---
title: 7 Truths About Today’s Customer (and How to Win Them Every Time)
description: Lead Management
---

[Maritz Presents Internet Sales Coach ](https://engage.maritz.com/internet-sales-coach)

# [7 Truths About Today’s Customer (and How to Win Them Every Time)](https://engage.maritz.com/internet-sales-coach/7-auto-dealer-customer-truths)

 Written by [Matt Trudell](https://engage.maritz.com/internet-sales-coach/author/matt-trudell) | Jan 20, 2026 5:10:27 PM

Matt Trudell, Performance Manager, breaks down the core customer expectations shaping 2026 and shares why mastering lead handling is essential to turning online interest into appointments, sales, and long-term loyalty.

 

**Partner with Maritz to strengthen your team’s lead handling and convert more online shoppers.**

Our Performance Managers help dealerships:

- Increase Internet lead close rates
- Improve appointment set/show ratios
- Deliver fast, clear, personalized customer communication
- Boost sales team confidence and consistency

Visit [Maritz.com/Train ](https://maritz.com/solutions/automotive/dealership-and-employee-performance/internet-sales-coach/)to schedule your complimentary lead process review and start converting more of your leads today.

[View full post](https://engage.maritz.com/internet-sales-coach/7-auto-dealer-customer-truths)

```json
{
  "@context" : "http://schema.org",
  "@type" : "BlogPosting",
  "author" : {
    "@type" : "Person",
    "name" : "Matt Trudell"
  },
  "dateModified" : "2026-01-20T17:11:37.095Z",
  "datePublished" : "2026-01-20T17:10:27Z",
  "headline" : "7 Truths About Today’s Customer (and How to Win Them Every Time)",
  "image" : {
    "@type" : "ImageObject",
    "height" : 1080,
    "url" : "https://engage.maritz.com/hubfs/cover-photos_video-preview_jan-2026-2.jpg",
    "width" : 1920
  },
  "mainEntityOfPage" : "https://engage.maritz.com/internet-sales-coach/7-auto-dealer-customer-truths",
  "publisher" : {
    "@type" : "Organization",
    "logo" : {
      "@type" : "ImageObject",
      "height" : 60,
      "url" : "/hs/hsstatic/content_shared_assets/static-1.4092/img/default-amp-logo.png",
      "width" : 60
    },
    "name" : "Maritz Presents Internet Sales Coach"
  }
}
```