Saltar al contenido principal

Choosing Your First ETR System: A Guide for New Florida Dealers

· 4 min de lectura
Jose Betancourt
Managing Partner @ My Dealer Jacket

As a new dealer in Florida, one of your first big decisions will be choosing an Electronic Temporary Registration (ETR) system. This is the software you'll use to issue temporary tags and handle registrations. Let's walk through what really matters when making this choice, especially when you're just starting out.

Before we dive in, let's be clear about what we're talking about.

info

An ETR system connects you directly to Florida's Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) department. It's what allows you to issue temporary tags and handle registrations electronically instead of doing everything on paper.

Must-Have Features​

State Approval​

First things first - make sure any system you're considering is actually approved by Florida.

peligro

Your ETR provider must be certified by the Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV). Without this certification, they can't legally provide ETR services in Florida. Always verify this first!

Easy to Learn and Use​

When you're just starting out, you need a system that:

  • Guides you through each step
  • Has clear instructions
  • Makes it hard to make mistakes
  • Doesn't overwhelm you with complexity

Ask providers: "Can I see how it works?" Most will be happy to show you a demo.

Help When You Need It​

You'll have questions, especially at first. Good support comes in different forms:

  • Phone support for urgent issues
  • Email/chat for documenting solutions
  • Training to learn the system properly
aviso

If a provider can't show you exactly how they'll help when you have problems, that's a red flag. You need reliable support when you're learning the ropes.

Room to Grow​

Think about the future:

  • Will the system handle more transactions as you grow?
  • Can you add more users if you hire staff?
  • Does it offer features you might need later?

Keeping Information Safe​

Your system will handle sensitive customer information. Make sure your provider:

  • Uses strong security measures
  • Protects customer data
  • Follows industry security standards

Understanding the Costs​

Be thorough when asking about pricing:

  • Setup fees
  • Monthly charges
  • Per-transaction costs
  • Training fees
  • Support costs
tip

Don't just look at the monthly fee. Ask about ALL costs so you can budget properly. Sometimes a slightly higher monthly fee includes services that would cost extra elsewhere.

Checking Their Track Record​

Before making your choice:

  • Ask to talk to other dealers using the system
  • Look for reviews from other new dealers
  • Check how long they've been in business
  • Ask about their experience with Florida regulations

What to Look For in a Demo​

When evaluating systems, focus on three key areas:

Basic Tasks​

Watch how the system handles everyday operations:

  • Issuing temporary tags
  • Finding customer information
  • Managing common tasks

Error Prevention​

Pay attention to how it helps you avoid mistakes:

  • Warning messages before errors
  • Easy correction processes
  • Guided requirements

Training and Support​

Understand how you'll learn the system:

  • Initial training process
  • Ongoing support options
  • Available reference materials

Making Your Decision​

The right system for a new dealer should:

  • Offer comprehensive training
  • Provide reliable support
  • Make compliance straightforward
  • Grow with your business

Many new dealers find success with modern systems like My Dealer Jacket that focus on making the process simple and providing reliable support. We understand what new dealers need and provide the guidance to help you succeed from day one.

Remember, this is a tool you'll use every day, so take your time making the choice. The right ETR system will help you serve your customers better and keep your dealership running smoothly.