The words come from Olav Aksnes, CEO of Frydenbø Bilsenter. In recent years, the automotive group has collaborated closely with Short Shift, a company that specializes in software that streamlines the sales process in the automotive industry.
– At a time when margins are falling and the demands for efficient operations continue to rise, making full use of available IT platforms and tools is essential. Today we use Short Shift extensively for both new and used cars, says Aksnes.
– The system has helped us increase sales per employee and improve the customer's buying journey.
Olav Aksnes, CEO of Frydenbø Bilsenter
Inventory collaboration
The CEO provides insight into how the software is integrated at Frydenbø, both physically through smart screens in the store and online.
– Let's start with the screens. We have around 30 across our locations. They serve as sales assistants in the showroom and, just as importantly, as a digital inventory, Aksnes explains.
On the custom-made screens, customers and salespeople can quickly find information about both the cars on display and other vehicles Frydenbø has available around the country.
– Short Shift enables good inventory collaboration across locations. That's very valuable to us. The system has also become our website for used cars, says the Frydenbø CEO.
– Short Shift enables good inventory collaboration across locations. That's very valuable to us.
Olav Aksnes, CEO
Frees up capacity
Aksnes is quick to point out that the digital assistant leads to greater efficiency.
– The screens present the cars very well; the experience is both simple and informative. At the same time, I would argue that the time spent on each sale decreases because everything is only a few taps away, which in turn frees up sales capacity, says Aksnes.
– The time spent on each sale decreases because everything is only a few taps away, which in turn frees up sales capacity.
Olav Aksnes, CEO
He also highlights the software's support for digital price tags and campaigns.
– If you want to run a campaign, you simply press a button in the central system, and the prices change for all relevant cars on the customer-facing screens. It doesn't get more efficient than that.
Olav Aksnes, CEO of Frydenbø Bilsenter
More sales opportunities
There is no doubt that the digital solutions are highly valued by Frydenbø's CEO, who is also a board member at Short Shift.
– I said yes when I was asked, and it is something I do without compensation. It is inspiring to be involved and help create products that are useful to both us and the industry as a whole. I have great faith in Short Shift, says Aksnes.
His Frydenbø colleague Joachim Hodneland agrees. The used car and logistics manager has experience with the system from both the sales floor and the management side of the business.
– Imagine a showroom with 20 cars inside, while the screen beside you can display another 450. That gives you a much better chance of helping the customer find the right car.
Joachim Hodneland, Used Car and Logistics Manager
User-friendly
Hodneland points out how easy it is to use the screens – for both those selling and buying cars.
– No training is needed; it is plug and play. I also think it creates a more informal setting when the customer and salesperson can stand at the screen and explore it together, instead of sitting in an office searching for information, he says.
– No training is needed, it's plug and play.
Joachim Hodneland, Used Car and Logistics Manager
Neither Hodneland nor Aksnes see the Short Shift solutions as a replacement for salespeople.
– The screens don't take over their jobs, they're more of a supplement. A tool that simplifies the process and makes the experience better for both seller and buyer, Aksnes believes.
– We still need someone who can explain the car's features, its pros and cons, and the available options. If I walked into a dealership hoping to meet a salesperson after doing my research, but encountered only a screen, it would probably feel rather different, Hodneland adds.