As new tariffs contribute to escalating prices in the automotive industry, auto dealerships and original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) are under increasing pressure to find innovative solutions that enhance customer satisfaction and loyalty. One such solution is mobile service. By leveraging mobile servicing technology, dealerships can not only provide added value to customers, but also create efficiencies that strengthen their bottom line.
The Mobile Service Advantage
Mobile service units allow dealerships to bring their services directly to customers at home or work. This convenience elevates the customer experience, with data showing that satisfaction and loyalty can increase by as much as 12 points when mobile service is offered. As customers face rising new car prices, they are likely to retain their vehicles longer, making it essential for dealerships to enhance their service capabilities.
A mobile service unit can operate efficiently without the overhead of adding a new service bay. While dealerships may perceive the initial investment of $80,000 for a mobile service unit as steep, the cost of constructing a new service bay often exceeds ten times that amount. The break-even point for mobile service is remarkably achievable at just three service appointments per day, which is a low hurdle for most dealerships. This threshold can vary based on several factors, and may be even lower when accounting for incremental revenue from a freed-up service bay and the elimination of pickup and drop-off costs from the appointment.
Enhancing Service Capacity
As customers hold onto their vehicles longer, the demand for dealership servicing simultaneously increases. Mobile servicing provides a unique opportunity to shift routine maintenance and repair jobs to customer locations, freeing up vital service capacity for deferred in-store work. This strategic approach not only satisfies customers but also optimizes the overall efficiency of the dealership.
Incorporating Spiffy’s Solutions
Integrating Spiffy’s comprehensive offerings—vehicles, training, devices, and scheduling software—has been proven to streamline the implementation of a mobile service unit. Spiffy specializes in providing fully equipped mobile service vehicles and the necessary training for staff, ensuring that dealerships can offer a consistent, high-quality customer experience on the go. The scheduling software allows for efficient appointment management, maximizing the utilization of mobile units and ensuring that service personnel are deployed where they’re most needed.
Building Loyalty Through Differentiation
In an increasingly competitive automotive landscape, mobile service can become a key differentiator for dealerships. By prioritizing convenience and customer experience, dealerships can cultivate loyalty that lasts a lifetime. This strategic move not only enhances customer relationships but also positions the dealership as a forward-thinking entity in a challenging industry.
Conclusion
As prices rise and customer expectations evolve, embracing mobile service is no longer just a trend—it’s a necessity for auto dealerships and OEMs aiming to thrive. With its ability to increase customer satisfaction, efficiently manage service workloads, and provide a cost-effective solution for expanding service capabilities, mobile service is an astute investment. By adopting services like Spiffy’s, dealerships can unlock new revenue streams and build lasting customer loyalty, all while navigating the shifting landscape of the automotive market.
Mobile service is already driving profitability for dealerships across the country—see how it can work for you at www.getspiffy.com/digital-servicing.