Off Topic & Everything Else

# Summary Ryan Leslie shares a humorous image explaining social media platforms, which resonates with the group as a relatable take on industry culture. Ed Brooks adds a critique about Google+ by noting that even Google employees avoid the platform, suggesting the original humor could be updated with a jab at self-proclaimed SEO experts. The thread is a lighthearted off-topic discussion with no substantive conclusion beyond appreciating the joke's accuracy.

# Summary The thread discusses an article about an electronics retailer charging users a tax for browsing with outdated Internet Explorer 7, which one member found humorous. A follow-up comment criticizes AutoTrader for not updating its employees' software after an IE7-related security incident on DealerRefresh, questioning why any company would allow outdated browser use. The thread reflects frustration among automotive industry professionals about inadequate IT practices at major companies.

# Summary Vendor Mike Fitzpatrick questions the integrity of industry awards that require entry fees, arguing they're misleading marketing rather than genuine recognition of quality—essentially "pay-to-play" schemes that treat dealers as uninformed. Responses reveal industry-wide skepticism about award credibility, with participants noting that most awards are advertising ploys rather than unbiased evaluations, though some cite alternatives like Driving Sales' customer-rating system as legitimate because they're free and dealer-driven. The thread's consensus: true awards should come from actual customer votes or earned reputation without payment, and the automotive industry lacks genuine third-party validation comparable to Consumer Reports.

A Massachusetts teen's prison sentence for texting while driving sparked discussion about distracted driving dangers. Participants acknowledged that cellphone use while driving—not limited to teens—causes observable hazardous driving behaviors on highways, though one commenter skeptically noted that those most at risk of distracted driving are unlikely to learn from such news stories. The thread briefly touches on how such incidents might drive consumer adoption of hands-free technology like Bluetooth systems.

A user asks about job prospects in Denver for a friend with strong credentials as a Used Car Manager who is relocating but has no local connections. Another member provides a direct networking lead by mentioning that "Sweece" works with a Denver auto group, offering a potential contact for the job seeker.

# Summary A retail grocery worker considering a career move to become an Internet Sales Manager at a small Nissan dealership seeks advice on interview preparation and what to expect in the automotive industry. Experienced professionals warn him that the role involves steep learning curves and lack of formal training, but advise him to clarify job expectations, success metrics, dealership goals, and whether he'll manage customers end-to-end or simply generate leads for the sales floor. The key insight is that success depends heavily on understanding the specific dealership's structure, support level, and willingness to invest in modern marketing strategies, rather than the role itself.

# Summary Forum members discuss a apparent falling out between Sean Wolfington and VinSolutions after Wolfington joined the company as Chairman in February 2010 but subsequently promoted competing companies without supporting VinSolutions. Several industry professionals defend Wolfington's character and suggest the dispute should be handled privately rather than aired on public forums, with some implying VinSolutions may have publicly attacked Wolfington in a manner inconsistent with professional conduct.

A user shares a deal they found where Best Buy is selling $100 iTunes gift cards for $80, offering both physical cards with free in-store pickup and digital codes at the discounted price. The post sarcastically contrasts this legitimate offer with the typical frustrating structure of online rewards programs that require completing multiple offers and referrals before delivering promised benefits. The deal itself is straightforward with no catches—a 20% discount on iTunes cards.

David Moon announces he's rejoining the automotive vendor business as a marketing professional with Members Only Automotive and indicates the company plans to advertise on DealerRefresh. The thread is brief, consisting mainly of a congratulatory response from another forum member with no substantive discussion or key insights beyond the announcement itself.

DealerRefresh members rallied to support fellow community member Craig Belowski in a Facebook-based coffee shop contest, with Ryan Thompson highlighting it as an unusually engaging social media promotion. Craig emphasized that his goal extended beyond winning the prize—he wanted to demonstrate how building a strong, reciprocal network could drive measurable results and prove that social media engagement isn't a waste of time for busy professionals. The thread reflects the automotive industry community's appreciation for effective marketing tactics and peer support.

# Summary A dealer asks for clarification on automotive pricing terminology (MSRP, selling price, invoice, balance, book value, and sticker price), and receives straightforward definitions from experienced industry professionals. The thread then shifts into a debate about industry perception when another user humorously expresses consumer skepticism toward dealer practices, prompting some dealers to push back on perpetuating negative stereotypes about their industry. The key insight is that while pricing terms have technical definitions, there's meaningful tension between industry transparency and consumer trust, with some dealers concerned that even joking criticism undermines their efforts to build professional credibility.

# Summary A Mercedes-Benz dealer criticizes CarsDirect for publishing unrealistic "target prices" that include manufacturer rebates not universally available and contain incorrect invoice data, resulting in lost deals and customer frustration. After investigation by another forum member, they determine CarsDirect's pricing methodology is technically accurate but misleading in presentation, as it bundles conditional rebates into baseline prices that no dealer can actually match. The key insight is that while CarsDirect isn't deliberately deceptive, their pricing models damage dealer credibility by setting customer expectations far below market reality.

# Summary A dealer inquires about sourcing custom printed windshield stickers for vehicles, and the thread reveals this is actually a franchise service (OnSight Solutions/Dealer Specialties) that handles both production and installation, costing around $1,200/month for dealers stocking 40 units. While some members debate the ROI (noting $48 per sticker is expensive compared to digital marketing), others suggest DIY alternatives using adhesive vinyl from office supply stores, though experienced users caution that cheap DIY solutions lack the durability, UV resistance, and proper adhesive needed to withstand outdoor conditions.

Justin Duff promotes a social media campaign called "DHD 300" aimed at generating 300 likes on his company's (Dealer HD) Facebook page, sharing a promotional video and soliciting feedback from the DealerRefresh community. The thread appears to be a straightforward marketing initiative seeking community engagement and support for the campaign's success.

A user named John reports frustration with DealerRefresh's mobile app on his iPhone 4S, prompting discussion about the platform's mobile experience. Jeff Kershner clarifies that the current mobile offering is a hybrid app rather than a full native app, with a fully developed app coming soon, while other users offer workarounds (like disabling mobile site view) or report no issues with their devices. The thread reveals that mobile functionality issues appear to be device or browser-specific rather than universal, and that recent platform changes may have limited some previously available options.

# Summary Automotive professionals share mixed reviews of Digital Dealer 12 conference, with several attendees reporting significantly lower attendance (down ~50%), slow internet, and lack of fresh content compared to previous years. While some found value in specific presentations and networking opportunities, the consensus suggests the spring conference may offer insufficient ROI compared to the fall event, particularly for dealers who don't see enough new value to justify attending twice yearly.

A new manager at a Toyota dealership seeks help rewriting a job posting for two Inside Sales Manager positions to comply with employment regulations while maintaining personality and appeal. Respondents advise removing self-deprecating language about limited management experience, emphasizing instead the dealership's strengths (top franchise, high inventory, abundant leads) and comprehensive benefits package with specific compensation examples. The key insight is that compliant job postings should focus on what the employer offers and the candidate's potential for success rather than the hiring manager's personal narrative.

A dealer asks for book recommendations relevant to automotive internet management, and the community suggests DealerRefresh forums themselves as a primary resource, along with *Velocity 2.0* as the standout industry book. The discussion reveals a consensus that there are surprisingly few automotive-specific business books worth reading, making general sales management resources and personal development titles valuable supplements to the limited industry literature.

# Summary A call tracking vendor (Jerry) seeks advice after a dealership client who owes several months of unpaid invoices requested to deactivate their tracking number, which still receives 20+ calls daily—Jerry had considered redirecting those calls elsewhere or selling the call list to a competitor as leverage. After community pushback and a private conversation with another member, Jerry decided to take the high road by simply deactivating the number and writing off the loss, recognizing that retaliatory actions would damage his reputation more than the unpaid debt was worth.

# Summary Dealer Neil Frutuoso expresses frustration with third-party articles (like TrueCar's) that suggest dealers push unnecessary 3,000-mile oil changes, arguing he only recommends what manufacturers specify and lets customers decide their service intervals. Fellow dealers acknowledge the frustration with negative media portrayals while agreeing that transparency and adherence to manufacturer guidelines—rather than aggressive upselling—build customer trust and retention in today's informed marketplace.

# Summary A dealership owner asks whether female Inside Sales Managers (ISMs) perform less consistently than males, citing personal experience with more hiring failures among women despite some exceptional performers. Respondents challenge his premise, arguing that workplace culture and male-dominated industry norms—rather than gender itself—create barriers for women, and point out that women dominate other sales fields like real estate, suggesting the issue reflects systemic obstacles rather than individual capability.

# Summary Rick Buffkin seeks a way to auto-populate Toyota V-SPEC window stickers on his dealership website similar to what GM and Chrysler dealers can do, and Art Morris provides an AutoIt script solution that downloads the PDFs in bulk (200 vehicles in 30 minutes) for manual uploading to the dealer's server. After successfully testing the script, Rick plans to work with his website provider (Dealer.com/DDC) to integrate the stickers into vehicle detail pages, with the key insight being that Toyota doesn't currently provide this functionality as a native feature—unlike competitors—requiring dealers to manually download and host the documents themselves.