LAS VEGAS -- Autobytel Inc., which boasts one of the Web's most visited new vehicle buying and research sites, launched its new Gold Medal Dealer program at the NADA Convention in Las Vegas. The program identifies franchised auto dealers who have achieved exceptional customer service standards for Internet car sales.
The program represents the first public recognition of customer service by an independent multi-brand online car buying service. According to Autobytel, the designation was created to recognize and reward dealers committed to outstanding customer relations, ongoing improvement and continuing education.
"Our goal is to help all dealers who work with Autobytel become Gold Medal Dealers, which is what consumers expect," said Jeffrey Schwartz, CEO and president of Autobytel Inc. "Putting these dealers in the spotlight rewards them for their dedication to customer service, and helps the millions of customers who visit our Websites easily identify dealerships with outstanding track records when it comes to serving online customers."
The customer satisfaction program sets clear goals for an outstanding customer experience. Each Gold Medal Dealer must achieve an excellent rating in Autobytel's dealer management report, an individual performance analysis measuring the dealership's sales performance and responsiveness to customers.
The dealer management report is provided monthly, at no charge, to members of the Autobytel dealer network. Gold Medal status is reviewed, and dealers are re-certified, every six months to ensure that certification is based on timely, accurate performance information.
In addition, Gold Medal Dealers must complete Autobytel's eLearning program or Autobytel's training and professional service course. The curriculum is based on best practices at dealerships nationwide and helps dealers understand the expectations of today's Internet car shoppers.
Autobytel's account managers, who are certified as best-practices trainers, review the Gold Medal criteria with dealers and validate that dealership customers are being served according to recommended best practices. After successful completion of the evaluation, the dealership is certified as a Gold Medal Dealer. All dealerships that are members of the Autobytel Dealer Network are eligible to earn Gold Medal Dealer status. Dealers who attain Gold Medal status have the opportunity to earn points toward additional Autobytel products and services.
Car buyers who submit a purchase request through Autobytel's Websites, www.autobytel.com, www.autoweb.com and www.carsmart.com, will know they are working with a dealer, identified by a Gold Medal Dealer icon, who has achieved the highest performance rating from Autobytel Inc.
"Autobytel is in a unique position to help dealers and car buyers build better relationships," said Schwartz. "We were founded to improve the car buying and selling process for dealers and consumers. Our Gold Medal Dealer program is an important feature in that ongoing dialogue."
