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Why Dealers Are Moving to Web Based Auto Dealer Management Software

A total of 1,605 dealerships closed their doors in 2009, reducing the total count down 8% according to an Urban Science study in Detroit. This came on the heels of 881 dealerships closing in 2008. The numbers of employees, families and supporting businesses affected is staggering. Dealers have tightened up and all costs have come under scrutiny as dealers tighten up to weather the economic storm.

One of the biggest fixed costs dealers contend with is computer hardware and software to manage each segment of the business. Inventory, customer contacts, employees, deals, parts, service and accounting can all be measured, monitored and used to get tasks accomplished.

These powerful tools come at a cost. Hardware servers, terminals, special printers can cost $50,000+ per year. Who in the dealership knows how to run and maintain these systems? Very few GM’s can do double duty as tech geeks. Tack on an extra $40,000 per year for tech maintenance. And finally the software. Systems can run from $1,000 per month to more than $20,000 per month. Can you get started the day the hardware and software are put in. Absolutely not! Dealers need training. That can add anywhere from $10,000 to $50,000. As you can see the costs are staggering and a pain point for dealers in tough economic times.

A new breed of web based auto dealer management software has entered the market in 2010 to relieve dealers of the staggering cost to simply run their dealership. New software offerings from MotorLot.com allow the dealer to manage inventory, customers, deal making and bookkeeping all from the convenience of a web browser. There is no software to install, can be accessed from anywhere, is always up-to-date and is secure and backed-up daily.

There are no servers to buy, no maintenance to pay and the software works on any PC, Mac or even mobile phone with a web browser and internet connection. The best part? The software starts at $99 per month!