If you’ve walked into a car dealership recently, you might have noticed something different. Instead of racks of printed flyers announcing promotions, new arrivals, or service specials, many dealerships are now showcasing sleek digital screens. The shift isn’t just about looking modern—it’s about making communication faster, more engaging, and far more effective.
At VenueVision, we’ve seen firsthand how dealerships are transforming the customer experience by replacing old-school flyers with car digital signage. Here’s why this change is happening, and why it might be the next smart move for your dealership.
The Limitations of Flyers
Printed flyers have been a staple of marketing for decades, but they come with limitations that are becoming harder to ignore.
Static and Easily Ignored
A flyer can only show one message at a time, and if it’s not immediately attention-grabbing, it often ends up in the trash—or worse, never even noticed. I remember visiting a dealership years ago where I picked up a flyer for a summer service special. By the time I got home, I couldn’t even remember what it was for. Static content just doesn’t stick.
Cost and Waste
Printing thousands of flyers each month isn’t cheap. On top of that, outdated promotions can’t be reused, leading to wasted paper and money. In today’s environmentally conscious world, this is a serious drawback. Dealerships are starting to recognize that a more sustainable, reusable solution is also a smarter business move.
Why Digital Screens Work Better
Digital screens, or digital signage, solve many of the problems associated with traditional flyers—and then some.
Dynamic, Eye-Catching Content
Unlike flyers, digital screens allow dealerships to display vibrant images, videos, and even live updates. Customers are naturally drawn to movement and bright visuals. I remember visiting a dealer that replaced flyers with a video loop showing a car’s features in action—by the time I got to the sales desk, I was already asking questions about the vehicle. That kind of engagement is hard to achieve with a printed sheet.
Instant Updates
Promotions can change daily—or even hourly. With digital screens, there’s no waiting for a new batch of flyers to print. A dealership can highlight a flash sale, announce a new vehicle arrival, or showcase service specials in real time. This speed keeps messaging relevant and customers informed.
Targeted Messaging
Digital screens make it possible to tailor messages to specific audiences. Waiting room screens can show service specials, while showroom screens promote vehicles and financing options. This level of targeting is nearly impossible with flyers, which are one-size-fits-all.
Enhancing Customer Experience
Replacing flyers with digital signage isn’t just about efficiency—it’s also about creating a better experience for your customers.
Inform and Entertain
Digital screens can educate and entertain at the same time. Short videos demonstrating features, maintenance tips, or dealership events keep customers engaged while they wait. I once watched a digital screen demo a new infotainment system in a car I hadn’t even planned to test drive—it turned me into a buyer by the end of the loop!
Build Trust Through Transparency
Digital signage can also make service departments more transparent. Showing service progress, waiting times, or repair explanations builds trust and reduces anxiety. Customers appreciate being informed, which often translates into higher satisfaction scores and repeat business.
Consistency Across Channels
Digital messaging can match what’s on your website, emails, and social media. This consistent branding strengthens your dealership’s image and ensures that customers always get the same message, whether they’re browsing online or sitting in your showroom.
The Business Case for Digital Screens
Beyond customer experience, digital signage makes solid business sense.
Lower Long-Term Costs
While installing digital screens has an upfront cost, it often pays for itself by reducing the need for printing flyers repeatedly. Updates are instant, and content can be reused or repurposed across multiple screens and locations.
Higher Engagement Leads to More Sales
Studies show that customers are more likely to respond to digital content than printed materials. Whether it’s a new vehicle promotion or an accessory special, digital screens help drive awareness and, ultimately, revenue. One dealership we work with saw a measurable uptick in service bookings after replacing flyers with engaging digital content.
Integration with Other Tools
Digital signage can integrate with your dealership’s other systems—CRM, service reminders, and even customer messaging platforms like Talksoon. This creates a seamless communication ecosystem that keeps your team and your customers connected.
Making the Switch
If your dealership is still relying on flyers, now is the time to consider the switch. Start small with a single screen in a high-traffic area and gradually expand. Keep messaging dynamic, engaging, and relevant, and you’ll quickly see the benefits for both customers and staff.Car dealerships that embrace car dealership signage are not just upgrading their marketing—they’re redefining the way customers interact with their brand. VenueVision provides an all-in-one digital signage solution specifically for automotive dealerships. Unlike competitors like Kimoby, which lack a digital signage solution, VenueVision integrates everything you need to enhance customer communication and engagement—all in one platform.