CarLotCRM and DealerSocket are both used by dealerships. DealerSocket sits inside a broader Solera stack with deep BDC tooling. CarLotCRM is a three-tier CRM that publishes its price and sits on top of the DMS you already pay for.
CarLotCRM vs DealerSocket
How they’re the same
- Both handle dealership leads and follow-up.
- Both expect internet, phone, and showroom traffic in a shared system.
Where they differ
| CarLotCRM | DealerSocket | |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | $499, $749, and $1,799 published | Est. CRM $750–$1,500; suite Est. $2–4k+ |
| Contract | Month to month | Often 12–36 months |
| DMS | Does not replace the DMS | Often sold inside a wider Solera / suite conversation |
| BDC | BDC is a desk on Today, not a second login | Deep, franchise-proven BDC tooling |
| Time to start | $299 setup, then the plan | Est. longer modular rollout |
When DealerSocket might still be the right call
DealerSocket can still be the right call if the store already runs that Solera stack and the BDC tooling is how the internet desk works every day.
Is CarLotCRM cheaper than DealerSocket?
CarLotCRM publishes $499, $749, and $1,799. DealerSocket is often discussed in an estimated $750–$1,500 CRM range, with suites estimated higher. Those are estimates, not a promise that every store pays less here.
Does CarLotCRM replace DealerSocket?
No. If BDC and suite workflows already live there, switching is a project. CarLotCRM is the CRM layer for Today, inbox follow-up, and where the cars are listed.
Competitor figures are labeled Est. or call for quote. Next review: December 19, 2026.