5square’s three-year wait over

Some automotive dealers have been waiting a long time for this. After three years of testing and development, 5square.com yesterday finally released their web-based software which is designed to be used in every step in the sales process.

The system automates tasks such as lead management, CRM, showroom control, finances, inventory, customer marketing campaigns, and dealership analytics. The system can be integrated with ADP and Reynolds and Reynolds DMS systems. Features touted in the program include comprehensive internet lead management; customer relationship management; showroom control including walk-up and phone-up integration; real-time integration with services such as Kelley Blue Book, Credco, and CARFAX; complete inventory management; marketing campaign tools; and analytic tools.

Before yesterday’s general release, 5square.com was beta tested by eight dealerships, and 5square’s statistics claim their program resulted in a 21% increase in closing rates, equal to 34 additional units per month per dealership, over five months of study.

John Anderson of the eponymous California-based John Anderson Group was happy to praise the new system: “We’re capturing more than 90% of the ups, as opposed to 50% with CRM only software,” he said , adding that using the program is “so easy that it just becomes part of the normal sales process.”

Based in Westlake Village, Calif., 5square.com is a partnership of specialists in software and automotive retail.