Many car dealerships use a BDC automotive center to support their salespeople – and others would be well-served to do so. BDCs (Business Development Centers) manage your inbound calls and pursue possible leads. Some dealerships have the sales staff perform these tasks. This was, for a long time, the traditional model for car dealerships.
In the previous era of technology, this approach made sense. Salespeople had phone calls and walk-ins to deal with and could make outgoing calls at their convenience. Now, however, we have online messaging apps, email, and texting, in addition to these more traditional methods of communication. What was once a manageable part of the sales team’s purview is now overwhelming.
Automotive BDC has become the solution to this problem. There are two possible models: you can have an in-house BDC, or you can use outsourced BDC. As we shall discuss, there are advantages and disadvantages to both. We’ll also explain how BDC is superior to having salespeople do this job.
In-House BDC Automotive Services
Setting up your BDC car dealership operation can be costly and difficult. You have to design a training curriculum, staff the center seven days a week for at least 12 hours a day, and manage the new power dynamics that will occur between the sales team and the BDC. When the sales staff has a bad day, the BDC may be blamed – but they aren’t the ones who have to actually make sales. This can create friction between the dealership team, which is bad for the business.
The job of the BDC representative is to take work off the plate of salespeople so they can focus on closing deals. There are challenges to in-house BDC, however. Here at Strolid, we offer another model: the BDC Customer Lifecycle Center.
Outsourced BDC
There are many BDC companies out there. Most of these outfits are new and lack experience, technology, and training. Some offer wild introductory rates that make one wonder. Outsourcing your BDC is already much more affordable then doing it in-house. Their teams are not going to be able to provide rapid responses to leads, calls, texts, and chats, manage your appointments, and follow up on actionable leads for your team.
When you opt for BDC automotive services with the Strolid team, however, you will have a proven BDC outfit in your corner. Our BDC sales record is excellent, and we offer time-tested BDC service. When you allow us to handle your automotive BDC needs, we’ll work hard to improve your business outcomes with our streamlined and effective model.
The Benefits of Using an Automotive BDC Company
- Relying on professional BDC automotive services from an experienced provider has the potential to notably increase your sales. The Strolid team works hard to try and convert leads into sales, putting your business in the position to succeed. By responding to customer inquiries in a friendly and professional manner, we build relationships with them – and increase sales.
- The quick and professional responses from a BDC team do not only serve to improve sales numbers. This level of care and attention also makes customers feel seen and heard; they will be more likely to recommend your business to their friends and family. Effective automotive BDC practices help the reputation of your business and cultivate loyal clients.
- When you’ve got the Strolid team of experts managing your social media messages, emails, and other online chatter, the sales staff can spend their time attending to clients in the store. This is how BDC can help car dealer businesses improve the efficiency of their operations.
Our Automotive BDC Strategies and Goals
When folks ask us, “What is automotive BDC?” we like to explain the strategies and goals of automotive BDC as we see them. Effective BDC practices improve the customer experience, building loyalty to your business. They also streamline your processes, allowing everyone on the team to focus on their chief duties. This improves sales and service, helping you grow your business.
The experienced Strolid team understands the characteristics of a successful BDC car dealership, and we work to help all our clients embody these traits in a way that suits their needs, location, and preferences. Our team does not want to make all our clients into cookie-cutter copies of each other – instead, we nurture the things that make our partners unique and successful.
Our approach is informed by years of experience and by data. We utilize in-depth analysis to improve efficiency and grow your success. By bringing proven and effective BDC strategies to the table, we improve your business’s efficiency and sales.
FAQ
What does BDC mean in automotive?
BDC stands for “Business Development Center.” This portion of a dealership team manages incoming calls, schedules appointments, and performs outgoing calls in search of service and sales leads. The BDC is an important part of the modern dealership, but it’s difficult to manage in-house. Strolid offers experienced outsourced BDC.
Why is BDC important?
BDC allows a dealership to succeed in the modern world. Back in the day, the sales team could field calls and make a few of their own. Now, however, we have texting, message apps, and emails to deal with on top of the older methods of communication. BDC allows you to streamline your incoming and outgoing business, which makes for more success.
What are automotive BDC Best Practices?
There are a number of best practices for your BDC. First off, you want to make sure that your BDC representatives are well-supported. If they don’t have the tools they need, they will fail. Second, you need to promote a close relationship between your BDC and sales team. One of the best ways to accomplish this is to hire an experienced BDC company.