Short answer
Start with current inventory, then customers and open leads; leave history in the spreadsheet as an archive. Add cars with a VIN decode to save typing, record costs as you go, and run the old and new systems in parallel for a week or two. Back up from the first day.
What to move and what to leave
| Move now | Leave in the spreadsheet |
|---|---|
| Cars currently on the lot | Cars sold long ago |
| Open leads and recent customers | Cold contacts from years back |
| Active vendors | Vendors you no longer use |
A week-by-week plan
- Week 1: install, set up the dealership, tax lines and users. Add current stock.
- Week 2: add customers and open leads; start recording costs on new purchases.
- Week 3: do real deals in the software and print the paperwork.
- Week 4: retire the spreadsheet for new data; keep a copy.
Expect
- Typing is the main cost: Dealer Garage adds vehicles one at a time, with VIN decode filling most details.
- Your habits change: record the cost the day it is paid.
- You become responsible for backups.
Mistakes to avoid
- Trying to move years of history on day one.
- Switching during the busiest week.
- Keeping two live systems for months.
- Skipping backups in the first month.
Questions people ask
Can I import a spreadsheet?
Not at present. Vehicles are added one at a time.
Try Dealer Garage
Dealer Garage is installable dealer management software for independent used-car dealers in the US and Canada: inventory, leads, deals, dealer paperwork, Facebook Marketplace posting and email campaigns, with records stored on the dealership's own computer..