Dealer Partner Onboarding

Complete guide to the ConsumerAuto customer journey, lead quality expectations, messaging guidelines, and operational protocols for partner dealers.

Google Ads Campaign: How Customers Find Us

Understand the customer journey from Google search to your dealership. Learn what messaging resonates and why leads are pre-qualified before they reach you.

~200 Active Ads

Verified Google Ads running across Canada, targeting customers actively searching for auto financing solutions

Pre-Qualified Leads

Customers have already decided they want financing. Your job is to present vehicles and confirm interest

High-Intent Traffic

100% Google Search Ads - customers searching for "bad credit financing," "auto loans," "used cars"

Core Ad Messaging

Credit Flexibility

"Bad Credit, No Credit, Collections, Late Payment - We Approve All Credit." Directly addresses customer concerns about approval odds.

Speed & Convenience

"Get Approved Fast" messaging appeals to customers wanting rapid results without bureaucratic delays.

Selection & Affordability

Showcase vehicle inventory and monthly payment affordability across different vehicle types.

Customer Journey: Ad to Your Dealership

1

Ad Impression

Customer searches for auto financing on Google and sees ConsumerAuto ad in search results

2

Click & Landing

Customer clicks ad and arrives at consumerauto.ca - already pre-qualified by intent

3

Application

Customer completes Apply-Now or Apply-New form with their financing details

4

Lead Assignment

System scores application and assigns to your dealership based on location and inventory

5

Your First Contact

Customer is convinced financing is possible. Confirm interest and present vehicle options

6

Conversion

Customer visits your dealership and completes the purchase

Why This Matters for Your Calls

  • They're Pre-Sold on Financing

    Ads have already convinced them approval is possible. Focus on vehicles and rates, not financing feasibility.

  • They're Actively Searching

    Not passive browsers - motivated customers looking for solutions today. Urgency is built in.

  • They Know About Credit Flexibility

    Don't be surprised if they mention the ads' credit-friendly messaging. Confirm we work with all credit profiles.

  • They Expect Speed

    Ads promise fast approvals. Deliver on that promise with quick response times and efficient processes.

100% Google Ads Search Leads

Real intent customers actively searching for vehicle financing. No display, no remarketing—only high-intent search traffic.

Dealer Support & Training

Comprehensive onboarding, dedicated account managers, and ongoing support to help you succeed with ConsumerAuto leads.

24-48 Hour Response Window

Contact within this window for best results. First contact within 1-3 hours is optimal for highest engagement and customer satisfaction.

Complete Customer Journey

Understanding how customers reach us, what they're told, and how you'll receive and handle leads.

Maximizing Lead Success

Every lead is a real customer actively searching for vehicle financing. Success depends on your speed, messaging, and follow-up strategy.

Speed Matters Most

  • Contact within 1-3 hours

    First contact during business hours (7 AM - 7 PM, Mon-Sat) dramatically increases engagement

  • 24-hour maximum response

    Leads contacted after 24 hours show significantly lower engagement

  • Multiple attempts if needed

    Try 2-3 times before marking as unreachable. Persistence pays off

Inventory & Budget Alignment

  • Have vehicles ready

    Know your inventory in the $300-$800/month payment range before calling

  • Match stated preferences

    Customer said "truck"? Have trucks ready. Mismatches reduce customer satisfaction

  • Be transparent on rates

    Explain that rates vary by lender and credit profile. No surprises at desk

Approval & Financing

  • Diverse Financing Options

    You have access to multiple financing options. Shop rates for the customer

  • Explain approval status

    Be clear about what's been approved and what still needs verification

  • Offer payment flexibility

    If rate is high, discuss term length or down payment adjustments

Common Return Reasons

  • No Contact: Customer unreachable. Try multiple times, different hours
  • Budget Mismatch: No vehicles in their price range. Have inventory ready
  • Rate Rejection: Offer alternatives (longer term, larger down payment)
  • Lost Interest: Follow up quickly. Delays = lost deals

Your Success Playbook

Hour 0-3: The Golden Window

  • ✓ Pull lead information
  • ✓ Identify matching vehicles
  • ✓ Make first contact call
  • ✓ Confirm interest & schedule

Hour 3-24: Confirmation & Follow-Up

  • ✓ Send vehicle photos/details
  • ✓ Confirm appointment time
  • ✓ Prepare financing options
  • ✓ Attempt 2nd contact if no answer

Day 2+: Persistence & Alternatives

  • ✓ Final contact attempt
  • ✓ Offer virtual tour option
  • ✓ Present alternative vehicles
  • ✓ Document outcome

Dealer Messaging Guidelines

How to handle different customer segments and objections while maintaining ConsumerAuto brand consistency.

Opening Call Script

"Hi [Name], this is [Your Name] from [Dealership]. I'm calling about your vehicle financing application with ConsumerAuto. Is now a good time to discuss your options?"

This script is warm, professional, and immediately establishes context. It respects their time by asking if they're available.

Handling Customer Objections

"I'm not sure I can afford this."

Response: "That's exactly why you applied with ConsumerAuto. We work with multiple lenders to find rates and terms that fit your budget. You mentioned a monthly budget of $[X] — I have vehicles in that range ready for you to see."

"What if I get declined?"

Response: "That's unlikely. Your application was submitted to our lender network, and we've already identified options for you. If anything, we may need to adjust terms or vehicle choice, but we're here to make this work."

"I want to think about it."

Response: "Absolutely. Just so you know, your approval is valid for 30 days. When would be a good time for me to follow up? I want to make sure you find the right vehicle."

"I found a vehicle elsewhere."

Response: "Great! We can still help with financing for that vehicle. Let me know the details, and I'll work with our lenders to get you approved. We often beat other rates."

What NOT to Say

  • ❌ "You're guaranteed to get approved" (No guarantees)
  • ❌ "We have the best rates in Canada" (Rates vary by lender)
  • ❌ "Bad credit? No problem, everyone gets approved" (Misleading)
  • ❌ "You'll definitely drive away today" (Don't promise outcomes)
  • ❌ "We don't check credit" (We do, but we work with all situations)
  • ❌ Pressure tactics or urgency ("This offer expires today")

Brand Voice Principles

Calm

Never rushed, never aggressive

Reassuring

Normalize credit challenges, reduce anxiety

Neutral

Non-judgmental, fact-based

Professional

Competent without being corporate

Canadian

Friendly, approachable, trustworthy

Helpful

Focus on solving problems, not selling

Application Form

All ConsumerAuto customers complete the Apply-Now form. Understanding the data collection process helps you know what information customers have already provided.

Apply-Now Form

Main comprehensive application

URL:

consumerauto.ca/apply-now

Completion Time:

~2 minutes

Data Collected:

15+ fields (comprehensive profile)

Information Collected:

  • ✓ Full name, email, phone
  • ✓ Complete address
  • ✓ Date of birth
  • ✓ Vehicle preference (Car, Truck, SUV, Van)
  • ✓ Credit rating (self-reported)
  • ✓ Employment details (status, length, title, company)
  • ✓ Monthly income
  • ✓ Residential stability
  • ✓ Trade-in information (optional)
  • ✓ Monthly budget ($300-$800)

Lead Quality:

Medium to High - Comprehensive data enables accurate lead scoring and dealer matching

Handling Apply-Now Leads

  • You Have Detailed Information

    Use it to personalize the conversation and build confidence

  • Expect Higher Engagement

    They invested time - they're more committed

  • Be Confident

    Present options based on their stated preferences and budget

  • Best Practices

    Follow the playbook for optimal results and customer satisfaction

Apply-Now Form: Complete Walkthrough

Step-by-step breakdown of the comprehensive application flow

Step 1: Vehicle Selection

Customer selects: Car, Truck, SUV, or Van

Step 2: Employment Status

Customer selects: Employed, Self-Employed, or Retired/Pension

Step 3: Monthly Income

Customer selects bracket: $1800-$2200, $2200-$3000, $3000-$4500, or $4500+

Step 4: Credit Rating

Customer self-reports: Excellent, Good, Fair, or Poor

Step 5: Monthly Budget

Customer uses slider: $300-$800 monthly payment

Step 6: Contact Information

First name, last name, email, phone, address, city, province, postal code

Step 7: Employment Details

Job title, company name, employment length, and status confirmation

Step 8: Residential Stability

Customer indicates: Own home, Rent, or Other

Step 9: Trade-In (Optional)

Customer indicates if they have a vehicle to trade: Yes or No

Result: Customer receives vehicle matches and is assigned to nearest local dealer with complete lead profile.

What a Lead Looks Like

Here is an example of a typical ConsumerAuto lead you will receive. This shows the complete information available to help you qualify and contact the customer.

Lead ID: CA-2025-0847

Received: January 15, 2025 at 2:15 PM EST

Customer Information

Name

Sarah Mitchell

Phone

(416) 555-0142

Address

245 Bloor Street West

City, Province, Postal

Toronto, ON M4W 1A8

Date of Birth

1992-03-15 (Age 32)

Vehicle and Financial

Vehicle Type

SUV

Monthly Budget

$450 - $550

Credit Rating

Good

Employment Status

Employed

Monthly Income

$3,200 - $4,000

Employment Length

3+ Years

Employment Details

Job Title

Marketing Manager

Company

Digital Solutions Inc.

Residential Status

Own Home (4+ years)

Trade-In

Yes - 2019 Honda Civic

Call Notes

  • Looking for a reliable SUV for family use
  • Prefers newer model (2020 or newer)
  • Trade-in has 95,000 km, good condition
  • Valid drivers license, clean record
  • Best time to call: Weekday evenings after 5 PM
  • Prefers email communication for initial offers

How to Use This Lead

  • 1. Contact Immediately: Call within 1-3 hours during business hours for best results
  • 2. Verify Information: Confirm details and update any information during first call
  • 3. Match Inventory: Use budget and preferences to find 3-5 suitable vehicles
  • 4. Schedule Test Drive: Aim for same-day or next-day appointment
  • 5. Update Portal: Log all contact attempts and outcomes in dealer portal

Dealer Expectations & SLAs

What we expect from you, and what you can expect from us. Service level agreements and performance standards.

What We Expect From You

  • Contact Within 24 Hours

    First contact should happen within 1-3 hours during business hours (7 AM - 7 PM, Mon-Sat)

  • Maintain Brand Voice

    Use the messaging guidelines and tone principles provided in this guide

  • Transparent Communication

    Be honest about rates, terms, and vehicle availability. No pressure tactics

  • Report Outcomes

    Update us on returns and customer feedback through the dealer portal

  • Provide Customer Support

    Handle initial customer questions and issues. Escalate to ConsumerAuto when needed

What You Can Expect From Us

  • Qualified Leads

    Pre-screened applicants with verified information and lead quality scores

  • Lender Network Access

    Multiple lenders with competitive rates and flexible approval criteria

  • Dealer Portal Access

    Real-time lead notifications, scoring, contact history, and analytics

  • Ongoing Support

    Dedicated dealer support team available Mon-Sat, 7 AM - 7 PM

  • Training & Resources

    Onboarding materials, messaging guides, and best practice updates

Dealer Support & Resources

Everything you need to succeed as a ConsumerAuto partner dealer.

Dealer Portal

Access leads, track performance, and manage customer relationships.

Dealer Support

Email: [email protected]
Phone: 1-888-660-8663
Hours: Mon-Sat, 7 AM - 7 PM EST

Training Materials

Download the complete dealer onboarding guide with all resources.

Get Started