These are Olav Aksnes' words, managing director of Frydenbø Bilsenter. In recent years, the dealership group has worked closely with Short Shift, a tech company which specializes in software that streamlines the sales process in for car dealerships.
- In a time of shrinking margins and increasingly greater pressure to operate efficiently, you are dependent on using the IT platforms and tools that are available. Today, we use Short Shift a lot, both for new and used cars, says Aksnes.
Stock cooperation
The director gives an insight into how the software is integrated in Frydenbø, both physically through smart screens in store and online.
- To take the screens first. We have around 30 pieces in total which are distributed among our locations. These work as sales assistants in the showroom and not least as a digital warehouse, begins Aksnes.
On the specially designed screens, both customer and seller can quickly press their way to the desired information. Both about the cars on display, but also about other vehicles Frydenbø has available around the country.
- Short Shift enables good warehouse collaboration across locations. It is very valuable to us. The system has also become our website for used cars, says the Frydenbø director.
Frigjør kapasitet
Aksnes quickly points out that the digital helpers leads to greater efficiency.
- You get to present the cars in a very good way with these screens, it is both simple and informative. At the same time, I would claim that the time spent per sale goes down as everything is just a few keystrokes away. Which in turn frees up sales capacity, says Aksnes.
He also adds the possibilities the software provides for digital price posters and campaign management.
- If you are going to run a campaign, all you have to do is press a button centrally, and suddenly the prices have changed for all the cars in al our showrooms throughout our network. It doesn't get more efficient than that.
Greater chance of sales
There is little doubt that the digital solutions are highly valued by the Frydenbø manager - who is also a board member of Short Shift.
- I agreed when I was asked, and it is something I do free of charge. It is inspiring to be involved and contribute to them being able to create products that are useful both for us and the industry in general. I have great faith in Short Shift, says Aksnes.
So does Frydenbø colleague Joachim Hodneland. The used car and logistics manager has experience with the system both from the sales floor and the head office.
- Imagine, for example, in a shop where you have 20 cars inside, but on the screen right next to you you can expose 450 more cars in our network. Then you have a far greater chance of landing the customer on the right car, he states.
The management at Frydenbø Bil are satisfied with the solution from Short Shift
User friendly
Hodneland points out how easy it is to use the screens - both for those who want to sell and buy a car.
- No training is needed, it's "plug and play". I also think it creates a slightly more informal setting when the customer can stand and press together with the seller, rather than sitting in an office to look for information, he says.
Neither Hodneland nor Aksnes see the Short Shift solutions as replacements for the sellers.
- The screens do not take over their work, it is rather a supplement. A tool that simplifies the process and makes the experience better for both seller and buyer, believes Aksnes.
- We still need someone who can explain the car's functions, what are the positives and negatives, what alternatives exist, etc. If I had walked into a shop myself, and had only encountered a screen, I would probably have turned away, adds Hodneland .
