Are you a used car dealer who is looking to increase your profits? If so, you need to market your business. After all, you won’t make a sale if no one in your community knows about your dealership lot. While it is important to have a good business location, your dealership can still be profitable with these dealership marketing and advertising suggestions.
Post Ads on Craigslist: There are two ways for you to advertise your used car dealership on Craigslist. First, post a car ad. Take one of the vehicles you have for sale and create a listing in the for sale cars section. At end of the listing, state that you have more cars available. Then, provide a link to your website, your phone number, or the location of your lot. You also have a business that provides a service, so you can advertise your business in the small business or services section of Craigslist.
Reply to Wanted Car Ads: You will also find that on Craigslist and many other classified websites some sellers say “I want a Ford Focus; preferably for $5,000 or less.” Why don’t they just go search for a used car themselves? Why when someone like you will answer their ad – this is how many deal seekers and lazy buyers think. So search Craigslist and other classified websites. Even if a seller is looking for a Ford Focus, you can provide them with information on other similar vehicles you have for sale.
When replying to wanted ads online, be sure to state you are calling or emailing in response to their wanted ad. This ensures your contact isn’t mistaken for a cold calling sales pitch.
Promotions: Nothing generates interest more than getting something for free. You run a used car dealership, so why not giveaway a free car? Make a big deal out of it by hosting a barbeque, have a local radio station attend, and so forth. Even smaller ticket items, such as a TV, which anyone who tests drives a vehicle is entered to win, will generate positive attention for your used car selling business. You may be surprised how much interest events such as these generate.
These are just a few of the many ways that you and your dealership lot can generate interest, customers, and profits. As a reminder, any form or marketing (no matter how small it seems at the time) is likely to have a positive impact on your bottom line. Good luck!
