Karma Market Research’s Customer Service Awards for Car Dealerships
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q: How was my dealership nominated for this award?
A: Your dealership received positive customer feedback either through the ‘Instant Karma’ section on our website or in a survey conducted as part of our industry research. This feedback made your dealership eligible for the award.
Q: I didn’t receive a nomination email. Can I still apply?
A: Absolutely! If we don’t have a valid email address for your dealership, we can’t contact you directly. Your dealership may still have received positive feedback through our channels. Even if not, you’re welcome to apply. We’ll adjust the judging criteria to exclude the direct customer feedback portion for such entries. You may apply directly on our Awards Page.
Q: What are the judging criteria?
A: Dealerships are evaluated on three aspects of customer experience:
- Direct customer feedback from our industry research or the ‘Instant Karma’ feedback section of our website.
- Information provided by the dealership in their application.
- Customer sentiment across various online platforms (e.g., Facebook, X, review sites).
Q: Is this a national award or based on geography?
A: The award has both regional and excellence-based components:
- Regional Award: One dealership in each Core-Based Statistical Area (CBSA), often referred to as ‘Metro Areas’, will be awarded “#1 in Customer Service” for that area. CBSAs are determined by the U.S. Office of Management and Budget, based on regional affinity.
- Excellence Award: Dealerships with exceptional customer service that don’t win the #1 spot may still be recognized with an “Excellence in Customer Service” award if they score above a predefined threshold.
For example, in large metro areas such as the New York City Metro Area (which encompasses New York City, Newark, Jersey City, and parts of Pennsylvania), several dealerships may win the “Excellence in Customer Service” award. However, only one dealership will be awarded “#1 in Customer Service” for that entire metro area.
This structure allows for recognition of top performers in each region while also acknowledging dealerships that provide outstanding customer service.
Q: Is there a cost to apply?
A: Applying is completely free. Karma Market Research advises caution regarding ‘best of’ awards that charge application fees. We recommend reading the Better Business Bureau’s article on recognizing ‘Vanity Awards’. Winners wishing to use our logo in advertising will need to sign a licensing agreement and pay a nominal fee.
Q: Do I need to be a customer of Karma Market Research to win? Does being a customer improve my chances?
A: No to both questions. Karma Market Research maintains strict impartiality. There’s no ‘pay-to-play,’ and using our services doesn’t increase your chances of winning. Only excellent customer service will improve your likelihood of recognition.
Q: What are the application and notification timelines?
A: Applications are open through March 2025. Award notifications will be made in early April 2025.
Q: Is it worth the effort to apply?
A: Although applying for awards does require effort, the potential benefits frequently outweigh the time investment required for the application. It’s important to choose awards that align well with your company’s goals and achievements. This Business.com article speaks to many of the potential benefits.
What are you waiting for? Apply today!