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Car sales is extremely competitive. And while great service, an impressive lot and good deals are important, getting car buyers to visit your dealership is step number one.
Using the right car sales email templates can help. Email is often the first touchpoint you have with potential buyers. So being able to build relationships over email is crucial.
The auto industry has some of the highest email open rates across industries at almost 27%. And if you add a video message to your automotive emails, it can increase your chances of success. Campaign Monitor reports that using video can improve open rates by 19% and click rates by 65%.
In this post, you’ll find some of the best email templates for car sales to use in different situations. We also provide examples of video messages you can include in your emails to make the most of every interaction.
Each of these car sales email templates is easy to personalize. Feel free to add personality and creativity. Or just fill in the blanks for a quick start.
Quick note on car sales email subject lines: keep your subject lines short and casual. This keeps them from feeling too “salesy” and evokes more curiosity. For instance, simple subject lines like “SUV follow up” or “2024 Ford Escape” are better than “Greetings from Honda! Let’s talk about your next car.”
Lead Response Email Template
You just got a valuable lead. Now what? The trick to your first touch email with a prospective car buyer is to keep it inviting, low-pressure and helpful. This is a type of greeting template for car sales that starts the relationship on the right footing.
Also, most prospective car buyers have an idea of what they’re looking to buy and just need to decide where to go. Make an effort to reply quickly to stand out from your competition.
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Hi [CUSTOMER FIRST NAME],
Thanks for your interest in the [VEHICLE MAKE AND MODEL] at [DEALERSHIP]. It’s absolutely one of the best cars on our lot.
Are there any specific questions about the [VEHICLE MAKE AND MODEL] that I can answer for you? I’m happy to tell you more about some of the unique features that make this car such a great vehicle. If you’d like to come and take a look at it yourself, you can schedule an appointment here. [LINK CALENDAR APP]
Feel free to respond to this email and let me know how I can help. Or you can call me directly at [(XXX) XXX-XXXX].
I’m looking forward to hearing from you!
[SIGNATURE]
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The benefit of adding a video message to this email is your prospects can see your face and hear your voice. This reminds them that you’re a real person and helps them feel like they already know you when they walk through the doors of your dealership.
Here’s an example…
Newsletter Subscription Email Template
Much like a first-touch email, the trick to a newsletter subscription response is keeping your email simple. And because coming on too strong can lead to quick unsubscribes, it’s important to be approachable without trying to make a sale.
Newsletters provide prospective car buyers and customers with valuable information. Set the tone for what’s to come by letting them know the value of your newsletter upfront.
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Hi [CUSTOMER FIRST NAME],
Thanks for signing up for [NAME OF NEWSLETTER] by [DEALERSHIP].
Keep an eye on [NAME OF NEWSLETTER] for the latest news and trends in the automotive industry, auto maintenance tips, answers to your frequently asked questions, and exclusive coupons.
Should you need anything, feel free to respond to this email or call me directly at [(XXX) XXX-XXXX].
Welcome to the [DEALERSHIP] family!
Sincerely,
[SIGNATURE]
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Service Reminder Email Template
Your customers are busy. Reminding them to get their vehicles serviced is a fantastic way to provide value and stay top-of-mind between sales. This is the perfect opportunity to connect, mention service coupons, tune-up options and check on your customer.
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Hi [CUSTOMER FIRST NAME],
How’s your [VEHICLE MAKE AND MODEL] running? I wanted to check-in, make sure everything is still running smoothly, and remind you it’s time for your [SERVICE].
I’m here to help, so if you hear any new funny noises coming from your [VEHICLE MAKE AND MODEL] or it just isn’t driving like it used to, please let me know!
Continued vehicle maintenance is the cheapest and most effective way of preventing more significant (and expensive) problems from happening down the road.
You can give me a call at [(XXX) XXX-XXXX] or feel free to schedule an appointment through the service center at [SERVICE CENTER #: (XXX) XXX-XXXX].
[INCLUDE ANY SERVICE AMENITIES LIKE COMPLIMENTARY SHUTTLE SERVICE, COUPONS, OR A DISCOUNT RATE FOR CUSTOMERS.]
I’m looking forward to hearing from you!
[SIGNATURE]
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Quote Request Email Template
One of the best car dealer follow-up emails to have on hand is a reply to a quote request. In fact, according to Think with Google, 92% of car buyers research vehicles online before they head to the nearest auto dealer.
As a result, an inbound inquiry means your prospect is already interested in making a purchase and likely has a vehicle in mind.
If you respond quickly, these hot leads could turn into customers before the day is over.
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Hi [CUSTOMER FIRST NAME],
Thanks for reaching out to us at [DEALERSHIP]. We’re here to help make your car-buying journey easy. But, before we hand you the keys, we need a few more details to get you the best price possible.
What kind of features are you interested in [ON THE VEHICLE MAKE AND MODEL IF APPLICABLE]? The more details you share, the better I can help you find exactly what you’re looking for.
Also, how soon are you looking to make a purchase? Knowing this information will help me get you an even better price. We’re currently running [INCLUDE ANY SALE INFORMATION, DEALS, OR INCENTIVES HERE] through [DATE].
Please respond to this email as soon as you get the chance so I can get working on this for you. Or, you can call me directly at [(XXX) XXX-XXXX].
I’m looking forward to hearing from you!
[SIGNATURE]
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Including a walkaround video of the vehicle also helps generate excitement. Here’s an example…
Car Sales Referral Email Template
After you’ve developed a relationship with your customers, requesting referrals is the best way to tap into a bank of warm leads. In fact, according to McKinsey & Company, word of mouth is the driving factor behind 20 to 50% of all purchasing decisions.
The trick to a good referral strategy is remembering to show gratitude before you ask for the referral. If your customers feel appreciated, they’re much more likely to feel a sense of loyalty to you and your dealership.
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Hi [CUSTOMER FIRST NAME],
Can you believe it’s been [NUMBER OF WEEKS OR MONTHS] since you bought your [VEHICLE MAKE AND MODEL]? How’s it running for you?
Thank you again for coming to see us here at [DEALERSHIP]. Don’t forget, we have [SERVICE AND ANY DISCOUNTS FOR SERVICE] to keep everything in great shape. It looks like you should be ready for a [MAINTENANCE SERVICE] soon.
I wanted to reach out today because (as you know) a car is a big purchase. And, buying from someone you trust makes the process so much easier. If you know anyone that needs help purchasing a vehicle, please send them my way. I promise I’ll take good care of them because at [DEALERSHIP] our customers are like family.
In the meantime, feel free to reply to this email with any questions or concerns. Or, call me directly at [(XXX) XXX-XXXX].
Take care,
[SIGNATURE]
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The Sale Follow-Up Email Template
You’ve just made a sale. The next step is to follow up with your customer. Following up leaves a lasting, positive impression with car buyers and it increases the chances of them becoming lifelong customers.
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Hi [CUSTOMER FIRST NAME],
Thanks so much for your [VEHICLE MAKE AND MODEL] purchase! We know you’re going to love it, and we couldn’t be happier that we’re the dealership you chose to do business with.
At [DEALERSHIP NAME], we’re committed to ensuring every one of our customers is 100% satisfied with their new vehicle. That’s why I thought I’d check in to make sure everything is going great with your new [VEHICLE MAKE AND MODEL].
If you have any concerns at all, please don’t hesitate to let me know. Feel free to reach out via email or call me anytime at [(XXX) XXX-XXXX].
And just as a reminder, [INSERT ANY AFTER-SALE COMPLIMENTARY SERVICE OPTIONS INCLUDED (i.e., free oil changes in the first year, complimentary tune-ups, etc.)].
Thanks again, [CUSTOMER FIRST NAME], and enjoy your brand new [VEHICLE MAKE AND MODEL]!
[SIGNATURE]
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Adding a video message to this template takes it to another level. Here’s an example…
Lease Ending Email Template
Don’t wait until a lease matures to reach out to your customers. Take the time to contact them at least three to six months in advance.
Making the connection early allows them to consider what they want to do with their car. It also reminds them that you’re there to help.
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Hi [CUSTOMER FIRST NAME],
How’s your [VEHICLE MAKE AND MODEL] running? I wanted to check-in and make sure everything is going well and remind you that your lease ends on [DATE OF LEASE ENDING].
It’s hard to believe you’ve been driving your [VEHICLE MAKE AND MODEL] since [DATE OF LEASE]! In any case, I’m here to help. And, at [DEALERSHIP], we have a few options for you to consider.
If you want me to take a look, I can see if you’re eligible to opt-out of your lease early so that we can start the process of leasing or buying another car today.
If you’re still enjoying your [VEHICLE MAKE AND MODEL], we can work together for you to buy it out and make it yours.
Finally, if you’re interested in leasing or buying a new vehicle once your lease is up on [DATE OF LEASE ENDING], let’s schedule an appointment for you to test drive some of the great new or used cars we have on the lot.
Feel free to reply to this email with your preference, or you can give me a call at [(XXX) XXX-XXXX].
Take care,
[SIGNATURE]
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Thanks For Stopping By Email Template
To create a positive customer buying journey, you need all hands on deck. Anyone who has contact with prospects can make or break a sale, including everyone from salespeople to managers at a dealership.
Letting potential customers know that everyone at your dealership values their time and business will make them feel appreciated. This sets you apart from your competition.
So when someone stops by your dealership, have multiple team members reach out and say thank you.
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Hi [CUSTOMER FIRST NAME],
I’m, [INSERT NAME] the [TITLE] at [DEALERSHIP]. I wanted to reach out and say thank you for stopping by today. Here at [DEALERSHIP], our customers are like family, and we want to make sure the experience you have with us is a good one.
[NAME] told me you were interested in the [VEHICLE MAKE AND MODEL]. Are there any other questions about the [VEHICLE] that I can answer for you?
Feel free to respond to this email and let me know how to help or improve your buying experience over at [DEALERSHIP]. Or, call me directly at [(XXX) XXX-XXXX] anytime.
Sincerely,
[SIGNATURE]
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Adding a personalized video message to this email is a great opportunity to nurture a relationship and differentiate yourself from other salespeople. Here’s an example…
The Trade-In Offer Email Template
Trade-ins can be difficult transactions to make, but using this dealership email template is one of the best ways to start the process. The idea of replacing a car can be overwhelming for your customers.
As a result, they might be hesitant to consider that their vehicle is getting old and that it’s time to make another big purchase.
A trade-in email helps plant the seed that your customer’s vehicle is aging. And, it also reminds them that a friendly face is available to help make the process of purchasing a new car as seamless as possible.
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Hello [CUSTOMER FIRST NAME],
I’m [YOUR NAME] over at [DEALERSHIP NAME], and we just wanted to say thanks for partnering with us [NUMBER OF YEARS SINCE PURCHASE] years ago to purchase your [VEHICLE MAKE AND MODEL]. Can you believe it’s been that long?
In any case, I’m sure you two have created some amazing memories together over the years. And, while a vehicle always holds a special place in your heart, I also know that lives and needs change.
The reason I’m reaching out to you is that I’m curious if you’ve ever thought about trading in your [VEHICLE MAKE AND MODEL] for a new vehicle. Trade-ins simplify the buying process by combining two complex transactions into one. Trade-ins also give you the chance to upgrade your car to accommodate your changing needs easily.
Let me know if you’re interested! We have a wide variety of beautiful new models to choose from, and we’re always here to make buying a new car as easy as possible. You can reach me anytime at [(XXX) XXX-XXXX] or respond to this email.
Wishing you the best,
[SIGNATURE]
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Start Using These Car Sales Email Templates Today
You have to create a connection with your prospects early in the car buying process if you want to stand out from your competition and get more customers through the doors. Email is a great way to do that.
You can also combine your emailing efforts with cold calling. Check out this article for more on that topic.
With these car sales email templates, you’ll increase the effectiveness of every email you send. And adding personalized video messages when appropriate makes your outreach that much more memorable.
