Taking care of the customer is not a new thing, but at Grand Prize Chevrolet, owner Ralph Sifford and his team take customer service to the next level.
“I want people to have that Grand Prize experience — the feeling you get when you’re winner,” said Sifford, who has owned the dealership since 1992. “That’s why I chose the name Grand Prize Chevrolet. And that’s what we do here – we deliver that winning experience.”
This commitment to going above and beyond customers’ expectations has paid off with used car sales at Grand Prize up 44 percent and new car sales up 11 percent over last year. Sifford said the key to success is delivering excellent customer service every step of the way — from the customer’s shopping experience to sales, service, operations, financing and product delivery.
High standards are top priority at both of Sifford’s privately owned dealerships. He also owns a Chevrolet/Cadillac and GMC/Buick dealership in Nanuet, NY. His vast business experience of 37 years operating General Motors dealerships, 20 years running a service station, and experience in commercial banking, commercial real estate and community political service, has molded the savvy business owner. But Sifford isn’t complacent. He looks forward and changes with the times.
The service experience at Grand Prize Chevrolet often begins before the customer even visits the showroom. A highly proactive Internet department maintains inventory listings online and connects with customers 24/7 on Facebook, Twitter and at GrandPrizeAuto.com.
“Customers begin their search online, so it’s important that we reach out to them and start the service process at this time,” Sifford said. “We are always looking for new ways to provide our customers with excellent service.”
Once at the dealership, customers will find an updated, state-of-the-art facility. Grand Prize Chevrolet was one of the first in the country to complete a renovation to meet the new GM brand standards. The dealership is sleek, modern and comfortable. The customer waiting area features a computer lounge with Wi-Fi, TVs, snacks and a playroom for children.
Grand Prize now has a new building entirely devoted to pre-owned vehicle sales, which are seeing an upswing during this economic downturn.
“Our pre-owned vehicles are all certified and come with a maintenance plan and extended warranties,” Sifford said. “It’s like getting a new car, but it’s more economical.”
Sifford is especially proud of the Chevy lineup. In recent years, Chevrolet has introduced more vehicles that get 30 mpg or more than any other brand — an important feature considering the rising gas prices. All new vehicles have three- to five-year warranties, with 100,000-mile powertrain warranties. On Star — the high-tech system that provides drivers with automatic crash response, navigation, roadside assistance, remote unlocking and hands-free calling — comes standard on all new vehicles.
“In my 37 years in the automotive industry, On Star is one of the most revolutionary developments I’ve seen,” Sifford said. Grand Prize offers new car owners free maintenance for one year, including tire rotation, oil change and filter. Vehicles are serviced by GM certified technicians in one of the dealer’s 44 modern service bays. The collision center repairs all makes and models and works with customers’ insurance companies to make the process simple and easy. And when customers’ vehicles need repairs or maintenance, Grand Prize offers free drop-off and pick-up. “That’s how we create the Grand Prize experience,” Sifford said. “We treat our customers like family.” It’s important to Sifford to support the community that has supported his business. Grand Prize is the sponsor of the Sunshine Corvette Club and the Dade County Farm Bureau. The dealership proudly supports youth sports programs such as the Kendall Hammocks Optimists Club and educational programs at Robert Morgan Educational Center. Grand Prize Chevrolet is located at 11701 SW 152 St., right off Florida’s Turnpike. For more information, call 305- 235-8200 or visit online at <www.GrandPrizeAuto.com>.
