Digital Retailing Platform

A digital retailing platform is an online solution that enables customers to conduct much of the car buying process from the comfort of their home. Through the dealership’s website, a digital retailing tool lets shoppers do things like browse real-time inventory with pricing, configure payments (selecting finance or lease, adjusting down payment and term to see monthly payment estimates), value their trade-in, apply for credit, and even add F&I products or warranties to see how they affect the payment. In Canada, these platforms are tailored to handle local aspects such as different provincial taxes or the customer’s region for rebates. During the pandemic, many dealerships accelerated adoption of digital retailing to provide a contactless experience. The platform usually integrates with the dealership’s CRM/DMS so that when a customer completes steps online (for example, credit application or selecting a car and a quote), the sales team is notified and the information flows into the store’s systems. Digital retailing doesn’t necessarily replace the in-person experience but complements it – customers can do the paperwork and number-crunching online, then simply come in to test drive and finalize. By offering this convenience, dealerships cater to modern consumer expectations, reduce time spent in-store, and often expand their reach to customers who prefer online interactions before setting foot in a showroom.