Business Tools

New Exam for Automotive Restylers Increases Sales

By Ashley Reyes

PRO
The “PRO Sales Training Manual” is available as a hard copy for purchase or in a free electronic format to all PRO council members.

More than 150 SEMA-member company employees have obtained and are seeing increased profits from the SEMA Accessory Professional Exam, a new resource provided by the SEMA Professional Restylers Organization (PRO) designed to help restylers, installers and accessory retailers build a more successful dealer-direct sales strategy.

The new program, which identifies superior sales among automotive restylers, aims to recognize accessory manufacturers and restylers for their sales expertise while providing them understanding of the inner workings of a car dealership and how to qualify and identify the key decision maker.

Developed by industry experts, the five-section exam is based off the “PRO Sales Training Manual” and includes 50 multiple-choice questions focused on customer relations and sales strategy, salesperson knowledge and practices, business structure and sales processes, marketing and promotions, and SEMA PRO recommended business practices and preparations.

“It’s exciting to witness how many SEMA-member companies are seeing increased sales profits in their business as an outcome of the program,” said Jim Skelly, PRO council director. “Building a mutually beneficial relationship with new-and-used car dealers is key to building trust and gaining respect, but profit is also a great motivator.”

An accessory sales professional certificate and badge is awarded to restylers who pass the exam, earning them recognition for their achievement while providing business owners with a valuable marketing edge.

The “PRO Sales Training Manual” is available as a hard copy for purchase or in a free electronic format to all PRO council members. While it can be purchased by anyone for $149.95, PRO and Truck& Off-Road Alliance (TORA) members receive the special discounted price of $24.95 for the printed copy which can be ordered online at www.sema.org/pro.

For more information, contact Jim Skelly at jimsk@sema.org.