Anyone out there use DealerSocket? Any thing you can tell me about them? Anything you can tell me as far as what you like or don't like about them would be great! Thanks ahead of time for anyone that can help!
One place to start is within the DrivingSales Vendor Ratings. You can find out information about many companies and products and what your dealer peers think about them. Here's the link to DealerSocket's page in particular. http://www.drivingsales.com/ratings/companies/dealersocket
Hope that helps!
I already checked out that vendor ratings. Thanks!
@Steve,
We use DS and we're happy with the service & especially the cost savings over R&R. The system has been been easy for our CCC to manage and use.
I recommend being vigilant on any upfront needs & expectations regarding training - doing so with help ensure a smooth launch.
Look up Hunter Swift as well, he's active here in DrivingSales & on twitter @HunterSwift - he can help you as well.
Loved their Service module, the sales side was cumbersome and hard to use for my Salespeople. Building a Marketing list and campaign was also time consuming. They are a solid Company, but not as innovative in attitude as some.
It is my understanding that you use a CRM primarily for sold follow-up and teir limited user package would probably work for you. Everyone knows I am a huge Vinsolutions fan so I'll leave that out. :)
I agree with Eric on this one though, it's about getting the proper training and USING whatever tool you choose. Nothing will magically fix your ills no more than buying a new nailgun will build your shed for you.
Get with Hunter, he is a stand-up guy.
@ Eric & Bryan - Thanks a lot.
Do you have any experience with them in comparison to AutoBase or DealerPeak or any other companies for that matter. I agree that Vinsolutions has great products, BUT correct me if I'm wrong... They are EXTREMELY expensive compared to the other companies...
What Auction Direct Dealership do you work for Eric?
@ Bryan... We do plan on utilizing the entire CORE CRM (Sales floor and tracking)product, IF we go with them, as well as their new SOCIAL MARKETPLACE tool and there's a chance we might go with their Service marketing too)... So salespeople can use it to organize and work efficiently.
You use DealerSocket's Service Marketing too... Is that their MoneyMaker product? When you are referring to their innovative attitude, do you mean that they are not coming out with products quickly enough. I'm just surprised because they are coming out with a Smart Phone App at the NADA convention and all of the other companies (except Vinsolutions) don't have one that I'm aware of. They also just came out with a follow up product (Social Markplace) that sends customers and e-mail with a survey after they purchase and if they mark a good survey it sends them a e-mail with a link to write a review on a review website. That to me, seems pretty progressive compared to the other companies and those are the kind of ideas that are attracting me to their company.
Autobase seems to be a decent product, but also behind with the phone app and things. Does anyone have experience with any other companies at all that could give some incite to?
@Bryan again - In your evaluations to DealerSocket... Are you comparing them strictly to your experience with VIN or do you have experience with other companies as well? Do you still utilize both companies? If so how much? Any experience with Autobase?
Thanks.... Sorry I have so many questions... :/
One more thing I forgot to mention... Down the line, if we decided we want to switch to Vin, would you lose all the data you build with whatever company you are with. Does anyone have any experience switching CRMs?
@Steve,
No experience with the others you mentioned, but I wouldn't say that VIN is a that much more expensive.
We own all of the locations, so...the answer is all of them. (I'm based out of our corp. office)
Yes, you will be able to port your existing CRM info to the new platform should you switch providers again.
(I'll let Bryan tackle the others:) Hope that helps.
Thanks Eric... More specifically... We would be under $1500 a month for DealerSocket and Autobase and about $3500 a month for VIN's core product... Pricing might be a little bit closer if you have more users maybe? We would have under 10 users.
Thanks Eric... More specifically... We would be under $1500 a month for DealerSocket and Autobase and about $3500 a month for VIN's core product... Pricing might be a little bit closer if you have more users maybe? We would have under 10 users.
Steve I want to make sure you understand that Vin also has a limited user CRM that is very competitive in price to what you are quoting for Dealer Socket. When you refer to our core product please keep in mind that includes CRM, Inventory Management, Website, Marketing, Service Dashboard, and a number of other options outside of CRM. I sent you a private message in hopes that we could discuss our pricing on a limited user CRM as a stand alone option similar to what you have been offered from Dealer Socket and Autobase.
For the most part all CRM companies offer the same type of technology. They all allow you to input customers, receive leads, automate marketing campaigns, and reporting. It is important that the technology isn’t the only thing that you are looking at. Technology should enable processes. Consistent processes create consistent business.
One of the ways to enable process is through the automation of business rules designed to target specific groups of people. If the data is there, the technology should be able to enable processes like:
A customer life cycle (customer for life)
Finance termination
Extended warranty
We want your trade
Declined services
Aftermarket accessories
Customers in equity
Bought elsewhere, service introduction
High customer pay RO to new vehicle
Future model introduction
Lead escalation
Sales notification of a customer in service
And the list goes on…
This can also apply to the technology of Social Media. Are you just using it or really using it to enable the processes?
Once you have the technology and the processes in place the last important part is the people. I have seen time and time again where technology fails because either the people don’t use it or don’t know how to use it effectively. Does the company have the people to not only train you how to use and support the technology but also how to use the technology to enable the processes your dealership needs?
DealerSocket has the technology, processes and people to help dealerships, all at a fair price.
As others have mentioned before, please feel free to reach out to me directly at or at 949-351-3036 (cell).
Hunter Swift
DealerSocket
@HunterSwift
Steve- Socket and Vin are waaaaaaaayyyy ahead of the game. Yes, I've used others and there is no comparison. Therefore I do only compare those two. I love having my Inventory and my website data all integrated and get a 360 view of the Dealership without multiple Vendors.
When I speak of innovation, it has always seemed to me that Vin is much more progressive launching products well before others adopt them. I know that Vin, like Socket does have a limited user package you may want to inquire about. If you go with Socket I STRONGLY recommend their Service Module which is different than the DealMaker you are referring to I believe. Feel free to e-mail me. bryanthecarguy(at)gmail
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