E-commerce is taking over the world. It has reached a sales point of almost a trillion dollars in 2021, and it’s looking to penetrate other markets. Interestingly enough, the automobile market is getting a lot of traction online.
About 30% of car sales last year were completed online. Experts believe that number will only grow in the coming years. If you’re thinking about getting into the online automobile business, here are a few things you need to do to be successful:
Get a Website
You can’t sell online if you don’t have a place to do it. So invest in a website that’s user-friendly and informative. Make sure it’s easy for potential customers to find what they’re looking for.
If you’re planning to start a website, here are a couple of things you need to know:
Transparency
Consumers like it if they can see everything on your website. That’s why transparency is vital. Don’t try to hide anything from your potential customers. Be upfront about the vehicles you’re selling, their prices, and any damage or repairs that have been done on them.
Easy Navigation
Your website should be easy to navigate. No one wants to click around for hours to find what they’re looking for. So use clear and concise labels for your navigation tools, and make sure everything is in its proper place.
You should have a search tool and a drop-down box for all automobile brands. This way, you can target a specific audience.
Images
Make sure the images on your website are high-quality. Poorly-lit or blurry photos will turn potential customers away. You need to take a picture of every vehicle angle, inside and out.
If you don’t have a good camera, hire someone who does. It’s worth the investment.
Disable-Friendly
About a billion people are disabled worldwide. You need to make sure your website is accessible to them. Use clear fonts and colors that contrast nicely. Add alt text to all your images.
And most importantly, don’t use CAPTCHAs! They’re annoying, and they deter disabled users from using your site.
Get a Trailer
Once you’re getting sales, you might need to do some deliveries on your own. That’s why you need to invest in a trailer.
Having a trailer gives you a variety of options. For example, you can use it to deliver vehicles to customers, or you can use it as a mobile showroom. You can even use it as a storage space for spare parts or cars that need repair.
Interestingly enough, you can also start selling trailers yourself. It’s an excellent accessory for every vehicle. You can become a reputable trailer dealer by looking for the right supplier for you. This should supplement your income from selling cars.
Get Insurance
It’s a no-brainer. If you’re going to be selling vehicles, you need to have insurance. Make sure you’re covered in any accidents or damage to the cars. Here’s a list of insurance policies you need to get:
- Commercial General Liability: It will protect you from third-party claims of bodily injury or property damage.
- Product Liability: It will protect you from any injuries or damages caused by the products you sell
- Auto Dealer License Bond: You need to get this bond before you can start selling vehicles. It’s a state requirement in most places. The bond amount varies from state to state but usually ranges from $10,000 to $100,000.
These policies can ensure that you’re protected in case anything goes wrong.
Get the Right Suppliers
You need to find reputable suppliers for the vehicles you want to sell
Get a License
Of course, you need to get a license to sell automobiles. The requirements vary from state to state, but you’ll need a dealer and broker’s license.
You might also need a business license depending on your state’s requirements.
You’ll need to apply to your state’s Department of Motor Vehicles to get a license. You’ll also need to pass a background check and pay the required fees.
Choose the Right Brands
Lastly, you need to choose the right brands to sell. Not all brands are created equal. Do your research and find out which brands are most popular in your area. The best brands to sell include Toyota, Honda, Ford, Chevrolet, and Tesla.
You can also ask around for recommendations. Talk to other dealers and see which brands they’re selling.
These are just some things you need to do to be a successful online automobile dealer. If you can do all these things, you’ll be well on your way to becoming a top seller in no time!