UK classifieds platform Gumtree has relaunched its Motors category for trade customers.
Gumtree Motors will now offer a ‘three tier’ pricing structure, call tracking, and vehicle history checks – however, it will not include a finance check.
Go deeper with GlobalData
The vehicle history checks will be enabled through a partnership with hpi, and the results will then be shown on adverts in a bid to ‘build confidence’ between sellers and potential buyers, Gumtree Motors said.
Vik Barodia, head of motors at Gumtree, told Motor Finance: “We will be launching the addition of vehicle history checks to private sellers in the new year.”
Barodia also told Motor Finance that finance checks were not needed, and warned that they may prove detrimental to sales.
Barodia said: “Gumtree found that 10% of all cars on GT have outstanding finance. And whilst buyers should be cautious, it is a legitimate way for car dealers to manage cash flow.
How well do you really know your competitors?
Access the most comprehensive Company Profiles on the market, powered by GlobalData. Save hours of research. Gain competitive edge.
Thank you!
Your download email will arrive shortly
Not ready to buy yet? Download a free sample
We are confident about the unique quality of our Company Profiles. However, we want you to make the most beneficial decision for your business, so we offer a free sample that you can download by submitting the below form
By GlobalData“In other words, [there is] no point clearing finance immediately on the car up for sale, when it might sit on the forecourt for six weeks. What Gumtree wouldn’t want to do is throttle the potential responses to dealers as a car with outstanding finance might scare customers off.”
The call tracking feature will allow dealers to see which of their advertisements generate the best interest, according to Gumtree, and alert dealers of missed email or SMS enquiries through the missed call feature.
Gumtree Motors also unveiled three new packages for dealers, termed basic, plus, and premium. These packages will be available from 3 October, and vary according to size of dealership, desired level of exposure, and features.
Barodia said: “This is the start of a very exciting chapter for us. It is the culmination of three years of rapid growth and refinement in our trade offering.
“By providing an unprecedented level of choice, transparency, and greater efficiencies, the key features that our customers wanted, we are now in a position to cater to the whole retail market and firmly secure our position as the challenger brand.”
