A Message from AutoTrader to Dealers

[Jeff Kershner]

An Important Video Message from AutoTrader.com

Alan Smith, Sr. Vice President of Dealer Sales, and Chip Perry, CEO


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Alan Smith and Chip Perry talk about the challenging times and some of the changes that are taking place at AutoTrader.com. This is a good message, I recommend watching it in it's entirety. If you have an opinion, lets keep them positive and/or professional.

 

[former AT dealer]

Oh now they want to change course and listen to their dealers concerns and help them, HA!
It only took a significant decline and reduction of their revenue for that too happen.

I haven't used them almost a year now and didn't feel any negative impact from it, but I remember being told that I would be going out of business if I canceled.

Generally companies make these type of announcements when they're bleeding from the eyes and hit defcon 5.

 

[former rep]

I am a former employee of ATC who had been with the company for over 7 years and just got laid off. I am so sad because Not only did I love my job and my dealers but I was making an impact in my dealers business. Now that ATC has laid off 20% of their sales staff, the remaining reps are getting double and triple the amount of accounts. Dealers, be happy if you see your reps once a month.

WORST of all, most of the reps that were laid off were the best out there.

 

[lightnup]

former AT dealer@
Apparently you missed the entire exchange way back in January (although I don't know how you could have missed it) about ATC's sea change and concerted effort to partner with their dealers rather than just be another vendor. Your assertion that this is a sudden change solely because of recent economic events is incorrect.

Former rep@
I feel your pain (been there myself) and can understand your bitterness, but not the overblown hype. Simple math shows that a force reduction of 20% cannot possibly result in "double and triple" the number of accounts for the remaining reps. Example: 4 reps each have 30 accounts - total 120 - and one leaves (a 25% reduction in force), the other 3 now have 40 accounts each, which is not even close to doubling or tripling their account base.

 

[dtg]

Could have switched heads and called it ADP. These are tough times right now. We all have a responsibiity to speak up for car dealer rights. You can start with http://www.hometownautodealers.org/

Good Selling!

DTG

 

[former rep]

Dear lightnup,

20% is a national number, it was 50% in my district alone therefore the statement I made was correct within my district. I'm not bitter about losing my job for financial reasons, I fortunately have a spouse who makes more than enough. I am bitter because I out performed most of the remaining reps and actually cared about my dealers business. I do agree that the economy warrants the layoffs, but they should have been better chosen and not just the highest paid to save ATC money.

 

[Ron]

KBB is launching A BRAND NEW INVENTORY LISTINGS PROGRAM, check this out...

http://solutions.800bluebook.com/showcase_inventory.html

 

[web2carz]

Thanks for the SPAM Ron....

 

[Frank Jackson]

I preferred it when you guys let it all hang out in telling the truth about AutoTrader.It seems ever since Metter and MileOne got that big contract that they flew him to Vegas for, you have turned into their champion. Money is money and we understand that. Chip Perry does not mean a word he said. He wants dealer money, he will do and say anything to get it. He has screwed dealers for as long as he could now he is Mr. Nice guy trying to squeeze as much cash as he can before his kingdom completely collapses.

 

[Ron]

You're welcome Alex!