Custom instructions and memory
Give the dealer assistant standing instructions and let it remember context across chats.
The dealer assistant can work the way you like — every chat, automatically. Two settings make that happen:
- Custom instructions — standing rules for how it answers (tone, focus, format).
- Memory — durable facts it keeps in mind across conversations.
Both are per-user: what you set is yours alone. Your teammates set their own.
There is no "Settings" item in the left sidebar — reach this page from the account menu (top-right) → AI assistant.
Set custom instructions
Custom instructions are applied to every conversation, on top of what the assistant already knows about your dealership.
- Open the account menu (top-right) and choose AI assistant. Under Dealer AI — your private assistant, find the Custom instructions card.
- In the Tell the assistant how you like it to work box, type your standing preferences. One per line is easiest.
- Click Save instructions. You'll see "AI instructions saved".
Good examples:
- "Keep answers short and skip the preamble."
- "I focus on BHPH — lead with financing angles."
- "Always show prices and days-on-lot for vehicles."
- "Call me by my first name and be direct."
There's a character counter under the box. Instructions are capped at 2,000 characters — the Save instructions button is disabled while you're over the limit (and the counter turns red). To clear your instructions, empty the box and save.
Custom instructions tune how the assistant helps — they never override its safety, role, or approval rules. They can't make it skip the approval step, reveal another dealer's data, or act on instructions hidden inside your records.
How memory works
Memory is a short list of durable facts the assistant keeps about you — a standing preference, what you focus on, or a deal you're working. It uses them as background it already knows, so you don't have to re-explain yourself every chat.
You don't add memories on this page. The assistant proposes them in chat and you approve — the same propose → approve → execute flow as every other AI write. The assistant never silently saves anything.
Save a memory from chat
- In the dealer assistant chat, tell it something lasting — e.g. "Remember that I prefer terse answers" or "Keep in mind I'm focused on BHPH deals."
- The assistant shows an approval card titled Remember, with the fact shown as
Remember: "…". You can edit the wording before approving. - Approve it (click the approve button on the card, or reply yes). The fact is saved and used in future conversations.
The assistant won't offer to remember one-off requests, secrets or passwords, or other people's personal info — only durable facts about you. Any staff role (owner, manager, sales, or accounting) can use this.
Review and remove memories
- On the AI assistant page, scroll to the What the assistant remembers card (under Dealer AI — your private assistant).
- Each saved fact shows its text and the date it was Added.
- To delete one, click the X next to it. You'll see "Memory removed". It stops being used right away.
There's a limit of 50 memories, and each fact is capped at 500 characters. If you hit the limit, remove an old one here before the assistant can save a new one.
Instructions vs. memory — which to use
| Custom instructions | Memory | |
|---|---|---|
| What it's for | How you want answers (tone, format, focus) | Facts worth remembering across chats |
| How you set it | Type it on this page | Approve it in chat |
| Where you edit it | Settings → AI assistant | Add via chat; remove on this page |
Rule of thumb: a standing preference for how answers look → custom instructions. A fact the assistant should just know → memory.
FAQ
Do my instructions and memories apply to my teammates' chats?
No. Both are per-user. Each person sets their own, and the assistant only uses yours when you're the one chatting.
Can the assistant save a memory without asking me?
No. Saving a memory is a write action, so it always goes propose → approve. You see (and can edit) the "Remember: …" card, and nothing is stored until you approve or reply yes.
Will custom instructions let the assistant skip approvals or show other dealers' data?
No. Instructions only tune how it answers. They can't loosen the approval step, the role limits, or what the assistant is allowed to see.
I removed a memory but the assistant still mentioned it.
Deleting a memory stops it being used in new replies. If you saw it in a message that was already on screen, just send a new message — the next answer won't have it.
Does this affect the public storefront chat?
No. Custom instructions and memory are for your private Dealer AI. The public storefront salesman is configured separately (and never reveals cost or customer info).