EPISODE 22
Unlocking Retention: The Power of the First Service Appointment
Featuring Guest Patti Tremonti
Episode Description
The success of dealership service departments often hinges on effectively setting and securing first service appointments—a pivotal step many dealerships overlook. But it could significantly boost customer retention through strategic processes and engaging customer experiences.
In this episode, sponsored by DriveSure, Patti Tremonti, CEO of MTN Automotive Training Systems, outlines the importance of dealership-wide participation in scheduling first appointments, proactive communication, and building a transparent and welcoming environment that encourages repeat visits. She also introduces innovative solutions such as subscription-based prepaid maintenance plans and detailed video inspections. We also dive deeper into how these tools build trust, enhance transparency, and provide the convenience that today’s customers expect, transforming service interactions into opportunities for long-term customer loyalty and increased dealership revenue.
Takeaways from this episode:
- The critical role of the first service appointment in customer retention
- Strategies for overcoming common pitfalls in scheduling service appointments
- Benefits of implementing subscription-based prepaid maintenance plans
- Why video inspections are essential for transparency and customer trust
- Actionable tips for enhancing dealership-wide engagement and accountability
BILL SPRINGER
and president of Krex Inc.
Patti Tremonti
CEO of MTN Automotive Training Systems
Would you like to Be a guest on our podcast?
From Guesswork to Precision: Using AI to Boost Service Retention
Most dealerships are intrigued by AI, but many are still stuck in the dark when it comes to using it effectively. Instead of solving real problems, they’re overwhelmed by dashboards, buried in reports, and stuck blasting the same messages to every customer. The result? Missed opportunities, service defection, and underwhelming ROI on the tools they already have.
What AI Can Teach You About Service Defection
What if your biggest threat to retention isn’t the competition, but your own calendar? Most dealerships don’t lose customers all at once. They just stop showing up. But with AI and a few simple process shifts, you can catch defection before it happens and make retention feel automatic.
From Transactional to Relational: The Service Advisor Shift
What if your best retention strategy had nothing to do with pricing, loyalty programs, or even your shop’s hours, and everything to do with how your service advisors say “good morning”? Most customers don’t come back because they weren’t helped… they were handled. The fix? Train your advisors to build relationships, not just close tickets.