Numerous service-oriented car dealerships have engaged the OCT Group recently to implement promotional efforts directed towards building valuable relationships with new, prospective and existing customers while carefully delivering information that may enhance the dealerships' sales and service offerings, according to Grant Dunning, president of OCT Group.

The OCT Group (OCT stands for "One Customer at a Time") is based in Irvine, Calif., and has conducted more than three million consumer satisfaction-related surveys since 1986. Dealerships that outsource the OCT Group typically use a small portion of the advertising budget to benefit from relating more directly and individually with consumers who come into contact with their business, according to Dunning.

"Consumer demands are a shifting, moving target," Dunning said. "With thank you notes, gift programs and brief surveys, you can relate to clientele on a new level, leading to positive experiences and opinions about the dealer and its products-which ultimately lead to higher repeat and referral-based sales."

The dealerships purchased one or more of the three OCT Group programs.

Prospect Advantage helps increase the sales conversion ratio with recent visitors. Dunning said the way a business treats prospects determines the potential for long-term relationships. Prospect Advantage starts by thanking the shopper for visiting with a gift, packaged with the business logo and sent within 24 hours of the visit. Also included are a personalized letter and a brief, postage-paid survey card, which provides feedback, regarding the prospects shopping experience.

OCT Group's most popular service is the Sales Advantage program, which begins the minute a dealer sells a car. Within days, each new customer receives a personalized thank you note and gift, customized with the dealer's logo. A brief survey is included in which the dealer receives feedback on the sales process and overall customer satisfaction, as well as referral leads.

Additionally, the Sales Advantage program incorporates 1st, 2nd and 3rd Year Anniversary Cards mailed to each client on the day they bought the vehicle. The program includes the proprietary Insight Track Executive Management Reports, which illustrate customer feedback regarding the sales experience in color-coded charts.

The Service Advantage program monitors the customers' experiences from your service department and includes daily alerts with less than satisfactory scores and referrals, as well as monthly summary of service satisfaction results using the Insight Track Executive Management Reports.

About the OCT Group

The OCT Group provides information and services that help dealers build relationships "One Customer at a Time." According to Dunning, more than 1,000 car dealers and other consumer-driven businesses throughout North America have incorporated OCT Group services, which include gift programs, thank you letters and satisfaction surveys and reporting.

For more information, call (800) 443-8937 or visit OCT Group's Web site at www.octgroup.com.