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Building a photo processing tool for dealers. Looking for feedback and beta testers

datepast said:
Hey everyone! Glad to be here, been lurking for a bit and this place is genuinely great, tons of real hands-on experience in the discussions.

To introduce myself, I'm software developer and I building a tool for small/mid auto dealers to help with photo processing (the boring repetitive stuff that just takes way too much time).

So, to get to the point, I've been build something that, I hope, could help dealers (or really anyone moving a decent volume of cars a month) save some time on the photo editing. The idea is to get your photos ready for listings on sales platforms (fb marketplace, cargurus, or your own site) and make it more consistent and professional look. Ideally it should be as painless as possible: upload your photos and just forget about it, then download ready images to post.

The app works with photos you already have. Right now it does four things: replaces the background with a clean studio look, hides license plates, generates a vehicle ad description, and makes it easy to add your dealership logo. But one more thing worth to mentioning, it uses AI, but it doesn't touch the car itself. So car stays as in original photos and no misleading potential buyer.

So if anyone's up for giving it a try, it'd be great if you could test it against your actual inventory. Run it through your real workflow of posting a car and see how it fits in. App have a built in paywall with 3 free images after registration, but I'll add everyone free access, so no blockers here.

What I'm really hoping to get out of this:
  • Honest feedback on how the tool actually performs on real inventory photos
  • A better understanding of the day-to-day problems dealers run into that I might not even be aware of
  • Ideas on what else could make this more useful for your workflow
  • A sense of whether the output quality is actually good enough to use in real listings
  • Any deal breakers - things that would stop you from using something like this even if it worked perfectly

If someone interested, just left adress here carflowai.com. Currently it's available as a desktop web app and on iOS.

ps. left here your mail or dm me, so I can add more credits for free access

pss. I'll reply to every comment, welcome to the discussion!

psss. I Attach couple examples of the app output
Click to expand...
I’ve seen something similar with tools like Spyne… the whole “background + logo + description in one flow” idea definitely clicks, especially for busy inventory days.

What stood out to me though wasn’t just the feature set, it was speed. If processing takes too long, it just gets pushed for later. But once it’s quick enough to fit into the daily routine, dealers actually stick with it. Curious what your turnaround time looks like right now?
Also, how are you handling consistency? That’s usually where things get tricky… cars shot in different lighting, weather, random lot spots, and suddenly the listings feel all over the place. It’s easy to make a few cars look good, but scaling that across a full lot is a different story.
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VinSolutions issues

C
john.quinn said:
No -- not a thing. Ever.

The reality is that bugs get introduced when making changes/improvements/upgrades. Those usually get fixed quickly.

Software is alive... it gets injuries, ages, fixed-up, killed-off, reborn. Sometimes it gets stronger, sometimes it gets weaker. If you're not directly, have your manager stay actively engaged with Support.
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Thanks for the reply. Good to know,
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VinSolutions issues

john.quinn
ChrisCT said:
Makes me wonder if CRM vendors experiment with lower cost methods to store info and host their platforms on which ends up serving the CRM to me in this not-snappy manner.
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No -- not a thing. Ever.

The reality is that bugs get introduced when making changes/improvements/upgrades. Those usually get fixed quickly.

Software is alive... it gets injuries, ages, fixed-up, killed-off, reborn. Sometimes it gets stronger, sometimes it gets weaker. If you're not directly, have your manager stay actively engaged with Support.
Click to expand...

AI = Awesome Intelligence

joe.pistell
Alex Snyder said:
I can see that angle. But what happened with Google? Google should have been serving the direct retailer on queries instead of an aggregator. Might AIs do the same?
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"should have been" is the line in the sand that only AI can cross.

Dr Clay Christensen's Jobs To Be Done theory (JTBD) explain's why AI is the tool that car shoppers have always wanted. Meaning, Google (or Amazon) could never become the car shoppers hard working and trusted aide until AI (circa 2026, 2027, etc) was born.
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AI = Awesome Intelligence

joe.pistell
joe.pistell said:
Personal Car Shopping Report

Lexus ES 350 • Shopping Guide for Bill​

requirements: 2022–2024 • Under $35,000 • Under 40,000 miles • Premium Audio
Click to expand...

It shocks me that the pioneers in our biz are not having a holy shit moment with this. Its a new path to your store. Soon, it'll be a 6 lane highway.
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VinSolutions issues

C
Hi DR community. VInS user since 2018. Long time fan. While the look and design was never cutting edge to me, the platform was fast, reliable and Support was (is) unmatched, They always answer my calls immediatelyand team sounds US based. After the first 2 yeas I rarely needed Support.

Lately I find using VinS is not fun due to the interface load and refresh times. My PC at work is new, 64GB of memory. We recently upgraded our internet connection. Ping time to VinS servers is 6-9ms. Yet clicking, dialog opens and saves is sluggish.

Processing a lead in VInS requires around 42 clicks... stop the clock, customer dashboard (proper case name, click zip to load city, move phone to cell field, opt in to text), set sales rep and bdc rep, set process, send text, send email, open call log, etc ...I want a CRM with an interface that screams. VinS did not get in my way in the past. Lately I am bummed out waiting for the screens to churn. It's tiring to watch this and not lose focus. Why am I waiting on a machine?

Makes me wonder if CRM vendors experiment with lower cost methods to store info and host their platforms on which ends up serving the CRM to me in this not-snappy manner.
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REVIEW Data Driverz sponsored demo

Alex Snyder
"Be the Best at the Basics" - Ryan Farina
We all know, the best way to grow our business is to stay on top of the basics.

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Data Driverz (datadriverz.io) is an AI-powered operational data platform for automotive dealerships that unifies disconnected store data (DMS, CRM, inventory, marketing, financials) into a single, real-time view so teams know what to do next rather than just reading reports.

What Data Driverz does​

  • Connects existing dealership systems (DMS, CRM, inventory feeds, marketing and performance tools) without replacing them, then aggregates the data into one operational view.
  • Focuses on variable operations (sales/BDC/internet/marketing) and uses AI and machine learning to turn raw data into recommendations and daily direction by role, not just dashboards.
  • Positions itself as the “Operational Data Platform” for dealers, aiming to end spreadsheet stitching and delayed reporting by providing real-time performance, accountability, and alerts on what needs attention now.

Who it’s for​

  • Retail auto dealers, GMs, GSMs, and operators who want connected data and daily marching orders without swapping out their current CRM or DMS.
  • Stores struggling with fragmented data across vendors and systems and looking for a layer that sits on top to drive consistent execution and profitability.

Notable details​

  • Founded by dealer-operator Ryan Farina, built explicitly “by dealers for dealers” out of frustration with disconnected data and lack of operational clarity.
  • Launched formally as the “auto industry’s first Operational Data Platform” at the 2026 NADA Show in Las Vegas; recently added industry veteran Doug Hadden as CRO to scale go-to-market.
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  • Like
  • Great Idea
Reactions: Jeff Kershner, joe.pistell, AlexCaradonna and 1 other person

REVIEW Tom Kline's Better Vantage Point sponsored demo

Alex Snyder
Timely: the FTC is knocking on the door and Better Vantage Point can help you prepare
Always a value: Tom Kline is an amazing resource for exploring business insurance. He helped me at my technology company with it.

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Tom Kline is the Founder and Lead Consultant of Better Vantage Point, a specialty consulting firm that focuses on dealership risk mitigation, regulatory compliance, and protecting dealer profits and assets.

Who Tom Kline Is​

  • Third-generation car dealership professional and former dealer/owner with over 30 years of in-store experience.
  • Runs Better Vantage Point, which “gets you out of trouble… and keeps you out of trouble” through compliance, risk transfer, and dispute resolution work for auto and RV dealers nationwide.
  • Frequently serves as an expert witness defending dealers in litigation and is endorsed by groups like Dealer Marketing Magazine, RVDA, and state associations.

What Better Vantage Point Does​

  • Audits trade practices and advertising, F&I processes, and general compliance to head off FTC/CFPB and state AG issues.
  • Helps dealers respond to regulatory notices, resolve consumer/business disputes, and tighten HR practices (handbooks, process guides, etc.).
  • Offers the “Safeguard Your Dealership” program, focusing on proactive compliance and risk management so dealers avoid fines, chargebacks, and reputational damage.

Content and Book​

  • Publishes regular compliance and risk articles on the Better Vantage Point site for dealers.
  • Author of “Tuck The Octopus: A Better Vantage Point for Dealership Risk and Compliance,” which is used as a textbook at Northwood University and frames his approach to managing many “tentacles” of dealership risk.
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  • Like
Reactions: joe.pistell

REVIEW iPacket reviewed by dealer/client

Alex Snyder
Our first dealer/client review! @Jeff Kershner has been a longtime iPacket client, and his team uses it every day.

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Primary reason for using it: having something to send to leads that gives a bit more information on the car.
Something else that's cool: there is a breakdown of the reconditioning work that was done to used cars.

iPacket is an automotive SaaS platform that builds digital “info packets” for each vehicle so dealers can present full documentation and history to shoppers online and in-store.

What iPacket Does​


Digital vehicle sales presentation
  • Aggregates existing vehicle data (OEM window stickers, build sheets, history reports, service records, photos, brochures) into a single digital packet without manual scanning or uploading.
  • Embeds those packets into dealer websites, CRM, and communications so sales staff can share a link or presentation instead of piecemeal PDFs and screenshots.
  • Provides tools like the SalesHub Chrome extension to detect VINs on pages and pull original window stickers directly from iPacket.

Why Dealers Use It​

  • Increases perceived transparency by giving shoppers everything (history, factory equipment, pricing, documentation) in one place, which can reduce friction and negotiation time.
  • Standardizes presentation across BDC, internet, and floor teams, so every rep has the same story and supporting documents when justifying price or equipment differences.
  • Integrates with CRMs to automate packet creation from existing inventory feeds, minimizing additional workflow burden.
Click to expand...
  • Like
Reactions: Landing Pages Garage, joe.pistell and Jeff Kershner

Acquisition campaigns

Brad Burlingham
Jeff Kershner said:
Hey @Brad Burlingham - be sure to poke your head into the "OG is back" thread. I called you out a few mins ago.

As for this one... mind clarifying "vendor they like for acquiring vehicles with no obligation to buy?" are you referring to a monthly service or a service that will place a bid/quote on a customer vehicle and will also purchase the vehicle if you pass on it?
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i looked and didnt see anything tagged with me in it.
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AI = Awesome Intelligence

joe.pistell
Looks like Claude uses Edmunds:

Personal Car Shopping Report

Lexus ES 350 • Shopping Guide for Bill​

requirements: 2022–2024 • Under $35,000 • Under 40,000 miles • Premium Audio

AI starts with an overview:
1776095123691.png

Shop local:
1776095378543.png

Shop Nationwide:
1776095426419.png

Place higher rank to low miles and CPO:
1776095565628.png
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  • Like
Reactions: Jeff Kershner

AI = Awesome Intelligence

joe.pistell
IMO, 'Gurus, Cars, 'Trader, etc are all in big trouble. I'm going parts shopping, WATCH AI PROTECT ME:

I write: i have a 40hp outboard yamaha stroke motor model # F40LA. I need an engine starter... <snip> AI and me chatter about what I need <snip>

WATCH how AI Replies in my best interest:
The best OEM listing I found is PWCParts at $199. That is the cleanest match to the exact part number you gave: 6BG-81800-00-00.

I would skip the Wholesale Marine, PartsVu, and Defender listings unless you confirm a superseded part number with Yamaha first. Those prices are far above the others.

If your goal is lowest cost, there are aftermarket replacements around $111 to $145, but they are not OEM. That matters on a starter because fitment, corrosion resistance, and longevity can vary.

Best path:
  • Buy PWCParts if you want exact OEM.
  • Buy FridayParts or Rareelectrical/Walmart only if you are comfortable with aftermarket.
Before checkout, match these on the listing:
  • Part number: 6BG-81800-00-00
  • Engine: Yamaha F40LA
  • Year: 2013
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