Frequently Asked Questions

Global Dealer Solutions is an automotive consulting firm that connects dealerships with the right solutions to grow their business. With over 40 years of inside automotive retail experience, we understand dealerships from the inside out — which means we know the real challenges you face and how to address them effectively.

Most vendors are trying to sell you their product. GDS is product-agnostic — we evaluate your specific situation and recommend the right solution regardless of which vendor provides it. We act as your consultant, not a salesperson. Our goal is to solve your problem, not close a deal. If we focus on solving problems, the business follows naturally.

GDS works with auto dealerships of all sizes — from single-rooftop independents to large franchise dealer groups. Our solutions are scalable and tailored to each dealership's unique situation. Whether you're a new-car franchise, used-car operation, or a multi-brand group, we have solutions that fit.

Yes. GDS is headquartered in Coppell, Texas — just outside of Dallas — and works with dealerships across the United States. Our solutions are digital-first, so we can serve dealers in any market. Our Solutioneers connect with dealerships both virtually and in person as needed, no matter where you're located.

A Solutioneer is your single point of contact at GDS. They function as your consultant, advisor, and problem-solver — all in one. Instead of managing five different vendor relationships, you have one expert who knows your entire operation and can address any challenge. Think of them as your automotive retail insider on call.

• Assess your current marketing, sales, and operational situation
• Identify your greatest areas of opportunity and challenge
• Recommend and implement the right solutions from our partner ecosystem
• Train your team on how to leverage tools effectively
• Monitor results and continuously optimize your strategy
• Be available when problems arise — your first call, not your last resort

That depends on your needs and the solutions deployed. At minimum, you can expect regular check-ins to review performance and strategy. Many clients are in contact with their Solutioneer weekly or even daily during active campaign periods. You set the cadence that works for your operation.

• DMA & Activation: DMA Customer Activation, Hyper-Targeted Local Marketing, In-Market Buyer Targeting
• Digital Marketing: SEM, SEO, Social Media, Paid Ads for Service, Digital Coupons
• Conversion & AI: Onsite Conversion Tools, Conversational Voice AI, AI Optimization, Virtual Service Attendant, Lead Response Software
• Data, SEO & Inventory: Data Mining, Local SEO, Vehicle Listing Ads, Service Direct Mail, Service Lane Appraiser

Absolutely not. We start with a discovery conversation to understand your specific challenges and goals. Then we recommend only the solutions that make sense for your situation. You're never pressured to buy anything beyond what you genuinely need.

Your Dealership Market Area (DMA) is the geographic zone where most of your customers come from. DMA Activation uses a combination of data targeting, digital ads, and personalized messaging to reach in-market buyers specifically within your DMA — reducing wasted spend and maximizing relevance. It's one of the highest-ROI strategies for dealerships that want to win locally.

Conversational Voice AI is an intelligent system that handles inbound phone calls automatically — 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. It can qualify leads, schedule service appointments, answer common questions, and route calls appropriately. Dealerships using this technology stop missing after-hours calls and see significant increases in service appointments and qualified leads.

Simply fill out our contact form and a Solutioneer will reach out within one business day to schedule an initial discovery conversation. We'll listen, ask good questions, and give you honest feedback — even if that means telling you what you don't want to hear.

Our first call is a discovery conversation. We want to understand your dealership — your goals, your current challenges, what's working, what's not. We'll ask about your market, your competition, your current vendor stack, and where you feel the biggest gaps are. By the end, we'll have a clear picture of where GDS can add the most value.

Onboarding timelines vary by solution. Some tools can be live within days; others require a 2–4 week setup and integration process. Your Solutioneer will set clear expectations for each solution so you know exactly what to expect.

Pricing varies by solution. Some solutions are flat monthly fees; others are performance-based or tied to ad spend. Your Solutioneer will provide transparent pricing for each recommended solution during the discovery process — no hidden fees, no surprises.

Contract lengths vary by solution. Most are month-to-month. We'll be completely transparent about commitment requirements before you sign anything. Our goal is always a long-term partnership built on results — not contractual obligation.

Every solution we deploy includes clear KPIs and regular reporting. Your Solutioneer reviews performance with you regularly and is accountable for results. We track what matters — leads, appointments, revenue, and ROI — not vanity metrics.

If a solution isn't performing as expected, your Solutioneer will proactively address it. We analyze the data, identify the issue, and adjust the strategy. We don't hide behind reports — we take ownership of performance and work with you to fix it.