Why aren’t my photos online ?!?!
I’ve heard this question at least 100 times in my career from GMs that know how important it is.
The next step is usually the GM calling the photo vendor and having a “come to Jesus meeting” with them about their poor performance. Usually with a threat of “if you can’t get it done we will have to change vendors”
Step 2. Photo vendor spends a day or 2 doing a full audit of the used inventory, making notes about where each car without photos is in the process.
Step 3. The results – most of the vehicles are stuck in service or detail, off site, held up for recalls or stop sales, parts holds or the body shop. Sometimes lost keys and cars are the culprit.
Step 4. Photo vendor gives the GM the audit, hoping they don’t get fired. The GM looks it over and reluctantly acknowledges the facts, and says, (in “colorful” language) “thanks, I guess I need to get on service and detail to make these cars available faster.”
The lesson? Dealers don’t always know the root of an issue like this. No photos online is a symptom, but rarely the real problem. Photographers usually get paid on the cars they actually photo, so they want the same thing the dealer wants- 100% of available inventory online.
The real problem? Poor process, poor communication, and no visibility into the process.
Until there’s visibility and true accountability for the process, expect to have the never ending, time wasting, and ultimately unproductive threats with each department on a monthly basis.