Are you considering living the American dream and starting your golf cart dealership?
You’re not alone. With golf carts becoming popular for more than just golf—think resorts, retirement communities, private neighborhoods, and commercial use—there’s never been a better time to launch your dealership. But, like any business, success doesn’t happen by accident. It takes planning, strategy, and a little help from industry experts like Wickedly Awesome, a partner dedicated to helping golf cart dealers thrive.
If you’re ready to turn your dream into reality, this guide will walk you through every step of the process. From business planning and inventory selection to financing and marketing, we’ll cover it all—so you’ll be ready to launch a dealership that doesn’t just exist but dominates.
1. Lay the Foundation: Create a Solid Business Plan
Every successful business starts with a plan, and a golf cart dealership is no different. Your business plan will act as your roadmap, guiding every decision from day one. It will also be crucial when applying for financing or floor plans.
Key elements of your business plan should include:
- Business Model: Are you operating an online dealership, a physical showroom, or a hybrid? Each model comes with unique costs and benefits.
- Target Market: Will you focus on residential buyers, golf courses, resorts, commercial buyers, or a mix?
- Revenue Streams: Beyond selling carts, will you offer services like repairs, rentals, and maintenance plans?
- SWOT Analysis: Identify your strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats in the local and national market.
- Financial Projections: Show potential lenders and investors you have a plan for profitability, including estimated revenue, expenses, and profit margins.
Pro Tip from Wickedly Awesome: “Your business plan isn’t a ‘set-it-and-forget-it’ document. It’s a living blueprint that should evolve as your dealership grows. Keep it flexible and review it regularly.”
2. Choose Your Business Model: Online, Brick-and-Mortar, or Hybrid?
How will you meet your customers? You have a few options:
- Online-Only Dealership: Lower startup costs, but requires strong marketing and logistics.
- Brick-and-Mortar Showroom: Customers can test-drive carts and see inventory in person, but you’ll need to manage rent, utilities, and staffing.
- Hybrid Model: Best of both worlds. You have a physical location but also leverage online listings and e-commerce to sell nationwide.
For most dealers, the hybrid model offers the most growth potential. Customers like having the option to browse online but also test-drive in person. Plus, with Wickedly Awesome’s marketing support, you’ll have no problem driving traffic to both your website and showroom.
3. Select the Right Location (If You’re Opening a Showroom)
If you opt for a physical showroom, your location can make or break your business. Look for spots with good visibility, easy access, and plenty of space for inventory display. High-traffic areas near neighborhoods with golf courses, retirement communities, or large resort areas are prime choices.
Things to consider:
- Visibility: Is your location on a busy road where potential customers will see your signs and storefront?
- Space: You’ll need space to store and showcase inventory, plus room for a service bay if you plan to offer repairs or maintenance.
- Zoning: Check with your local government to ensure you’re in a zone that allows automotive or golf cart sales.
4. Pick Your Product Line: Choose the Right Brands and Models
Which brands of golf carts will you sell? Will you offer electric, gas, or both? This decision is critical, impacting your brand positioning and target market.
Consider working with reputable brands like Club Car, E-Z-GO, and Yamaha, but don’t overlook emerging electric vehicle (EV) brands. Electric golf carts are in high demand due to their low maintenance costs and eco-friendly appeal.
Pro Tip from Wickedly Awesome: “The brands you carry define your reputation. Choose wisely and aim to represent brands that have strong manufacturer support for parts, warranties, and service plans.”
Wickedly Awesome can help you evaluate which brands will be most profitable in your market and even connect you with manufacturer reps to start dealership negotiations.
5. Secure Financing & Floorplans
If you don’t have hundreds of thousands of dollars in cash to launch your dealership, don’t worry. Most dealers finance their startup costs. You’ll likely need financing for:
- Initial Inventory: Stocking your dealership with new golf carts can cost $100K+.
- Facility Costs: If you’re leasing a building, you’ll have rent, utilities, and maintenance to cover.
- Staffing: Salespeople, technicians, and administrative support.
- Operational Costs: From website development to insurance, be prepared for small but essential startup costs.
One of the most popular ways to finance your inventory is through a floorplan financing program. This allows you to stock carts without paying for them upfront. Instead, you pay monthly fees as the inventory sits on your lot. When a cart sells, you pay off that unit.
Pro Tip from Wickedly Awesome: “Don’t assume all floorplans are created equal. Look for plans with flexible terms and low carrying costs. We help dealers negotiate better floorplans that support cash flow rather than drain it.”
6. Build a Strong Online Presence: Your Website & Marketing
Over 80% of modern buyers start their journey online, so your dealership needs a strong digital footprint. This is where Wickedly Awesome shines. We help dealers create a website that not only showcases inventory but also captures leads, ranks on Google, and closes deals.
Essential marketing must-haves:
- Custom Website: Your website should feature a searchable inventory, booking tools for test drives, financing applications, and direct contact forms.
- SEO (Search Engine Optimization): Rank higher for local searches like “golf carts near me.”
- Google Shopping & Facebook Marketplace: Place your carts where buyers are already looking.
- Video Marketing: Customers love video walkthroughs of golf carts. Video boosts engagement and conversions.
- Connected TV (CTV) Ads: Run video ads on streaming services like Hulu to reach local buyers.
Wickedly Awesome handles all of these services, so you can focus on growing your dealership.
7. Design a Marketing & Advertising Strategy
Getting your dealership up and running is one thing—getting customers in the door is another. It takes an intentional marketing strategy to attract and convert leads.
Effective dealer marketing includes:
- Local SEO: Show up when customers search for “golf carts near me.”
- Paid Ads: Run Google Ads and social media ads targeting local buyers.
- Geofencing Ads: Target customers who’ve visited competitors’ lots or attended local golf tournaments.
- Content Marketing: Offer helpful guides, videos, and product reviews on your website.
Pro Tip from Wickedly Awesome: “Marketing is no longer optional. The first place customers search for golf carts is online. If you’re not there, your competition wins. Our marketing team ensures you’re visible on Google, Facebook, and even streaming TV.”
8. Offer Warranties, Service, & Maintenance Plans
Warranties and maintenance plans are key to recurring revenue. By offering post-sale support, you generate trust and repeat business. You’ll need skilled technicians on-site and the ability to source replacement parts from your manufacturers.
Why it matters:
- Customers are more likely to buy if they know they have support.
- Maintenance packages bring customers back for service, increasing lifetime customer value.
9. Launch, Promote & Dominate Your Market
With inventory in place, financing secured, and a marketing strategy ready to go, it’s time for launch day. Host a grand opening with test drive events, local promotions, and social media campaigns. As you grow, continue refining your strategy and tracking what works.
Why Choose Wickedly Awesome?
Wickedly Awesome isn’t just another consultant—we’re a true partner in your success. We help you navigate floorplans, marketing, and warranties, so you can skip the trial-and-error phase and start strong.
Here’s how we help you win:
- Access to reputable brands and floorplan providers.
- Done-for-you marketing services (SEO, Google Shopping, Facebook).
- Guidance on warranties, parts, and service.
Ready to Start Your Golf Cart Dealership?
Don’t do it alone. Let Wickedly Awesome be your partner in launching, scaling, and succeeding in the golf cart industry. Contact us today and turn your dream of dealership ownership into reality.