UK first for auction
October 28th, 2009 by Richard Aucock
ONLINE access to ALL of its auctions across the UK will soon be offered by car auction house SMA.
This will mean car dealer customers of the Scottish firm need never visit a ‘live’ car auction ever again.
The move will, says SMA, set a UK-first precedent. Never before have customers been able to hook into every single live auction being run by a company before.
Sales director Eddie Thompson said the company had done this by investing heavily in ‘the ultimate service, which allows buyers to ‘attend’ an SMA auction without leaving the comfort of their office.’ Only basic computer skills and an email address are needed.
It’s not a complete substitute, he added. ‘While we don’t believe going online will replace the physical auctions, having the option of full internet access, in real time, is an additional service.’
For those worried about provenance, SMA is laying on inspectors to appraise vehicles ‘before, or during, every sale’. But Hampton Court Motor Company co-owner Doug Cowan reckons there’s nothing to worry about.
The system, from which he’s bought 30 motors, ‘has put paid to me having to either fly or drive to Scotland to make use of the company’s facilities, saving me a huge amount of time and expense.
‘It really is the closest thing to actually being in the auction hall.
‘The condition of every vehicle is perfectly outlined in the sale description, the video link is exceptionally clear and precise, and if I ever have a query, an SMA inspector, many with direct retail motor trade experience, is on hand to answer my call.’
SMA’s move is the next step in the progression of online car retail. What do you think the future holds – will this model eventually replace ‘real’ car auctions? Do please share your thoughts.
Tags: car auction, internet, online, sma, web