---
title: How Dealerships Can Deliver Lasting Impressions to Build Loyal Customers
description: Everything is on the internet, and many people are savvy, digital detectives. Before you can beat out the competition, be sure your sales team is famili...
image: https://blog.vanguarddealerservices.com/hubfs/couple-customer-service-vds-sm.jpg
---

Your partner for profits!

![Phone Icon](https://blog.vanguarddealerservices.com/hs-fs/hubfs/raw_assets/public/vanguard_theme_2023/images/icons/phone.png?width=16&height=16&name=phone.png) [(973) 575-7171](tel:1-973-575-7171)

[![blog-logo](https://blog.vanguarddealerservices.com/hs-fs/hubfs/blog-logo.png?width=300&height=50&name=blog-logo.png "blog-logo")](https://blog.vanguarddealerservices.com/)

Open

- [About](https://www.vanguarddealerservices.com/about-vanguard-dealer-services/)
- [Products](https://www.vanguarddealerservices.com/products/)
- [Services](https://www.vanguarddealerservices.com/services/)
- [Contact](https://www.vanguarddealerservices.com/contact-us/)
- [Blog](https://blog.vanguarddealerservices.com)

![couple-customer-service-vds-sm](https://blog.vanguarddealerservices.com/hubfs/couple-customer-service-vds-sm.jpg)

June 24, 2019

# How Dealerships Can Deliver Lasting Impressions to Build Loyal Customers

Topics:

- [Customer Service](https://blog.vanguarddealerservices.com/topic/customer-service)

**![couple-customer-service-vds-sm](https://blog.vanguarddealerservices.com/hs-fs/hubfs/couple-customer-service-vds-sm.jpg?width=1400&name=couple-customer-service-vds-sm.jpg)Know What the Consumers are Learning**

Everything is on the internet, and many people are savvy, digital detectives. Before you can beat out the competition, be sure your sales team is familiar with what car buyers may be learning on their own. A perfect example is found on [*TheStreet.com*](https://www.thestreet.com/how-to/buy-a-car-14745138).

Now, let's look at one consumer's journey to purchasing a car, as found on [*Think with Google*](https://www.thinkwithgoogle.com/consumer-insights/consumer-car-buying-process-reveals-auto-marketing-opportunities/). This consumer took a lot of time to research through "searches, visits, video views, and clicks – were on Google, YouTube, manufacturer websites, dealer websites, and review websites." Notice the stages of her buyer's journey.

The buyer's step, "Stacey's where-should-I-buy-it moments," shares vital dealership information. "The visit to the dealership remains a crucial step for many car buyers."

**Competition is High, Make a Golden Impression**

Once you have educated your sales team what is important to consumers and the process car buyers are taking, it's time to build a golden team.

**The First Contact**

First, when might the first impression happen? In today's techno-savvy age, first connections may not be in person. It can be over the phone or via email. Everyone that has any "first connections" with your potential customers or repeat customers must give the best impression, a.k.a. the golden impression.

**The Greeting**

No matter who makes the first contact with a customer, it must be welcoming and kind. From the receptionists to the sales floor, incoming phone calls or customers walking in should be treated as if they are the most important person of the day. People want to feel important.

**The Smile**

Smiles are contagious, especially in sales. We know that greeting someone with a smile has an immediate effect on a person to feel welcomed. Having a [smile while talking on the phone](https://customersthatstick.com/blog/customer-service-training/smiling-on-the-phone-does-it-really-work/) can be just as effective.

**The Email Connection**

Quick email replies with happy greetings is a must. [*Ask The Manager*](https://askthemanager.com/2017/02/car-dealer-email-best-practices/#.XPmalFxKg2w) has some helpful information to make sure you're not losing potential customers in the digital world.

**Make Lasting Impressions**

After the first contact is made with a smile or a happy greeting, the next part is winning over your customer's trust by showing them that you sincerely care about their need to find the perfect car, within their budget, and on their timeline. 

On [*HubSpot*](https://blog.hubspot.com/sales/how-to-be-a-good-car-salesperson), you see there is quite a list to becoming a good car salesperson. Most of all, be real. That means be yourself. Don't try and use a "sales-y" attitude.

- Once you learn your customer's name, be sure to use it and remember it.
- Listen more than you talk, and let the customer know they matter. 
- Be sure you have done your homework, and you have a wealth of knowledge about the cars on your lot.
- Never talk negatively about another dealership, especially if they mention they have already visited other dealerships.
- "Don't be pushy" but entice them to experience the car that has their interests.
- Never seem bored or use negative language.
- Leave the price discussion for last.
- If the sale is not made, "be the last face they see."
- If the sale is a go, let them know that you look forward to having them as a long-lasting customer. 

If you're looking for dealership solutions, [we want to hear from you](https://www.vanguarddealerservices.com/). Our mission is to offer exciting and smart solutions to help our clients maximize profit opportunities while delivering the best in customer experiences. 

#### Related Posts

[![](https://blog.vanguarddealerservices.com/hs-fs/hubfs/GettyImages-917266244-1200.jpg?width=352&name=GettyImages-917266244-1200.jpg)](https://blog.vanguarddealerservices.com/enhance-your-dealership-with-a-streamlined-checkout-experience)

##### [Enhance Your Dealership with a Streamlined Checkout Experience](https://blog.vanguarddealerservices.com/enhance-your-dealership-with-a-streamlined-checkout-experience)

[![](https://blog.vanguarddealerservices.com/hs-fs/hubfs/GettyImages-495593934-1200.jpg?width=352&name=GettyImages-495593934-1200.jpg)](https://blog.vanguarddealerservices.com/defining-your-dealerships-competitive-advantages)

##### [Defining Your Dealership's Competitive Advantages](https://blog.vanguarddealerservices.com/defining-your-dealerships-competitive-advantages)

Search

### Recent Posts

- [Consistency Wins: Why Every Deal Should Follow the Same Workflow](https://blog.vanguarddealerservices.com/consistency-wins-why-every-deal-should-follow-the-same-workflow)
- [Balancing Compliance and Customer Experience at Your Dealership](https://blog.vanguarddealerservices.com/balancing-compliance-and-customer-experience-at-your-dealership)
- [Shorten the Learning Curve for New F&I Managers](https://blog.vanguarddealerservices.com/shorten-the-learning-curve-for-new-fi-managers)

### Posts by Topic

- [Dealership Strategy](https://blog.vanguarddealerservices.com/topic/dealership-strategy)
- [F&I](https://blog.vanguarddealerservices.com/topic/fi)
- [Dealership Sales](https://blog.vanguarddealerservices.com/topic/dealership-sales)
- [Dealership Employees](https://blog.vanguarddealerservices.com/topic/dealership-employees)
- [Dealership Customers](https://blog.vanguarddealerservices.com/topic/dealership-customers)
- [F&I Process](https://blog.vanguarddealerservices.com/topic/fi-process)
- [Customer Retention](https://blog.vanguarddealerservices.com/topic/customer-retention)
- [Dealership Solutions](https://blog.vanguarddealerservices.com/topic/dealership-solutions)
- [F&I Managers](https://blog.vanguarddealerservices.com/topic/fi-managers)
- [dealership compliance](https://blog.vanguarddealerservices.com/topic/dealership-compliance)
- [compliance](https://blog.vanguarddealerservices.com/topic/compliance)
- [Customer Service](https://blog.vanguarddealerservices.com/topic/customer-service)
- [F&I Compliance](https://blog.vanguarddealerservices.com/topic/fi-compliance)
- [Dealership Operations](https://blog.vanguarddealerservices.com/topic/dealership-operations)
- [F&I Business Manager](https://blog.vanguarddealerservices.com/topic/fi-business-manager)
- [F&I Profits](https://blog.vanguarddealerservices.com/topic/fi-profits)
- [F&I Specialist](https://blog.vanguarddealerservices.com/topic/fi-specialist)
- [Sales Motivation](https://blog.vanguarddealerservices.com/topic/sales-motivation)
- [Automotive F&I Training](https://blog.vanguarddealerservices.com/topic/automotive-fi-training)
- [Social Media](https://blog.vanguarddealerservices.com/topic/social-media)
- [dealership best practices](https://blog.vanguarddealerservices.com/topic/dealership-best-practices)
- [customer experience](https://blog.vanguarddealerservices.com/topic/customer-experience)
- [Dealership Profits](https://blog.vanguarddealerservices.com/topic/dealership-profits)
- [Dealership Social Media](https://blog.vanguarddealerservices.com/topic/dealership-social-media)
- [Finance & Insurance](https://blog.vanguarddealerservices.com/topic/finance-insurance)
- [Dealer-Owned Reinsurance](https://blog.vanguarddealerservices.com/topic/dealer-owned-reinsurance)
- [Lifelong Customers](https://blog.vanguarddealerservices.com/topic/lifelong-customers)
- [Automotive dealership compliance](https://blog.vanguarddealerservices.com/topic/automotive-dealership-compliance)
- [Dealership Training](https://blog.vanguarddealerservices.com/topic/dealership-training)
- [Finance and Insurance](https://blog.vanguarddealerservices.com/topic/finance-and-insurance)
- [Sales Department](https://blog.vanguarddealerservices.com/topic/sales-department)
- [F&I Products](https://blog.vanguarddealerservices.com/topic/fi-products)
- [Brand Awareness](https://blog.vanguarddealerservices.com/topic/brand-awareness)
- [Dealership Success](https://blog.vanguarddealerservices.com/topic/dealership-success)
- [reinsurance](https://blog.vanguarddealerservices.com/topic/reinsurance)
- [Dealership Products](https://blog.vanguarddealerservices.com/topic/dealership-products)
- [training](https://blog.vanguarddealerservices.com/topic/training)
- [Customer Satisfaction](https://blog.vanguarddealerservices.com/topic/customer-satisfaction)
- [Automotive Marketing](https://blog.vanguarddealerservices.com/topic/automotive-marketing)
- [Dealer Compliance](https://blog.vanguarddealerservices.com/topic/dealer-compliance)
- [Dealer-Owned Reinsurance Company](https://blog.vanguarddealerservices.com/topic/dealer-owned-reinsurance-company)
- [dealer audits](https://blog.vanguarddealerservices.com/topic/dealer-audits)
- [employees](https://blog.vanguarddealerservices.com/topic/employees)
- [vehicle service agreements](https://blog.vanguarddealerservices.com/topic/vehicle-service-agreements)
- [Automotive Industry](https://blog.vanguarddealerservices.com/topic/automotive-industry)
- [Fill-in F&I Specialists](https://blog.vanguarddealerservices.com/topic/fill-in-fi-specialists)
- [Automotive Management Training](https://blog.vanguarddealerservices.com/topic/automotive-management-training)
- [Hiring](https://blog.vanguarddealerservices.com/topic/hiring)
- [Automotive Trends](https://blog.vanguarddealerservices.com/topic/automotive-trends)
- [Business Managers](https://blog.vanguarddealerservices.com/topic/business-managers)
- [Communication](https://blog.vanguarddealerservices.com/topic/communication)
- [Vehicle Service Contract](https://blog.vanguarddealerservices.com/topic/vehicle-service-contract)
- [dealership branding](https://blog.vanguarddealerservices.com/topic/dealership-branding)
- [Auto Dealer Compliance Fines](https://blog.vanguarddealerservices.com/topic/auto-dealer-compliance-fines)
- [Dealership Online Sales](https://blog.vanguarddealerservices.com/topic/dealership-online-sales)
- [Dealership Recruiting](https://blog.vanguarddealerservices.com/topic/dealership-recruiting)
- [Menu selling](https://blog.vanguarddealerservices.com/topic/menu-selling)
- [Service Drive](https://blog.vanguarddealerservices.com/topic/service-drive)
- [Dealership Brand](https://blog.vanguarddealerservices.com/topic/dealership-brand)
- [Dealership Trends](https://blog.vanguarddealerservices.com/topic/dealership-trends)
- [Electric Vehicles](https://blog.vanguarddealerservices.com/topic/electric-vehicles)
- [Online Reputation](https://blog.vanguarddealerservices.com/topic/online-reputation)
- [Service Agreement](https://blog.vanguarddealerservices.com/topic/service-agreement)
- [automotive finance and insurance training](https://blog.vanguarddealerservices.com/topic/automotive-finance-and-insurance-training)
- [Auto Dealer Compliance Issues](https://blog.vanguarddealerservices.com/topic/auto-dealer-compliance-issues)
- [Compliance Training](https://blog.vanguarddealerservices.com/topic/compliance-training)
- [Dealership Management Training Program](https://blog.vanguarddealerservices.com/topic/dealership-management-training-program)
- [Dealership Partners](https://blog.vanguarddealerservices.com/topic/dealership-partners)
- [Digital Retailing](https://blog.vanguarddealerservices.com/topic/digital-retailing)
- [F&I Vendors](https://blog.vanguarddealerservices.com/topic/fi-vendors)
- [Automotive Business Manager Training](https://blog.vanguarddealerservices.com/topic/automotive-business-manager-training)
- [Car Technology](https://blog.vanguarddealerservices.com/topic/car-technology)
- [Deal Audits](https://blog.vanguarddealerservices.com/topic/deal-audits)
- [Dealer Equity Plan](https://blog.vanguarddealerservices.com/topic/dealer-equity-plan)
- [Dealer Equity programs](https://blog.vanguarddealerservices.com/topic/dealer-equity-programs)
- [Dealership Advertising](https://blog.vanguarddealerservices.com/topic/dealership-advertising)
- [Dealership Service](https://blog.vanguarddealerservices.com/topic/dealership-service)
- [Environmental Protection](https://blog.vanguarddealerservices.com/topic/environmental-protection)
- [OFAC](https://blog.vanguarddealerservices.com/topic/ofac)
- [Online Sales](https://blog.vanguarddealerservices.com/topic/online-sales)
- [Sales Process](https://blog.vanguarddealerservices.com/topic/sales-process)
- [Service Department](https://blog.vanguarddealerservices.com/topic/service-department)
- [Tire and Wheel Protection](https://blog.vanguarddealerservices.com/topic/tire-and-wheel-protection)
- [Used Car Dealers](https://blog.vanguarddealerservices.com/topic/used-car-dealers)
- [facebook ads](https://blog.vanguarddealerservices.com/topic/facebook-ads)
- [AI](https://blog.vanguarddealerservices.com/topic/ai)
- [Advertising](https://blog.vanguarddealerservices.com/topic/advertising)
- [Artificial Intelligence](https://blog.vanguarddealerservices.com/topic/artificial-intelligence)
- [Compliance Fines for Automotive Dealers](https://blog.vanguarddealerservices.com/topic/compliance-fines-for-automotive-dealers)
- [Dealership Management](https://blog.vanguarddealerservices.com/topic/dealership-management)
- [Dealership Market](https://blog.vanguarddealerservices.com/topic/dealership-market)
- [Dealership Marketing](https://blog.vanguarddealerservices.com/topic/dealership-marketing)
- [Dealership Menu](https://blog.vanguarddealerservices.com/topic/dealership-menu)
- [Dealership Process](https://blog.vanguarddealerservices.com/topic/dealership-process)
- [Dealership Staff](https://blog.vanguarddealerservices.com/topic/dealership-staff)
- [Dealership Team](https://blog.vanguarddealerservices.com/topic/dealership-team)
- [Employee Development](https://blog.vanguarddealerservices.com/topic/employee-development)
- [Expos](https://blog.vanguarddealerservices.com/topic/expos)
- [Extended Service Contract](https://blog.vanguarddealerservices.com/topic/extended-service-contract)
- [F&I Conferences](https://blog.vanguarddealerservices.com/topic/fi-conferences)
- [F&I Menu](https://blog.vanguarddealerservices.com/topic/fi-menu)
- [F&I Tradeshow](https://blog.vanguarddealerservices.com/topic/fi-tradeshow)
- [F&I expo](https://blog.vanguarddealerservices.com/topic/fi-expo)
- [GAP Reinsurance](https://blog.vanguarddealerservices.com/topic/gap-reinsurance)
- [Paintless Dent Repair](https://blog.vanguarddealerservices.com/topic/paintless-dent-repair)
- [Pay Plans](https://blog.vanguarddealerservices.com/topic/pay-plans)
- [Positive Attitude](https://blog.vanguarddealerservices.com/topic/positive-attitude)
- [Prepared Maintenance Programs](https://blog.vanguarddealerservices.com/topic/prepared-maintenance-programs)
- [Used Cars](https://blog.vanguarddealerservices.com/topic/used-cars)
- [VSC](https://blog.vanguarddealerservices.com/topic/vsc)
- [Women in Automotive](https://blog.vanguarddealerservices.com/topic/women-in-automotive)
- [dealer reinsurance](https://blog.vanguarddealerservices.com/topic/dealer-reinsurance)
- [menus](https://blog.vanguarddealerservices.com/topic/menus)
- [red flags rule](https://blog.vanguarddealerservices.com/topic/red-flags-rule)
- [tradeshows](https://blog.vanguarddealerservices.com/topic/tradeshows)
- ["Wear and Tear"](https://blog.vanguarddealerservices.com/topic/wear-and-tear)
- [4th of July](https://blog.vanguarddealerservices.com/topic/4th-of-july)
- [Antimicrobial](https://blog.vanguarddealerservices.com/topic/antimicrobial)
- [Antimicrobial Solutions](https://blog.vanguarddealerservices.com/topic/antimicrobial-solutions)
- [Application Retention](https://blog.vanguarddealerservices.com/topic/application-retention)
- [Augmented Reality](https://blog.vanguarddealerservices.com/topic/augmented-reality)
- [Automotive Landscape](https://blog.vanguarddealerservices.com/topic/automotive-landscape)
- [Business Development Centers](https://blog.vanguarddealerservices.com/topic/business-development-centers)
- [Chargebacks](https://blog.vanguarddealerservices.com/topic/chargebacks)
- [Compensation Structures](https://blog.vanguarddealerservices.com/topic/compensation-structures)
- [Competitive Advantage](https://blog.vanguarddealerservices.com/topic/competitive-advantage)
- [Customer Objections](https://blog.vanguarddealerservices.com/topic/customer-objections)
- [Customer Trends](https://blog.vanguarddealerservices.com/topic/customer-trends)
- [Dealership AI](https://blog.vanguarddealerservices.com/topic/dealership-ai)
- [Dealership Administrators](https://blog.vanguarddealerservices.com/topic/dealership-administrators)
- [Dealership Consulting](https://blog.vanguarddealerservices.com/topic/dealership-consulting)
- [Dealership Finance Manager](https://blog.vanguarddealerservices.com/topic/dealership-finance-manager)
- [Dealership Onboarding](https://blog.vanguarddealerservices.com/topic/dealership-onboarding)
- [Dealership Pay Plans](https://blog.vanguarddealerservices.com/topic/dealership-pay-plans)
- [Dealership Reinsurance](https://blog.vanguarddealerservices.com/topic/dealership-reinsurance)
- [Dealership Reputation](https://blog.vanguarddealerservices.com/topic/dealership-reputation)
- [Dealership Safety](https://blog.vanguarddealerservices.com/topic/dealership-safety)
- [Direct to Consumer](https://blog.vanguarddealerservices.com/topic/direct-to-consumer)
- [EVs](https://blog.vanguarddealerservices.com/topic/evs)
- [F&I Agency](https://blog.vanguarddealerservices.com/topic/fi-agency)
- [F&I Partners](https://blog.vanguarddealerservices.com/topic/fi-partners)
- [FTC](https://blog.vanguarddealerservices.com/topic/ftc)
- [Facebook Solutions](https://blog.vanguarddealerservices.com/topic/facebook-solutions)
- [GPS](https://blog.vanguarddealerservices.com/topic/gps)
- [In-house Products](https://blog.vanguarddealerservices.com/topic/in-house-products)
- [Inflation](https://blog.vanguarddealerservices.com/topic/inflation)
- [Instant Live Video Calls](https://blog.vanguarddealerservices.com/topic/instant-live-video-calls)
- [Insurance Products](https://blog.vanguarddealerservices.com/topic/insurance-products)
- [Internal Recruiting](https://blog.vanguarddealerservices.com/topic/internal-recruiting)
- [Leasing Customers](https://blog.vanguarddealerservices.com/topic/leasing-customers)
- [Lenders](https://blog.vanguarddealerservices.com/topic/lenders)
- [Limited Warranty](https://blog.vanguarddealerservices.com/topic/limited-warranty)
- [Monroney Label](https://blog.vanguarddealerservices.com/topic/monroney-label)
- [New and Used Car Dealers](https://blog.vanguarddealerservices.com/topic/new-and-used-car-dealers)
- [OSHA](https://blog.vanguarddealerservices.com/topic/osha)
- [Onboarding Process](https://blog.vanguarddealerservices.com/topic/onboarding-process)
- [Post Pandemic](https://blog.vanguarddealerservices.com/topic/post-pandemic)
- [Product Bundles](https://blog.vanguarddealerservices.com/topic/product-bundles)
- [Product Packaging](https://blog.vanguarddealerservices.com/topic/product-packaging)
- [Profit Participation Programs](https://blog.vanguarddealerservices.com/topic/profit-participation-programs)
- [Promote From Within](https://blog.vanguarddealerservices.com/topic/promote-from-within)
- [Protection Products](https://blog.vanguarddealerservices.com/topic/protection-products)
- [RV F&I](https://blog.vanguarddealerservices.com/topic/rv-fi)
- [Remote Delivery](https://blog.vanguarddealerservices.com/topic/remote-delivery)
- [Roadside Assistance](https://blog.vanguarddealerservices.com/topic/roadside-assistance)
- [SEO](https://blog.vanguarddealerservices.com/topic/seo)
- [Safeguard Audits](https://blog.vanguarddealerservices.com/topic/safeguard-audits)
- [Sales Training](https://blog.vanguarddealerservices.com/topic/sales-training)
- [Talent Acquisition](https://blog.vanguarddealerservices.com/topic/talent-acquisition)
- [Tuition Discounts](https://blog.vanguarddealerservices.com/topic/tuition-discounts)
- [Vehicle Manufacturers](https://blog.vanguarddealerservices.com/topic/vehicle-manufacturers)
- [Vehicle safety](https://blog.vanguarddealerservices.com/topic/vehicle-safety)
- [Virtual Training](https://blog.vanguarddealerservices.com/topic/virtual-training)
- [dealership specific mobile app](https://blog.vanguarddealerservices.com/topic/dealership-specific-mobile-app)
- [self-development](https://blog.vanguarddealerservices.com/topic/self-development)
- [service agreements](https://blog.vanguarddealerservices.com/topic/service-agreements)

See All

### Follow Vanquard

- [LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/company/vanguard-dealer-services/)
- [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/vanguarddealerservices/)
- [Twitter](https://twitter.com/vanguarddealer)
- [Youtube](https://www.youtube.com/user/vanguarddealerserv)

![banner-bg](https://4247518.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hub/4247518/hubfs/banner-bg.png?width=1680&height=1121&name=banner-bg.png)

# Knowledge powers your profits.

Our Road to ROI newsletter is a free resource with valuable advice and industry news - published every month. **Subscribe now and stay up to date on everything you need to improve your bottom line.**

![Footer Decor](https://blog.vanguarddealerservices.com/hs-fs/hubfs/raw_assets/public/vanguard_theme_2023/images/decor/decor.png?width=548&height=665&name=decor.png)

###### Our Mission Statement

We are equally devoted to our clients, as well as our employees, and are driven by passion, integrity, and ingenuity.

Our service-oriented team works every day to empower our clients to both maximize their profitability and help them create customers for life.

[![Vanguard Dealer Services](https://blog.vanguarddealerservices.com/hs-fs/hubfs/logo.png?width=300&height=39&name=logo.png "Vanguard Dealer Services")](https://blog.vanguarddealerservices.com/)

- [About](https://www.vanguarddealerservices.com/about-vanguard-dealer-services/)
- [Products](https://www.vanguarddealerservices.com/products/)
- [Services](https://www.vanguarddealerservices.com/services/)
- [Contact](https://www.vanguarddealerservices.com/contact-us/)
- [Blog](https://blog.vanguarddealerservices.com)

[(973) 575-7171](tel:1-973-575-7171)

- [![facebook](https://blog.vanguarddealerservices.com/hubfs/facebook.svg)](https://www.facebook.com/vanguarddealerservices/)
- [![x-twitter](https://blog.vanguarddealerservices.com/hubfs/x-twitter.svg)](https://twitter.com/vanguarddealer)
- [![youtube](https://blog.vanguarddealerservices.com/hubfs/youtube.svg)](https://www.youtube.com/user/vanguarddealerserv)
- [![linkedin-in](https://blog.vanguarddealerservices.com/hubfs/linkedin-in.svg)](https://www.linkedin.com/company/1248174/)

© Copyright 2026 Vanguard Dealer Services, LLC, 30 Two Bridges Rd., Suite 240 Fairfield, NJ 07004