ALLDATA has expanded its strategic agreement with AutoVitals so that shops can take advantage of timely new features that increase appointment rates. With the new release, ALLDATA Market allows shops to
optimize websites for mobile viewing and provides a direct connection between service advisors and customers.
"We saw the number of mobile searches for auto repair shops in our network more than double between October 2011 and April 2012, so we want to give our clients an advantage," said AutoVitals CEO Uwe Kleinschmidt. "Today, a mobile-optimized website and mobile phone applications make it easy for motorists to find the auto repair shop’s online presence, and engage with the service advisor, schedule appointments or receive promotions. And we see mobile device use becoming a crucial part of everybody’s busy day."
The new release also strengthens the bond between the shop and its existing customers by connecting service advisors to current customer and vehicle data. It also gives advisors tools to stay in communication
with customers through email, text and calendaring.
Instead of waiting for customers to call, advisors can proactively reach out to each one individually with current information at hand. They can use that knowledge to schedule upcoming maintenance, let customers know about recalls that apply to their vehicles, send appointment reminders, notify them when cars are ready for pickup and inform them about relevant special offers. In the event of an unexpected repair, advisors can send images of worn or damaged parts to customers, along with an educational article explaining the repair and why it’s important.
"In any relationship, the amount of meaningful, positive interaction is what builds trust," said ALLDATA President Jeff Lagges. "That’s why marketers have searched for years to realize the dream of truly
personalized, one-to-one marketing. With this new release, ALLDATA Market now hits that mark. And that’s going to make a lot of shop owners very happy."
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