Car Buyers Prefer Texting Over Phone Calls for Dealer Communication, According to a Myth-Busting Report from PERQ

Based on the behavior of thousands of consumers on dealership websites, PERQ’s Car Buyer Insights Report upends preconceived assumptions, including finding that the majority are NOT in the BUY PHASE and that PHONE CALLS are their LEAST DESIRED method of contact

Indianapolis, IN – October 3, 2017 - New data from thousands of consumer profiles studied by PERQ, experts in online consumer engagement and behavior, in their Car Buyer Insights Report questions key assumptions about dealership website visitor behavior, from where these consumers are in the buying cycle to how they prefer to be communicated with, and with what content.  

Among the topline findings are that, despite a prevailing view that consumers are in the “buy phase” when they reach a dealership website, the majority are, in fact, nowhere near ready to transact: 76% are only at the beginning or middle of the process. And, when it comes to communications preferences, email trumps phone by a mile (67% versus 8%) while text is preferred by nearly a quarter of dealership visitors.

The study identified these Five Key Myths and Realities:

“The idea that a consumer will only engage with the dealership website at the end of the buying process is simply not true,” said Muhammad Yasin, Vice President of Marketing at PERQ. “Especially because many are still researching, which is something they want to do on their own. Our report found that consumers are often looking for research assistance and information to help them in their journey and that they have very specific communication requirements. Dealerships should be optimizing their websites with relevant tools and information across the car shopping journey.”

“Clearly, these results indicate that dealerships should not be looking at phone calls as their communications priority: consumers are telling them that text or email is better, and less intrusive,” continued Yasin. “This is all about delivering the digital retailing experience that the modern car shopper wants and it is a huge, generally unmined opportunity for dealers. These consumers have found the dealership website through effective online marketing, and, if dealers optimize to give them the information and communications they need, when and how they want it, the likelihood of them buying from that dealership should dramatically increase.”

To read the full report, click here: bit.ly/Car_Buyer_Insights

Study Methodology

PERQ reviewed consumer data captured from thousands of leads in Q2 of 2017, from a sampling of 100 auto dealerships. Data is collected via all types of lead formats, and during all phases of the consumer journey in order to provide a more clear and targeted view of important consumer buying and research preferences.

About PERQ

PERQ (www.perq.com), a marketing technology provider, boosts website conversions by creating and delivering interactive experiences to the right consumers at the right time. Founded in 2001, PERQ solutions today are used by more than 1,000 businesses across the United States. PERQ’s brands have been named to the Inc. “500 Fastest Growing Companies in America” list on three separate occasions, and PERQ Web Engagement is a 2017 Gold Stevie® Award winner for lead generation software.

PERQ Media Contacts

Melanie Webber, mWEBB Communications, melanie@mwebbcom.com or 949-307-1723

Cassandra Cavanah, mWEBB Communications, Cassandra@mwebbcom.com or 818-397-4630