With COVID-19 forcing governments to enact extreme measures
within their local business communities, some dealerships
have changed the way they operate to stay relevant in their
marketplaces. NATDA’s Senior Membership Manager, Melanie
Bierweiler, asked several dealers what bits of wisdom they could
pass on to other dealerships facing the same struggles. Here are
five tips current dealers have for getting through the pandemic.
Use social media to bring awareness to your business’
changes.
“Increase your footprint on social media or even boost advertising.
Let customers know you’re open for business and any change
in your hours of operation. Describe how transactions can be
made to conform to CDC guidelines.”
- Theresa Reese, Brake Away Trailers & Auto Care LLC
Encourage customers to go online.
“Arkansas announced a rule requiring companies to post signs
stating everyone must stay six feet apart. Since our office is
small, we can only let in one person at a time. Because of this,
we’re waiving all credit card transactions and merchant fees so
people can order online or over the phone.”
- Cody Snook, Ozark Trailer Sales
Use the time to focus - both professionally and
personally - on your team.
“As a small business in western Colorado, we have a small staff
load. We’re cross-training at all times and, in this particular crazy
time, we’re supporting our team like family.”
- Laura Hillyer, 4 Corner Trailers
Analyze your spending to remove anything that
won’t affect your dealership long-term.
“Now, more than ever, you have to cut back on anything that
doesn’t bring dollars back into the organization. Obviously, what
we’re going through now makes you focus more on the cost of
advertising. We’ve cut back on anything that we don’t feel affects
us in the long run.”
- Clint Junker, Trailers of the East Coast
Use digital platforms to create a “virtual” customer
connection.
“Updating and investing in my website has been, and will be, the
biggest impact for my business. Our county issued a stay-athome
order, so we’re reaching out 100% through social media to
contact customers.”
- Pam Wells, Circle G Trailers
For more trailer industry-specific resources to combat
COVID-19, please visit our website at www.natda.org/news.
60 NATDA Magazine www.natda.org