TSLA409.990-12.25%
GM73.100-1.76%
F13.030-0.37%
RIVN13.350-0.44%
CYD50.4400.44%
HMC25.210-0.97%
TM187.370-3.31%
CVNA66.030-1.14%
PAG159.750-2.43%
LAD264.8902.97%
AN181.940-2.21%
GPI317.1803.56%
ABG176.280-2.89%
SAH74.0600.1%
TSLA409.990-12.25%
GM73.100-1.76%
F13.030-0.37%
RIVN13.350-0.44%
CYD50.4400.44%
HMC25.210-0.97%
TM187.370-3.31%
CVNA66.030-1.14%
PAG159.750-2.43%
LAD264.8902.97%
AN181.940-2.21%
GPI317.1803.56%
ABG176.280-2.89%
SAH74.0600.1%
TSLA409.990-12.25%
GM73.100-1.76%
F13.030-0.37%
RIVN13.350-0.44%
CYD50.4400.44%
HMC25.210-0.97%
TM187.370-3.31%
CVNA66.030-1.14%
PAG159.750-2.43%
LAD264.8902.97%
AN181.940-2.21%
GPI317.1803.56%
ABG176.280-2.89%
SAH74.0600.1%

The importance of building customer relationships in the service drive

To the Editor:

It’s easy for dealers to forget how to think like customers. While I agree that reviews are essential the biggest key is how the customer has been treated through the warranty time and your “what’s in it for me” component. Customers don’t know about CSI scores and most think that reviews are paid for.

That challenge is to figure out different needs. But if we stress the importance of service advisors building relationships with customers, then we can better figure out how to serve them. Some customers don’t care about a relationship, but they come to the dealership because they just want things done right.

But there’s only one way to get that info, and it’s asking the customer what’s most important to them. If we don’t get that information, we won’t know how to keep them when they are shopping around.

James Kirkland
Springfield, MA


Did you enjoy this Letter to the Editor? Submit yours here today, connect with us at newsroom@cbtnews.com, or leave a comment below.

Be sure to follow us on Facebook and Twitter to stay up to date or catch-up on all of our podcasts on demand.

While you’re here, don’t forget to subscribe to our email newsletter for all the latest auto industry news from CBT News.

dealers

More from Daily Newscast
Used inventory rebounds, GM launches collision tool, Tesla raises Model Y prices

Used inventory rebounds, GM launches collision tool, Tesla raises Model Y prices

- May 18, 2026
Top Stories  Used-vehicle inventory rebounds in April as prices continue climbing. Read More GM launches Collision Assistance tool across brand mobile apps. Read More Tesla hikes Model Y prices in U.S. market. Read...

Weekly roundup: Lawmakers seek permanent ban on Chinese automakers, GM cuts IT jobs, UAW halts strike vote

- May 16, 2026
ICYMI: Two lawmakers have introduced legislation to tighten restrictions on Chinese automakers in the U.S. General Motors cuts hundreds of IT jobs as the automaker reshapes its workforce strategy. The...
Ford stock jumps, Stellantis expands China EV push, Toyota plans Texas factory

Ford stock jumps, Stellantis expands China EV push, Toyota plans Texas factory

- May 15, 2026
Top Stories  Ford stock surges as energy storage ambitions fuel investor optimism. Read More Stellantis expands China EV strategy with $1.17B Dongfeng partnership. Read More Toyota plans $2B Texas factory expansion amid U.S....
Trump’s China visit sparks auto concerns, Honda posts annual loss, More shoppers consider EVs

Trump’s China visit sparks auto concerns, Honda posts annual loss, More shoppers consider EVs

- May 14, 2026
Top Stories  Trump’s China visit raises new questions for U.S. automakers. Read More Honda posts first annual loss as EV strategy reset triggers $10B writedown. Read More More shoppers considering EVs, price and...
CBT News
Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful.