Dealership Best Practices

BDC Appointment Setting Scripts (10 Scripts)

BDC appointment setting scripts are word-for-word guides that Business Development Center agents use to convert internet leads and phone inquiries into confirmed showroom appointments. A well-run BDC sets appointments on 60-70% of connected calls. Most dealership BDCs run at 35-45% because their agents don’t have scripts, or the scripts they have sound like telemarketing.

Most BDC teams are making calls, logging activity, and updating the CRM, but the appointment board is still half empty by noon. The calls are happening. The appointments aren’t. Your agents sound professional. They confirm the vehicle. They answer questions. And then the customer says “I’ll think about it” and the call ends without an appointment. That’s not a talent problem. It’s a script problem.

Here’s what the gap costs. A 150-lead-per-month store with a BDC running at 40% set rate on 100 connected calls gets 40 appointments. At a 50% show rate, that’s 20 showroom visits. A BDC running at 65% gets 65 appointments, 32-33 visits. Those extra 12-13 visits at a 24% close rate and $3,200 front gross represent $9,600-$10,400 per month. That’s one BDC agent doing the same job with better words.

The bottom-line math: Moving BDC appointment set rate from 40% to 65% on 100 monthly connections = 25 extra appointments. At 50% show rate and 24% close rate, that’s 3 extra deals × $3,200 front gross = $9,600/month. Better scripts. Same agent. Same leads.

These 10 scripts cover every BDC scenario: internet lead callback, inbound phone up, price shopper, “just looking” redirect, no-show recovery, be-back nurture, service-to-sales handoff, appointment confirmation, objection redirect, and the warm transfer. If you want the full training system around these scripts, the internet car sales training curriculum turns the phone scenarios into 20 short daily drills. All 10 scripts are broken down below with word-for-word dialogue and branching for different customer responses.

Download All 10 BDC Scripts (Free PDF)

Quick Reference: BDC Scripts by Scenario

ScriptScenarioGoalKey Line
Internet Lead CallbackNew lead, first callSet appointment”The [Vehicle] you asked about is here. I’ve got a 2 and a 4:30 open.”
Inbound Phone UpCustomer calls inSet appointment”Let me check availability on that for you. While I do, can I grab your name?”
Price Shopper”What’s your best price?”Redirect to visit”I want to get you real numbers. That takes 15 minutes face to face.”
Just Looking”I’m just looking around”Set soft appointment”Most customers start the same way. Want to come see it? No pressure.”
No-Show RecoveryMissed appointmentReschedule”Something come up? The [Vehicle] is still here. Tomorrow or Saturday?”
Be-Back NurtureVisited, didn’t buySecond appointment”The [Vehicle] you drove is still here. I held it for you.”
Service-to-SalesService customer with equitySet appointment”Your [Vehicle] is worth more than you’d think. Want to see your options?”
Appointment ConfirmationConfirming scheduled visitReduce no-show”See you at 2 tomorrow. Jason has the [Vehicle] pulled up front.”
Objection RedirectCustomer pushes backReturn to appointment”That makes sense. Can I set aside 15 minutes to get you the real numbers?”
Warm TransferBDC to salesperson handoffSmooth transition”I’m going to introduce you to Jason. He’s pulling up your [Vehicle] right now.”

Script 1: Internet Lead Callback

Scenario: A lead just hit the CRM from your website or a third-party source. The customer submitted a form asking about a specific vehicle. This is the BDC agent’s most important call. The customer is active RIGHT NOW. Your speed-to-lead process should put this call in the agent’s ear within 60 seconds.

Goal: Confirm the vehicle, handle one objection, and set a specific appointment time.

Call time target: Under 3 minutes.


BDC Agent: “Hi Sarah, this is Marcus at Metro Honda. I’m calling about the 2026 Civic Sport you were just looking at on our website. Is this a good time?”

[If yes]: “Great. I pulled it up and the Rallye Red one is on our lot right now. Have you had a chance to see a Civic Sport in person yet?”

[If no / not yet]: “You’ll love it in person. The photos don’t do the interior justice. I’ve got two openings tomorrow: a 2 o’clock and a 4:30. Which works better for a quick test drive?”

[If they ask about price]: “Great question. I want to make sure you get the most accurate numbers, and that depends on your trade, the incentives you qualify for, and how you want to structure the payment. That really takes about 15 minutes face to face. Can we do the 2 or the 4:30?”

[If they say “I’m just looking”]: “That’s perfect. Most of our customers start the same way. The reason I’m reaching out is to make sure the Civic is still available and to see if you’d want to come take a look. No pressure at all. I’ve got openings tomorrow afternoon. Would 2 or 4:30 work?”

[After appointment is set]: “Great. I’m going to pair you with Jason. He’s one of our product specialists. I’ll have the Civic pulled up front and running when you get here. You’ll get a text from me in a minute with Jason’s direct number and the appointment details. Any questions before then?”


Why it works: The script hits 5 milestones in under 3 minutes: greeting with the customer’s name, vehicle confirmation, objection redirect, alternative close on appointment time, and salesperson handoff. Every “best price” question gets the same redirect: better numbers require a visit. The alternative close (“2 or 4:30”) avoids yes/no entirely.

Script 2: No-Show Recovery

Scenario: The customer had a confirmed appointment and didn’t show. The BDC agent calls 15 minutes after the missed time. The salesperson is annoyed. The agent needs to stay neutral and make rescheduling easy.

Goal: Reschedule within 48 hours. Don’t guilt the customer.


BDC Agent: “Hey David, it’s Marcus from Metro Honda. I know you had the 3 o’clock today to see the Accord. Something come up?”

[Let them explain. Don’t interrupt.]

BDC Agent: “Totally understand. No worries at all. The Accord EX-L is still here and I kept it set aside for you. Would tomorrow at 11 or Saturday at 2 work better?”

[If they reschedule]: “You’re all set. I’ll send you a confirmation text right now. Lisa is going to be your product specialist and she’ll have the Accord pulled up and running when you get here.”

[If they’re hesitant]: “I get it. If the timing’s not right, no pressure. But I do want to mention, we’ve only got 2 of these left in the EX-L trim. If it goes before your next visit, I’ll find you the closest match. Sound fair?”


Why it works: “Something come up?” assumes the best. The agent doesn’t say “I noticed you missed your appointment” or “we were expecting you.” Guilt kills the reschedule. Combine this with the no-show recovery text and email for a three-channel recovery.

Script 3: Price Shopper Redirect

Scenario: The customer’s first question is “What’s your best price on the [Vehicle]?” This is the call that separates good BDC agents from bad ones. A bad agent gives the price and loses the appointment. A good agent redirects to a visit.

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Goal: Redirect from price to appointment without sounding evasive.


BDC Agent: “Great question. I want to make sure you get the most accurate number. There are a few things that affect the final price: what you’re driving now, which incentives you qualify for, and how you want to structure the deal. The difference between internet numbers and real numbers can be $2,000-$3,000 depending on those factors.”

[Pause. Let them respond.]

BDC Agent: “Here’s what I’d suggest: let me set up 15 minutes with one of our product specialists. They’ll run everything based on your specific situation. You’ll walk out with a real number, not a ballpark. I’ve got openings at 2 and 4:30 tomorrow. Which one works?”

[If they insist on a number]: “I hear you. Based on what I’m seeing on our lot right now, you’re looking at the low 30s before trade and incentives. But I’ve seen that number move $2,000-$3,000 depending on the trade value and what programs are running. That’s why 15 minutes face to face is worth it. Can we do the 2?”


Why it works: You’re not refusing to give a price. You’re offering a BETTER price. The frame is: internet numbers are incomplete. Real numbers require 15 minutes. Every redirect positions the visit as the customer getting more value, not the dealership hiding something. For more on the psychology of price conversations, see our closing word tracks.

Script 4: Service-to-Sales Handoff

Scenario: A service customer has significant positive equity in their current vehicle (flagged by the CRM or equity mining tool — software that identifies customers whose trade-in value exceeds their loan balance), or they’re facing a repair bill that approaches the vehicle’s value. The service advisor initiates the introduction. The BDC agent makes the follow-up call.

Goal: Set an appointment to explore options. Not sell a car on the phone.


BDC Agent: “Hi Linda, this is Marcus at Metro Honda. I understand you were in service yesterday with your Pilot. How’d everything go?”

[Let them talk about the service experience.]

BDC Agent: “Glad to hear that. The reason I’m calling is actually good news. We’ve had a few customers looking for Pilots like yours, and based on the current market, your Pilot is worth quite a bit more than most people expect. Would you be open to hearing what your options look like? It takes about 15 minutes and there’s zero obligation.”

[If interested]: “I’ve got a 10 AM and a 1 o’clock tomorrow. Which works better? I’ll pair you with one of our product specialists who can show you what your Pilot is worth and what the upgrade path looks like.”

[If hesitant]: “Totally understand. No pressure at all. I’ll send you a quick text with some info. If the timing ever feels right, you’ve got my number.”


Why it works: The call starts with the service experience, not with a sales pitch. The equity angle is framed as good news for the customer, not a sales opportunity for the dealership. “Zero obligation” and “15 minutes” lower the commitment. This is one of the highest-closing lead sources because the customer already trusts your service department.

Script 5: Inbound Phone Up

Scenario: A customer calls the dealership directly. They saw a Tahoe on your website or drove past the lot. The first 15 seconds determine whether this call becomes an appointment or a dead end. Most BDC agents answer with “Thanks for calling Metro Honda, how can I help you?” That’s a trap. It hands the customer control and turns the agent into an information desk. The agent needs to take the lead within the first two sentences.

Goal: Get the customer’s name and phone number, confirm the vehicle, and set an appointment. All in under 4 minutes.

Call time target: Under 4 minutes.


BDC Agent: “Thanks for calling Metro Honda, this is Jessica. Who do I have the pleasure of speaking with?”

[Customer gives name: “Mike.”]

BDC Agent: “Hey Mike. What caught your eye today?”

[Customer: “I’m looking at the 2026 Tahoe LT on your website. The black one.”]

BDC Agent: “Good taste. Let me check availability on that one for you. While I do, can I grab the best number to reach you in case we get disconnected?”

[Customer gives number.]

BDC Agent: “Got it. OK, the black Tahoe LT is on the lot right now. Have you had a chance to sit in one yet?”

[If no]: “You really need to see the interior on these. The second row is completely different from the previous generation. I’ve got a 2 o’clock and a 4:30 open tomorrow for a test drive. Which one works better for you?”

[If yes / they’ve been to another dealer]: “Then you already know how much room is in there. What’s holding you back from pulling the trigger?”

[Let them talk. They’ll tell you the objection.]

[If they ask about price]: “I can definitely help with that. The real number depends on a few things: your trade, the rebates you qualify for, and how you want to structure it. My product specialist Mike can lay all of that out in about 15 minutes. Would the 2 or the 4:30 work?”

[If they push harder: “Can you just give me a ballpark?”]: “Sure. You’re looking at the low 50s before trade and incentives. But I’ve seen those numbers move $3,000-$4,000 depending on the situation. That’s why 15 minutes in person is worth it. You’ll walk out with a real number. Can we do the 2?”

[After appointment is set]: “Perfect. You’re meeting with Mike at 2 o’clock. He’ll have the black Tahoe pulled up front with the AC running. I’m going to text you a confirmation right now with his direct number. Anything else I can help with before then?”


Why it works: “What caught your eye?” is an open-ended question that gets the customer talking about the vehicle, not asking questions. The agent controls the direction by asking first. Getting the phone number early is critical. Inbound callers hang up. If you lose the call without a number, you lose the lead forever. The rest follows the same alternative close pattern as the internet lead callback. Call analysis shows calls with 15-16 questions close at the highest rate. But those questions need to build value before price enters the conversation.

Script 6: Just Looking

Scenario: The BDC agent calls a lead or a customer says “I’m not ready” or “just looking around” during an inbound call. Most unsold shoppers buy within a week, usually from someone else. The instinct is to push harder. That kills the deal. The agent needs to lower the temperature and plant a seed.

Goal: Keep the door open. Get permission to follow up. Set a soft appointment if possible.


BDC Agent: “Hi Sarah, this is Marcus at Metro Honda. I’m reaching out about the Accord you were looking at on our site. Is this a good time?”

[Customer: “Yeah, but I’m not really ready. Just doing some research.”]

BDC Agent: “That makes total sense. It sounds like you’re still in the research phase. No rush at all. Can I ask what you’re comparing the Accord against?”

[Let them talk. They might say Camry, K5, or “a few things.”]

BDC Agent: “Good options. Here’s what I can do to help without any pressure. I can send you a couple photos of the one we have in stock, the pricing breakdown, and a quick comparison sheet. That way you’ve got everything in one place. What’s the best email for you?”

[If they give email]: “I’ll have that over to you in 10 minutes. One more question: when you do decide to test drive, which typically works better for you, a weekday afternoon or a Saturday?”

[If they say weekday]: “I’ll keep an eye on the Accord and if anything changes on pricing or availability, I’ll give you a heads up. And if you decide you want to come take a look, I’ll have it pulled up and ready. Sound good?”

[If they say Saturday]: “This Saturday I’ve got a 10 AM and a 1 o’clock open. Want me to pencil you in? No commitment. If something comes up, just text me.”

[If they won’t commit to anything]: “Totally fine. I’ll send the info over and you’ve got my number. When the timing feels right, I’m here. Sound good?”


Why it works: “It sounds like you’re still in the research phase” names the feeling, and the customer relaxes because they feel understood. You’re not pushing. You’re offering value: photos, pricing, comparison. That positions you as the helpful dealership while everyone else is calling to pressure. The question “weekday or Saturday?” works because asking when someone will do something makes them more likely to actually do it. Even if they don’t book now, you’ve planted the seed and gotten permission to follow up. For text and email templates to send after this call, see our text message templates and email templates.

Script 7: Be-Back Nurture

Scenario: A customer visited the showroom yesterday. They drove the F-150 Lariat. They liked it. They said they needed to “talk to my spouse” or “think about it.” The salesperson logged the visit and moved on. This is where most dealerships lose the sale. The BDC agent calls the next morning. Not three days later. The next morning. Because by day three, they’re sitting in someone else’s truck.

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Goal: Re-engage with new information and set a second appointment within 48 hours.

Call time target: Under 3 minutes.


BDC Agent: “Hey David, it’s Jessica from Metro Honda. You came in yesterday and spent some time with the F-150 Lariat. How’d you like it?”

[Let them talk. They’ll tell you what they liked and what’s holding them back.]

[If they liked it but need to “think about it”]: “Totally get it. I checked this morning and there’s actually a manufacturer incentive that just kicked in. It might apply to your situation. Would it be worth 15 minutes to take another look? I’ve got the Lariat set aside for you.”

[If they mention the spouse]: “Smart move. We see that all the time. Why don’t you both come in? That way your [wife/husband] can see it and drive it too. I’ve got a 10 AM Saturday or a 1 o’clock. Which one works for both of you?”

[If they mention price/payment concerns]: “I hear you. We ran the numbers again this morning and there are a couple options we didn’t get to yesterday. It’s worth 15 minutes to see if we can make it work. Worst case, you walk out knowing exactly where the deal stands. Can we do a 10 or a 2 tomorrow?”

[If they’re cold / not interested]: “No problem at all. The Lariat is still here if anything changes. I’m going to send you my direct number by text. If you decide you want to take another look, just shoot me a message and I’ll have it ready. Fair enough?”


Why it works: Calling the next morning while the test drive is still fresh works because the customer already feels like the vehicle is partly theirs. They sat in it. They adjusted the mirrors. They pictured it in their driveway. That sense of mental ownership is strongest within 24 hours. “I talked to my manager about the numbers” is the new information hook. It gives them a reason to come back that isn’t “we want you to buy something.” It’s “something changed.” You’re not rehashing yesterday’s conversation. You’re offering a new one. For the email and text follow-up to send after this call, see our follow-up email templates.

Script 8: Appointment Confirmation

Scenario: The appointment is booked for tomorrow at 2 PM. The customer said yes on the phone. The CRM shows it as “confirmed.” But between now and 2 PM tomorrow, life happens. The kid gets sick. The other dealership calls back with a better number. They Google more reviews. Without a confirmation process, your no-show rate sits at 40-50%. With one, you can get it under 25%.

Goal: Confirm the appointment, add value, and reduce the chance of a no-show.

This is a three-touch process:


Touch 1: Text immediately after booking

BDC Agent (text): “Hi Mike, you’re confirmed for tomorrow at 2 PM at Metro Honda. You’ll be meeting with Jason. He’s our Tahoe specialist and he’ll have it pulled up front for you. Here’s his direct line: (555) 234-5678. See you tomorrow. — Jessica, Metro Honda”


Touch 2: Call the morning of

BDC Agent: “Morning Mike, it’s Jessica at Metro Honda. Just wanted to confirm you’re all set for 2 o’clock today with Jason. He’s already pulled the Tahoe up front.”

[If confirmed]: “Great. Parking is in the front lot, and Jason will meet you right at the front entrance. See you at 2.”

[If they need to reschedule]: “No problem at all. I’ve got a 4:30 today or a 10 AM and 1 o’clock tomorrow. Which one works?”

[If they’re waffling]: “I get it. Here’s what I’d say: Jason set aside time specifically for you, and the Tahoe is ready to go. Even if you’re on the fence, 15 minutes to sit in it and get your real numbers is worth the trip. Still good for 2?”


Touch 3: Text 1 hour before

BDC Agent (text): “Hey Mike, see you in an hour! Jason is ready for you. If you need anything, his direct line is (555) 234-5678. Pull right into the front lot.”


Why it works: Each touch serves a different purpose. The immediate text makes the appointment feel real and gives the customer a specific person to meet. The morning call catches cancellations early enough to reschedule. The hour-before text is a gentle nudge that creates social commitment: someone is waiting for you, by name, with the vehicle ready. Specificity is the key. “See you tomorrow” is forgettable. “Jason has the Tahoe pulled up front” is not. Text confirmations get higher open rates than phone calls, which is why the first and third touches are texts and the second is a call.

Script 9: Objection Redirect

Scenario: The customer raises an objection during the appointment-setting call. The most common ones: “Just send me the numbers,” “I need to check with my spouse,” “I’m working with another dealership,” or “I don’t have time this week.” The BDC agent’s job is not to overcome the objection. It’s to acknowledge it and redirect back to the appointment. Handle it once. If they push back a second time on the same objection, stop. You’re not closing a deal. You’re booking 15 minutes.

Goal: Acknowledge the objection, redirect to the appointment, and close on a specific time.


“Just email me the numbers.”

BDC Agent: “I can definitely do that. The thing is, the numbers I can send are starting MSRP. The real number depends on your trade value, which incentives you qualify for, and how you want to structure the payment. That can swing things $2,000-$4,000. My product specialist can lay all of that out in about 15 minutes. I’ve got a 2 and a 4:30 tomorrow. Which one works?”

[If they insist]: “Tell you what. I’ll send you what I can by email tonight. But let me also pencil you in for the 4:30 so you can get the full picture. If you decide you don’t need it after seeing the email, just shoot me a text to cancel. Fair?”


“I need to talk to my wife/husband first.”

BDC Agent: “Absolutely. That’s smart. Why don’t you both come in? That way you can see the Accord together and your [wife/husband] can drive it too. We’ve got a 10 AM Saturday and a 1 o’clock. Would either of those work for both of you?”

[If they can’t bring the spouse]: “No problem. How about you come take the test drive so you’ve got all the information when you two talk it over? That way you’re not guessing on the numbers or the feel. I’ve got a 2 tomorrow. Does that work?”


“I’m working with another dealer.”

BDC Agent: “Good. You should compare. That’s smart shopping. All I’d ask is you give us 15 minutes before you make a final decision. We may be able to do better, and even if we can’t, you’ll know you got the best deal. Can I set up a quick visit? I’ve got a 2 and a 4:30.”


“I don’t have time this week.”

BDC Agent: “I hear you. Sounds like this week is packed. What does next week look like? I can do a Monday at 10 or a Tuesday at 2. Which is better?”

[If they stay vague]: “No problem. How about I give you a call Monday morning and we’ll find a time that works? What’s the best number to reach you?”


“Other than that, is the Accord what you’re looking for?”

Use this isolation question after ANY objection. If the answer is yes, the objection is about logistics, not the vehicle. That means you just need to solve the logistics.


Why it works: Every objection gets the same three-step pattern: acknowledge, redirect, close with an alternative time. The agent never argues. “I can definitely do that” and “Absolutely” validate the customer before the redirect. The isolation question (“Other than the numbers, is the vehicle what you’re looking for?”) separates real objections from stalls. If they love the vehicle, the rest is logistics, and logistics have solutions. For more on handling objections in the close, see our objection handling guide and closing word tracks.

Script 10: Warm Transfer

Scenario: The BDC agent has set the appointment or the customer wants to talk specifics right now. Time to hand off to the floor salesperson. This is where 30% of appointments go sideways. The BDC agent says “Let me transfer you,” the customer sits on hold for 90 seconds, gets a salesperson who has no idea what they want, and the customer hangs up or loses confidence. A warm transfer means the salesperson is briefed before the customer hears their voice.

Goal: Introduce the customer and salesperson by name, brief the salesperson on the vehicle and situation, and stay on the line through the first 30 seconds.


Step 1: Brief the salesperson (customer on hold or muted)

BDC Agent (to salesperson): “Jason, I’ve got Sarah on the line. She’s looking at the 2026 Civic Sport in Rallye Red. She’s comparing it against the Corolla. Main concern is the monthly payment. She’s got a 2019 CR-V to trade. She’s ready for a test drive, I’m setting her up for 2 o’clock tomorrow but she wants to talk to you first. I’m going to connect you now.”


Step 2: Three-way introduction

BDC Agent: “Sarah, I’ve got Jason on the line. He’s one of our Honda product specialists and he’s going to take great care of you. Jason, Sarah is looking at the Rallye Red Civic Sport and she’s got a few questions before coming in tomorrow.”

Salesperson: “Hey Sarah, Marcus told me about the Civic. Great pick. I actually have that exact one right in front of me. What questions can I answer for you?”


Step 3: BDC agent stays on for 30 seconds, then exits

BDC Agent (after 30 seconds, during a natural pause): “Sarah, you’re in good hands with Jason. I’m going to send you a confirmation text with his direct number and your appointment details. If you need anything between now and tomorrow, you’ve got both our numbers. Talk soon.”


[If salesperson is unavailable]:

BDC Agent: “Sarah, Jason is with a customer right now but I want to make sure he’s ready for you. I’m going to have him call you directly within the next 30 minutes. He’ll have all the details on the Civic. What’s the best number for him to reach you?”

[Then text the salesperson]: “Jason — Sarah, (555) 123-4567, 2026 Civic Sport Rallye Red, trading 2019 CR-V, payment-focused. Call her within 30 min. Appt set for 2 PM tomorrow.”


Why it works: The customer never has to repeat themselves. That’s the whole point. When a customer explains what they want to the BDC agent and then has to explain it again to the salesperson, confidence drops. They feel like nobody is paying attention. The brief gives the salesperson everything they need to pick up where the BDC left off. Introducing both people by name creates a personal connection before the salesperson says a word. Staying on for 30 seconds ensures the transition is smooth. The customer never feels abandoned. For more on what makes a BDC effective at these handoffs, that comes down to process and daily practice in your morning meetings.

Training Your BDC on These Scripts

Don’t hand the scripts to your agents and walk away. Scripts only work when they’ve been practiced enough to sound natural.

Week 1-2: Paired role-play in your morning meeting. One agent plays the customer, one reads the script. 15 minutes per day. Record the practice calls. Review one recording per day as a team and identify one thing the agent did well and one thing to adjust.

Week 3+: Agents should be off-script but hitting every milestone: greeting, vehicle confirmation, objection handle, appointment close, confirmation. Use AI call scoring to monitor every real call. When an agent’s set rate drops, AI shows exactly which step they’re skipping. In most cases, it’s the appointment ask. They handle the call well but never actually ask for the time.

Track three numbers daily: Calls made, live connections, appointments set. A productive agent makes 40-60 calls, connects with 15-20, and sets 9-12 appointments. If calls are high but connections are low, timing is the issue. If connections are high but appointments are low, the script is the issue.

These scripts get your BDC agents the words. But words don’t help if the lead is already 90 minutes old by the time the agent calls. Velocify research across 3.5 million leads found close rates jump 391% when first contact happens within 60 seconds. The best script in the world doesn’t close the customer who already booked a test drive at the dealer that called first.

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Practice These in Your Morning Meeting

These 7-minute team drills cover the same BDC scenarios with live role-play:

More Free Templates

Your BDC sets the appointment. The rest of the team needs to follow through:

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a BDC appointment setting script?

A BDC appointment setting script is a word-for-word guide that Business Development Center agents use to convert phone calls and internet leads into confirmed showroom appointments. The script covers the opening, vehicle confirmation, objection handling, appointment close, and confirmation. Good scripts sound like a conversation, not a telemarketing call.

What appointment set rate should a BDC aim for?

A well-run BDC should set appointments on 60-70% of connected calls. The show rate should be 50-60%. For every 100 connected calls, that’s 60-70 appointments and 30-42 showroom visits. If your set rate is below 50%, the scripts or agents need work. If your show rate is below 40%, the confirmation process needs work.

How is a BDC script different from a salesperson phone script?

BDC scripts are appointment-focused, not relationship-focused. A salesperson might spend 10 minutes building rapport. A BDC agent needs to confirm the vehicle, handle one objection, and set the appointment in under 3 minutes. Volume is the difference. A BDC agent handles 40-60 calls per day. A salesperson handles 5-10. For full salesperson scripts, see our phone scripts collection.

Should a BDC agent give pricing over the phone?

Almost never. The BDC agent’s job is the appointment, not the negotiation. If the customer pushes for a price, redirect: “I want to get you real numbers, not internet numbers. That takes about 15 minutes face to face.” If they won’t come without a number, give a range and tie it to the appointment.

How do you handle “I’m just looking” on a BDC call?

Validate and redirect. “That’s perfect. Most of our customers start the same way. The reason I’m calling is to make sure the [Vehicle] you’re interested in is still available. I’ve got a 2 and a 4:30 open tomorrow. Either of those work?” You don’t fight “just looking.” You acknowledge it and move to the appointment.

What’s the best time to call internet leads from the BDC?

Immediately. Velocify research across 3.5 million leads found close rates jump 391% within 60 seconds. If the BDC can’t call immediately, the next best windows are 8-9 AM and 4-6 PM weekdays. Saturday mornings 9-11 AM are strong. The first call should always happen as fast as possible.

How should a BDC agent confirm an appointment?

Three-touch confirmation: text immediately after setting with date, time, and salesperson name. Call the morning of. Text 1 hour before with the salesperson’s direct number. Each touch reduces no-shows. Include specifics: “Your appointment is at 2 PM with Jason. He’ll have the Tahoe pulled up front.”

How do you reduce BDC appointment no-shows?

Three things: specific times (not “stop by this weekend”), salesperson name assignment (“Jason will be waiting”), and vehicle commitment (“the Tahoe is pulled up front”). Each detail makes the appointment feel real. Generic appointments have the highest no-show rates.

Should BDC agents handle objections or transfer to a salesperson?

Handle the first objection. If the customer objects a second time on the same issue, transfer. The BDC agent’s goal is the appointment, not the sale. Spending 10 minutes on objections defeats the purpose of a BDC. Handle one, redirect, move to the next lead.

How many calls should a BDC agent make per day?

40-60 outbound calls per day. Expect 15-20 live connections. At 60% set rate, that’s 9-12 appointments per agent per day. Track calls, connections, and appointments separately. Call count alone means nothing without connection and set rates.

What’s the difference between a BDC and an internet department?

A BDC handles inbound and outbound communication across all channels for sales and service. An internet department typically handles only inbound internet leads for sales. The BDC model manages service follow-up, equity mining, CSI (Customer Satisfaction Index) calls, and lead nurturing beyond new lead response.

How do you train new BDC agents on scripts?

Paired role-play, 15 minutes per day for the first two weeks. Record practice calls and review one per day. By week two, agents should be off-script but hitting every milestone: greeting, vehicle confirmation, objection handle, appointment close, confirmation. AI call scoring monitors real calls after that.

How does AI call scoring help a BDC?

AI scores every call A through F based on vehicle confirmation, appointment ask, objection handling, and time setting. A BDC manager can’t listen to 40-60 calls per agent per day. AI can. When set rates drop, AI shows which step agents are skipping. Usually it’s the appointment ask.

What should a BDC agent say when asked “What’s your best price?”

Redirect: “I want to get you the most accurate number. That depends on your trade, incentives, and payment structure. The difference between internet numbers and real numbers can be $2,000-$3,000. Let me set up 15 minutes so we can get you exact numbers. I’ve got a 2 and a 4:30 tomorrow.”

Can a small dealership run a BDC?

Yes. A single dedicated BDC agent handling 150 internet leads per month can outperform a 5-person sales team that’s “supposed to” call their own leads. The key is dedicated. The agent does nothing but call, text, and set appointments. No lot duty, no walk-ins. For stores that can’t justify a full-time hire, speed-to-lead routing gets the lead to the next available salesperson within seconds, which captures most of the BDC speed advantage.

How do you hand off a BDC appointment to the salesperson?

Before the appointment, the BDC sends the salesperson: customer name, vehicle, trade info, questions asked, and objections raised. The salesperson calls or texts before the appointment: “Hi Sarah, I’ll be showing you the Civic at 2. I’ve got it pulled up front.” A warm handoff shows. A cold handoff no-shows.

20 appointments in 30 days

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