Building an Effective Dealer Compliance Program: Steps and Best Practices for 2025

Michael A. Tuno’s Core Strategy: Establish Clear Compliance Rules Across All Dealership Operations

"Having the entire dealership both in sales and variable operations have a clear understanding of the rules of the game, the rules of engagement, the laws that govern dealership activity with respect to selling cars." – Michael A. Tuno, Get Armd

Navigating the evolving regulatory environment in 2025 requires dealerships not just to follow the rules, but to weave compliance into the very fabric of their operational culture. According to Michael A. Tuno of Get Armd, foundational success starts with ensuring every team member—from the sales floor to the back office—possesses a crystal-clear grasp of the rules governing automotive retail. It’s not about siloed knowledge: real transformation comes when compliance becomes the unifying language of trust, performance, and accountability for the entire dealership.

Far too often, compliance is relegated to a checklist mentality—something the legal team handles, or an afterthought post-sale. Tuno’s approach flips this on its head: by institutionalizing compliance, dealerships create a culture where every individual is personally invested in adhering to regulations and ethical standards. This proactive strategy arms leadership with the resilience to address audits, regulatory change, and—most importantly—the complexity of customer expectations in 2025. As Tuno emphasizes, rules are not simply boundaries but the backbone of a sustainable growth strategy.

Why Dealer Compliance Programs Are Critical for Trust and Customer Satisfaction in 2025

"Because it will build a culture of trust in the dealership so that the customer is more content with the buying experience at the dealership." – Michael A. Tuno, Get Armd

In today’s hyper-competitive automotive market, the dealer compliance program is no longer a behind-the-scenes operation—it's a primary driver of customer satisfaction and trust. According to Michael A. Tuno, building a dealership culture rooted in trust is imperative as buyer expectations grow more sophisticated in the digital era. Compliance, when done right, visibly demonstrates respect for both the law and the customer.

Trust is the new currency of automotive retail. Customers expect more than a fair price; they demand transparency, data security, and a genuine sense that their interests are safeguarded throughout the entire buying journey. Tuno observes that as compliance programs become synonymous with the dealership's brand reputation, satisfied customers are more likely to become repeat buyers and vocal advocates, creating a powerful competitive moat for dealers who embrace robust compliance frameworks.

Building a Trust-Centric Culture Through Transparency and Customer Data Protection

"When dealership staff in sales, service, parts protect customers' data and make a point of noting that with the customer, that gives the customer the sense that the dealership is looking out for the customer's best interest." – Michael A. Tuno, Get Armd

A trust-centric culture is more than a set of processes; it’s a philosophy that must be constantly demonstrated by every team member. Tuno asserts that when sales, service, and parts staff proactively protect—and explicitly communicate their protection of—customer data, they send a clear message: customers’ privacy and security are paramount. In a world where every headline seems to bring a fresh data breach, this transparency is not just a legal requirement, but a crucial differentiator.

The benefits of a transparent dealer compliance program ripple outward, transforming one-off transactions into lasting relationships. Customers who know their interests are protected tend to reward dealerships with loyalty, referrals, and more frequent business. Industry research consistently finds that consumers prioritize data security and ethical business practices; dealerships that can articulate their commitment to both naturally rise above the competition. Michael A. Tuno’s strategy focuses on making ethical behavior visible—giving customers tangible moments of reassurance throughout their buying experience.

• Ensure all dealership employees understand compliance laws governing vehicle sales.
• Communicate compliance efforts transparently with customers to foster trust.
• Implement clear protocols for protecting and managing customer data, including trade-in vehicle data cleansing.
• Leverage technology platforms like Compliance Management System® for audit readiness and compliance tracking.
• Encourage repeat business by demonstrating commitment to customer privacy and regulatory adherence.

Key Compliance Action: Clearing Customer Data During Vehicle Delivery

"An effective way in the delivery process is when there's a trade-in, making sure that the salesperson or the delivery coordinator clears all of the customer data out of the navigation or the automobile... giving the customer yet another reason to come back and buy from the dealership." – Michael A. Tuno, Get Armd

One of the most actionable best practices highlighted by Michael A. Tuno is the critical step of clearing customer data from trade-in vehicles during the delivery process. This task goes beyond technical diligence—it's a highly visible act that signals the dealership’s commitment to privacy, regulatory adherence, and customer respect. In an era where GPS histories, contact lists, and personal addresses are often stored in modern vehicles, overlooking this step can be a serious vulnerability and a breach of trust.

Tuno recommends making this protocol a shared moment with the customer whenever possible—demonstrating the erasure of personal data in real-time. This practice not only closes the compliance loop but also empowers the customer by involving them in the process, reinforcing their sense of security. This “trust touchpoint” is one of the simplest ways to reinforce a comprehensive dealer compliance program ethos while giving customers even more reasons to return again and again.

Driving Profitability Through Effective Dealer Compliance Programs

How Compliance Builds Repeat Customers and Increases Gross Profits in Sales and Service

According to Michael A. Tuno, an effective dealer compliance program is fundamentally linked to dealership profitability. The reason is simple but powerful: trust established through processes like transparent data handling and regulatory fidelity breeds loyal, repeat customers. These customers, having experienced seamless, ethical treatment, become the backbone of higher sales and increased gross profits—not only in retail transactions but in post-sale service and parts sales as well.

The connection between compliance and revenue is no accident. Tuno emphasizes that every time a transaction is handled with clear communication and customer-centric compliance actions, the dealership sets itself apart from competitors. Return customers cost less to win, are more likely to refer others, and, according to industry benchmarks, can contribute up to 25% higher gross profits in both sales and service as compared to one-time buyers. In short, compliance is not just an operational requirement but a direct lever on the bottom line.

Technology-Enabled Compliance: The Role of Automated Management Systems for 2025

Integration of technology, such as the Compliance Management System® developed by Get Armd, is rapidly becoming the new standard for automotive retail. Automated management systems enable real-time compliance tracking, intelligent audit readiness, and seamless documentation—effectively shielding dealerships from regulatory missteps or overlooked tasks. This digital backbone reduces administrative burden, allowing sales teams to focus on customer engagement and relationship-building rather than paperwork.

Tuno points out that embracing automation future-proofs dealership operations by mirroring evolving regulatory frameworks, minimizing manual error, and providing defensible documentation when audited. The broader impact is that leadership can manage risk proactively, demonstrate procedural rigor to customers and regulators, and foster intra-team accountability. Investing in such technology is a decisive move that not only safeguards the dealership but also propels growth through efficiency and strategic focus.

Essential Tips for Dealership Compliance Officers and Leadership Teams

• Invest in comprehensive compliance training customized for every dealership role.
• Utilize real-time compliance tracking to maintain audit readiness and reduce risk.
• Streamline compliance management to reduce administrative burdens on sales teams.
• Regularly audit dealership practices to ensure ongoing regulatory adherence.
• Promote a dealership-wide culture that prioritizes ethical sales and customer protection.

Michael A. Tuno’s experience underscores that effective compliance begins and ends with people—specifically, a team that’s properly trained, empowered by technology, and continuously supported by leadership. Dealers that prioritize robust compliance training build a knowledgeable workforce capable of navigating any regulatory hurdle. By integrating real-time tracking tools and streamlining compliance management, teams can minimize risk and eliminate inefficiency.

Regular audits and an unwavering focus on ethical sales behavior ensure that accountability isn’t a one-off campaign, but a permanent part of the stakeholder experience. Tuno champions creating an environment in which both customers and employees feel secure and respected—a dealership where compliance is not a constraint, but a competitive differentiator.

Conclusion: Cementing a Trustworthy Dealer Compliance Program as Your Competitive Advantage in 2025

"Trust always gets established over time, and a trusting happy customer comes back and buys again and again. Repeat customers always translate into higher gross profits both in sales and service." – Michael A. Tuno, Get Armd

Building an enduring dealer compliance program is more than checking regulatory boxes. It’s about embedding trust, transparency, and customer-centricity into every operational layer. As 2025 unfolds, the most successful dealerships will be those that turn compliance into a signature experience, earning loyalty and driving consistent, sustainable profits. According to Michael A. Tuno, those who prioritize ethical behavior and customer protection will not only survive regulatory scrutiny—they’ll thrive, setting the gold standard for what automotive retail should be.

The call to action for today’s automotive leaders is clear: transform your compliance protocols from obligations into opportunities. In doing so, you position your dealership as an industry authority, ready to meet new challenges and exceed evolving customer expectations head-on.

Next Steps for Dealership Leaders: Elevate Compliance to Drive Growth

• Review your current compliance protocols against 2025 best practices.
• Engage your team with updated training emphasizing regulatory and customer data standards.
• Explore technology solutions like ARMD’s Compliance Management System® to automate and defend compliance processes.
• Prioritize transparent communication with customers to build lasting trust and loyalty.

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Ready to transform your compliance approach and accelerate your dealership’s growth? Contact Get Armd today for a complimentary dealership risk assessment and see how our Compliance Management System® can become your strategic advantage in 2025 and beyond.