DMS Data Export Checklist for Dealerships
A four-step playbook to get your data out of CDK, Reynolds, Tekion, or any DMS without overpaying. Includes the contract clauses that save six figures.
- Document the business questions you need to answer
- Define frequency, format, destination, and encryption
- Negotiate ownership, exit, and pricing caps
- Validate row counts, dollars, and timing
Frequently asked questions
Do I really own my dealership data?
Yes. Federal and most state law treats the underlying records as the dealer's property. The contract determines how easily you can get a copy.
What does a DMS data export usually cost?
Common 2026 ranges: $500 to $2,500 per month for nightly batch, $2,500 to $8,000 per month for near-real-time API, plus $2,500 to $15,000 one-time setup.