Abstract: A handheld computer unit for use by, e.g., a car sales person (seller) prompts the seller with a standard script to be followed at each step in the process after a prospect enters a dealership. The prospect's response to the scripted questions is used to identify the prospect's particular interests of a general nature, e.g., safety, and of a specific nature, e.g., trailer towing capacity. When either a general or specific interest is identified, the seller is prompted to tailor the conversation to address the prospect's interests.

Abstract: A handheld computer unit for use by, e.g., a car sales person (seller) prompts the seller with a standard script to be followed at each step in the process after a prospect enters a dealership. The seller is also prompted to record data about the prospect and the prospect's needs as well as potential trade-in vehicles. In the event that the prospect does not purchase on the initial visit, this information may be transferred to a conventional sales prospect control system to manage the process of later follow-up contacts with the prospect. The handheld unit permits the seller to retrieve useful information such as inventory availability from a sales information data store. The handheld unit also is able to access remote communications links to external data sources to obtain information on credit-worthiness of the prospect, financing terms, and availability. The handheld unit also displays motivational information such as the percentage likelihood of consummating the sale successfully.