Getting out and meeting your customers is a vital element in almost every business, but is one that is all too often overlooked when it comes to dealership parts operations.

 

It is a point that Parts Manager at Wexford Volkswagen, Vincent Carroll is well aware of, as he makes a point of getting out to visit customers in their garages and bodyshops whenever he can, something that has contributed to making the Wexford Volkswagen parts operation one of the most successful in the network.

 

Vincent has worked in the motor trade since 1998 and joined the Volkswagen dealership in 2004. Today he heads up a 3 strong parts team that operates both a busty trade counter and has a delivery van constantly on the go 5 days a week. Vincent comments, "There is no substitute for getting out and meeting customers face-to-face. It gives us a better insight into their needs and means we can get invaluable feedback.”

 

The team at Wexford Volkswagen supplies both passenger and commercial spare parts. Vincent says that demand for Volkswagen original parts is always healthy and that there has also been excellent growth in the sale of the Volkswagen Trade Link Economy Range.  These are suitable for all Volkswagen Passenger cars and commercials and are specifically aimed at vehicles that are 5 years or older. Vincent says, "The Economy Range offers the type of quality you would expect from Volkswagen, but at a very competitive price. The range covers popular lines such as batteries, brake discs, pads and shocks.” He adds, "We also offer a wide range of workshop consumables.”

 

The success of the Wexford Volkswagen parts operation is something that Vincent believes can be put down in a large part to the knowledge and experience of the parts team, as well as good customer service. He comments, "We work hard to build a customer’s confidence in us by using our parts expertise to always supply accurate information and never giving a hard sell. Once we have built up trust with a customer, they know they can rely on us and keep coming back.” He adds, "We also take a common sense approach to business, like always answering calls promptly and keeping to any commitments we make. It seems to be a successful formula as our customer base is still growing.”