Getting Started
How to add your first vehicle to inventory
Adding a vehicle to Automo Soft takes under 5 minutes when you use the VIN decoder. Here is the complete step-by-step process — from VIN entry to published listing.
Key takeaways
- VIN decoding eliminates the need to manually enter vehicle specifications
- Uploading 10 or more photos significantly improves listing performance
- Your first photo is the most important — use your best exterior shot
- The vehicle appears on your website and listing feeds immediately after saving
Step 1: Open the Add Vehicle screen
From your dashboard, click the Add Vehicle button. You will see a form with a VIN entry field at the top. This is your starting point for any new vehicle.
Step 2: Enter the VIN
Find the 17-character VIN on the vehicle's dashboard (visible through the windshield from outside), on the driver's side door jamb sticker, or on the title document.
Enter the VIN and click Decode. Within a second, the vehicle's year, make, model, trim level, engine, transmission, drivetrain, body style, and standard features are all populated automatically.
Step 3: Review and complete the details
Review the auto-filled information for accuracy. Add fields that the VIN decoder does not populate automatically: mileage, condition (Excellent / Good / Fair), any known issues or recent service, and any additional features the vehicle has.
Write a vehicle description if you want to highlight specific selling points. If you are on the Hypersonic or Ultrasonic plan, use the AI description generator to create one automatically.
Step 4: Upload photos
Click the Photos section and upload your vehicle photos. You can upload from any device — phone, tablet, or desktop. Aim for at least 10 photos: exterior front, rear, both sides, interior front, interior rear, dashboard, engine bay, and any notable features or condition issues.
Drag photos to reorder them. Your first photo is the hero image that appears in listing previews — make it your best exterior shot.
Step 5: Set pricing and publish
Enter your asking price. Optionally set a notes field for pricing flexibility (e.g., 'certified pre-owned' or 'as-is'). Select the vehicle status (In Stock) and click Save to publish the listing.
The vehicle now appears on your dealer website and any connected listing feeds automatically.
Frequently asked questions
What if the VIN returns incorrect data?
All auto-filled fields are editable. Review the decoded data and correct anything that is wrong before saving the listing.
Can I save a vehicle as a draft before publishing?
Yes. Set the vehicle status to Draft to save it without publishing. You can complete the listing and publish it whenever you are ready.
More guides on Getting Started
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How to connect and post to Facebook Marketplace
Automo Soft's Facebook Marketplace posting tool lets you post vehicles in bulk with scheduling. This guide walks through connecting your account and posting your first vehicles.
How to set up live chat on your dealer website
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How to connect your own domain to your dealer website
Using your own domain (yourdealership.com) instead of a subdomain makes your website look more professional and builds SEO authority faster. This guide walks through the DNS configuration process.
Ready to put this into practice?
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