The Onion Volcano
Onions, volcanoes, DMS, technology… huh. Well I had the pleasure today to partake in a fascinating lunch at a local Japanese hibachi grill. Our chef “Joe”, well lets just say he’s spent some time with a fork and knife to provide entertainment. Through all the fire, twirls, flying eggs I just couldn’t get an earlier conversation and article off my mind.
As the sushi came with perfection and the show progressed, out came the onion. Built layer by layer until it reached it peak it was a beautiful site. Joe then fills it with a mysterious fluid and sets fire to it creating this magnificent fire-breathing volcano that took on a life of its own. Once Joe had the onion captive and spitting out flames and sparks like something on the 4th of July it was set aside to slowly burn out while some new veggies got the focus.
Ok so you’re saying what in the heck did this guy eat. Think about this: The article and conversation earlier in the day were around the latest and greatest efforts on part of certain DMS vendors to captivate the dealer into a spectacular contract with stipulations and constraints that over the long-haul at what cost? When I think of cost it’s not always hard dollars. As I read these opinions of the author we can’t help but align that with the trends we have seen from our client base.
Imagine this scenario:
- Would you purchase an automobile with a 10 year contact?
- Would you sign that contract if it states you cannot obtain service for any other dealer or shop that offers similar services?
- Would you sign the contract knowing that the exit barriers financially challenging?
I think most of us would walk away. What if there were only three main car dealers in the country and they both implemented the same policies in the purchase contracts? Do you feel like that with your DMS?
Coming from the technology world of the past 18 years or so it’s fascinating the strategic approach some organizations have taken and lessons learned. What does it take for change? The voice of customers and a willingness to not just hear but listen.
‘Til the next time, enjoy the food and take care-
Dave Girot
