A dealer network governance model is the framework through which a brand exercises operational control over its dealer distribution network. It defines what standards dealers are expected to meet, how performance against those standards is measured, who is responsible for enforcement, and what happens when standards are not met.
An effective governance model has several components working together. First, defined standards: what does acceptable performance look like for GBP listing quality, call handling, review management, and brand representation? These standards need to be specific and measurable, not aspirational.
Second, monitoring: how does the brand detect when a dealer location falls below a standard? This requires either periodic audits or continuous monitoring systems that surface deviations automatically rather than waiting for someone to look.
Third, accountability assignment: who owns each dealer location’s performance? In most organisations, this is a regional sales manager or territory representative. The governance model should make this ownership explicit and connect it to performance metrics that the assigned person cares about.
Fourth, escalation: what happens when a location remains below standard after an initial intervention? The escalation path should be defined and automatic, not dependent on individual managers deciding whether the situation warrants central attention.
Brands that implement all four components reduce the gap between stated standards and actual dealer behaviour significantly compared to brands that rely on annual audits and informal relationship management.
See how Locus Intelligence manages this across your dealer network in 30 days.