Customers respond positively to businesses they trust and will establish long-term relationships based on the confidence they have in a dealer.

The best way to establish trust with customers is to work closely and honestly with them when determining what they need and find ways to meet their needs quickly and cost effectively. This may mean sometimes suggesting a less expensive tire than the customer expects. For example, when you tell a customer that a $75 tire is just as good for his or her purposes as a $100 tire, you are creating trust. The customer will know that you’re truly working in his or her best interests. And, that lost sales revenue will likely be more than made up in the long-term relationship you ultimately establish.

Always go out of your way to solve problems or correct mistakes that you or your employees have caused/made. Covering up or denying problems is the surest way to lose customer trust. If you or one of your employees has misquoted a price or given inaccurate information, go out of your way to tell customers about it. Don’t hope that customers won’t notice.

It’s a sure bet: They will notice eventually and blame you for not discovering it sooner. The earlier you correct a mistake, the better your dealership will look, and the more trust you will create.

– Source: Tire Review Business Toolbox