Record a deal
How to create a new deal write-up and save it into Autopilot.
Record a deal when a customer agrees to buy a vehicle. The write-up creates the deal record, then Autopilot keeps it in Drafts until the customer signature, deposit, and manager approval checks are complete.
Where to find it
Use Sales Log -> Sales log, then choose Add Deal.
You can also open the full write-up from Sales Log -> Drafts when there are no drafts, or go directly to /deals/new.
How it works
1. Choose the write-up mode
Autopilot has three write-up modes:
- Quick: capture the minimum details for a draft.
- Customer write-up: use the customer-safe version while the customer is with you.
- Full: use the full internal version with dealer-only fields your role can access.
You can switch modes while writing the deal.
2. Fill the required details
To save a new deal, Autopilot needs:
- Customer name
- Vehicle make and model
The form shows these required details near the top. Other fields depend on the dealership's form setup, your permissions, and the write-up mode.
3. Check the deal details
Add the details your team needs before review, such as:
- sales channel, department, vehicle condition, and draft date
- salesperson and business manager, if you can assign them
- customer and vehicle details
- pricing, deposit, promotions, add-ons, finance, trade-in, and delivery details
- special conditions and internal notes
Model catalogue, promotions, add-ons, lead sources, finance companies, and vehicle conditions feed into the write-up where they are configured.
4. Save the deal
Choose Save deal to create the deal.
Choose Save & print if you also need the printable write-up sheet.
After saving, Autopilot opens the deal page. From there, finish the checks that move the deal out of Drafts.
Important details
New deals usually start in Drafts
A saved write-up stays in Drafts until these checks are complete:
- Customer signed
- Deposit paid
- Manager approved
When all three checks are complete, the deal moves into the sales log and pipeline.
Managers may save straight through
If your permissions allow manager sign-off and the required approval-rule details are already complete, a deal can save straight into the sold workflow.
The form keeps a local draft while you type
When you start entering details, Autopilot keeps a local draft copy in the browser. Use Save deal to create the real deal record.
Editing can reset approval
If a pending deal is edited under the dealership's approval settings, Autopilot warns that saving changes will send it back to Drafts and it will need to be submitted again.
Troubleshooting
The deal will not save
Check that the customer name and vehicle make and model are filled in.
A field is missing
The available fields depend on the selected mode, dealership form setup, and your permissions. Switch to Full if you need internal fields and your role is allowed to see them.
The deal saved but is not in the sales log
Open Sales Log -> Drafts. The deal is waiting for customer signed, deposit paid, or manager approved.