There has been a huge shift in buying behaviours in the UK, with more people than ever making significant purchases online. This is especially true of vehicle purchases. Whether you are browsing pre-owned pick-up trucks or looking at used vans online for your business, there are many advantages to ‘going digital’ when it comes to buying your next vehicle for your business.
Likewise, comparing car features online and looking into virtual car dealerships can work out extremely well for people looking for their next family car by buying a car from home. Yet, the process is not just about opening your browser and picking the first vehicle that catches your eye. Like in-person vehicle transactions, there are several points that you must be aware of when going virtual car shopping, in order to secure the best possible deal.
Here are three key areas to consider when you next have a spare day or two to go car or commercial vehicle shopping from your couch.
Find out who is selling the vehicle
Contactless car buying may be easier and offer more choice than in-person sales, but not being able to see the salesperson in the flesh can cause confusion at times. Some online car shopping sites sell their vehicles directly to the customer, which does away with lengthy third-party agreements and terms and conditions. Others act as a broker for other sellers, which can range from private individuals to franchised car dealers. Or, you could be browsing a comparison site, which puts people in contact with dealers and brokers who have chosen to advertise their vehicles on a wider site.
None of these examples are bad news on their own; however, it is important to understand exactly with whom you are entering into a deal. There are pros and cons to each approach. There could also be differences in the levels of customer service and after-sales support. Another area to understand is how any online car financing will work. Make sure you know and are comfortable with how everything associated with the sale will work – and the people with whom you will be dealing.
Do your own quality, safety and financial checks
A savvy customer will want to carry out more checks than simply looking at a photo online and running through the list of vehicle features posted next to it. To get the most out of your online car buying experience, find out what quality and safety checks the dealer has, or is planning to carry out on the car. Do they offer a service comparing car features online? Can you book virtual test drives to see how the vehicle performs on the road? Will the vehicle be serviced and valeted before you sign on the digital dotted line?
Other checks should be around financial matters, such as whether there are any warranties and guarantees provided. How long are these for and what happens when they run out? Does the vehicle have any outstanding finance remaining? Is any road tax or insurance thrown in as part of the deal? How does the dealership ensure that its customers can feel confident that they are entering into safe online transactions when buying a second-hand car or pick-up truck?
Protect yourself when paying for your car online
It is vital that you protect yourself when making digital car purchases, as there are scams out there that it is important to avoid. Always read the small print before agreeing to sign any documents. Don’t allow yourself to be rushed into signing anything or making any big decisions around contactless car buying. If you are using car financing, ensure that you understand the repayment terms, what happens if you miss any payments and the final amount you will be paying for your vehicle.
Make sure, too, that you are aware of your rights as a consumer buying a vehicle online. Distance selling regulations are in place in the UK to protect consumers when they buy goods online. These include a period of 14 working days in which the buyer has the right to change their mind and withdraw from the sale. The Sale of Goods Act (1979) also requires that goods delivered by the seller to the buyer must be provided as described. These protections are in place to ensure that you benefit from the best possible online car buying experience when purchasing from home.
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