In this video series, I’ve shared the story of my journey with the Clever Car Collection, an AI-powered used car dealership. What started as an experimental idea has now evolved into a full-fledged business with a physical location.
The Big Step: Moving Into Our First Dealership Location
After months of running the business from home, managing sales and inventory through various storage locations, I made the bold decision to take things to the next level. With the help of a good friend, Joe Wallington, who joined the business, we quickly found the perfect location—a workshop-style unit at a local business center. This move allowed us to streamline operations and take our car dealership from concept to reality.
Setting Up Our Dealership: Efficiency and Organization in Action
Once we got the keys, the real work began. Setting up the space required hands-on effort—no AI could help here! We quickly transformed the unit, moving office equipment from my previous business setup, and in just a few hours, the dealership started to take shape. Despite a minor setback with a customer who canceled last minute, we pushed through and set everything up efficiently. The result? A dealership ready to showcase cars, prep inventory faster, and provide better service to customers.
AI in the Dealership: Where it Works and Where it Falls Short
While I initially hoped that AI would revolutionize aspects of my car dealership, its role has been more limited than expected. Despite some efforts to leverage AI for design and signage, the major breakthrough I was hoping for is still elusive. However, AI still has a place in the business, helping here and there—but the journey to find a time-saving solution continues.
Why AI Still Matters in the Used Car Dealership
Although AI hasn’t been a magic solution for every problem, its potential in the automotive sales industry is still evident. In a recent podcast episode with James Leese from Impel, we discussed how other dealers are successfully using AI tools to enhance their operations. These insights have shown me that while AI isn’t a cure-all, it can still offer valuable assistance.
Rapid Growth: Sales, Purchases, and More
In just one week, despite the chaos of moving, we sold three cars, took a reservation for a fourth, and purchased four more cars. The efficiency of having everything in one place has allowed us to increase the speed at which we handle inventory and customer requests.
The Future of the Clever Car Collection
As we continue to grow, I’m excited to explore more ways to integrate AI into the business and streamline processes further. For now, the focus is on ensuring that the Clever Car Collection can offer top-tier service, fast inventory prep, and an efficient dealership experience.
Follow the Journey
To keep up with my weekly updates and see the dealership evolve, check out the video series on YouTube and follow along on Spotify for more insights on using AI in car dealerships.
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