🎙️ When you’re in the car business, compliance and data protection aren’t just best practices—they’re survival tactics. In this episode, Shawn “GoatForReal216” Payne sits down with Bob Lettis of 700Credit, a company powering over 22,000 dealerships with game-changing credit data and fraud protection tools. Bob breaks down why compliance is your competitive edge, how fraudsters are getting smarter, and what tools you must have in place to protect your dealership in 2025.
From seamless integrations to lead-generating web apps and paperless deal jackets, Bob gives you the inside scoop on the hottest tools in the business—and even shares his journey in the auto industry. If you want to protect your store, increase ROI, and stay ahead of the compliance curve, this episode is for you.
How 700Credit Helps Dealerships Strengthen Compliance and Boost ROI
Compliance issues are one of the biggest threats to independent car dealerships, yet they are often overlooked until it’s too late. In a recent interview on the “Everyone Hates Car Salesman” podcast, host Shawn Payne sat down with Bob Lettis of 700Credit to explore how data security, credit tools, and fraud prevention are becoming the most vital assets in modern dealership operations.
Shawn Payne, former dealership owner and host of the podcast, kicked off the conversation by acknowledging how many independent dealers underestimate the importance of compliance. As he put it, “A guy gets a dealer license, buys a few cars, and suddenly he thinks he’s a car dealer. Meanwhile, he might not be doing credit properly or getting the right signatures.”
That lack of structure, said Bob Lettis, Vice President at 700Credit, can be fatal. “Sometimes, one infraction can put them out of business,” he warned. With over 22,000 dealerships relying on their credit data and compliance products, 700Credit has emerged as a trusted backbone in the industry.
Why Compliance and Integration Are Non-Negotiable
According to Bob Lettis, “700Credit is the leader in credit report, credit data, and compliance.” What sets them apart, he explained, is their extensive network of over 250 integration partners. From CRM systems to DMS tools, 700Credit is embedded into the software dealers already use, making their solutions seamless to adopt.
“All a dealer has to do is flip a switch,” said Lettis. This ease-of-use gives 700Credit a strategic edge, especially in a market where time and simplicity are everything. Shawn Payne added, “That’s what struck me about your company early on—the integration and seamless platform. It just worked.”
Combatting Fraud with Technology
Fraud is another mounting concern in the automotive industry. As Lettis emphasized, “Fraud is rampant. The fraudsters out there are getting so good.” Modern tools like AI-driven fake IDs and data manipulation can slip through traditional security checks. That’s why 700Credit developed QuickScan—a multi-component ID verification tool that includes facial recognition, DMV checks, and driver’s license validation.
QuickScan is designed to be both affordable and accessible. “Dealers can use it on a standalone machine or even from their cellphone,” Lettis noted. With over 1,500 dealerships using QuickScan within its first year, it has quickly become 700Credit’s fastest-growing product.
Paperless Security and the Cost of Data Exposure
Beyond preventing car theft, 700Credit focuses on another serious vulnerability: data theft. As Bob Lettis warned, “One stolen deal jacket can be turned into 10 different identities.” In today’s world of cybercrime and data breaches, protecting consumer information is critical.
That’s why 700Credit emphasizes a paperless process. By embedding compliance tools into digital deal jackets, dealerships avoid the risky practice of storing sensitive data in physical form. “We used to have credit reports laying around in drawers,” Lettis reflected. “Now, we want everything paperless to protect the dealer and the customer.”
From the Ground Up: Bob Lettis’ Automotive Journey
Bob Lettis has spent 22 years in the auto industry, with the last 10 and a half at 700Credit. “I got into it by chance,” he shared, but his commitment and impact have been anything but accidental. Over the past decade, he’s helped drive the company’s exponential growth and fostered a culture of dealer-first support.
“Our dealers can always reach someone on the first ring,” Lettis said proudly. Shawn Payne highlighted the importance of this responsiveness, adding, “It’s obvious you care about dealers. That’s why I made sure we stayed connected.”
Good Data = Good Deals
While many are focused on AI, Lettis cautioned that even the most advanced tools are useless without good data. “Bad data creates bad information,” he stated. Whether it’s a lead form or a credit pull, starting with accurate data is key to an efficient sales process.
That’s where pre-qualification tools like 700Credit’s soft pull solutions come into play. “It lets dealers get upfront info without hurting the customer’s credit score,” explained Lettis. These tools also help dealerships comply with regulations while capturing more leads.
Lead Generation that Actually Leads Somewhere
Shawn Payne, automotive social media expert and trainer, posed a powerful question: “How can you help me sell my next car?” Lettis had the answer: web apps embedded directly on dealership websites. “It’s the number one call-to-action in the industry,” he said, describing how dealers can capture leads with just a name and phone number.
And 700Credit doesn’t just promote the tool—they back it up with a free 30-day trial. “If it doesn’t work for you, then you know you need more web traffic. But if it does, you’ve got a qualified lead gen engine running,” Lettis explained.
Final Thoughts
From fraud prevention to lead conversion, 700Credit has positioned itself as more than just a credit reporting vendor—it’s a full compliance and performance partner for independent and franchise dealerships alike. As Bob Lettis summed up, “We want to make buying a car a happy experience, not a painful one.”
With tools like QuickScan, paperless compliance workflows, and data-driven lead generation, dealerships can protect themselves, grow their business, and create better experiences for their customers.
