Internet lead
A sales inquiry submitted through a website form, third-party listing site, chat or email rather than by phone or in person.
Internet leads are judged on response time. The BDC or AI should acknowledge on the customer's channel within minutes, answer the question asked, and offer two appointment times.
In practice
Internet leads arrive from the dealership website, third-party listing sites, OEM programs and chat. Each one has a source, a vehicle of interest and a clock running: interest fades quickly, and the first dealership to respond with a real answer often wins the appointment.
Responding well
Speed matters, but so does substance. An instant auto-reply that says nothing doesn't count. The response should answer the question asked, propose a next step and come from someone who can follow through, then flow into a consistent cadence.
Common questions
How fast should a dealership respond to an internet lead?
As fast as possible, ideally within minutes. Many dealerships set a five-minute standard for first response during business hours.
Can AI respond to internet leads?
Yes, for inbound inquiries the customer initiated. Alpha Drive AI can respond and capture details, and routes hot leads to a salesperson right away.
Also called: web lead, e-lead.
Read the chapter: Sales BDC →
Related terms
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