OneCommand Introduces Live Chat

May 13, 2008

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CINCINNATI — OneCommand recently announced that it is adding a live chat feature to its relationship marketing program for dealers who can benefit from a new way to connect with potential customers.

Basically, live chat allows dealers to provide an anonymous way for shoppers to instantaneously reach a dealership and gather information, possibly increasing the chance of a sale.

According to officials, dealers who have implemented this kind of technology have started to see improvement in Web site lead conversion rates.

One store in particular that has implemented live chat, Camargo Cadillac in Cincinnati, stated that its Web site-driven phone leads are up roughly 50 percent and sales have climbed 10 percent in the first quarter alone.
"What appealed to me about OneCommand's live chat is the originality. The majority of customers surfing the Internet want to see something more progressive or contemporary," stated Terry Healey, sales/Web site producer for the dealership.

"We have a caricature of our sales people drop down for chat, which is a little progressive, and people get interested," Healey continued. "As a result our click-per-views are outstanding. So many buyers are texting and instant messaging and this is an easy way to get information."

Additionally, OneCommand's live chat program can be easily incorporated into a store's contact management system, the company highlighted.

Essentially, shoppers can punch in their contact information at the end of their chat with a dealer representative, who then can conduct a follow-up and provide the consumer with further details.

"Live chat allows dealers to extend more of their presence on their own Web sites. It is a simple, unobtrusive, yet engaging way for shoppers to get more information more quickly," commented Al Babbington, OneCommand's chief executive officer. "Sometimes shoppers are more willing to start an anonymous chat than they would be to pick up the phone and get questions answered."

"OneCommand live chat enables dealers to create real leads and prospects out of buyers that would otherwise just browse and leave their Web sites," he added. "It is also becoming increasingly popular for the service department as customers can quickly get answers to questions about vehicle service."

For more information, visit www.onecommand.com.

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