If you’ve been in the business for a long time like I have, you’ll remember when every dealership desk had a built-in ashtray. When I’m in a dealership and the desk manager pulls out a green Sharpie and a piece of paper to work a deal, I flash back to that time. We’re not smoking in dealerships anymore, so why are so many still using pen and paper instead of a digital desking tool?
I know what you’re thinking: “That’s the way we’ve always done it and it’s profitable.” That may be true when it comes to the uneducated buyer but, in our increasingly digital world, those buyers are becoming few and far between.
The modern buyer knows exactly what a car is worth before they ever step foot on your floor. If you try to keep numbers close to your chest, they’ll know you’re hiding something. That’s no way to build trust.
The average shopper knows so much ahead of time that they visit an average of only 1.2 dealerships before buying. You give that buyer an old-school experience and they’ll never give you another chance to earn their business. The old-school store is that 0.2 that doesn’t get the deal.
Old habits are hard to break. The good news is that the right desking tool can help you deliver the transparency that today’s buyers demand and structure more profitable deals in less time.
For the next few minutes, let’s pretend I’m in charge of evaluating and hiring a desking provider at your store. Here’s what I would look for:
Auditing in real time
I want a tool that prompts salespeople to enter all the deal information before they approach the desk. It’s a waste of time to go back and forth when a salesperson says they’re ready to go but hasn’t collected all the necessary details, like if the buyer has a trade, or even contact info that includes a zip code. Asking these audit questions and having to wait for answers slows down deals. Give me a tool that automatically prompts salespeople when information is missing, so they proactively collect everything needed to accurately desk the deal before approaching the desk.
Accountability and consistency
I want to know how my desking managers are writing deals. Who immediately discounts the deal right away? Who goes back and forth with the customer and holds onto gross profit? I want a tool that allows me to review deals by employee so I can hold them accountable for who’s working to hold onto the most profit. I also want to account for consistency. If I train my salespeople in how to negotiate, but my desk managers don’t follow that process, I lose the equity in that training. A DMS desking tool isn’t going to tell me, but the right digital tool will.
The best rates — period
My people are pulling captive rates out of the CRM and writing deals, but are those the best rates? What if a third-party lender is offering a special rate that will lower a customer’s payment without discounting the sales price? Or what if there’s a lower rate out there that will help the customer afford additional back-end products? The CRM isn’t going to show me special rates from lenders. I want a digital tool that does so I can transparently build the most profitable deals.
Integration with my CRM
I want a desking tool that is housed within my CRM. Why? It’s an easy way to ensure your salespeople and desking managers use it. If the only way to desk a deal is by entering deal information into the CRM, guess what? Everyone starts using the CRM.
All the bells and whistles
I want to make it easier and faster to build and present accurate deals. That means I need a tool that highlights the best rates and incentives, gives side-by-side comparisons, generates an accurate tax number and is mobile so I can work a deal in the parking lot if I want to capitalize on the customer’s excitement immediately after a test drive. The bells and whistles help generate profitable deals for a healthier bottom line and meet the needs of modern buyers for greater customer satisfaction and higher CSI. Everybody wins.
I’ve worked deals with a green Sharpie and with a digital desking tool. The right digital tool always wins. It’s faster, more accurate and, ultimately, more profitable. Use my list as a starting point when evaluating desk providers and challenge them all to a desking duel. If your Sharpie wins, it’s not the right provider.
FAQs
In a home environment, you can get away with a bit less, but we would advise 60cm as a minimum. There's a lot of 'console' style desks with a depth of 50cm, which are really only occasional side tables, and you'll find it difficult to work all day on them.
How to choose office desks? ›
After figuring out how much space you have for the desk and how much you're willing to spend, consider your style and preference for your office's appearance. Do you prefer a classic office or home decor, like a traditional or midcentury modern style? Something sturdy and professional might suit your taste.
How do I find the right desk for me? ›
Consider the size of your computer when choosing your desk. If you have a large desktop computer with a monitor and keyboard, you may want something with a larger desktop area and a slide-out keyboard tray. If you use a laptop, a smaller desk may work just fine.
How do you set up an effective desk? ›
Desk height: Position the top of your desk high enough so that your arms remain parallel to the floor when typing. Monitor height: Place your monitor roughly an arm's length away from your eyes and just high enough that the top line of your screen is at or below your eye level.
Is 20 inches deep enough for a desk? ›
The average desk depth is between 20 and 30 inches, with the most common depths between 24 and 30 inches. However, there isn't one right answer as to how deep your desk should be.
Is 30 inches too deep for a desk? ›
The standard desk depth ranges between 24 and 36 inches. The depth you need will depend on how much space you need to accommodate your equipment.
What is the most common desk size? ›
Typically, a standard single desk has a surface area ranging from 36 to 72 inches in width and 24 to 36 inches in depth. If you're simply looking for a desk to hold a laptop and some knick knacks, a 36″ x 24″ desk should be the perfect size, like the Daily Desk.
What is the right size for a desk? ›
The standard desk is usually 29 to 30 inches (74 to 76 centimeters) in height. The most common dimensions for standing desks are 48, 60, and 72 in. (122, 152 and 183 cm) wide and 24, 30 and 36 in.
What is the best type of office desk? ›
Metal: Metal home office desks are perfect for home offices that double as workout spaces or living rooms. If you're looking for a desk that will help you stay healthy and productive, a standing desk is the way to go! Laminate: Laminate home office desks are perfect home office staples.
How do I select a desk? ›
Choose a desk in a material and shape—such as an L-shaped desk or U-shaped desk—that works well with your office surroundings and existing furniture. Solid Wood & Wood Veneer add warmth to a room. Both solid wood and veneer are durable and easy to clean.
The correct height for a computer desk is influenced by a few factors, including your height, the equipment you use, and your daily tasks. However, 28 inches (71.12cm) is the standard desk height that you should be using, especially if you're between 5'8″(172.72 cm) and 5'10″(177.8cm) tall.
Which side should your desk face? ›
The work desk must be in the south-west direction, while your position during work should be in the northeast direction without the obstruction of a door, window or balcony behind the workstation.
What makes a good desk? ›
A well-designed, high-quality office desk is designed carefully, made to be strong, and can resist daily use. No amount of coffee spills, books, bulky computers, or other office supplies should destroy a good desk. Look for desks that are designed to last.
How to make your office desk better? ›
10 Desk Decor Ideas to Boost Your Productivity and Creativity
- 10 Office Desk Decor Ideas. ...
- Personalize your workspace. ...
- Use plants or flowers to bring nature indoors. ...
- Organize with desk storage solutions. ...
- Incorporate art and inspiration. ...
- Use lighting to set the mood. ...
- Add a Bluetooth sound machine.
How to organize your desk
- Make sure to keep some space clear. Always make sure to leave some space on clear on your desk for work. ...
- Create zones. ...
- Use storage containers and organizers. ...
- Label everything. ...
- Add inspiration. ...
- Include personal touches. ...
- Transition what you can from physical to digital. ...
- Stick to the essentials.
"How deep do fitted wardrobes have to be?" - This is a question we get asked a lot and it is an important one! The quick answer to this question is: Your fitted wardrobe should have an overall depth of between 600mm (minimum) and 700mm.
Is 40 cm deep enough for a desk? ›
If we consider a 24-inch monitor, additional equipment like keyboards and mice, and some extra room to spread out, desks should be at least 46–61 cm deep. Remember, comfort is paramount, and extra depth allows for ample elbow room for a better ergonomic setup.
What is the minimum depth for a built in desk? ›
The dimensions of a built-in desk can vary depending on the room's layout and the individual's preferences. However, a standard built-in desk usually has a width ranging from 48 to 72 inches (122 to 183 cm), a depth of 24 to 30 inches (61 to 76 cm), and a height of 29 to 30 inches (74 to 76 cm).
