The other day, I was talking with a local dealer about switching systems. No sales pitch. No pressure. Just a real conversation about timing.
They said what we hear all the time:
“If we’re going to do it, the first of the year just makes the most sense.” Or “Once we get through busy season, then we’ll look.”
And honestly? We don’t disagree.
There’s something powerful about clean calendars, fresh goals, and the feeling that you can hit the ground running without dragging last year’s baggage along for the ride. A new year creates natural momentum and for many dealers, that makes January the ideal time to make a change.
But here’s the part we care about just as much…
The Best Time Is When You’re Ready
Timing in a dealership isn’t dictated by the calendar. It’s dictated by reality.
- Busy seasons
- Staffing changes
- Inventory cycles
- Growth spurts you didn’t see coming
We understand that switching systems isn’t just a technical decision – it’s an operational one. And forcing it at the wrong time helps no one.
That’s why, while early in the year can be a great moment to make the move, it’s not the only right moment.
What dealers are quietly asking themselves:
- “Can our current system scale if we add another location or revenue stream?”
- “How much time are we losing to manual workarounds and disconnected tools?”
- “Will switching systems slow us down more than staying put?”
- “Is now the wrong time… or is waiting just making this harder?”
None of these questions are really about software. They’re about control, confidence, and whether the systems behind the business are helping or quietly holding it back.
At some point, every dealer reaches a moment where the question isn’t if change makes sense, but when. And that moment rarely arrives because the timing is perfect—it arrives because staying the same starts to feel harder than moving forward.
Yes, January Has Its Perks
We absolutely understand why the start of the year feels right:
- A clean break from old processes
- New reporting periods
- Clearer goal-setting
- A chance to build better habits from day one
If that’s your mindset right now, we’re ready to help you capitalize on it.
And If It’s Not January? We’ve Got You Covered
At Lightspeed, we’ve spent decades onboarding dealers across RV, marine, powersports, golf car, and trailer in every month of the year.
Our focus is always the same:
- Make the transition as smooth as possible
- Minimize disruption to your team
- Support you before, during, and after go-live
Whether it’s the first week of January or the middle of peak season, our job is to meet you where you are. Not rush you where you’re not.
You’re Ready When You’re Ready and That’s the Point
That conversation with the dealer ended the same way many do:
“We’ll know when the timing’s right.”
For them, that timing turned into a January start—clean slate, clear goals, and a plan they felt confident about.
And that’s exactly how it should be.
If the new year is giving you clarity and momentum… great.
If you need a little more runway… also great.
When you’re ready to make the move, we’ll be here to make it painless, practical, and worth it.
No pressure. No forced timelines.
Just the right system—at the right time—for your dealership.
Kristin Johnson
Kristin Johnson is the Digital Marketing & Content Manager at Lightspeed, where she leverages her extensive experience in communication, marketing, and planning to drive the company's digital presence. Kristin began her career in information technology, quickly mastering time management and problem-solving skills. Although she transitioned away from the technical side, she found her true passion in supporting leaders and organizations across various sectors. Kristin's diverse background includes significant contributions to non-profits and government agencies, where she helped these entities navigate growth and change. Her exceptional skills in communication and marketing have consistently enabled her to find creative and efficient solutions. One of her standout achievements was managing the brand development and event planning for a historic building that housed unique non-profits and public spaces, leaving a lasting impact on the community. This work earned her an Emmy nomination for the creative content developed to promote the building. Outside of her professional accomplishments, Kristin is happily married and the proud mother of a successful college-aged son and a dynamic high school aged daughter. At Lightspeed, she continues to grow and embrace new challenges, using her insights to support her team and customers while exploring new adventures in the digital marketing landscape.
