership is still the acquisition and disposition of inventory.  You must master this process.  Can you imagine a manager of a Neiman Marcus waiting for days for some outside individual to show up to re-fold the sweaters and hang the sale tags?  Really?  Of course not, they will delegate this critical function to internal staff.  Merchandising for them is everything – why isn’t it for you?

Our most successful dealers embrace the "do-it-yourself process".  They know the importance of quality photography, time to market, gr