We are throwing around the idea of doing in house pictures and labeling. Who does this and is there any advice to be given?
Thanks....Julie
Julie,
I'm shocked that no one has responded to your request for assistance with all the nationwide Full-Serve and DIY Companies that read this Forum.
Well, I'm a small photo/data collection company and my idea is to look at who you currently do Full-Serve business with. Most Full-Serve Data Collection Companies offer a Do-It-Yourself (DIY) program and that's where I would start. This company already has your current inventory, existing data exports, maybe DMS integration, a photo overlay, and more and using them will most likely cause you no "extreme" changes that may prove to be your downfall and if you decide DIY isn't for you, you can have the Full-Serve service back in your store in no time, so it's a win-win for you. Simply request a meeting with the local manager and explain how you are ready and able to take on the responsibilities of collecting your own photos and printing your own window stickers. They might fuss and explain how you are not going to succeed, but most likely they will be very happy to retain you as a DIY customer knowing they will get the first call if your DIY program fails. Plus, the current company will most likely offer to sell you the window stickers they are currently using so the lot looks inform. This idea is the easiest and allows you to pick up the ball and start running very quickly and it has safety measures built in.
You'll need to have a camera, laser printer, window stickers, paper buyer's guides, and a very responsible individual ready to go. Remember, this person is responsible for your whole online present and all the money that goes along with that. Crappy photos or incorrect/missing vehicle options will cause you nightmares and business.
In the future, there are many DIY companies out there; such as vAuto, HomeNet Automotive, VINSolutions, CDM Data, Dealer Specialties, AutoUplink, CarsforSale.com, CarGigi, and many many more. You many want to cross reference your current vendors to see who might offer a DIY solution. For example, if you have vAuto, they have a DIY program that works very easy. You could ask them for a product demo and see if it performs better than what you have. There ARE differences between the companies.
Good Luck!