Chat Provider

The 2011 awards mark the first year Auto Dealer Monthly has recognized chat providers in the Dealers’ Choice Awards; however, it’s not the first time dealers have voted for chat providers. A couple years ago, as chat was emerging, the category was added to the voting process, but due to a lack of votes, the category was shelved until chat became more of a driving force in dealers’ online presence.

Claiming the first-ever Diamond Award in the Chat Provider category is ActivEngage, with an impressive score of 105.9. “It has been an honor to have been chosen by dealers nationwide as the top-rated chat service provider … This award is a reflection of the hard work and dedication of the ActivEngage team that strives to deliver results each and every day for our clients nationwide,” said Todd Smith, president of ActivEngage.

The race between the Platinum and Gold Award winners was tight, with less than half-a-point separating the two award winners’ final scores. Contact at Once! prevailed as the Platinum Award winner. Aaron Hassen, director of marketing at Contact At Once!, said, “Dealer chat is one of the biggest trends in 2011, as more and more dealers embrace its use on their own websites, third-party websites and OEM websites.”

Rounding out the top chat providers is Client~ConneXion, winning the Gold Award. “We’re thrilled to be chosen as the Gold Award winner … As our company has grown over the last two years, we’ve really taken the time to listen to our customers’ wants and needs and are grateful that they took the time to vote for Client~ConneXion,” said Elaine Harper, director of marketing.