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Remodeling Dealership and selling during construction?

I need some great ideas on how to overcome the issue that I will be selling cars in the middle of rubble while we remodel our store over the next 12 months....what do I say to my customers? Some have already started with, "Well you must be making alot of money if you can afford to remodel..." Uh Oh....I stumbled a bit on that one...Anyone?

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Permalink Reply by Jessica Wolf on November 16, 2011 at 12:09pm

Hi Jillian,

I am working with two dealerships this month on Grand Re-Opening events, living in a construction zone has been a challenge for them as well.

What is important to remember for any dealership is how much you contribute to a community! Local dealerships are Employers they pay Taxes they are Buyers and they are Donators. When I see a dealership being remodeled I see it as a positive sign for the community and the local economy. They are putting people to work through construction services, they are buying materials through vendors and they may even be hiring to expand their service and sales teams.

Don't let anyone make you feel guilty for remodeling in this economy. Remind people of what you give back to their local community. It could be their neighbor or your payroll or their child’s baseball team you just sponsored.

Best of Luck and be proud of what you do!

Jessica Wolf

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Permalink Reply by Jillian Christiansen on November 16, 2011 at 12:16pm

Yes! Good point! We are using ALL local vendors to help our local community even though it may be a little more expensive...very good redirect...I'll use that. Thank you.

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Permalink Reply by Jessica Wolf on November 16, 2011 at 12:46pm

That's great!! Good Luck!

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Permalink Reply by Maurizio Sala on November 19, 2011 at 12:22pm

Jillian, greetings!

Please have a look to what happens in Europe with remodelling-revampings of the dealerships due to the new standards of the EOM...

http://www.automotivespace.it/eng/auto/standards-a-new-absurd-war-f...

Maybe you will get some ideas for a 'polite' answer to your customers!

Ciao.

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Permalink Reply by Kenny Atcheson on December 5, 2011 at 6:15pm

Jillian I offer some ideas in this months newsletter to our VIP Club members about this very thing. Another business turned their remodel into a celebration and it worked well.

If you would like a copy of that portion of the newsletter I can send it to you.

Part of it is your perception of the "rubble" being passed on to the customer. If you view it as a hassle, so will they. You can re-position it as a benefit to them or a representation of your success for taking excellent care of your customers.

Kenny Atcheson