Helping service managers discover payment solutions for their auto dealerships is one of the most rewarding parts of my job. If I can address a dozen or so in one place, then I’ve increased the odds of finding personal satisfaction that many times. A recent meeting of the San Diego GM Retail Service Manager’s Club, a division of the New Car Dealers Association San Diego County, offered such an opportunity.

A longtime proponent of trade associations, I wrote an article called "Ten Reasons to Join an Association" in 2012, explaining the numerous benefits (see inset).

I also recommend a daily reading of Automotive News by anybody in the auto industry for the latest articles, product announcements and insights. Coincidentally, here's an Automotive News article featuring CrossCheck and how our products increase sales in the service department at a Michigan dealership.

On February 18, 2016, I was invited to speak to a group of service managers from 12 new auto dealers in the greater San Diego area who wanted to learn about CrossCheck, and how their respective service departments could benefit from our services. I explained that our primary goal in any partnership is not to solve a bad check problem, but to provide tools that could help them learn how checks can help them increase sales in their service departments.

In particular, service departments can greatly increase sales potential by making it easier for customers to pay for costly repairs and parts, some of which can often exceed thousands of dollars during an emergency situation.

For example, if they have a customer facing a large repair order who is unable to come up with the funds needed to complete the work, then their first option is to have the customer apply for available financing. Given the fact that we live in a credit challenged environment, not everyone will qualify for financing. Once the customer reaches this point, their only option is to have the work done that they can afford and to come back at a later date when they can afford the rest. This salvaged approach is certainly not in the best interest of the customer, their automobile, or the dealership. CrossCheck has win-win solution for both parties.

With our Multiple Check service in place, that same customer has the option of being able to write four checks for the total amount of the repair order and have the checks deposited over a 90-day period. All checks are fully guaranteed by CrossCheck and the dealership does not have to worry about returned items. The response I received from the service managers was overwhelmingly positive with several attendees asking what the next step in the process is and how they get signed up.

Multiple Check is a key component of CrossCheck's Auto Industry Remote Deposit Capture Solution (C.A.R.S.), a fast and easy way to mitigate the risk of returned checks, increase sales, and save time and money. In addition to Multiple Check, C.A.R.S. offers Check on Delivery (COD) for the Parts and Service department and free loaner equipment. With each authorized check, funds are automatically processed and deposited into a dealership's account. Online reporting allows easy access to status and activity 24/7/365. Learn more by clicking below.