ALBANY, N.Y. — Auto/Mate Dealership Systems has launched Option/Mate Mobile, a mobile-optimized version of its F&I menu solution for auto dealers.
F&I managers using Auto/Mate's dealership management system (DMS) can now offer customers at their auto dealerships a variety of menu presentations on a mobile tablet. Option/Mate Mobile allows the customer to view F&I product menus, learn more about products that interest them, and drag and drop different product selections into a customized package.
"Offering customers a mobile tablet featuring F&I product menus paves the way for increased engagement, sales and retention opportunities," said Mike Esposito, president and CEO of Auto/Mate Dealership Systems. "Using Option/Mate Mobile has the potential to increase a dealer's gross profit per deal by an average of 20%."
After the turn over from sales, often customers have to wait until the F&I manager is available. Handing customers a tablet with a display of the F&I menu during this wait time is optimal and helps to shorten the sales process. While they are waiting, the customer can answer a questionnaire about how they plan to use their vehicle. The answers they provide results in a custom menu presentation of F&I products such as warranties, service contracts, tire and wheel protection plans, insurance, roadside assistance and more.
If the customer is not familiar with the benefits of a product, they can click on a link to find more information or watch a video demonstration. A mobile presentation of product benefits is often perceived by customers as imposing less pressure upon them to make a purchasing decision, compared with when they are sitting in front of the F&I manager. This makes the customer feel more in control and empowered with information, which in turn builds trust and ultimately increases product sales.
When the customer is finished viewing all the menu items, information on which products they chose and forfeited is instantly updated in the menu on the F&I manager's computer for easy processing.
Option/Mate Mobile is compatible with all tablet devices including Apple OS (iPads), Android and Windows platforms. Option/Mate is a five-in-one product allowing F&I staff to create detailed menus for customers. Group options, rate schedules, and display features can be set as defaults but can be changed on a case-by-case basis.
