AI is making a real difference in how dealerships work today — from smarter lead engagement to smoother operations across the board. But as exciting as it sounds, bringing in an AI solution isn’t just about finding good technology. It’s about finding a partner who gets your goals, understands your pace, and fits right into how you already do business.
If you’re thinking about adding AI to your dealership, here’s a simple way to look at it — not complicated, not overwhelming, just a few smart steps to guide you along.
First things first: where do you want a little extra lift?
Maybe you’re looking to speed up lead follow-ups. Maybe you want better insights into your inventory. Or maybe it’s about keeping service customers coming back.
Knowing what you’re aiming for helps you find a solution that feels made for you, not something you have to adjust your whole dealership around.
(And sometimes, a focused goal gets you even better results than trying to fix everything at once.)
Your dealership already has a rhythm — your CRM, DMS, inventory tools — all working together.
The right AI solution should fit into that rhythm without throwing things off.
When you’re talking to vendors, a good question to ask is:
“How will this work with the systems we have today?”
If the answer sounds smooth and straightforward, you’re probably on the right track.
Dealerships using ROboT, for example, have been able to start small—adding trade-in opportunity alerts into their existing service workflows without touching their DMS or CRM setup.
It works quietly in the background, fitting into what’s already there, not forcing a change in how teams operate.
New technology is exciting — but it’s even better when you know what to expect along the way.
Ask vendors to walk you through the rollout:
A clear, upfront plan makes everything move faster and easier once you’re ready to go.
Every dealership defines success a little differently.
Before you jump in, have a quick conversation about what you’ll measure — whether it’s better close rates, more service appointments, faster inventory turns, or something else.
It’s a small step, but it sets the tone: “Here’s what we’re aiming for, and here’s how we’ll know it’s working.”
When you and your vendor are on the same page, everything feels a lot more straightforward.
At the end of the day, it’s all about the experience you deliver.
The right AI solution should make life easier for your customers — helping them find the right car faster, making service reminders feel personal, or giving them faster responses when they reach out.
Ask vendors:
“How does this help us make our customers’ experience better?”
Simple question, powerful answers.
The best partnerships don’t stop when the software goes live.
They keep getting better over time — with regular check-ins, new ideas, and a steady hand if you ever need help.
It’s worth asking:
Good AI partners stick around — and that’s where a lot of the real value shows up.
You don’t have to figure it all out yourself.
Other dealerships have already walked this path — and hearing their stories can give you great ideas (and maybe even a few shortcuts).
Ask vendors if they can introduce you to a few dealers who are already seeing great results.
Nothing beats learning from people who’ve been there and done it.
Last but definitely not least — find someone who’s in it with you.
The right vendor will be excited about your goals, honest about what’s possible, and genuinely interested in helping you get there.
When that energy matches up, working together feels less like “managing a vendor” and more like building momentum.
Bringing AI into your dealership is a big move — but it doesn’t have to feel complicated.
With the right approach, and the right partner beside you, it’s simply about building on what already makes your dealership strong.
Take your time, ask the right questions, and trust that the right fit will feel clear when you find it.
Because when you pick the right partner, the future looks even more promising.
