It’s time to purchase a new car. Or at least a late-model, pre-owned vehicle. You know the type of model you want and the price you want to pay. Now, all you need to do is decide where to buy it from.
Opportunities abound in this field. For instance, you can look at websites that specialize in personal sales. You can visit virtual dealerships and browse through their selection of vehicles. Of course, you can stay with the tried and true solution and visit a local automotive outlet.
However, you don’t want to choose any old car dealership. You need to work with one with some form of accreditation. To help you on this journey, here are 3 signs of an accredited automotive dealership.
1. Original Equipment Manufacturer Certification
Most likely, you’re interested in a dealership that handles more than sales. You need one that also repairs vehicles. Since you’ve heard many stories of car owners being served by unscrupulous technicians, you want some form of guarantee that they won’t take you for granted.
One way to do this is to ask about their OEM certified programs. Short for Original Equipment Manufacturer, this program offered by companies like Proactive Dealer Solutions, trains dealerships and service technicians how to become authorized by the automaker.
With this certification, you know the location has the necessary equipment to complete the highest standards of work. Additionally, they have a staff of well-trained technicians that utilize original parts from the car manufacturer. Though the cost of repairs at these OEM-certified shops might be higher, the return on investment in the form of safety is well worth it.
Why OEM Certification Matters
It comes down to knowledge. Both the sales representatives and service technicians comprehend the different materials used by each car manufacturer. Additionally, they know what tools should be utilized and the necessary steps to minimize the time your vehicle remains in the repair bay. Furthermore, if the item that needs to be replaced is from a third-party manufacturer, OEM accreditation means they return the vehicle to factory standards.
2. Approval Through The Better Business Bureau
When you enter the automotive dealership you want to look for a seal or certificate from the Better Business Bureau (BBB). This identification signifies the business is accredited by the organization. BBB certifications aren’t freely given out. Companies go through a process to be accepted.
For an automotive dealership to be accredited, they need the following qualifications:
- Clients can’t be overlooked
- Managers and employees must be professional
- Communication has to be responsive
- The customer experience has to be clear and organized
When all of these considerations are satisfied, then the dealership must display the BBB seal.
3. Part of the NADA
Another sign of an automotive dealership’s accreditation is a membership in the National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA). This organization is a surrogate for its partners. Among the tasks it performs is to be a representative for it with the government and public.
As to the latter, the NADA does everything it can to ensure an automotive dealership provides the best service possible. For instance, it provides education and guidance on new and existing regulatory measures that can affect sales. Additionally, it offers extensive training programs to improve dealership operations and customer service.
Where To Go From Here?
Now that you know the 3 signs of an accredited automotive dealership, the next step is to refine your search. You no longer need to look through an enormous list of locations. Instead, you select those with OEM and BBB certifications that belong to NADA.
Does this mean that every automotive dealership will satisfy your needs? Probably not. However, as you narrow down the search, you’ll find a select group of vehicle retailers to visit. It’s from these dealerships that you’ll find the right one for your new/preowned vehicle.
In the end, don’t be afraid to ask questions about their certifications. Not only to the sales representatives but also service technicians and the dealership’s management team. If they know their stuff, they should all be able to effectively answer your questions. If they do, then you can feel safe purchasing from them.
