Avoiding the Pitfalls That Undermine Your Tech Investment

AI is powerful. But poorly implemented, it’s just as capable of damaging your customer experience as it is of improving it.

Mass Marketing Mayhem

Automation has enabled volume. But as Ebbon’s Simon West-Oliver warns:

“If misused, it becomes intrusive, overwhelming, and often irrelevant.”

High-volume spammy messages don’t build relationships—they burn bridges. Even the best AI campaigns need human oversight and strategic intent.

Inauthentic Visuals = Buyer’s Remorse

AI can generate flawless visuals. But if those photos don’t match the showroom reality? Expect returns and reputational risk.

Ebbon Intelligence MD Steve Larkin puts it bluntly:

“If your images look great but the dealership’s a mess, the disconnect is jarring and offputting.”

Integration Nightmares

44% of UK dealers say AI integration is a major challenge. Why? Because legacy Dealer Management Systems often weren’t built to play nicely with modern tech.

As Larkin says:

“Approach tech buying like stock buying—with a cool head and clear goals.”

Takeaway

AI doesn’t replace strategy. It enhances it—when deployed wisely. Align tools with customer expectations, brand truth, and real business needs.