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Vast majority of car buyers prefer visiting dealers in-person
Successive research has found the car dealership experience is alive and well as the economy returns to a semblance of pre-pandemic normality.
During multiple nationwide lockdowns, drivers were forced to conduct most of their car buying journey via digital means – as dealerships’ doors were closed for months – but now customers are flooding back to forecourts and showrooms with the majority expecting to browse stock in-person and speak to sales teams face-to-face.
What the research is saying
In two separate studies it was found that, while digital is clearly a critical part of the car buying journey, only a minority said they would purchase a car entirely online.
In the “State of the Nation Industry Report 2021” from JudgeService, just 10% of UK car buyers said they plan to embrace a wholly online car retail experience facilitated by click and collect or delivery. 73% of the 2,150 car owners polled said they still want to visit a dealership in person.
MotoNovo Finance found similar results with their research, when just 7% of respondents said they would purchase a used car completely online. They also discovered 65% of used car buyers expect to buy in a showroom and talk to dealers in-person.
How car dealers can capitalise
With workplaces back open and commuting once again a daily reality for many – alongside the reopening of leisure, retail, and other areas of the economy – car usage is on the rise. As more of us get behind the wheel, JudgeService’s research also found 81% of car owners want to change their vehicle as soon as they can, providing opportunities for retailers.
Offering your customers the opportunity to protect their new pride and joy with vehicle financial aftercare products can sweeten the deal on a sale, boost profitability for your dealership, increase retention, and enhance satisfaction rates.
Choosing a reliable, industry-leading partner for your add-on product offering is vital when it comes to providing your customers with peace-of-mind that support is at hand should the unexpected occur with their new vehicle.
To learn more about Car Care Plan’s award-winning vehicle warranty products, visit our Products page.