Intro or customized initial messages/Opt Out instead | Voters

Intro or customized initial messages/Opt Out instead

Brandon Chittenden

We really need the ability to send an introductory text message (especially as buyers competing with other dealers) before an Opt In is selected. Or alternatively, be able to have it be an OPT OUT.

Brandon Chittenden

Ideally, Opt Out would be the BEST solution by far. This way we can communicate important information and at least have a shot to let them know why we're reaching out and send the appealing information, (which I always customize for each customer). 
We are competing with many dealers to appraise and buy cars, and if all they ever see is an Opt-In automated message from Audi San Diego, it's very unlikely they will as they don't know what it's about, and already have other dealers texting them.
I have had massive success in our dealership group of 58 as #1 buyer and it's primarily via text conversations. I need to be able to at least get out my first message which usually says something like, "Hi Name, this is Brandon, the staff vehicle buyer at Audi San Diego. I'm following up on your 20## Make Model.
I'd like to give you an updated above-market offer for it. I'm looking for a low-mileage Make Model for my pre-owned inventory. Are you able to bring it by today?"
This text is the one that gets me 90% of my traction for someone engaging back with me or coming in. Without being able to do this, it's going to have a bad impact on my ability to effectively conduct business.
In our past CRM, we could send messages until someone opted out, which works well. They still hold power of choice in their hands, but we get to reach out to let them know how we're supporting them and ask if they have questions.

Shelby Parker

Thanks for sharing this, Brandon Chittenden — totally hear you on how important that first touch is when you’re competing for the same buyer. To make sure we’re understanding the workflow correctly, can you clarify a couple things: (1) When exactly are you hoping to send that intro text (right after an internet lead comes in, after a call, after a visit, etc.), and what are you trying to accomplish with that first message? (2) When you say “before an Opt In is selected,” do you mean the customer hasn’t explicitly consented to texts yet, or that they just haven’t replied to an opt-in prompt inside DriveCentric? (3) If we supported an opt-out model instead, what should opting out do in your ideal setup—block all texts entirely, only stop marketing messages, but still allow transactional/service texts, etc.?