Pub. 2 2019-2020 Issue 3

24 The 35-Point Checklist You Need For Reopening Your Dealership A s dealers prepare for the day that they can reopen their showroom doors post COVID-19 shutdowns, many may feel uncertain about where to begin. As a follow-up to our 36-Point Checklist If Your Dealership is Mandated to Close, we have compiled a comprehensive checklist to run through if you receive approval to open your showroom back up for business. We encourage you to create your own action plan using these suggestions now, so that you will be ready to take quick action when the time comes. Inventory Management ☐ Conduct a physical inventory of every vehicle • New, used, loaners, trade-ins, lease returns and customers’ cars with open repair orders ☐ Ensure all dead batteries are charged, vehicles are clean and ready to drive off the lot ☐ Pull your new, used and wholesale vehicle inventory against current Manheim Market Report (MMR) and used car values • Consider what to keep and what to get rid of, and adjust pricing accordingly ☐ Analyze current inventory vs. incoming inventory to determine how supply/demand is going to impact marketing pricing • Reach out to dealerships trying to get rid of inventory to increase your supply for pent up demand • Ensure all dealer tags are accounted for Sales Team ☐ Conduct sales meetings to sure up your team and help set expectations • Communicate any immediate operational changes • Be sure to answer any questions your team may have to set them at ease ☐ Ensure your team is ready to tackle any challenges (and opportunities) ahead • Ensure salespeople understand the need for a more empathetic approach when communicating with customers • Consider additional phone and sales training ☐ If paused, re-launch any data/equity mining technology software and marketing