IDS-Astra Customers Tell Their Success Stories!

COLONY MARINE

In 1994, Colony Marine was searching for a more efficient and affordable way to manage their three full-service Detroit area dealerships. Pete Beauregard, Sr., President, decided to find a system to better bring his business together. Upon a recommendation from another marine dealer, he contacted IDS. After having an Astra demonstration, Colony Marine implemented the system at all three sites.

 

MARINEMAX

Compared to planes, trains and automobiles, boats may not be the fastest mode of transportation, but they certainly offer an unmatched level of luxury and enjoyment. Accordingly, boat owners appreciate a little extra care and attention-and no one knows this better than marine retailer MarineMax.

 

NEWPORT BOATS

For most companies, growth can be a challenge. For Newport Boats and its three locations, it was imperative to meet and conquer the challenge efficiently.

 

MARINAS.COM

“Late last year, I was retained by a sizable marina operator with four locations to help locate, assess and acquire the best marina management software and hardware system for their needs. After an exhaustive search and analysis of the available ‘full service marina software’, I came to the overwhelmingly clear conclusion that IDS offered the most comprehensive and best solution available on all counts.

 

MARINEMAX BRICK

“The IDS Dockslips System is GREAT and it’s hassle free. The graphical ‘hotspot’ view of our slips helps us dramatically better manage the marina availability and contracts. Dockslips makes managing all my monthly invoices and billings a breeze. I love being able to see exactly where I am financially for the marina operations. Also, I must say, it has been wonderful working with IDS.”

 

SEA CHAIN MARINE

“We performed an extensive search to locate the best marina management software for our needs. IDS’s ability to handle multi-locations is what sold us. We looked at four systems and IDS was the only company with the ability to handle this ‘real-time’. In addition, the Windows-based ‘point and click‘ along with the graphic marina map was very attractive to us.

 

MAYPORT HARBOUR AND MARINA

Maryport Developments LTD is in a multi-phase redevelopment project of the Marina with funding coming from a grant provided by the European Regional Development Fund. They have aspirations to add more slips to the existing 171, as well as to develop the existing ship store, marina office, facilities and dry storage area.
MID STATE RV CENTER

Why did Mid State switch systems? - Chris Mitchell, Controller of Mid State RV, said “We reviewed Systems 2000's package and decided not to upgrade to their full system. [Systems 2000] had a hardware security device that fit on the back of the workstation that was constantly giving them headaches. It made the system unreliable.” Since Mitchell found another program was better for Service and Accounting, he had to use two systems along with spreadsheets to run the dealership.

 

ALTMAN'S WINNEBAGO


In the past, Altman's Winnebago of Baldwin Park, CA used paper menus to showcase its F&I offerings. Now, by using the IDS FIpoint solution, life is easier.

 

DEWALT'S RV

Why did Dewalt’s switch systems? - Greg Dewalt, owner of Dewalt’s RV commented, “We couldn’t rely on the prior vendor – their products’ lack of integration between sales and service required that we look at other alternatives in order to meet both our present and future needs.”

 

APPLETON CAMPING CENTER

Appleton was not running smoothly with two disparate systems in charge of their data. By moving to Astra, Appleton experienced the benefits of an integrated system that not only saved time and money, but helped the dealership grow as well.

 

BASDEN'S AMERICAN RV

Basden’s American RV is a success story worth telling. From the beginning in 1992, they have gone from $600,000 in sales to over $11 million last year, and they plan to exceed $20 million in 5 years. “After that,” says J.B. Strassweg, President of Basden’s RV, “ it’s on to $40 million!”

 

CAMPING TIME RV

Martin Zonnenberg, Owner of Camping Time RV, recently commented about his experiences with IDS and our products - "Our dealership has expanded rapidly from one location to three in the last five years. A key to making this happen is IDS. As a matter of fact, I don't know that we could have accomplished our success without your software. It has provided the solid base (network) from which we have been implementing some other key success initiatives such as effective use of email, and real time updating of our website. Although incalculable, there is no doubt that the ROI of IDS software has been tremendous."

 

GIANT RECREATION WORLD

Tim Burton, CIO of Giant Recreation World, has already witnessed the success that the partnership brings to RV dealerships in only three months.

 

BODILY RV CENTER

Bodily RV in Meridian, ID is enjoying the positive impact FIpoint has brought to the dealership. Business Manager Lucky De La Pena reports that both product penetrations and his bottom line have greatly improved while, at the same time, reducing the amount of time it takes to prepare for the customer.

 

CAPITAL RV CENTER

"Before Capital RV Center got FIpoint, we used a menu system for F&I, but it wasn't as comprehensive as FIpoint. With the old system, we presented all our F&I products on paper, which often wasn't powerful enough to make customers purchase. The multimedia two-monitor system of FIpoint is so user-friendly and engages the customer. It eliminates numerous printouts and makes presenting F&I options more appealing, simple, and profitable."

 

HOLIDAY WORLD OF HOUSTON

Kevin Hoffpauir, the F&I Manager at Holiday World of Houston, used to pull in an impressive $1,800 of F&I per RV. However, when the dealership started using IDS’s FIpoint Virtual Business Manager, he saw his profits increase dramatically to approximately $2,500. This 39% increase in F&I sales is only one of the reasons why he is sold on IDS’ product.

 

MEYER'S RV SUPER STORES

"I love [FIpoint]. It's exceptional. [Client Services] responds quickly to my concerns. It has made it easier for me to sell more back-end products. It is a much better presentation than a brochure. It has definitely increased my back-end profit. My customers almost always take the top package. It is giving me choices I never had before. I wish I had this a year ago."

 

MYERS RV CENTER

FIpoint has transformed the finance department of Myers RV Center, Inc. in Albuquerque, NM. Business Manager Don Vita reports that FIpoint allows him to be more organized in the way he approaches his job. “My customers are now very impressed with my presentations. They are very easy for them to understand,” he said.

 

SCOTT MOTOR COACH SALES

"We're happy with the system - penetration has gone up since installation. Before FIpoint, we did use a menu system, but it was not as involved. We couldn't mix and match F&I products for customers like we can now. Our old system lacked color and eye-pleasing graphics as well."

 

BLAINE JENSEN RV

We have been long time users of the IDS system in our dealerships. We often think we have sufficient knowledge of the system and do not need to invest in any more training. I have found that to be incorrect.

 

DEWALT'S RV

I want to thank you for your first-rate instruction. Again! Your knowledge of dealerships and the IDS system and your ability to convey that knowledge has helped me tremendously.

 

PETE'S RV CENTER

I wanted to take the opportunity to tell you what a positive experience I had at last month's Atlantic City Parts and Service class.

 

STAG-PARKWAY

As an IDS partner, Stag-Parkway, a leader distributor of RV parts and accessories, was frequently using IDS solutions. However, Mike McKay, Vice President of Marketing at Stag-Parkway, realized that his regional and district managers needed a better understanding of IDS products in order to be more efficient. With the help of Grant Farrer and Patty Permuy, Trainers and Advanced Training Coordinators, McKay arranged for his managers to attend classes in the IDS St. Petersburg, FL location from February 10-12, 2003.