ATLANTA -

With high used-vehicle prices and supply shortages making it difficult for independent dealers to find the right units to grab for their lots, Manheim’s Wholesale Institute recently offered 10 tips to increase efficiency during the buying and selling process.

In an effort to help dealers gain a competitive edge in a difficult market, The Wholesale Institute — Manheim’s free traveling workshop series — shared practices that include leveraging social media, as well as expanding an online presence.

TWI’s leader and director of customer relations for Manheim Online Solutions Mandy Savage will also provide insight today into how the top retail operations find inventory online as part of National Independent Automobile Dealers Association panel titled, “The Best Retail Operation.”

The panel is scheduled for 2:15-4:45 p.m. PST at the 65th annual NIADA Convention & Expo in Las Vegas.

Manheim’s TWI offered the following tips:

—Exercise your options:  “Both in-lane and offsite buying and selling channels are part of one comprehensive digital marketplace. Try combining options. Take a car to a physical auction a day early, and get a condition report. This will help you better position yourself as an online seller for buyers using remote tools such as Manheim Simulcast.” 

—Save time: “Time is money, so reduce the time you spend ‘pointing and clicking’ each day. Use Manheim online tools like PowerSearch to quickly find the precise inventory you need. You can even save run-lists equipped with pictures, condition reports and vehicle history reports. Be the first to know and act on just-listed inventory with ‘Notify Me’ alerts.”

—Get out there:  “Manheim tools are available online to use anytime, anywhere. You have 24/7 mobile access to the Manheim Market Report, Manheim.com and your saved workbooks and Manheim’s PowerSearch. New mobile features are added frequently in response to customer feedback.”

—Leverage mobile tools in the lanes:  “When you access Manheim.com from a smartphone, all saved searches and workbook items are available at your fingertips. Save yourself a day of walking cars at the auction, and do your homework online before heading to the lanes. Access run-lists, condition reports and your own personal notes from your mobile device on sale day.”

—Make an offer:  “The ability to make an offer is now available for designated vehicles on OVE.com.  Sellers, be sure to opt in to take offers.  Buyers, don’t hesitate to make an offer – if you find something else, you can retract your offer any time before it’s accepted.”

—Download the Manheim.com app for iPhone:  “For dealers with an iPhone 3GS or greater, take full advantage of our free iPhone app.  It has the same search and save features as the mobile website, but the icing on the cake is the VIN scanner that pulls Manheim Market Report values on the go.”

—Bid, buy, sell and proxy bid on mobile:  “Don’t feel like you have to be tied to the physical auction lanes, or even your desktop, to buy or sell cars with Manheim. Bid, buy, sell and proxy bid options are now available from any web-enabled mobile device.”

—Leverage social media:  “Think about implementing a social media strategy at your dealership. Start by reacting to online customer reviews, and get comfortable with Facebook.”

—Expand your showroom, virtually:  “Technology is your, and your customer’s, friend.  Tools like Manheim’s Retail View allow you to show your retail customers exactly what they want, regardless of what’s on your lot.”

—Keep up to speed:  “Take advantage of free training opportunities, such as TWI workshops, to add the latest industry best practices to your arsenal of buying and selling tools. Also, login to Manheim.com daily to stay informed about the newest features.”

For more tips and information regarding upcoming TWI workshops, visit www.thewholesaleinstitute.com.