%20-%20PURPLE%20BLACK.png)
%20-%20BLACK.svg)
We asked our clients how they’re using ChatGPT in their dealerships. The answers surprised us, not because of complexity, but because of how simple and effective the hacks are.
These aren’t vendor case studies. They’re practical, day-to-day prompts tested by GMs, sales managers, and service advisors. We’ve hand-picked 10 of the best ones, five for sales and five for service.
👉 Important note: These examples use sample reports, anonymized numbers, or generic templates. Never paste personal information (like customer names, VINs, or contact details) into an AI tool.
The Problem: Managers burn hours figuring out which trims to stock. Gut feel often rules.
The Hack: One GM tested prompts with anonymized order guides and sales summaries to find patterns.
Prompt Example:
“Here is a sample of our past 12 months of sales totals by model and trim, along with a list of OEM allocation options. Based on this, which configurations would sell fastest, and which trims might be oversupplied in a market like ours?”
Why It Works: The AI highlights mismatches between supply and demand, helping managers think through ordering logic, without relying on spreadsheets alone.
The Problem: Most VDPs read the same. Shoppers scroll right past.
The Hack: A store created a prompt that takes generic vehicle specs (no customer data required) and outputs unique, targeted descriptions.
Prompt Example:
“Write a 90-word vehicle description for a 2023 Ford Escape SE with AWD. Target a young professional couple, highlight safety tech, and avoid generic phrases.”
Why It Works: Each description feels tailored, but no sensitive data is involved.
The Problem: Salespeople often stall on writing personalized follow-ups.
The Hack: Internet managers use ChatGPT to draft short, conversational emails based on generic lead situations.
Prompt Example:
“Write a 3-sentence follow-up email for a customer who requested a quote on a 2024 Camry. Make it friendly, mention the dealership name, and invite them for a test drive this week.”
Why It Works: Staff get a polished draft they can personalize in seconds.
The Problem: Appraisers juggle auction data, vAuto, and instinct.
The Hack: Pre-owned managers run sample pricing scenarios through ChatGPT to stress-test decisions.
Prompt Example:
“Here are sample sales data points for Honda Civics by trim and mileage. If I acquired a 2021 Civic EX with 42,000 miles, what would be a competitive retail price range for a fast turn without sacrificing gross?”
Why It Works: Keeps the thinking structured, without exposing actual customer records.
The Problem: Salespeople tune out during Monday data dumps.
The Hack: Managers summarize reports into bite-size, action-focused bullets.
Prompt Example:
“Summarize this sales report (sample numbers provided) into 5 bullet points my sales team can act on this week. Keep it motivational, direct, and under 100 words.”
Why It Works: Converts boring reports into simple action items.
The Problem: Too many buyers never book their first service.
The Hack: Service managers build phone or text scripts that staff can use.
Prompt Example:
“Write a short bilingual script (English/French) for inviting a first-time buyer of a 2024 Hyundai Elantra to schedule their first service. Keep it under 30 seconds and emphasize convenience.”
Why It Works: Increases first-visit bookings with zero sensitive info.
The Problem: Advisors hate writing the same recall messages over and over.
The Hack: Managers create generic voicemail/email templates through ChatGPT.
Prompt Example:
“Write 3 professional voicemail scripts for customers with open recalls. Keep them under 20 seconds, stress safety, and encourage online booking.”
Why It Works: Advisors save time and stay consistent, without ever uploading customer lists.
The Problem: Chaos hits every October in Quebec when everyone books at once.
The Hack: Fixed ops leaders use ChatGPT to pre-write SMS campaigns for early booking.
Prompt Example:
“Draft a text message campaign inviting customers to pre-book winter tire installs in October. Use urgency, weather references, and offer a small incentive for booking early.”
Why It Works: Dealers get campaign-ready text in minutes.
The Problem: “RO 45321: Waiting on parts” doesn’t mean anything to a customer.
The Hack: Teams use ChatGPT to turn technical notes into plain-language updates.
Prompt Example:
“Turn this sample repair status (‘waiting on parts, ETA 2 days’) into a clear, customer-friendly message under 25 words.”
Why It Works: Frees advisors from constant “Is my car ready?” calls.
The Problem: Some customers drift away after 18+ months with no visit.
The Hack: Instead of uploading real contact lists, managers feed ChatGPT a sample dataset and ask it to generate outreach messaging by risk tier.
Prompt Example:
“Here is a sample of inactive customers with different last-visit dates and vehicle ages. Segment into high, medium, and low risk groups, and suggest a sample outreach message for each group.”
Why It Works: The dealership gets tested messaging ideas without exposing actual customer details.
Across sales and service, the best dealer hacks share three things:
None of these hacks replace people. They simply give GMs, managers, and advisors faster ways to get the repetitive parts done so they can spend more time on customers.
And once you see what one good prompt can do for your store, it’s hard to go back.
.png)
.png)