Buying a car is one of the biggest investments in life. Customers research extensively before entering a dealership – and Google reviews play a decisive role.
The Importance of Reviews in the Automotive Industry
According to recent studies, 95% of car buyers read online reviews before contacting a dealer. For transactions of $20,000 or more, customers want assurance they can trust the right dealer.
What Customers Look for in Dealership Reviews
- Honesty and transparency regarding prices and conditions
- Quality of customer service before, during, and after purchase
- Competence of salespeople and technical advisors
- Experiences with the service department and after-sales support
Special Challenges for Car Dealerships
Long Purchase Cycles
Unlike a restaurant visit, dealerships have fewer customer interactions. Every positive review counts significantly more.
High Emotional Investment
Car buyers who had a great experience are often willing to share it – if you ask them.
Leverage Service Department Reviews
Many dealerships forget: The service department has far more customer contacts than sales. Use these touchpoints for review requests.
Strategies for More Dealership Reviews
1. After Vehicle Delivery
The moment of key handover is emotionally charged. Use this excitement and ask for a review – ideally with a QR code on the delivery folder.
2. After Service Visits
Send an automatic SMS or WhatsApp with a review link the day after a service visit. The customer still remembers the positive experience.
3. Follow-up After Test Drives
Even if no purchase happens – professional consultation deserves a positive review.
4. Catch Unsatisfied Customers
Complaints are part of the car business. With a feedback filter, you can identify unhappy customers and solve problems before a negative public review appears.
Conclusion
Dealerships that systematically collect reviews stand out from the crowd. A review management system like Pury-Reviews automates this process while protecting against negative public reviews.