How to Design a Car Showroom
by James Hamel
In addition to possessing cutting-edge design and a load of comfortable furniture, a car showroom must be arranged to please the whims of even the most ardently difficult customer. Whereas in the past you could get away with a few beat-up old desks sitting by the shiny new metal in the showroom, now you must consider the benefits of items such as play areas for kids, Wi-Fi and more.
Making a Home Away From Home
Step 1
You never have another chance to make a good first impression and nowhere is this more true than when dealing with a customer looking to buy a car. A car showroom (whether new or used) should not only display prominent models (all unlocked as you don't want customer's thinking they aren't to be trusted) but it should also have an uncluttered, open floor plan so the buyer does not feel trapped.
Step 2
No one likes to buy a car from the low man on the totem pole, and nothing says that louder than a man or woman working in a cubicle. When designing your car showroom make sure everyone has an office but use glass walls where possible to create an open and airy feel.
Step 3
Customers are also interested in watching either theirs or other cars getting serviced. Many high-end luxury dealers have installed windows into the service garage so that customers can watch what mechanics are doing to their cars. This leaves other things to consider, such as the required enforcement of a dress code for mechanics regarding cleanliness and a "no swearing" rule.
Step 4
When a person buys a car from your dealership the transaction is rarely the end of your relationship with that customer, as the car will need to be brought back for service and maintenance issues. As such, there must be a clean customer waiting lounge for service customers along with such conveniences as Wi-Fi connectivity and a children's play area.
Step 5
Building your showroom out of glass will also help a car dealership save money on electricity as it allows the warmth of the sun to more easily enter the building. For hot summer months, look into stylish blinds or perhaps an air conditioning unit powered by solar panels on the roof. This also will save a lot of money in electrical costs.
References
Tips
- Having food available at your dealership (more than vending machines) is a great way to keep customers in the showroom, instead of them using their hunger as an excuse to leave. Anything that keeps the customer under your roof for longer is a big plus.
- Plants are also a lovely way to decorate a car showroom. Use them along with other decoration throughout. However, be leery of using fake plants as they do not convey the upscale ambiance you are aiming for. (They also collect lots of dust, which can make your showroom look dirty.)
Things You'll Need
- Architect
- Interior designer
- Children's play area
- Internet connectivity
Writer Bio
Jame Hamel, a native of Northern California, has written for Automotive.com, Autobytel.com, Myride.com, Associated Content, Bestcovery and Helium. Hamel attended the University of Southern California, and is fluent in Spanish.
