New car prices are about to spike. With the U.S. slapping a 25% tariff on vehicles assembled outside the country, buyers are rushing to dealerships to beat the price hikes. But what does this mean for you, the independent shop owner?
In short: opportunity. Big one. Here’s how to get ahead of the chaos and set your shop up for growth while everyone else scrambles.
1. Expect a Wave of Used Cars—and Be Ready for Them As new car prices rise, more customers will hang on to their current vehicles or buy used. That means more maintenance, more repairs, and more chances to win long-term business.
What to do: Make sure your team is dialed in on inspections, customer communication, and follow-ups. Want a system that keeps everything (and everyone) on track? Start here.
2. Help Customers Extend Vehicle Lifespan With new vehicle costs climbing, your customers will be more open to investing in preventive care and fixing issues before they get worse.
What to do: Launch a free maintenance reminder program. It keeps your bays full and shows customers you’ve got their back. Here’s how to set that up.
3. Position Yourself as the Affordable, Trustworthy Option With dealerships busy and prices rising, now’s your chance to stand out. Customers want an alternative that’s honest, fast, and affordable.
What to do: Step up your marketing game. Showcase customer reviews, emphasize your transparency, and use tools that automate the follow-up. Shop4D can help with that.
4. Train Advisors to Educate, Not Just Sell In uncertain times, people buy from businesses they trust. Train your service writers to explain—not just recommend—so customers feel in control.
What to do: Arm your team with digital inspection tools that build trust with clear visuals. Here’s how.
Final Word: The car market’s changing fast—but that doesn’t have to be bad news. For smart shop owners, this is a chance to earn trust, boost revenue, and build a customer base that sticks around.
Want to see how top shops are setting themselves up to thrive, not just survive? Book a free strategy session and let’s map out your next move.