Capturing End-of-Summer Sales Before Q4 Series

Blog #1: "Why August Can Be Your Highest-Converting Month—If Your Online Experience Holds Up"

30-Second Takeaway: August 2024 delivered 1.42 million new-vehicle sales, up 7.6% year-over-year, making it one of the busiest sales periods. But volume doesn't equal profit.  Success comes to dealers with seamless digital experiences. With only 61% of dealers responding within 15 minutes and calls converting 7x higher when contacted within the first hour, August's compressed decision cycles mean every digital friction point costs sales. Smart dealers audit their online experience now, before peak traffic exposes weaknesses.

August Can Be Your Highest-Converting Month IF Your Online Experience Holds Up

August 2024 delivered strong results with 1.42 million new-vehicle sales.  This is 7.6% year-over-year and 11% month-over-month making August one of the busiest sales periods of the year.

But here's the reality: this surge isn't automatic profit.  Increased profits are captured by dealers who offer seamless, speedy digital experiences during the three-week countdown to Labor Day weekend.

1. Built-in Volume with Extra Selling Days & Holiday Timing

August had 28 selling days in 2024, one more day than in 2023. The extra time helped push raw volume up 7.6% year-over-year, even as the seasonally adjusted rate dipped slightly to 15.1 million units.

With Labor Day falling so close to August, shoppers are treating the entire month like an extended promotional window. With just three weeks until the holiday weekend, everyday counts.

2. Used-Vehicle Sales and Trade-In Traffic Are Rising

While specific used-vehicle figures aren't always released publicly, industry summaries note stronger August momentum in used volume and trade activity, especially for vehicles priced under $15,000.

This trend increases online shoppers, trade-in evaluators, and price-focused buyers throughout the month.  These are the type of buyers that are looking for fast, transparent and personalized digital experiences.

3. Data Truth: Buyers Don't Wait—Especially in August

A 2025 national audit of 1700 dealerships revealed a sobering reality:

• Only 61% responded within 15 minutes

• 19% took more than an hour

• 4% did not respond at all

These slow responses aren't minor issues.  Leads conversion rates are approximately 7x higher when contacted within the first hour. Delays beyond that drop conversion odds sharply.

4. Why should dealers care?

Buyers who researched in July often convert in August or they move on to competitors who respond faster.

Every delay sends dollars down the street: A missed lead or slow reply during peak season is a lost opportunity, especially when shoppers expect transparency and immediate follow-up.

Peak traffic amplifies lost sales. Digital friction points that cost you a few leads in March can cost you dozens during August's surge.

5. Your August Action Plan Self-Audit & Quick Wins

Self-Audit “Mystery Shop” Exercise:

• Have someone submit a lead via your VDP (vehicle details page) using a personal email or phone.

• Track time to first response, quality of message, follow-through details (pricing, photos, next step).

• Compare performance versus your stated goals and known benchmarks (e.g. <15-minute SLA).

  
  

Practical Quick Wins:

Improvement Area	Action Step
Response Time	Set a sub-15-minute SLA (service level agreement) and measure weekly performance.
Transparency	Display finance calculators, trade estimates, and payment ranges early.
Personalization	Reply with video and specific info (like exact trade-in value) not generic, boilerplate text.

August is a high-stakes month. The volume is there. The question is whether your digital process is ready to handle it without leaking leads.

On August 21, we’ll break down exactly how to:

• Identify the 5 critical digital failure points costing dealers up to 40% of leads

• Run the “Peak Traffic Audit” to find and fix weak spots

• Master high-volume response strategies for promotional weekends

• Prove the ROI of fast digital fixes that convert more leads immediately

Register now for our August 21 webinar to learn more about how to maximize peak months.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER or Scan the QR Code below.