Sell more parts in-store and online

MINNEAPOLIS — An efficient and profitable dealership parts department helps customers secure what they need to get back on the water as fast as possible. But without an easy way to locate parts and estimate delivery times, it’s anyone’s guess when boats and engines will be fixed.

At the 2014 Marine Dealer Conference & Expo, taking place Nov. 16-19 in Orlando, Fla., product management expert and first-time MDCE speaker Brad Smith will help attendees bolster their parts and service department results by taking advantage of online and in-store genuine parts look-up, which can integrate seamlessly into the dealership’s website.

In his MDCE session, “Sell More Parts In-Store and Online,” Smith will highlight how dealerships can take advantage of today’s technology tools to empower business staff to find replacement parts customers need, fast and accurately, all with just a few clicks of the mouse.

Attendees will walk away from Smith’s session with an e-book to put what they learned to work at the dealership. The session takes place Wednesday, Nov. 19 from 1 to 2:15 p.m. ET as part of MDCE’s Service Plus Track.

“Service and parts department efficiencies are critical to a dealership’s financial health,” explains Liz Walz, director of education for the Marine Retailers Association of the Americas, which produces the annual event in partnership with Boating Industry. “Brad will help dealers understand how to use existing technologies to improve sales and customer service.”