Convert a lead to a customer and start a deal
Turn a lead into a customer record in one click, then open a deal that stays linked to the lead for lead-source reporting.
When a lead is ready to buy, convert it into a customer in one click — then start their deal. The deal stays tied to the original lead, so it shows up in your lead-source reporting.
Convert the lead to a customer
- Go to Leads and click the lead's name to open it.
- In the Actions card, find the Convert section.
- Click Convert to customer.
- You're taken straight to the new customer record.
You can also convert without opening the lead: on the Leads list, open the ⋯ row menu and choose Convert to customer.
Converting a lead links it to the customer and moves the lead to Won. It also writes an audit entry (lead_converted_to_customer). (This is the one action that changes a lead's status as a side effect — the regular status buttons don't touch the customer link.)
The convert button is smart about duplicates. If a customer with the lead's email already exists, the lead links to that existing customer instead of creating a second record. With no email on file, it creates a new customer from the lead's name and phone.
Start the deal
Once a lead is linked to a customer, the Convert section is replaced by a Deal section.
- Open the lead again (or come back to it later).
- In the Actions card, find the Deal section.
- Click Start deal.
- A new deal opens with the customer already filled in. Add the vehicle and finish the deal as usual.
The new deal is stamped with this lead's ID. That link is what powers lead-source reporting (Reports → Leads), so the Lead source → deals table can show which sources actually turn into sales.
FAQ
Where did the "Convert to customer" button go?
Once a lead is linked to a customer, the button changes. The Convert section is replaced by a Deal section with a Start deal button. That means the lead is already converted — you just go straight to the deal.
Will converting create a duplicate customer?
No. If a customer already exists with the same email as the lead, the lead links to that existing customer instead of making a new one. Only leads with no matching email (a new email, or no email at all) create a fresh customer.
What happens to the lead after I convert it?
It stays in your system. Its status moves to Won, and the lead detail page's Linked customer field shows a View customer link so you can jump between the two.
Do I have to convert before I can start a deal?
Yes. Start deal only appears after the lead is linked to a customer, because a deal needs a buyer (customer) record. Convert first, then start the deal.
Can a salesperson convert leads, or just managers?
Any signed-in team member with access to the lead can convert it and start the deal — there's no role restriction on this action.
Does the deal stay connected to the original lead?
Yes. Starting the deal from the lead's Start deal button stamps the deal with the lead's ID, so it appears in lead-source/attribution reporting under Reports → Leads.