zlacker

>>isp+(OP)
Car dealership websites are some of the worst on the planet. There is so much inbound sales automation glued together it is remarkable they even work at all. Integrating ChatGPT is the icing on the cake.

>>whales+Tf
My favorite is what I call the “design to disappointment” flow. “Design your new BMW here!” You put in all features you want, it generates a configuration, and then you put in your zip code so it can tell you “Oops! That configuration isn’t available, give us your contact information so we can have a dealership tell you what they have in stock.”

>>bhpm+Tg
To be fair, it probably isn't available in that exact build configuration. You can however, walk into a dealership and say I'd like a BMW with XYZ and the will submit your order and you'll receive it 4-6 months later. The cars on the lot have popular build configs that customers often request.

>>giarc+tk
The dark pattern is that car dealership websites, and even car manufacturer sites (looking at you Ford) will drag you through an intricate design process only to land you on a form that will say "Thank you for customizing your dream car! We've sent your request to <salesperson> at <your nearest dealership>, they will call you" and it's completely disingenuous.

They gate these processes with lots of contact/lead gen questions so that you will get absolutely rekt with text messages, emails and phonecalls which adds insult to injury.

>>whales+LK
They have to put you to a dealership because Ford et al don't actually sell cars, a franchisee does. It's the same reason you can't go order a Big Mac on McDonalds.com. Also, if you are customizing a car, a dealer has to put in that order. Agree with it or not, that's just the way it works.