Why Choose the Best Route vs. the Lazy Route?

by Jay Smithweck | Feb 25, 2025 | FAQs, Solutions

The motivations behind these choices—in both travel and dealerships—boil down to priorities, resources, and vision.

Let’s relate them:

1. The “First-Class” Mindset: Long-Term Winners

Airline Parallel: A frequent flyer opts for first class or Clear because they value time, comfort, and status over cost. They’re likely professionals or high earners who see the investment as worth it—$189 for Clear saves hours yearly, and $2,000 for a first-class seat buys peace of mind.

Dealership Parallel: These dealers see photography as a PROFIT ENGINE, not an expense. A 20% sales life in revenue justifies a 360Booth Studio. They’re often larger franchises or ambitious independents aiming to dominate their market. They choose the “best route” to attract discerning buyers, build a premium brand, and maximize ROI—much like a traveler picking first class for efficiency and prestige.

Why: Future-focused, willing to spend now for exponential gains later. (Baller!)

2. The “Main Cabin” Mindset: Pragmatic Balancers

Airline Parallel: A middle manager picks Premium Economy or TSA PreCheck—comfort matters, but budget caps the splurge. $78 for PreCheck over 5 years is a no-brainer for occasional travel without committing to Clear’s cost.

Dealership Parallel: These dealers want decent photos but balk at high-end tech. A for lighting clear space indoor setup gets the job done, netting a respectable sales bump without breaking the bank. They’re typically mid-sized or resource-constrained, opting for “good enough” to stay competitive locally.

Why: Practicality—balancing cost and benefit without overreach ing. (No guts).

3. The “Coach” Mindset: Short-Term Survivors

Airline Parallel: A budget traveler picks coach and standard security—$100 flights trump comfort every time. They endure lines, delays, and cramped seats because immediate savings outweigh long-term perks. Often younger, less affluent, or one-off travelers. Lives in chaos and loves brain damage.

Dealership Parallel: These dealers prioritize survival over growth—why spend on a studio when a phones work fine? They’re week management without processes, small lots or struggling outfits cutting corners to keep cash flow alive, oblivious to lost sales and brand damage. Photos in the rain? “It’s fine, someone’ll buy it.”

Why: Short-sightedness or necessity, focused on today’s dollar, not tomorrow’s potential.

The Deeper Connection…

Both industries reveal a universal truth: Effort reflects intent. Airlines and dealerships catering to high expectations (first-class travelers, savvy car buyers) invest in systems, Clear’s eye scans, 360 Booths—that streamline and elevate the experience. They win loyalty and premiums because they solve pain points (time, trust). Meanwhile, the lazy route—coach seats, sloppy outdoor shots—signals indifference, losing customers who crave quality. Data backs this: 74% of car buyers say photos influence their purchase, just as 68% of flyers prefer airlines with better service tiers.

Conclusion:

Dealerships choosing a @360booth photo studio are like first-class travelers—paying upfront for a 20% sales boost, higher margins, and a standout brand. Main Cabin dealers limp along with indoor/outdoor compromises, while Coach dealers flounder outside, bleeding value in the rain. The best route wins because it aligns with modern demands—buyers, like travelers, reward those who make their journey effortless and impressive. The lazy route? It’s a one-way ticket to irrelevance.

What’s your dealership’s vibe, FIRST CLASS or stuck in coach?

I can crunch specific numbers if you’ve got an inventory size in mind!

Mastering Vehicle Photography for Automotive Dealer Inventories: A Comprehensive Guide

by Jay Smithweck | Oct 15, 2024 | FAQs, Solutions

Preparing the Vehicle for a Perfect Shoot

• Deep Cleaning: Begin by ensuring the vehicle is meticulously clean inside and out. Pay close attention to the engine bay, wheels, and wheel wells, as these areas can often be overlooked.
• Remove Distractions: Take out all floor mats, especially in pre-owned vehicles, to eliminate potential distractions and create a cleaner, more consistent look.
• Check for Imperfections: Carefully inspect the vehicle for any minor blemishes or scratches. If necessary, address these issues before the photo shoot to ensure the vehicle looks its best.

Setting Up the 360Booth® Studio

• Optimal Positioning: Carefully drive the vehicle into the center of the 360Booth® studio, ensuring it is perfectly aligned both lengthwise and widthwise. This will guarantee that all angles of the vehicle are captured accurately.
• Utilize Studio Features: The 360Booth®’s durable PVC walls, steel structure, and controlled lighting create an ideal environment for capturing high-quality vehicle photos. The studio’s design minimizes reflections and shadows, ensuring a clean and professional look.

Mastering Studio Lighting

• Consistent Illumination: The 360Booth®’s controlled lighting system ensures even and consistent illumination on all sides of the vehicle. This eliminates harsh shadows and highlights, creating a more balanced and appealing image.
• 24/7 Shooting: Unlike outdoor photography, which can be affected by weather conditions, the 360Booth® studio allows you to shoot at any time of day, ensuring consistent lighting and eliminating the need to schedule shoots around favorable weather conditions.

Camera Selection and Usage

• AI-Powered Camera: Consider using an AI-powered camera like the SHOOT it AI, which can simplify the photography process and capture stunning images automatically. These cameras are designed to adjust settings like focus, exposure, and white balance based on the scene, ensuring optimal results with minimal user input.
• Distance and Framing: Stand as far away from the vehicle as possible to allow the camera’s zoom and automatic lighting adjustments to work effectively. This will help to capture the vehicle in its entirety and ensure the correct perspective.

Completing the Photo Shoot

• Save Images: Once the photo shoot is complete, save the images directly to your device. Ensure that the file format is compatible with your dealership’s online inventory system.
• Clean Up Studio: After removing the vehicle, thoroughly clean the studio and surrounding area to remove any debris or fingerprints. This will help to maintain a clean and professional working environment.

By following these guidelines, you can produce professional-quality vehicle photos that will enhance your dealership’s online inventory and attract more customers. Remember, attention to detail and a well-prepared environment are essential for capturing stunning images that showcase the vehicle’s best features.

How to Shoot Professional Vehicle Photos for Automotive Dealer Inventories in a 360Booth® Vehicle Photo Studio

by Jay Smithweck | Oct 14, 2024 | FAQs, Solutions

Preparing the Vehicle

• Thorough Cleaning: Ensure the vehicle is spotless inside and out, including the engine bay, wheels, and wheel wells.
• Remove Floor Mats: Take out all floor mats, especially in pre-owned vehicles, to avoid distractions and maintain consistency.

Setting Up the 360Booth® Studio

• Position the Vehicle: Carefully drive the clean vehicle into the center of the 360Booth® studio, ensuring it is centered both lengthwise and widthwise.
• Utilize Studio Features: The 360Booth®’s durable PVC walls, steel structure, and controlled lighting create an optimal environment for capturing high-quality images.

Mastering Studio Lighting

• Consistent Illumination: The 360Booth®’s controlled lighting ensures consistent and even illumination on all sides of the vehicle, minimizing reflections and shadows.
• 24/7 Shooting: The studio’s indoor environment allows for photography at any time, regardless of weather conditions.

Camera Selection and Usage

• AI-Powered Camera: Consider using an AI-powered camera like the SHOOT it AI to simplify the photography process and capture stunning images.
• Distance and Framing: Stand as far away from the vehicle as possible to allow the camera’s zoom and automatic lighting adjustments to work effectively.

Completing the Photo Shoot

• Save Images: Once the photo shoot is complete, save the images directly to your device.
• Clean Up Studio: After removing the vehicle, ensure the studio and surrounding area are clean and free of clutter.

By following these guidelines, you can produce professional-quality vehicle photos that will enhance your dealership’s online inventory and attract more customers.

Would You Fly on a Plane If the Photos Looked Bad?

by Jay Smithweck | Jul 17, 2024 | FAQs, Solutions

The Power of Professional Photos in Car Sales (and Beyond!)

Have you ever been scrolling through travel websites, looking for the perfect vacation, and come across a photo of a plane that just… doesn’t look right? Maybe it’s blurry, or the plane seems awkwardly positioned on the runway, surrounded by a mess of other aircraft. Suddenly, that dream vacation starts to feel a little less dreamy.

Now, think about car shopping. You’re browsing online listings, looking for your perfect vehicle. You come across a car that seems interesting, but the photos are dark, grainy, or show the car parked at a crooked angle in someone’s messy driveway. Does that build trust and confidence? Does it make you excited to learn more?

Probably not.

Just like with airlines, the quality of photos plays a massive role in a car dealership’s success. Here’s why:

• First Impressions Matter: In today’s digital world, online listings are often the first impression potential buyers have of your dealership and your vehicles. High-quality photos grab attention, showcase the car’s features in detail, and create a sense of professionalism and trust.
• Blurry Photos = Doubt: Blurry, poorly lit, or amateurish photos can make potential buyers question the condition of the car. Are you trying to hide something? Professional photos remove this doubt and allow buyers to see the car clearly.
• Building Trust & Confidence: Clear, well-lit photos showcasing the car’s best angles and features inspire trust and confidence in potential buyers. They can see exactly what they’re getting, and that makes them more likely to take the next step.
• Standing Out From the Crowd: In a crowded online marketplace, high-quality photos make your listings stand out. Professional visuals differentiate your dealership and attract serious buyers who are ready to make a purchase.

The Bottom Line:

Investing in professional photography for your car dealership isn’t just an expense, it’s an investment in your business. High-quality photos can significantly improve your online presence, build trust with potential buyers, and ultimately lead to more sales.

So, would you fly on a blurry plane? Probably not. And potential car buyers won’t settle for blurry car photos either. Make sure your online listings showcase your vehicles in the best possible light, and watch your sales soar!