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How Enhancing Your Online Car Buying Process Increases Your Auto Dealership Sales

auto dealership sales

Whether you believe it or not, your band’s success relies on you having a great online car-buying process. Without it, your auto dealership sales will decrease significantly, primarily because car buyers don’t just shop in person. They shop online as well. 

According to a recent report by Capital One, 82% of consumers prefer a hybrid car buying experience that mixes online and in-person elements. For example, before heading to a dealership, car buyers prefer to take multiple steps online—44% want to research vehicle information, 41% want to ensure a price is fair, and 40% want to choose their preferred make and model. Only after taking those steps do 47% of car buyers want to come in person to see and test drive a vehicle.

So, while you shouldn’t close your brick-and-mortar operations any time soon since they’ll still receive foot traffic, you should make sure your online car-buying process is up to par, especially since consumers want to use it, and it could impact your auto dealership sales. 

The Benefits of Enhancing Your Online Sales Process 

Enhancing your dealership’s online car buying process provides multiple ways to increase your sales and long-term success. For example, if you give consumers the online sales process they want, you’ll experience five specific advantages that all lead to more customers. 

1. More customer data 

When you provide car buyers with a way to shop digitally, you can easily track their behavior and online journey to gather more customer data. With additional insights about your target audience, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of the vehicles your target audience likes and the paths that led them to your website. Knowing those two things will allow you to refine your inventory and marketing tactics to generate more sales. 

2. An improved reputation 

One of the best things about having a great online car buying process is that it typically includes a way for people to leave reviews. Car buyers want to read others’ feedback when they’re researching dealerships, and when they have an opportunity to do so, it informs which dealership they’ll visit. If yours has positive reviews, you’ll have no problem attracting more customers. 

3. A wider pool of potential customers

Over five billion people are on the internet, which means you don’t have to rely on car buyers within a five-mile radius to generate sales. You can access a wide pool of potential customers if you’re open to enhancing your online sales process. Of course, that doesn’t mean every internet user looking for a car will be in your target audience. 

Your dealership will still appeal to people who live in the same state your business is in. But instead of relying on those in your business’s community to generate sales, you can reach car buyers in neighboring counties and cities if you have an online sales process that attracts and builds relationships with them. 

4. Increased credibility 

Since car buyers like to research online before visiting a dealership, you need to have content on your website that answers questions and provides education. With helpful website content, you’ll not only offer the insights consumers are looking for but also enhance your credibility in the process. 

One of the top three reasons for producing content is to establish credibility. People have a hard time trusting businesses—misinformation, scams, and greed have left consumers unsure of which companies deserve their hard-earned money. People only want to buy from brands they trust, and the high-quality content in your online sales process will pave the way to establishing that trust so that car buyers think you’re credible enough to purchase from. 

5. An efficient sales process 

Developing the online side of your sales machine will make the car buying process for consumers significantly more seamless. Instead of having to call your dealership or visit in person for every inquiry, potential customers can get some of the information they need online—and they will appreciate that convenience. Additionally, if you have digital tools to streamline transactions, car buyers will be even happier. By making the final steps of their journey easy and simple, consumers will drive off the lot content and willing to recommend your business. 

how to increase your auto dealership sales

The Road Boosting Auto Dealership Sales

If you want to experience the benefits of a great online car-buying process, you need to incorporate the right tools and strategies. Specifically, you must have three components to create a process that increases your auto dealership sales.

1. Content Marketing Strategy

This piece is critical. With almost half of car buyers researching vehicles online, you can’t afford to have a website or social media account void of content. You need blogs, buying guides, FAQs, images, and vehicle information on your site and social media platforms. That way, car buyers have the foundational insights they need and want to take the next step of visiting your dealership. 

2. Customer Relationship Management (CRM) System

You want to capture as many online leads as possible and know where they stand in your car-buying process—and a CRM will help you do both. By having a vault of leads, you’ll have more opportunities to follow up with potential customers and nurture relationships to the finish line. By knowing the stage potential car buyers are in, you’ll know how to nurture those relationships and which information to provide to help potential customers take the next step. 

3. An online DMV platform

After a transaction, you must ensure your customers get their titles, tags, and vehicle registration. This step usually takes a while because you have to work with the DMV. However, you can cut down the time by using an online DMV platform, which companies like ours offer. 

At Barry Risk Management, you don’t have to interact with a slow-paced DMV to get what your customers need. Instead, you can rely on our representatives to use a propriety online DMV platform to quickly and efficiently get the documents your car buyers require. We work with dealerships in every state and know the DMV rules across the U.S. We have the experience needed to get car buyers’ legal forms in no time. And when your customers get their titles, tags, and vehicle registration in a timely manner, you can guarantee they’ll end their buying process just as happy as they started it, leading to rave reviews about your dealership that attract more customers. 

Want to use an online DMV platform to enhance your online car buying process? Contact our team at 1-888-995-TAGS(8247)! 

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How to Attract First-Time Car Buyers In the Age Of Amazonification

first-time car buyers

Attracting first-time car buyers requires many of the steps you’d take to capture other types of customers. One of those steps is knowing what first-time car buyers want. Usually, this strategy relates to understanding customers’ vehicle preferences, finances, and life events to determine what type of car will make the most sense. However, knowing what first-time car buyers want also comes down to understanding their shopping preferences. 

People buying their first vehicle may have different shopping behavior from your previous customers, and that’s not because your dealership has done something right or wrong. It’s simply because we’re living in the age of Amazonification. 

What is Amazonification?

Amazonification is a car-buying process that lets consumers shop for and purchase vehicles online as easily as purchasing a product on Amazon. Tesla is primarily responsible for creating this process, as the company was the first to move car buying away from auto dealerships and online. 

While the electric car manufacturer made purchasing a vehicle simpler, many automakers resisted Amazonification, believing car buyers wouldn’t feel comfortable making such an expensive purchase online. They were proven wrong when e-commerce sales in the U.S. jumped by 25% in 2021, the biggest increase in the last ten years. Recent research from Cox Automotive also suggests that car buyers who completed half of their shopping process online were happier, and most will interact with at least one digital tool when shopping for a car. 

Given consumers’ move to online car shopping and the new belief that this behavior will remain, many automakers are trying to sell directly to potential customers. General Motors announced plans to allow consumers to shop for, buy, and finance their vehicles entirely online—but transactions will still include a dealer.

Decision makers at Honda also recently said they’d sell their entire electric Acura line online for U.S. car buyers. Additionally, Ford is adopting a more streamlined online buying experience. The company’s CEO has even expressed interest in a future where automakers avoid sending their vehicles to sit on car lots and instead ship them straight to customers. Ford is already pushing this vision forward by implementing a program that requires dealers interested in electric vehicles to agree to spend $500,000 to $1.2 million on installing and operating fast chargers and site upgrades, relegating dealerships to service centers. 

How Amazonification Impacts Auto Dealerships

With automakers taking steps to sell directly to consumers, dealerships have reasons to worry. Many are struggling to accept Amazonification, as they cling to old business models where car buyers come in, shop, and make a purchase. Car dealers also know that direct sales mean a decrease in profits. Instead of visiting a car lot, buyers will go on an auto manufacturer’s website to purchase a vehicle—and that is particularly true for first-time car buyers. 

People buying cars for the first time know they don’t have to go in person anymore to research for or purchase a vehicle. Around 76% of U.S. consumers shop online, and more than half of consumers prefer it that way. If you run a dealership, you can bet many consumers will have the same habits and preferences when buying a car as they do when purchasing other types of products. They will shop for vehicles online now that it’s an option, which means your dealership must make some changes.

Three Ways to Capture First-Time Car Buyers

If you don’t want to lose first-time buyers to automakers, your dealership needs to do one major thing: offer an online shopping experience. Doing so will allow you to stay competitive as Amazonification continues. However, offering a good online shopping experience isn’t easy. To do it well, you need to start by implementing three specific steps. 

1. Develop marketing content and online ads 

If you want to attract first-time car buyers, you need to speak to them. The best way to do that online is to create marketing material and online ads that resonate with your audience. On the marketing side, you’ll need to develop engaging website copy, blogs, online resources, email marketing campaigns, and social media posts. When it comes to online ads, take time to figure out your audience’s favorite social media platforms. Then, create ads with personalized copy and eye-catching designs that align with your audience’s interests, needs, and dreams. 

2. Simplify the online research and buying process

Once you get a first-time buyer’s attention with your marketing material and online ads, they’re going to visit your website. Your job is to make sure your site allows them to seamlessly shop for, customize, and purchase cars. To make this easier, you may need to hire a web developer who can ensure the e-commerce side of your dealership is easy to navigate, understandable, well-designed, and equipped with everything potential customers need. 

Also, consider implementing a live chat option for first-time car buyers to use when they have questions. By providing this option, you’ll give shoppers greater convenience and customer satisfaction. In fact, a recent report from Zendesk suggests that customer satisfaction ratings outperform email support, help center articles, and Twitter and Facebook support. 

3. Complete DMV steps online

Going to the DMV is always a hassle. If you want to finish a sales transaction strong, don’t complete first-time car buyers’ DMV tasks in person—instead, take care of everything online. You can get titles, tags, and license plates for your customers online quickly and easily by using a private DMV services company like Barry Risk Management. 

We have an online-only platform that helps dealerships get their customers’ tags, titles, and license plates in a timely manner. That way, their car buyers are happy, and their sales team is stress-free because they don’t have to interact with the DMV. 

We work with auto dealerships across the U.S., so it doesn’t matter what state your business is in. With over 30 years of experience in the DMV industry, we know all the rules and regulations to follow to ensure your car buyers get everything they need without anyone having to visit the DMV. 

Keep Up with the Times 

The rise of Amazonification signals a shift in the way first-time car buyers will approach purchasing a vehicle. Auto dealers will either sink or swim, depending on their reaction to this change in shopping behavior. However, assuming you want your dealership to succeed, you can offer an online shopping experience to ensure you keep up with the times and experience long-term success. 

Want a private DMV services company to get your customers’ titles, tags, and license plates? Call our DMV experts at 1-888-995-TAGS(8247).

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5 Dealership Challenges & How to Overcome Them

dealership challenges

It’s an exciting time to be an auto dealer. Research suggests that the U.S. automotive dealership market is expected to hit $57.3 billion, resulting in a compound annual growth rate of more than 4% over the next five years. This prediction isn’t surprising. 

The industry has seen significant success, given the recent demand for new and used cars and shoppers’ excitement about new technologies like electric cars, connected cars, and autonomous vehicles. However, while the growth and advancements in the auto industry are compelling, dealerships still experience many hurdles to success.  

The top dealership challenges 

These days, running a dealership comes with unique problems. Even if your business is currently hitting or exceeding sales goals, it may not last long if you can’t overcome the top dealership challenges affecting the industry. To put your company in a position for long-term success, you need to take steps to mitigate five dealership issues. 

1. Increased competition

With online-only retailers challenging brick-and-mortar dealerships, competition is fiercer than ever. For your business to experience success, you have to find unique ways to engage car shoppers who are interested not only in the dealerships down the street but also in the ones dominating online. Consumers have options everywhere, and contending for their attention requires you to have a competitive edge. 

2. Reduced dealer loyalty 

Increased competition means decreased dealer loyalty. Over the last five years, dealer loyalty has decreased by 1.6%, even though brand and manufacturer loyalty only reduced by 0.2%. If you’re wondering whether reduced dealer loyalty genuinely impacts business, remember that loyal customers usually bring the highest ROI on sales and trades. 

3. Demand for digital communication

The days of visiting a physical dealership or picking up the phone solely to communicate with sales reps are gone. Car shoppers want the option to communicate digitally. They want a contactless experience that allows them to ask questions and receive updates. So if your dealership still requires customers to talk on the phone or sit at your desk to get information, your business may be in trouble. 

4. Changing shopping behavior

Another dealership challenge is today’s new shopping behavior, an issue primarily stemming from millennials. In 2021, millennials became car dealers’ biggest pool of potential customers, which was surprising to most in the industry. People thought millennials weren’t interested in driving and that they preferred walking, biking, or ride-sharing—but the reality was that millennials simply preferred to shop differently. 

Instead of immediately visiting dealerships to spend hours considering options and negotiating, millennials like to utilize online tools and research to determine which vehicle may be the best. Some millennials are open to even completing the entire car sales process online. 

5. Inefficient after-sale process

For consumers, buying a car is only half the battle. Unless you do it for them, they still have to take many steps to legitimize the transaction, which they must do at the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). Regardless of who takes the lead, finishing the after-sale process in a timely manner is often impossible. Even though we live in a digital age, phone calls, in-person visits, complex forms, and long wait times still characterize the after-sale process. 

Overcoming common dealership issues

If you want to set your dealership up for success, you need to have the ability to overcome the top five dealership challenges. Of course, many solutions can help you achieve that, but if you prefer to start with one, here’s an idea: work with a private DMV services company like our team at Barry Risk Management. 

As a private DMV services company, we directly streamline and quicken the after-sale process by getting your customers’ tags, titles, license plates, and vehicle registration all online. That means you don’t have to do any legwork—we’ll take care of that for you. All we’ll need is a little information about your customer and their purchase, which you can give us online. Then, we’ll take steps to get the documents your customers need to legitimize their transaction. 

Also, it doesn’t matter where your customers live or your dealership’s location. Our team has over 30 years of experience in the DMV industry and knows what each U.S. state requires for car buyers to retrieve their tags, titles, license plates, and vehicle registration. With our knowledge and online capabilities, your customers will have what they need quickly and with little to no hassle. 

The best part? Our DMV services can help your business overcome the other four dealership challenges. Our efficient process and digital platform will give your team the following: 

  • A competitive edge: Many dealerships still use a traditional approach to interacting with the DMV. If you transition into using a more modern approach, you’ll differentiate your dealership from competitors. 
  • Increased brand loyalty: When customers know you can make their car buying process easier, they’ll be more likely to keep coming to your dealership instead of considering other options. 
  • A digital tool for communication: Since our team does everything online, we don’t need to see you or your customers in person. We also don’t need to speak on the phone if that’s not preferred. Our team communicates digitally and uses an online platform to get DMV tasks done quickly, meeting the new need for digital communication. 
  • A better experience for car shoppers: With car shoppers preferring digital experiences, you’ll stand out by offering a way to get their tags, titles, license plates, and vehicle registration online. Consumers will think you understand their shopping behavior and be more inclined to buy from your dealership instead of one that hasn’t aligned with their preferences. 

By working with our team at Barry Risk Management, you’ll receive the advantage your company needs to start overcoming the dealership challenges impacting business owners. That advantage will set your brand up for long-term success so that your dealership continues to grow. So, don’t hesitate to reach out. Call us to help lay the foundation for your company’s victory. 

Contact one of our representatives at 1-888-995-TAGS(8247) to develop a streamlined after-sale process that also helps you overcome other dealership challenges!

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What Does Instant Gratification Mean for Car Dealers?

what does instant gratification mean for car dealers

It’s no secret that instant gratification is real. People want things quickly and hassle-free, so much so that 45% of consumers will switch brands if companies don’t actively anticipate their needs. If you want someone to blame for this problematic trend, point the finger at the on-demand economy, which consists of tech giants like Amazon, Netflix, and Uber. These brands have conditioned shoppers to expect companies to be fast and responsive in our always-on culture. Long wait times and general statements like “we’ll handle it when we can” are unacceptable, and that’s not just true for retail brands. 

Regardless of your industry, you can’t shrug off instant gratification, believing it only impacts e-commerce companies. In a world where most people—especially millennials and Gen Z—prefer immediacy and a click-and-collect model, every market must consider how instant gratification affects them. That means you need to ask yourself an important question: what does instant gratification mean for car dealers?

Faster Transactions are Crucial 

While in-person visits haven’t disappeared, you can’t bet your dealership’s success on them. More people are buying cars online, with some shoppers completing transactions on their mobile phones. 

One general manager of an auto retail shop said in an article that the majority of their brand’s purchases came from mobile devices. In that same article, an automotive retail consultant said they noticed that 30% of U.S. new car sales in 2021 happened online. Before the pandemic, that number was less than two percent. So, what’s the deal? 

According to Progressive, one of the primary reasons for the increasing number of online sales is the time savings associated with it. Having the opportunity to browse cars online, research the best options on a laptop or mobile device, and complete paperwork digitally allows consumers to finish their car-buying process almost instantaneously. And that reality means your car dealership needs to start moving its sales process online. 

If you want to compete in today’s environment, you need an intuitive, speedy website, a consistent social media presence, an online chat option, and educational content that answers consumers’ most common questions. These elements will ensure car buyers have everything they need to receive quick answers and make fast decisions. However, an online sales process isn’t the only thing you need to succeed with consumers these days.

Supercharge Your DMV Processes

There’s one thing most people agree on: the DMV is slow. No matter the day or time you visit or the item you need, the DMV can take weeks or months to provide any documents. For most, this situation was frustrating before the on-demand economy birthed instant gratification. But now that patience is no longer a virtue, dealing with the DMV is a headache for almost everyone. 

No one wants to stand in long lines or experience lengthy hold times on the phone to get the DMV documents they need for their cars. After purchasing a vehicle, people want to have all their legal documents in hand within days. Fortunately, there’s one way to achieve this difficult goal, and that’s to work with a private DMV services company like Barry Risk Management. 

These types of companies are designed for car buyers who crave instant gratification, primarily because they do everything digitally to provide DMV documents hastily. For example, when working with our team at Barry Risk Management, your dealership can give car buyers the following items in a timely manner. 

1. Car Titles 

A title is one of the most important documents car buyers need. Without it, no one will believe they own their car, making it critical to deliver this record as soon as possible. Luckily, when partnering with our representatives at Barry Risk Management, all you have to do is go online and provide a few pieces of information. Then, we’ll give those details to the DMV and make sure your car buyers receive their titles in little to no time. 

2. License Plates

Your customers can only drive with temporary license plates for so long. Eventually, they’ll need their official plates. If you want to provide this quickly, our team at Barry Risk Management can help. All it takes is providing some information about the car buyer via our online platform. Then, you can sit back while we work with the DMV to deliver your customers their license plates within days. 

3. Tags & Vehicle Registration 

For your buyers to drive their cars legally, they’ll need official tags and vehicle registration. Instead of visiting your local DMV to handle this step, you can use our services. After going online and answering some questions, our representatives at Barry Risk Management will handle what’s necessary to give your customers their tags and vehicle registration in a timeframe that makes them happy and you satisfied.

Giving car buyers instant gratification

Experiencing success isn’t as simple these days. For your dealership to thrive, you must adjust to consumers’ desire for instant gratification, which means transitioning to online sales and quickening your DMV processes to ensure your car buyers get what they need in a timely manner. Only after taking those two steps will you put your business in a position to gratify consumers instantaneously.

If you want to supercharge your DMV process for car buyers, call Barry Risk Management at 1-888-995-TAGS(8247) to learn how we can help.

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The Top Tasks to Outsource in The Car Dealership Sales Process

car dealership sales process

If you’re an auto dealer, there’s one thing you know for certain: the industry is experiencing unique challenges in the sales process. Most of these challenges aren’t easy to solve. Some even require significant shifts in how your dealership does business. However, if you want to be successful in today’s competitive environment, you need to be able to solve your organization’s most pressing sales concerns, and that can only happen if you have time to address them. 

But how can you get that time? The only way you typically can: you must outsource specific sales-related tasks to create an opportunity to handle others. This idea may sound scary initially, especially since sales are a pivotal part of your business, but don’t worry. The tasks we recommend outsourcing happen after you’ve completed a transaction, leaving the beginning of your car dealership sales process intact. 

If you’re wondering what tasks we’re referring to, we’ll get to them soon. But first, let’s dive deeper into the sales challenges you’re facing that make it necessary to outsource certain responsibilities.

Low inventory remains a top concern

The first problem your dealership may be experiencing is low inventory. With the ongoing shortage of semiconductor chips, manufacturers have had trouble producing new vehicles, and it’s left dealerships like yours in a bind. In fact, many dealers can barely get 1 million vehicles in stock when they’re typically used to having 3 million cars in inventory. 

Some dealerships are handling this problem by reducing sales incentives and increasing prices. You might even be doing the same things. However, while these responses are normal and understandable, they don’t prevent consumers from becoming frustrated during the car dealership sales process. 

Car shoppers are competing for fewer options while facing significantly higher prices. In December 2021, the average price for a new vehicle cost more than $47,000, which is $12,000 over the average price at the beginning of 2020. These high prices, along with increased competition, mean you have to educate consumers on why there’s low inventory while trying to ease their frustration to ensure you don’t permanently damage the relationship. 

Even if shoppers can’t buy a vehicle immediately, the last thing you want to do is let them walk away angry and unwilling to work with you once inventory increases and prices stabilize. So spending ample time managing consumer relationships is essential for long-term success. 

Navigating a different sales process 

navigating a new car dealership sales process

Outside of managing consumers’ emotions and low inventory, your team also has to learn a new sales process. Before the pandemic, your salespeople were primarily responsible for test-driving vehicles with walk-in customers and delivering compelling sales pitches face-to-face. But today, many customers are shopping for cars from the comfort of their homes, meaning your sales team has to shift their efforts to the digital world. 

If your dealership wants to make sales, your team has to focus on answering online requests quickly and delivering vehicles to buyers who bought their cars online. Doing this requires your salespeople to become more analytical and tech-adept than ever before. Additionally, they’ll have to navigate a new consumer journey and discern which digital touch points will allow them to make the most impact. 

The learning curve can be steep, so your sales team will need to spend sufficient time understanding it. Otherwise, your dealership could face more challenges than necessary.

Outsource tasks to address the big issues

With low inventory, consumer frustration, and a new sales process for your team to learn, you can’t afford to focus on tasks that can easily be outsourced. Instead, your full attention must be on the most significant obstacles affecting your business. So, to make time for what matters most, you should outsource the DMV responsibilities in your car dealership sales process.

These responsibilities include the paperwork you have to fill out to get a buyer’s tags, vehicle registration, license plates, and more. Tasks like these are easy for private DMV services companies. These types of organizations can gather the necessary paperwork to turn it in so that your customers get what they need in a timely manner. 

The only essential factor to consider is the DMV services company you work with—some of these organizations have minimal experience in the DMV industry. Additionally, many of them don’t know which forms to complete for certain DMV services. However, a reputable company will know all the ins and outs of getting tags, vehicle registration, license plates, and more, making it easier for you to trust outsourcing these tasks to them. 

A reputable company for your DMV Needs

If outsourcing your DMV tasks will free up your time and benefit your dealership, you don’t have to look far for a reputable company to help. In fact, our team at Barry Risk Management can step in to handle all of your DMV-related responsibilities. 

We have over 30 years of experience in the DMV industry and work with dealerships across the U.S. Even better, we do everything online, so you don’t have to visit our office to get the help you need. You can remain at your dealership to focus on increasing inventory, maintaining customer relationships, and conducting sales online. 

So, give us a call at your earliest convenience. One of our representatives will answer any questions you have and start completing the DMV paperwork for your most recent customer. 

Dial 1-888-995-TAGS(8247) to get in touch with one of our representatives at Barry Risk Management!

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How Auto Dealers Can Overcome the Labor Shortage in 2022 as Consumer Demand Rises

Labor Shortage in 202

While every brand is unique, there’s a chance your dealership has one thing in common with auto dealers across the country: a sharp increase in consumer demand. In U.S. showrooms, people are buying makes and models almost as quickly as they can be made. 

Empowered by a strong economic recovery and low-interest rates, consumers are racing to snatch up new and used vehicles. The growing interest in car buying has even led some dealers to contact former customers to see if they can buy back their vehicles to meet consumer demand for used cars. 

Of course, this increased need has some benefits, especially financially. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics indicates that prices for used vehicles were 40.5 percent higher in January 2022 than in January 2021. Transaction prices for new vehicles also shot up by 12.2 percent within that same timeframe. And according to a report by Edmunds.com, 8 out of 10 car shoppers paid over the sticker price in January compared to 2.8 percent last year. 

Maybe your car dealership is seeing similar sales. With consumer demand increasing, it’s possible you’re speaking with more customers than ever before. But how manageable is that workload if you’re understaffed like many other car dealerships in the U.S.? 

Labor shortages in 2022 are impacting success

It’s no secret. The Great Resignation is impacting many markets, including the auto industry. Around 57 percent of car dealerships are understaffed, and 80 percent expect workforce challenges to get worse in the short term. 

Some states are faring notably worse than others. For example, there are thousands of open jobs in the auto industry in Alabama. And car dealerships in Michigan are seeing few people apply for open positions while new hires quit by lunchtime. But this quick turnover aligns with industry research. 

The employee turnover rate in auto dealerships is 46 percent, more than double the average U.S. rate of 19.6 percent. For sales employees, the stats are even higher. The auto industry’s annual turnover rate in sales departments is a whopping 80 percent. 

With many open positions and a high turnover rate, it’s hard to keep up with consumer demand for new and used vehicles, and you may have noticed this at work. Trying to sell cars while handling all of the DMV paperwork for recent transactions isn’t easy. You could easily spend all day and night in the office just filling out and submitting the documents for car buyers’ titles, tags, license plates, and more. 

Obviously, decreasing this burden is possible with strong and consistent recruiting efforts. If you can onboard the right employees who won’t quit during their lunch break, it’ll be easier to meet consumer demand and fulfill all of the other responsibilities that come with your job. 

But hiring top talent takes a while, and you need an immediate solution to your problem to sustain your business and keep a level head. With that in mind, the best option is to work with a private DMV services company. 

Why you should use a private DMV services company

First thing’s first. A DMV services company will not help sell the vehicles on your lot. These organizations do not provide sales associates. However, they fill in the gaps by handling all of the DMV paperwork you or a sales associate would have to do after a transaction. That means half the battle—and specifically, the last half—can be outsourced to a reputable company. 

With a private DMV services brand, the labor shortages you’re experiencing in 2022 will feel less stressful. While you and your team handle a packed sales volume, the representatives at a private DMV services company will manage the other important aspects of completing each transaction. They’ll get your customers’ tags, license plates, vehicle registration, and titles. A credible brand will know which documents to fill out and submit to acquire these necessities and will have everything to car buyers in a short timeframe. 

All you have to do is find a reputable private DMV services company to handle these responsibilities. Then, you can put more hours back into your day to focus on sales and consumer needs. 

Barry Risk Management is here to help 

Barry Risk Management is a private DMV services company you can rely on to handle the paperwork you don’t have time to touch. Everything we do happens online, so you don’t have to visit our office to drop off any information. We prioritize convenience, and we already know you’re strapped for time, so you can get what you need by interacting with us online. 

Only the first step requires a quick phone call. That way, we can better understand your needs and walk you through our process. During the call, you’ll speak with one of our representatives—all of them have over 30 years of experience in the DMV industry, so you’ll be in good hands with anyone on our team. 

Just give us a call to talk through the specifics. You don’t need to continue sinking under the weight of labor shortages if you can make the rest of 2022 an easier and less stressful year. Let a private DMV service company like us take some of the load off by managing the paperwork from your increased sales volume.

For a deeper look into how our team at Barry Risk Management can help, contact us at 1-888-995-TAGS(8247). 

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How Auto Dealers Can Quickly Handle DMV Paperwork

DMV paperwork

If you’re an auto dealer, business is about to get busy. The intent to buy new or used cars is increasing amongst consumers. Research suggests that 94% of people are looking to buy a new car, and 97% of consumers have intentions to buy a used car.

These numbers have significantly increased since 2020, which means you can expect to ramp up sales and bring in more deals. But while you’re speaking with eager consumers and showing the vehicles on your lot, keep in mind that making an official sale won’t be a walk in the park, and that’s not because customers will be demanding. It’s because the DMV will be more challenging to work with than usual. 

The DMV wait times are increasing 

You may have heard that businesses spanning various industries are currently facing staff shortages. According to the Job Opening and Labor Turnover Survey by the Department of Labor, there were 11.3 million job openings in January 2021. 

Of course, when an organization is short-staffed, you’ll experience longer wait times than usual, and unfortunately, this is especially true with the DMV. There’s no reason to sugarcoat it—the DMV is notoriously slow, and when you throw in labor shortages, getting things done will move at a snail’s pace, and that’s not an exaggeration. 

DMVs across the U.S. have fewer employees than usual, leading to longer wait times. In fact, a DMV in Oregon recently reported that it’s trying to keep things going with only six employees on most workdays when it usually has 17 employees on hand. 

With these severe staff shortages, you’ll have a tough time completing the forms you must give the DMV after you sell a new or used motor vehicle. Most likely, you won’t even know which documents to fill out and submit to make a transaction official. 

The DMV requires a plethora of paperwork, and keeping up with it can be challenging, which is why it’s tempting to call the DMV or go in person to figure everything out. But because DMVs are so short-staffed, it’ll be incredibly difficult to get someone on the phone. And speaking with an associate in person could take hours or an entire workday. 

How to skip the long DMV process

the best ways for auto dealers to handle DMV paperwork

While the DMV may not be able to assist you in providing necessary paperwork, you can’t let that stop you from making sales. Otherwise, you won’t have a dealership. However, how can you figure out which documents to give the DMV so that your customers can drive their vehicles legally? 

The best step is to use a private DMV services company, which will act as an intermediary between you and the actual DMV. A good, reputable company will know the exact documents to submit to the DMV and will even deliver the forms for you. With this type of business working by your side, you’ll not only complete the necessary forms to make your transactions official, but you’ll also have the opportunity to give your customers essential items, including the ones below. 

1. Titles

Without a title, who’s going to believe someone owns their car? You need to get this document to your customers as soon as possible, and a private DMV services company will make that happen. It’ll handle and submit the required information to the DMV, ensuring you get titles to your customers in a timely manner.  

2. License Plates 

After you make a sale, you need to give your customers a temporary license plate. However, keep in mind that you may need to provide the official license plate as well. Some customers will prefer you to do it instead of handing it themselves, but accommodating this request can be quick and painless with a private DMV services company. 

This type of business will gather all of the necessary forms and give them to the DMV. Then, your customers will have an official license plate in their mailbox in no time. 

3. Tags and registration 

Other items your customers may want you to provide are their tags and vehicle registration. And no, this doesn’t include the temporary tags and registration you give them before they drive off the lot. 

Most likely, you’ll also need to provide the official documents, which a private DMV services company can handle for you. Instead of filling out the paperwork yourself, a private DMV services company will get everything together, submit it, and make sure your customers receive their tags and registration quickly. 

The best DMV services company to use

Using a private DMV services company may sound like a good idea. But this good idea can fail fast if you don’t use a great DMV services company. An inexperienced one won’t know which documents to submit to the DMV after you make a sale, leading to chaos, confusion, and unhappy customers. 

However, our team at Barry Risk Management isn’t inexperienced or unknowledgeable. We’ve been working in the DMV industry for over 30 years, so we know exactly what you need to provide to legitimize your transactions and help customers get what they need. 

Even better, we handle everything online, so you don’t have to take a break out of our busy schedule to visit us. You can focus on making deals and give us a call in between to let us know what you need. We’re available and ready to provide the DMV services you require, so reach out to speak with one of our representatives so that you’re equipped to handle your increase in sales. 

Use a team of experts to handle your DMV needs by calling Barry Risk Management at 1-888-995-TAGS(8247). 

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Can You Transfer License Plates Online?

Can You Transfer License Plates Online

Sometimes, you get attached to certain things. Maybe it’s a person or pet or something a little more random, like your license plates. 

If you have personalized or historical plates, there’s a good chance you’ll want to keep them when you buy a new car or trade in your old vehicle. After all, your license plates might say a lot about you. It may represent your alma mater, showcase your favorite hobby, or indicate your number one sports team. 

With these personalized touches, wanting to keep your license plates is not uncommon or strange. It’s a normal attachment to have, which is why it’s possible to transfer your plates to another vehicle.  

Of course, the vehicle you transfer the license plates to must be in the same category as the old one. For example, you can move them from one passenger vehicle to another. 

But in a practical sense, how can you actually go about transferring your plates? And more importantly, can you transfer license plates online? 

In a digital world where convenience reigns, the ability to go online to move your plates from one vehicle to another is the best-case scenario. However, this article will let you know if it’s even possible. 

Can you transfer your license plates online? 

Ultimately, the answer is yes and no. How you transfer your license plates depends on the organization you choose to do it with. There are three available options. 

The first one is the Department of Motor Vehicles. If you go with your state’s DMV, you’ll have to transfer your plates in person. There is no online service for this request. You’ll have to visit one of the DMV offices. 

The second option is to use the dealership. If you purchase a new vehicle from an auto dealer, you can ask them to transfer your license plates to the new car. However, you’ll need to do everything in person. The paperwork and transfer fee must be filled out at the dealership. 

However, the third and final option is not like the other two. If you go with a transportation agency, you can transfer license plates online. Unfortunately, this does not apply to all transportation agencies. You’ll need to figure out which ones provide this service, but some do exist. 

Which transportation agencies transfer plates online? 

Barry Risk Management is one of the few transportation agencies that transfer license plates online. We only offer online DMV services—nothing we do requires physical paperwork or in-person meetings. All you need to work with us is internet access and the willingness to talk on the phone when necessary. 

These two things make our services convenient, which is a top priority for our representatives. But what’s even better about our team at Barry Risk Management is that we have more than 30 years of experience in the DMV industry. 

When you’re working with a transportation agency, thorough experience is paramount. Without it, you may walk away with more problems than you brought to the table. 

Understanding and navigating the ins and outs of the DMV space is not easy. There are different processes and paperwork for every single service, so you must work with a transportation agency that knows what it’s doing. 

If you choose our team at Barry Risk Management, you can trust you’ll be well taken care of—with three decades of experience, we know how to get things done. 

Transferring your license plates online is not a problem, and it doesn’t matter where you live. We can help you no matter which state you call home.   

What do you need to transfer your license plates?

Can You Transfer License Plates Online

If you decide to transfer your plates online, there are a few things you’ll need to provide first. These required documents are similar to the ones you’d need in person. But in case you don’t know what those documents are, here’s a brief overview of what to get.

1. A copy of your vehicle registration 

A government official likely gave you a copy of your vehicle registration when you registered your car or moved to another state. This document includes your name, your vehicle’s tag number, and the registration number. If you can’t find this paperwork for some reason, you can request a new copy before you do a plate transfer. 

2. The title to your new vehicle 

Getting the title to the new vehicle you want to transfer your plates to is necessary. The title proves you own the motor vehicle that will have the transferred license plates, so you must have it. Otherwise, you can’t move forward. 

3. Proof of insurance for the new vehicle 

Before you transfer your plates, you need to get insurance for your new car. This step will only require you to transition the insurance from your old vehicle to the new one. Once that’s complete, have your insurance card or a physical copy of the form you received from your insurer after you purchased a policy.  

Transfer your license plates online 

With your insurance, registration, and title, you can easily transfer your license plates online with a transportation agency. Our team at Barry Risk Management uses an online platform that makes it easy to provide necessary documents. That way, we can take care of everything quickly and simply. All you have to do to get started is call us. 

Call 1-888-995-TAGS(8247) to speak with a representative from Barry Risk Management to transfer your license plates!

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How to Post an Auto Lien on a Motor Vehicle

how to post an auto lien

When you’re in a good financial situation and have the ability to lend someone five dollars or even twenty bucks, you may not stress about it too much. You’re probably not going to require them to sign a contract or do anything that legally binds them to the five or twenty dollars that they owe you. 

However, when it comes to more significant amounts, the same rules typically don’t apply. When you start lending tens of thousands—or hundreds of thousands—of dollars to people, you usually want something in writing that ensures you’ll get your money back or have the opportunity to take action if you don’t. 

Of course, this scenario can play out in your personal or professional life, but it’s especially prevalent in the auto industry. It doesn’t matter if you’re a private lender or a salesperson at a dealership. If you’re providing money to help someone purchase a vehicle, you want to protect yourself in case the individual defaults on their loan, which means you need to post an auto lien. 

What is an auto lien? 

A lien is basically an insurance policy that protects you as the lender. Merriam-Webster dictionary explains it as “a charge upon real or personal property for the satisfaction of some debt or duty ordinarily arising by operation of law.” 

Keeping that in mind, when it comes to an auto lien, you have the right to a person’s vehicle until they pay off their debt to you. Having this ownership means you get to keep the car title in your name and possession. Additionally, if the borrower defaults on their loan, a creditor can repossess the car, taking it away from the driver completely.   

What are the different types of liens?

When you post an auto lien on a vehicle, it’s considered a voluntary lien. By falling into this category, the borrower is agreeing to the contract and giving you the right to their property if they fail to meet the obligations in the deal. 

However, one car can have multiple liens on it. These types of liens show up for various reasons and typically fall into the “involuntary” category. For example, a borrower may have these additional liens on their vehicle: 

  • Judgment liens: This lien occurs when a creditor thinks it’s time to take a borrower to court for failing to pay on their loan. These liens are court-ordered. 
  • Mechanics liens: If a borrower doesn’t pay for a specific service, a mechanics loan will likely appear on the car title. 
  • Tax liens: The Internal Revenue Services (IRS) will place a tax lien on a borrower’s property if the person fails to pay taxes on their car. When this happens, the IRS has the right to liquidate a borrower’s assets, including the motor vehicle, to recover what the person owes the government. 

If you’re working with a reliable borrower, these involuntary liens will most likely not show up. But it’s still good to know which liens might appear on a vehicle if your borrower isn’t making their necessary payments. 

Can someone sell a car with a lien on it? 

can you sell a car that has an auto lien on it

Even though you post a lien on a vehicle, your borrower can sell the car with your expressed permission. Providing this wiggle room will not disadvantage you since you have the first right to any money that comes from the sale. 

For example, maybe the borrower sells the car for $10,000, the exact amount they still owe you. In this case, you’ll get every penny from that transaction. The borrower will only walk away debt-free. 

However, perhaps the borrower sells the car for $20,000. In this scenario, you’ll still receive the $10,000 that they owe. But the borrower will get to keep the other half of the profits. Most likely, you’ll receive one check, and the borrower will receive another. 

Additionally, if the borrower pays off their debt by selling the car, your next step is to remove the lien. Then, you’ll need to transfer the title to the new buyer.

Should you use the DMV to post an auto lien?

When it’s time to place an auto lien on a vehicle, there are two paths that you can take. The first is the most obvious: go to the Department of Motor Vehicles Services (DMV) for help. 

You can visit the DMV’s website to find an office that’s near you. All you have to do is type in your city, state, or zip code, and the DMV will pull up its most suitable locations.

From there, you need to drive to the DMV and fill out some paperwork. A representative will give you a title application, which will ask you to provide personal information, vehicle information, and details regarding your lien. After you fill everything out, you just need to submit the application and pay a fee, which varies state by state. 

Overall, this process is nothing new, but it’s still long and time-consuming. It requires back-and-forth, physical paperwork, frustrating wait times, and multiple trips to the DMV if you need to provide more information for your auto lien. 

Of course, if you have an abundance of patience and plenty of time on your hands, this process may not seem too difficult. But if you’re someone who wants a quicker solution, you need to consider the second path to posting an auto lien. 

The best way to post an auto lien

For a more efficient way to post an auto lien, you should use a transportation agency with online services. For example, companies like Barry Risk Management do the same things as the DMV, but their representatives help customers online. 

If you want to post an auto lien through Barry Risk Management, you don’t have to drive to a specific location or fill out any physical paperwork. Instead, all you have to do is contact a representative and provide the information they need. Then, they’ll create the auto lien for you. 

It’s that simple. 

There are no long wait times or constant back-and-forth. With a transportation agency like Barry Risk Management, you can get things done quickly and efficiently. It also helps that Barry Risk Management has over 30 years of experience in the DMV industry, so you’ll be working with an experienced team of professionals who know how to help, regardless of the state that you call home. 

Call 1-888-995-TAGS(8247) to speak with a representative from Barry Risk Management to put an auto lien on a car!

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How to Look Up a Car’s License Plate Number

How to Look Up a Car's License Plate Number

Looking up a car’s license plate number is quite common. Every day, hundreds of people provide a vehicle’s license plate number in the hopes of getting something in return. Sometimes, it’s the identification of a driver who’s abandoned their car. Other times, it’s a vehicle’s history and market value. 

Today, there are plenty of reasons to look up a car’s license plate number, making it imperative to know how to accomplish this task. You never know when a situation will arise where you’ll need to identify a specific driver or learn about a vehicle’s background. 

For example, what if someone committed a hit and run? Remembering the perpetrator’s license plate number and knowing how to look it up will come in handy if you want justice. Additionally, what if you decide to buy a car but need information on the vehicle before you make a purchase? Knowing how to check out the license plate number will lead to the details you seek. 

Undeniably, you need to understand how to look up a car’s license plate number to save you stress in various situations. But if you’re unsure how to go about this task, you’re in the right place. This article will provide everything you need to know. 

What is a license plate number?

Regardless of the state you live in, if you have a car, that vehicle will have a license plate. Every state requires the DMV or a transportation agency to assign a registration number or license plate to a motor vehicle upon registration. 

On that metal or plastic plate, you’ll see a unique number that doesn’t exist anywhere else. This unique number is the license plate number, and it helps identify a vehicle. 

Typically, most states will have distinct-looking license plates. You’ll likely notice a specific logo, color scheme, and registration number format for the license plates in a certain state. However, it is possible to choose the number and letter combination on the license plates by ordering vanity or custom plates. 

Still, one thing that doesn’t usually change is where the license plates go on a vehicle. To ensure the plate number is easily accessible, the license plates must be mounted on the front and back of a car or just at the back. 

What information do you get from a plate lookup?

As previously mentioned, there are many reasons why you may want to look up a car’s license plate number. But there are a few common reasons that typically come up. 

For example, you may want to check out a plate number to find out the following: 

  • The owner of a car
  • A vehicle’s make and model 
  • A vehicle’s market value 
  • A vehicle’s safety rating
  • A vehicle’s specifications 
  • A car’s manufacturer recall or warranty
  • Signs of potential auto fraud and theft 

Depending on how you look up a car’s license plate number, you can get more or less information. But if you need simple details, it should be easy to get that regardless of the method you use. 

The best ways to look up a car’s license plate number

what you need if you want to learn how to look up a car's license plate number

When trying to look up a license plate number, there are three ways you can go about it. Each path is quite different, so the one you choose will ultimately depend on personal preference. 

1. The DMV

In some states, the DMV will provide details about a license plate number for a fee. If your state DMV does this, you’ll need to go on its website to find the link for Plate Inquiry or Request for Record Information. If you don’t find one of these things, look for something similar. 

From there, once you’re in the right place on the site, enter the plate number into the search field. Then, you’ll receive basic information about the car, but you won’t get any personal information. 

2. Private Detective 

This strategy may seem like something you only see in movies. But the Driver’s Privacy Protection Act allows real-life private detectives to access the database that houses license plate numbers and the names of those who own a vehicle. 

Of course, because this route can provide a bit more information, it is the most expensive, so you shouldn’t use it unless it’s absolutely necessary. And if you do decide to hire a private detective, make sure you avoid giving them money before you have a conversation about the information you can expect to receive. You don’t want to be misled, which can easily happen in this scenario. 

3. A transportation agency 

Using a transportation agency to look up a car’s license plate number is the easiest solution out of the three. Depending on the agency you use, you’ll get more information than the DMV. For example, transportation agencies like Barry Risk Management can provide more personal details like the owner of an abandoned vehicle. 

What’s also important to note is that transportation agencies will do the research for you. Unlike the DMV, which makes you use a website that’s not user-friendly or easy to navigate, a transportation agency like Barry Risk Management will look up a car’s license plate number so that you don’t have to worry about it. 

Additionally, transportation agencies are much more cost-effective than hiring a private detective. You can easily pay hundreds of dollars for a detective to do a plate lookup, while a transportation agency will be significantly cheaper to accomplish the same task. 

Take the easy route

Looking up a car’s license plate number can be as hard or simple as you want it to be. If you go with the DMV or a private detective, you’ll get little to no information or run into high prices. But if you use a transportation agency, you’ll get more insight from a license plate and better prices. 

Barry Risk Management, for example, has over 30 years of experience in the DMV industry and knows how to get the information you seek for a cost-effective price. Our team is knowledgeable and does everything online, so you won’t have to wait long. All you’ll need is the license plate number that you want our representatives to look up, and we’ll have the details for you in no time. 

Call 1-888-995-TAGS(8247) to speak with a representative from Barry Risk Management to look up a car’s license plate number!