Top 3 Myths About Mobile Service—And Why Your Dealership Can’t Ignore It

posted 08 November, 2024 by Brian Chapman
Business, Digital Servicing, Software

As customer expectations continue to rise, dealerships must adapt to stay competitive. Mobile service isn’t just a passing trend—it’s a powerful strategy that drives customer loyalty, boosts operational efficiency, and opens new revenue streams. For dealerships on the fence about adopting mobile service, the data is clear: mobile service is a scalable, profitable solution with measurable benefits. Dive into the statistics and success stories that reveal how embracing mobile service can give your dealership a distinct edge.

Convenience Drives Customer Satisfaction

Today, 80% of customers prioritize convenience in their service experience, and mobile services like vehicle pickup and drop-off address this demand head-on. By offering services that fit into busy schedules, mobile service makes it easier for customers to keep their vehicles in top shape without the inconvenience of a dealership visit. For dealerships, this is a valuable opportunity to stand out, providing a service customers increasingly expect. Offering mobile service means meeting customers where they are and delivering the flexibility that builds trust and long-term loyalty.

Key Takeaway: Embracing mobile service helps your dealership align with customer expectations and capture a growing segment that values convenience above all.

Mobile Service Myths vs. Realities

Understanding the reality of mobile service can help dispel common hesitations and reveal its true value:

  • Myth 1: Mobile Service is Expensive and Complicated to Start
    Reality: Getting started doesn’t require a large investment. Many dealerships begin with just one van to handle key services and see immediate value. With software solutions like Spiffy Digital Servicing™, you can start small and easily scale as your needs grow. Our platform simplifies operations for fleets of any size, making mobile service both accessible and highly effective from day one.
  • Myth 2: Customers Don’t Really Need Mobile Service
    Reality: Convenience is more important to customers than ever. Mobile service attracts new customer segments, such as busy professionals, women, and post-warranty vehicle owners, who prioritize time savings and flexibility.
  • Myth 3: Mobile Service Isn’t Profitable
    Reality: Mobile service not only generates revenue but also fosters repeat business. In fact, 8.7% of mobile service customers return within 60 days for additional services, often opting for higher-value follow-up appointments. This repeat business drives incremental revenue, enhancing dealership profitability.

The Growing Impact of Remote Services

Remote services have become just as influential as in-car tech features when it comes to delivering value to customers. As touchless and remote options grow in popularity, mobile service enables dealerships to capture the interest of these convenience-focused customers. By offering mobile services, your dealership can position itself as a leader in customer experience, providing the flexibility and safety customers now expect.

Competitive Advantage: Stand out as a dealership that prioritizes customer comfort and safety, setting you apart from traditional service models.

Mobile Service as a Marketing Tool

Your dealership’s mobile service vans aren’t just functional—they’re also powerful marketing assets. Every branded van on the road acts as a mobile billboard, increasing visibility and promoting your dealership’s commitment to innovation and convenience. Each service call becomes a promotional opportunity, showcasing your brand’s dedication to meeting modern customer needs and establishing a strong presence in the community.

Pro Tip: By branding your mobile service vans, you not only meet customer needs but also reinforce your dealership’s identity, gaining free advertising with every mile.

Branded Spiffy Van driving through a neighborhood

Recall Efficiency and Opportunities

Managing open recalls is often a challenge, but mobile service can streamline the process significantly. By handling eligible recalls remotely, dealerships can reduce in-shop congestion and improve efficiency. Many common recall services can be completed outside the dealership, giving customers the added convenience of at-home repairs. This approach not only simplifies recall management but also builds customer trust by prioritizing their convenience and safety.

Efficiency Boost: Use mobile service to clear up valuable in-shop space while offering a more customer-friendly solution for recalls.

Quick Wins for Dealerships Starting with Mobile Service

For dealerships new to mobile service, the initial benefits don’t require a full-scale launch. Here are a few immediate, value-driven actions:

  1. Capture Recall Services Remotely: Start by handling open recalls via mobile service, freeing up in-shop capacity for other repairs.
  2. Offer Pickup and Drop-Off for Key Services: Begin with highly requested services like oil changes or inspections, giving customers a taste of mobile convenience and increasing retention.
  3. Pilot with Existing Customers: Gauge demand by offering mobile services to a select group of current customers. Their feedback will provide valuable insights as you plan for future expansion.

Low-Risk Entry: These steps allow your dealership to gain experience and realize the advantages of mobile service without significant investment.

Boosting Dealer Service Capacity

With mobile service, dealerships can expand service capacity beyond the limitations of their physical space. OEMs like Ford have reported that mobile service has freed up over 1 million hours for in-shop repairs, allowing technicians to focus on high-value work and improving overall shop efficiency. By offering mobile service, dealerships can achieve more with less, increasing both throughput and profitability.

Operational Flexibility: Mobile service provides an adaptable way to serve more customers without the need for additional in-shop resources.

Calculating ROI: The Power of One Mobile Van

To help quantify mobile service’s financial impact, consider the profitability potential of a single van:

  • Monthly Recall Revenue: $X (based on recall completions via mobile)
  • In-Shop Efficiency Savings: $Y (from reduced in-shop congestion)
  • Repeat Business: $Z (from follow-up services within 60 days)

Even with just one van, dealerships can achieve a positive ROI, demonstrating how easily mobile service can pay off and scale as demand increases.

Calculate Your Return: Use our online ROI calculator to see the potential impact for your dealership.

Positive Reviews and Customer Sentiment

As demand for touchless and remote services grows, mobile service has become essential in delivering a great customer experience. 60% of customers now prefer touchless interactions, and mobile service consistently generates positive reviews and builds loyalty. Customers value dealerships that prioritize their convenience and satisfaction, reinforcing your dealership’s reputation as a customer-first business.

Customer-Centric Advantage: Mobile service fosters loyalty and trust, creating advocates who will speak highly of your dealership.

Happy customer relaxing while the mobile service van arrives

The Future of Automotive Care

The automotive care market is projected to reach $400 billion by 2025, driven largely by demand for convenience-focused services. Dealerships that invest in mobile service now will be positioned to capture a significant share of this growth. By staying ahead of the curve, dealerships can future-proof their operations and differentiate themselves in an increasingly competitive market.

Growth Opportunity: Mobile service isn’t just about meeting today’s demand—it’s about setting up your dealership for sustainable growth in a rapidly changing industry.

Strategic Actions for Dealerships

To capitalize fully on mobile service, here are some actions dealerships can take:

  • Expand Capacity with Mobile Service: Free up shop resources by handling routine tasks off-site, allowing technicians to focus on high-value repairs and boosting efficiency.
  • Market Convenience and Flexibility: Highlight flexible, on-location service to attract busy customers seeking time-saving solutions.
  • Use Mobile Service as a Customer Acquisition Tool: Differentiate with touchless, on-demand services that increase return rates and create upsell opportunities.
  • Highlight Recall Services as a Customer-First Solution: Streamline recalls remotely, reducing in-shop congestion and building customer trust with convenient options.
  • Build Trust through Transparent, Pressure-Free Service: Offer upfront pricing and a simple booking experience to foster loyalty and encourage repeat business.

Ready to Explore Mobile Service? Take The First Step Today!

Mobile service offers a scalable, profitable solution that helps dealerships meet today’s customer expectations and build lasting relationships. If you’re ready to see how mobile service can benefit your dealership, schedule a consultation with our sales team to discuss your unique needs and explore how Spiffy’s Digital Servicing platform can support your goals.

Posted in Business, Digital Servicing, Software

Written by Brian Chapman

Brian joined Spiffy in 2017 and serves as the VP of Growth Marketing. He leads digital marketing initiatives across all lines of business and is passionate about uncovering creative ways to drive growth.