Dealerships are approached by vendors constantly. Software platforms, financial tools, marketing services, and operational solutions all promise improvement.
Yet in 2026, a clear shift is happening: dealers are becoming far more selective about who they trust.
The Problem with One-Size-Fits-All Solutions
Many vendors serving automotive retail were not built for dealerships. They were adapted from broader retail or fintech environments, often without accounting for the unique compliance, accounting, and customer experience challenges dealers face.
This disconnect shows up in several ways:
- Limited understanding of dealership workflows
- Gaps in compliance awareness
- Solutions that create friction instead of efficiency
Over time, dealers have learned that specialization matters.
Why Endorsement Carries Real Weight
Dealer association endorsements are not handed out lightly. They require scrutiny, legal review, and confidence that a solution aligns with dealer interests.
When a solution earns endorsement at the state level, it sends a powerful signal:
- It understands dealership operations
- It meets compliance standards
- It delivers value without increasing risk
For many dealers, this validation is now a prerequisite, not a bonus.
Trust Is Built on Alignment, Not Promises
Dealers don’t need more features. They need partners who understand the business, respect the customer experience, and align with long-term profitability goals.
That’s why dealer-endorsed solutions are increasingly replacing generic vendors. The trust gap has narrowed, and expectations are higher.
This trend is evident at industry events like the NADA Show, where dealers compare notes, share experiences, and recommend what’s actually working.
What Dealers Expect in 2026
Today’s dealers expect:
- Transparency in how solutions work
- No disruption to the customer experience
- Clear compliance alignment
- Proof from other dealers, not claims
Solutions that meet these expectations tend to earn long-term partnerships rather than short-term trials.
Dealers attending the NADA Show will be able to see how dealer-endorsed models work in real dealership environments.
Dealer Merchant Services | NADA Show booth #6112N