Just like the housing market, the car market is INSANE right now! If you’re a busy momma in the market for a new car, check out these 6 tips for online car shopping from Will Treves- Chief Operating Officer at Rodo, an online automotive marketplace.
1. How does online car shopping work? Please provide a brief explanation for readers who may not be familiar with it.
Buying a car in person has traditionally been a fairly slow and complicated transaction, but buying a vehicle online allows users to complete a transaction without ever setting foot in a car dealership. The online purchase can be quicker than visiting a showroom, more transparent, and done from the comfort of your own home. And – most importantly – all at great price. Consumers can search for any type of car from any brand at a price which suits them, take advantage of any discounts or rebates, complete the purchase online, and either pick up the car or have it delivered to them.
2. What are the benefits of buying, leasing or selling a car online versus a traditional dealership?
There are a lot of great benefits. Consumers can shop from home or anywhere at their convenience. They don’t have to wait until the dealership opens, or for a sales person to help them. And there’s the advantage of scale… customers can also browse vehicles from many car dealers at one, including those that are not located in their immediate area. Then there’s the transparency aspect: customers can shop at the most competitive rates from lenders and apply all available discounts to car prices, ensuring our customers see a personalized, competitive monthly payment. There are features and tools to search for the type, color, make, model, brand and price you want in a matter of seconds. You can also have your car delivered to you in many instances. For those selling a car, it can mean greater reach to car buyers, which can help your car sell faster or at the price you’d like.
3. How many consumers are shopping for cars online? What consumers are doing it?
There are millions of consumers buying, selling and leasing cars online today. Studies have shown that over 30% of the population are using the internet instead of traditional dealerships and it is continuing to increase. All ages and demographics are participating in the market, though it has been particularly popular among women, who often feel more comfortable with the online car shopping experience instead of traditional dealerships.
4. What are the risks of shopping for a car online instead of a traditional dealership?
The risks of buying online are not dissimilar to offline. Just as with an offline dealership, you want to make sure you’re choosing a reputable retailer or platform, asking questions about the vehicles you are interested in, and comparison shopping to ensure you’re getting the best price you want. Be sure to read return policies and other terms of service before buying, as you would with a traditional dealership.
5. What tips and insight can you share for online car shoppers?
Online car shopping is very similar to other online shopping you may do. You’ll want to make sure you’re using a reputable source, read any terms of service or other conditions, and ask questions, as you would with any other retailers you buy from. Retailers like my company, Rodo, connect shoppers with only reputable dealers, which helps take out some of the guesswork. You’ll also want to know the type of car you want and the price you can afford. You can also consider dealerships outside of your immediate area to expand your options. Also don’t forget that if you want to get out of the car you are currently in, we also provide the option for the customer to sell their existing lease to Rodo, helping them transition seamlessly into the new-car buying journey.
6. How can moms find the best cars online for their families?
I’m a parent myself and have a family. To find the best cars for your family online, know what type of car you want and need, and the price you can afford. Look for an online retailer you feel comfortable buying from. Make sure that it is reputable as you would with any other company you buy from. Don’t be afraid to ask questions! If you’re buying a car online from a local dealership, you can visit the car before you finalize your purchase.
