With current social changes, it may be hard to find any industry that has not been drastically altered by technology. People are now able to order their pizzas online, shop for a babysitter on a webpage and even pay their rent via the web! Some may argue that human interaction is dying a slow death at the hand of efficiency, but consumers don’t seem to mind!
One way technology has greatly changed human habits is through the way we purchase things and manage our money. Before making any large purchase, you are now able to take time to research it online. With the internet, you have access to thousands of reviews from people around the world. One of the biggest industries to make changes, is that of car sales.
Online Inventory
The first way that car buying has changed is through the advent of online inventories. Did you know that your local pound probably has all animals up for adoption listed on their website? If they are able to maintain a comprehensive list of puppies, what’s to stop the local car dealer? Most car dealerships are now able to provide you with an intensive look at both their stock and prices online before you come in.
While this can be great for the consumer, it may actually hurt the dealer. Consumers are now able to make decisions on their own time, without having a smooth-talking salesman pressuring them into a faster purchase. Additionally, if a car becomes available that a consumer has been waiting for, they can instantly head down to the dealer, without having to visit multiple sellers to look for it.
Online inventory is important though, as dealerships that lack information are likely to suffer a reduced amount of traffic and interested clients. Additionally, online inventory could get the auto dealer’s website showing up on more search engine results, giving them greater visibility with potential customers.
Car Accident Reports
Technology has greatly changed the way people see used car buying as well. Gone are the days where you had to take a salesperson’s word for the condition of the car. Websites like CarFax allow you to pull up the vehicle’s crash report and history before you even consider the purchase. Imagine how great it would be to know that your car had frame damage before you paid an exorbitant amount!
Car Value Reports
Another way technology can help the automobile owner is through establishing vehicle values. For instance, when selling an older vehicle, it may be hard to know what the going rate is. The internet offers you the great comparative tool of Craigslist to help you know the price.
If other vehicles similar to your car’s make and model are going for a decent price, you can probably boost yours a little. Similarly, if your vehicle is ridiculously overpriced for the market, you can drop the cost and sell it more quickly.
The simplest way of assessing your car’s initial value can be through a website like Kelley Blue Book. KBB allows auto owners to establish the value and selling price of their car based on a number of factors. You also may be able to decipher whether your car is worth more being sold to a dealer or to an individual party.
Comparable Pricing
While car salesmen may try to convince you they have the lowest prices in town, today’s modern consumer will have to see it to believe it. Auto dealers are able to list their inventory and prices online, creating greater accessibility to the consumer. They are then able to quickly decipher which local dealer has the best price, before they commit to going into the dealership.
