Upstart for Dealers

Happening today at 2pm EST 👇 What’s in it for you? Learn how to: → Turn browsers into buyers → Use AI to speed up financing and boost profits → Build trust by meeting shoppers where they are In just 30 minutes, get actionable insights from Evan Driscoll (Used Car Manager at Audi Jacksonville) and Danielle Mills Walden (Business Operations Manager at Upstart) on how to level up your dealership’s digital experience. If you want to stay competitive in today’s market, this is a webinar you don’t want to miss. Sign up now: https://bit.ly/3Rm5Eg5 #automotive #autoretail #cardealers

Don't miss out — hear how AI-powered financing can help your dealership close more deals amid tariff uncertainty. Register below ⬇️

Are rising floorplan costs cutting into your margins? They might be. Here's the reality: Tariffs raise vehicle prices, which means higher interest on your floorplan—and less profit on each unit. Every extra day on the lot matters. So, monitor your balances, educate your team on cost drivers, and price strategically. Tariffs may be global, but the impact hits home. Stay sharp and protect your bottom line.

Is your dealership seeing more online traffic with car shoppers worried about tariff-driven costs? Join our quick conversation on April 23rd to see how AI-powered financing helps you close more deals. Hear from Evan Driscoll, Used Car Manager at Audi Jacksonville, and Danielle Mills Walden of Upstart on offering flexible financing and boosting profits amid tariff changes. Register here: https://lnkd.in/e5Sr3Zma

Tariffs aren’t just politics—They’re profit pinchers. As costs climb on vehicles and floorplans, every unsold day racks up expenses. Meanwhile, customers see higher sticker prices but often have no idea why.  If your team can’t explain it, trust suffers. This is your chance to turn knowledge into smarter pricing, clearer conversations and content that keeps margins intact. When you connect the dots for shoppers, you’re doing more than closing deals—You’re building long-term loyalty. Empower your team, refine your approach and lead with transparency—because the market may shift, but your strategy shouldn’t.

Tracking tariffs and supply-chain issues isn't optional—It's essential. Rising costs and delayed shipments affect everything from your pricing strategy to your customer experience. Monitor parts costs and shipping times, prep your team for hard questions and stay ready to pivot. It's not just about moving cars. It's about leading the market and earning long-term trust.

Tariffs are rattling the market—and your customers can feel it. Great dealers don't dodge tough conversations about price hikes. They get real, explaining the "why" behind rising costs. Honesty isn't a gamble, it's a trust-builder. When you lead with transparency, you're not just selling. You're creating loyal customers who come back—even when times get tough.

We've all seen dealership employees dropping hilarious, sometimes borderline-edgy TikToks, YouTube skits and social media content that makes the car-buying process feel fun and relatable. And to be honest—it's entertaining. It breaks down the old-school, intimidating dealership image and replaces it with personality, humor and human connection. But does it move metal? Entertainment is great, but if it's not driving traffic, generating leads or closing deals, then it's just… content. And that's why tracking is so important. If your dealership is leaning into creative social strategies, you should be asking: ✅ How are we tracking leads from social? ✅ Are we engaging with customers who interact with our content? ✅ Are we creating a direct path from viral moments to vehicle sales? The key is making content with a purpose and ensuring that every campaign is tied to real, measurable outcomes. Track it. Attribute it. Optimize it. That's how you turn laughs and likes into test drives and deals.

The 25% tariffs on imported parts and vehicles will undoubtedly impact your dealership's bottom line. Higher costs mean tighter margins, delayed shipments and frustrated customers. Get ahead of the trade tensions. Review your sourcing, refine your pricing, and keep customers in the loop. The more you know, the faster you'll adapt—and protect your profits.

Gen Z isn’t walking onto the lot like their parents did—they’re online, scrolling, and making decisions early. They want to see cars in action, imagine themselves behind the wheel, and get quick answers in real time. They expect a frictionless buying process—and if it feels outdated, they’ll move on. Reviews and social proof matter more than your best ad—trust is built in the comments. Adapt now or risk losing the next generation before they ever step foot in your dealership.