Selling cars takes more than a handshake and a smile. It takes data. That's why Alan Fink, Internet sales manager at Freeman Toyota in Santa Rosa, CA, uses FileMaker Go for iPad. "I needed a way to keep track of my customers, inventory, commissions, taxes, payroll–everything to do with sales here at the dealership," says Fink. "And I needed to access it when I was away from the dealership. This job is seven days a week. If I get an inquiry on my day off, I need to respond. With FileMaker Go on the iPad, I have all the info at my fingertips. It's a lifesaver for me."

Fast and painless database on the iPad

"I loaded FileMaker Go on my iPad and transferred the database over," he says. "It was fast and painless and now I have all my information with me wherever I am."

Setting up FileMaker Go took little more than a few mouse clicks and touch–screen taps, says Fink. And once the database was loaded, Fink was up and running. "I was amazed. FileMaker Go runs my database exactly like my desktop," he says. "There's no performance difference at all. It just works."

When clients request info, speed and accuracy are key. I need to be able to get back to them as soon as possible with all the details. With the iPad and FileMaker Go, I'm able to do that.

— Alan Fink, Internet sales manager, Freeman Toyota

Fink uses his iPad and FileMaker Go when he is working from home to quickly access inventory, look up customer data, and check on sales goals and incentives. "I use it on my days off," he says. "When clients request info, speed and accuracy are key. I need to be able to get back to them as soon as possible with all the details. With the iPad and FileMaker Go, I'm able to do that."

The FileMaker Go database also comes in handy on the sales floor, says Fink. "The iPad is a much less intrusive way to access information than a computer terminal," he says. "When I'm with a customer I can use FileMaker Go on the iPad and it doesn't get between the customer and me."

The future of automotive sales

Fink envisions a bright future with FileMaker Go. "I could see tying this database in with a system for doing used car appraisals," he says. "We could incorporate photos and VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) lookups, and Internet searches to get a better idea of what a trade–in vehicle might be worth or how we could price a used car."

In the meantime, FileMaker Go will continue to be an indispensable tool for auto sales, says Fink. "FileMaker Go gives me an easy and quick way to check up on inventory, sales statistics, really anything to do with the dealership — on the go."