1. Outdated or Incomplete Dealer Information
The issue:
Dealers move. Hours change. Certifications expire. But many merchant sites rely on spreadsheets or manual updates, which leads to broken phone numbers, closed locations, and missing data.
Why it matters:
A customer who drives to a listed dealer only to find it closed won’t just abandon the purchase. They’ll question your reliability entirely.
Fix it:
Use a centralized data source that feeds your dealer map in real time. Sync directly with internal systems or APIs that track dealer locations, hours, certifications, or licenses (such as FFL expiration in the firearms industry). Automate alerts for missing or outdated information. At scale, manual updates won’t be sustainable.
2. Limited Search and Filtering Tools
The issue:
Most maps rely on basic zip code or city search. That’s not enough when customers need specific services, inventory types, or certifications.
Why it matters:
Customers don’t want to call 12 dealers to ask if one handles a particular service or carries a certain product. If they can’t filter for what they need, they’ll leave.
Fix it:
Add filters for:
- Service types (transfers, installations, pickup)
- Inventory categories
- Certifications (authorized installer, FFL holder, NFA dealer)
- Store type (showroom, repair center, warehouse)
As filters are selected, update the map and list view automatically. Make it easy to find the right dealer without jumping through hoops.
3. Missing Contextual Details
The issue:
Too many maps list only an address and phone number, offering no sense of what actually happens at each location.
Why it matters:
For complex or regulated purchases, customers need more detail. This includes store hours, available services, parking instructions, or product availability. Without it, they hesitate or abandon.
Fix it:
Each location should include:
- Store hours with an “open now” indicator
- Clear icons for services offered
- Contact methods (click to call, email, directions)
- Reviews or ratings if available
- Optional inventory visibility
- Links to dealer site or social media if relevant
If your product requires in-person pickup or transfer, this level of detail is essential for trust and transparency.
4. Poor Mobile Experience
The issue:
Many users access dealer maps from their phones, especially if they’re planning a visit. If your map is slow, difficult to use, or doesn’t detect location properly, it becomes unusable.
Why it matters:
Mobile usability directly affects conversions. If your map doesn’t work smoothly on mobile, you're losing high-intent customers.
Fix it:
- Make the map responsive and fast-loading
- Use large, touch-friendly buttons
- Enable pinch-to-zoom and swipe-friendly filters
- Show nearby dealers automatically based on location (with permission)
- Include a “get directions” link that works with native apps
This is particularly important for on-the-go shoppers in industries like automotive, outdoor, and sporting goods.
5. No Integration with the Checkout Flow
The issue:
Many dealer maps are disconnected from the purchase experience. They sit in the footer or open in a separate window, creating friction.
Why it matters:
If a product requires pickup, transfer, or installation, the dealer selection isn’t optional. It’s a key step in the buying process.
Fix it:
- Let customers choose a dealer from the product page or cart
- Carry that selection through to checkout
- Preload options based on zip code or product type
- Show in-store availability where possible
This creates a seamless, informed path from discovery to fulfillment.
