With recent online apps emerging – Carvana, Carguru, and Vroom – it is much easier to sell your car via Internet than going to a dealership. COVID-19 is a strong catalyst that jumped this buying and selling method to the mainstream. Back in 2020, the online method to buy jumped up to nearly 39% in consumer interest. There is not as much stigma or uncertainty when going with this new style. However, selling to a dealership is still strong and established to the average American consumer.
The traditional route is what the normal consumer is exposed to and feel comfortable having one-on-one interactions when it comes to making a big financial decision. However, studies also show that 61% feel like they are getting rooked throughout the process as well. This might shift into a direction where live video and chat support will be readily available to digitally bridge that gap as much as possible. The new delta variant spreading is making this option difficult and following similar trends to what COVID-19 did to the auto industry last year.
The two methods are somewhat in a crossroads. Digital is growing while traditional is gradually tapering off. Both have the onus of having both sides of the coin. Everyone, including you reading this, already have the general idea of what to expect when buying from a dealership; this can be from personal experience or the cautionary tale your parents told you to brag about the great price they got. Below are the advantages to using the online method if you are questioning to go into a dealership:
Instant car appraisal, streamlined process, and established credibility are only three of many reasons to sell or purchase your car online. Traditional car buying is not vanishing by any means, but the shift in the auto industry is already here.
With the current times, it is best to purchase vehicles through the non-traditional method; this is primarily for safety concerns. Timing is always a kink in the step with what to do with your vehicle but health should be the main priority.