[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.21.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.21.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.21.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.21.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n
Getting your parts department up and running online is an important step in modernizing your business model. While some dealers are utilizing some form of eCommerce, many are taking their first big steps into utilizing eCommerce to expand their parts and accessories business.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n For eCommerce beginners, this is a giant undertaking. Getting your parts department ready to deal with the changing landscape of online retail is essential to your dealership\u2019s success.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n So, how can you ensure that you get your parts department off on the right foot?<\/span><\/p>\n <\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.21.0″ _module_preset=”default” header_2_font_size=”36px” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n You can\u2019t grow without knowing where you want to get to. Setting expectations for your parts department will help them ensure that they reach their goals. So be sure to define those goals crystal clear.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n What are you hoping to accomplish in one month, three months, six months, or one year? What are your sales growth goals? What are your customer acquisition goals? What are your customer service goals?\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Take all factors into account that directly impact your team. Listen to their feedback and concerns. If they see a goal as unrealistic for their department to attain, scale back on it until you reach an objective reflecting their reality. Start small and work your way up to larger goals. You may also find that you will need to adjust your goals as you go.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.21.0″ _module_preset=”default” header_2_font_size=”36px” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n Train your parts department effectively. Get down to the nitty-gritty of your training materials. Don\u2019t just give them a once-over.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Have each team member go through the steps on their own when using new tools and software systems. Give them SOPs that are easy to understand and available 24\/7. Once they\u2019ve got the basics down, it\u2019s time to give them the reins.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Ask them to train each other on specific tools or steps. If they can explain it, then they can do it. Do weekly or monthly check-ins to make sure they\u2019re keeping up with these new systems and following SOPs accordingly. If you can equip your team with the knowledge to lead online sales growth on their own, you can help grow your parts business and provide employees with the chance to advance their careers and leadership skills. <\/span><\/p>\n <\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.21.0″ _module_preset=”default” header_2_font_size=”36px” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n Your department should be set up properly to handle the business that comes through online sales. You need to ensure that you and your team are set up to handle online orders as efficiently as possible. What does that entail?\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n If possible, designate computers to only handle online orders. These computers are the hub for inventory tracking, shipment tracking, emails, customer service chatbots, and more. It\u2019s important that only your online orders are handled through these designated stations. Separating your online business from your in-store business will help you maintain sales growth.<\/span><\/p>\n Having a fulfillment station might be a good idea if you ship orders beyond people in your local market. This should house materials to help you package, secure, and label items to be shipped out.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Having your parts department laid out in an efficient way can help you focus on multiple revenue streams without being overwhelmed.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.21.0″ _module_preset=”default” header_2_font_size=”36px” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content” sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n To get your parts department ready to sell online, sometimes the best way to motivate your team is to incentivize them. Find ways to get employees actively involved and engaged in their goals.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n You can do this in a variety of ways. You can offer individual rewards, employee recognition, team rewards, catered lunches, and much more. Establishing an incentive ahead of time can help reinforce what it is they\u2019re working towards. <\/span><\/p>\n <\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.21.0″ _module_preset=”default” header_2_font_size=”36px” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content” sticky_enabled=”0″ custom_padding=”|||43px|false|false”]<\/p>\n Create Healthy Competition<\/b>: Introduce friendly competition among team members by setting targets and offering rewards for top performers, motivating them to excel in their roles.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n Personalized Incentives: <\/b>Tailor incentives to match individual preferences and motivations, ensuring that employees feel valued and appreciated for their unique contributions.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n Goal-Oriented Rewards:<\/b> Align incentives with specific goals and milestones related to the eCommerce strategy, reinforcing the importance of achieving these objectives.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n Show Appreciation Through Perks:<\/b> Provide perks like catered lunches, extra time off, or other meaningful rewards to express gratitude and boost employee morale.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n Celebrate Achievements:<\/b> Celebrate both small and significant achievements along the way, recognizing the collective progress made towards the eCommerce goals.<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.21.0″ _module_preset=”default” header_2_font_size=”36px” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content” sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n Incentivizing your team effectively can significantly enhance their motivation, engagement, and commitment to preparing the parts department for a successful eCommerce venture.<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.21.0″ _module_preset=”default” header_2_font_size=”36px” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content” sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n Above all, be enthusiastic about it. Be optimistic about these new opportunities. A highly infectious positive attitude will keep you and your team motivated as you ramp up your new eCommerce approach.<\/span><\/p>\nSet Realistic Expectations<\/span><\/h2>\n
Train, Train, Train!\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n
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Get Your Department Set Up Right<\/span><\/h2>\n
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Incentivize Your Employees\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n
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Be Enthusiastic\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n