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In-House Photographer Activity Level

ggarvin

Sled Master
Apr 20, 2009
39
23
Awards
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First Name
Glen
Would any dealers be willing to share the expected and experienced work load of in-house photographers? I'm working on a study for an upcoming industry event where I'd use this data to give standards of expectations for this type of position. I've got some experiences on this but would love to know from a larger base: How many vehicles does your in-house photographer do per day?
 
Before starting on the dealer side, I was with eBizAutos. First, as a Data Collection Specialist, with our quota (including printing stickers & driving from dealership to dealership) was no fewer than 20 vehicles captured per day. Once a routine was established, it was not difficult to get 30-50 cars shot per day, depending on difficulty in gathering keys, staging the vehicle, etc.

On the dealer side, I was limited in the time that I could dedicate to shooting cars, so I aimed for 12-15 per day. Once the inventory turnover met a certain threshold, we brought in a dedicated photographer for the task. With the... unorthodox nature of the photo booth, and vehicle prep system that was set up for her, she would get around 15 vehicles shot per day.

With a more efficient set up, I don't see why a dedicated & motivated photographer couldn't get at a bare minimum of 25-30 cars a day done. If you are adding video, that would obviously reduce the number of vehicles photographed.
 
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@ggarvin There's no cut and dry answer from our camp.

We manage to % complete. The challenge isn't with the capability, we did a six sigma style assessment of our photo booth and feel like we could reasonably get 150 through in a day. We'll never have 150 vehicle front line ready without photos. The most we've actually pumped through was 78.

We apply pressure anytime our % of new and used units on ground w/o photos is below 90%, which allows for a cushion for those not PDI'd or in recon.
 
Since taking over the full merchandising of our preowned inventory, I've been meaning to time myself from beginning to end.

This includes photographing the car with no less than 35 photos, a full walkaround video with custom comments.

Let's see what it comes in at....
 
We do about a maximum of 5-7 which would be really working at a good pace. Our photos are significantly more involved and executed at a higher level of detail than most dealers. We also don't have the total number of inventory cars other dealers have.
 
We do about a maximum of 5-7 which would be really working at a good pace. Our photos are significantly more involved and executed at a higher level of detail than most dealers...


upload_2016-10-10_10-10-11.png
[link] Jason, your backdrop is in poor condition, it needs a coat of paint. Upgrade the tarvia in your photo area with a coat of driveway sealer. If you DYI, it'll cost under $300 and it help your competitive position.


One of your competitors FYI:
upload_2016-10-10_10-43-6.png

HTH
Joe
 
[link] Jason, your backdrop is in poor condition, it needs a coat of paint. Upgrade the tarvia in your photo area with a coat of driveway sealer. If you DYI, it'll cost under $300 and it help your competitive position.


One of your competitors FYI:

HTH
Joe
I actually prefer the indsutrial look in the top photo...but to each their own. I am 25 year old millennial who probably thinks he knows it all as well.
 
Interesting that you take the backdrop as a negative. I've used the background as is, because it's not perfect. It has a kind of random pattern/blotchiness that is unique but doesn't detract from the vehicles. It doesn't have a full on industrial feel but it's not supposed to be perfect background.