A Ford dealer considering adding Autobytel as a third-party lead provider receives mixed feedback from industry peers who question whether he needs more leads at all. Multiple respondents advise that with a 10% closing rate (versus his 15% goal), he should first optimize his existing lead sources—including Cars.com, his website, and KBB—through better marketing and follow-up before expanding, with some noting they've abandoned third-party providers like Autobytel and AutoUSA in favor of PPC and SEO. The consensus insight is that lead quantity is less important than lead quality and sales execution, with one veteran dealer claiming he achieves over 20% closing rates without purchasing third-party leads.
