Let’s face it—car shopping has changed. Gone are the days when a customer would spend an entire afternoon walking the lot, bouncing from one shiny hood to another. These days, buyers come armed with research and often want to experience as much of the dealership as possible before even stepping foot inside. So how can dealerships bridge the gap between the online world and the physical showroom?
One smart, modern solution: digital signage that offers virtual showroom tours.
Why Virtual Showroom Tours Matter
Before we dive into the tech side, let’s talk about the why. Customers crave convenience. A virtual showroom tour allows potential buyers to browse inventory, check out features, and even compare models—right from the comfort of a waiting area, or even from a sidewalk screen while walking by your dealership.
It’s like giving your cars their own 24/7 salesperson. The virtual showroom tour can walk them through what’s on the lot, current promotions, and even upsell features they might not have considered.
A Personal Story from the Other Side of the Desk
Before I started working with dealerships, I was just a regular car shopper trying to buy my first SUV. I remember walking into a dealership on a rainy afternoon, soaked and overwhelmed, and having zero clue where to start. If there had been a screen looping a guided showroom tour or highlighting top models, I would’ve felt way more at ease—and likely would’ve made a decision faster. That kind of experience can leave a real impression on customers.
What Is Digital Signage (And Why Is It Perfect for This)?
Digital signage is basically a modern upgrade from traditional posters and banners. Instead of static paper, you’ve got dynamic screens showing video, motion graphics, rotating ads, and interactive content. It can be used in service bays, lounges, showroom floors—you name it.
And when paired with virtual showroom tours, it becomes a powerful customer engagement tool.
VenueVision offers a solution built specifically for this kind of application. With VenueVision’s digital signage, dealerships can seamlessly display real-time content that’s custom-branded, engaging, and super easy to update. It’s one of the most effective uses of digital signage automotive solutions out there.
How Dealerships Can Set Up Virtual Showroom Tours Using Digital Signage
Let’s walk through how this works in practice:
1. Create a High-Quality Virtual Tour
This doesn’t mean you need a Hollywood film crew. A simple video walkthrough of your showroom or lot—shot with a gimbal-mounted smartphone and some decent lighting—can do the trick. Highlight key models, show off interior features, and include voiceover or text descriptions.
If you want to get a bit fancier, include 360-degree photos or even drone footage for exterior shots. There are even VR-style options that can make it feel like the viewer is walking through the dealership themselves.
2. Choose the Right Signage Locations
Placement is key. Think about where your customers are standing around with time to kill:
Waiting lounges
Reception areas
Service departments
Near entrances and windows visible from outside
Screens in these locations can loop the virtual tour or play it on demand.
3. Make It Interactive (If You Want Extra Points)
With touchscreen signage, you can go one step further. Let customers choose which vehicle they want to explore. Maybe they’re curious about SUVs or electric vehicles. Let them dive deeper with just a tap.
You can even add filters—price range, fuel type, or number of seats—to personalize the tour.
4. Keep Content Fresh and Relevant
No one wants to see a virtual tour of last season’s inventory. This is where a smart digital signage solution like VenueVision’s digital signage shines. You can easily swap out content, update videos, and even tie in real-time offers or manufacturer incentives.
Regular updates keep things fresh and ensure customers always see your best side.
Bonus Benefits: More Than Just a Tour
Using digital signage for virtual tours doesn’t just impress customers—it also supports your sales and marketing goals.
Highlight Promotions and Financing Options
You can intersperse tour segments with slides or videos promoting limited-time offers, financing options, or service specials. This adds value and keeps people watching.
Train Staff More Easily
A side benefit? These tours are a fantastic tool for onboarding new sales staff. They get a visual, engaging overview of your showroom layout and product lineup.
Create Buzz and Shareability
A visually impressive virtual tour playing on a storefront screen? That’s Insta-worthy. Don’t be surprised if people start snapping pics or sharing it on social media—hello, free advertising!
Real Results from Dealerships Who’ve Tried It
Some of the dealerships we work with at VenueVision have shared how implementing digital signage with virtual showroom tours improved customer satisfaction and led to more inquiries about specific vehicles.
One dealership told us their service lounge screens generated more test drive requests than their website contact form in a single month. Why? Because when customers are sitting around waiting for an oil change and see a slick tour of a brand-new vehicle, curiosity takes over. They want to experience it next.
Getting Started Is Easier Than You Think
Even if you’re not super tech-savvy, you don’t have to go it alone. Partnering with a company that specializes in dealership tech (like, say, us) can make the process painless.
At VenueVision, we’ve helped countless dealerships build smart, customer-friendly experiences—from service text messaging to digital signage to virtual tours. Everything integrates together for a seamless solution.
You focus on running your dealership—we’ll make sure your digital tools work just as hard as your best salesperson.
Final Thoughts
Virtual showroom tours powered by digital signage are more than a fancy upgrade—they’re a way to meet modern customers where they are. It’s about convenience, engagement, and giving people the confidence to explore your vehicles on their own terms.
Whether you’re just starting out with digital signage or looking to upgrade your existing setup, there’s no better time to embrace this tech. Your customers will thank you—and your sales team will too.
Want to see how it all works in action? Check out VenueVision’s digital signage solutions
