WebBuy Blog

Reduce Trade-In Contention with  CarValuator

Written by Matthew Goodson | Jul 29, 2024 10:00:00 AM

When it comes to buying a car, trade-in negotiations are often the most contentious part of the process. Both buyers and dealers have their own perspectives and interests, leading to potential conflicts. However, WebBuy’s trade-in tool, CarValuator, is changing the game by making this process significantly less contentious.

The Pain Points of Traditional Trade-In Negotiations

The car buying experience is often described as stressful, with trade-in negotiations frequently cited as the most contentious aspect. According to a Cox Automotive survey, nearly half of the respondents indicated that the trade-in process was the most frustrating part of buying a car. Similarly, Kelley Blue Book found that 42% of car shoppers felt that the trade-in negotiation was the most stressful part of the buying experience​ (HubSpot Blog)​​​.

For salespeople, trade-in negotiations can also be challenging. They involve subjective appraisals and back-and-forth discussions that can create tension and erode trust. Salespeople view the trade-in process as particularly stressful due to the potential for disagreement over the vehicle’s value and condition​​.

Empowering Customers with WebBuy’s Trade-In Tool

WebBuy’s CarValuator addresses these issues by empowering customers to lead the trade-in process themselves. Here’s how:

  1. Customer-Led Evaluation: The CarValuator tool allows customers to evaluate their own vehicle according to the dealer's criteria. By involving customers in the evaluation process, they gain a clearer understanding of why the offer is what it is. This transparency builds trust and reduces the perception of bias or unfairness.

  2. Customizable Experience: Dealers can fully customize the CarValuator tool to mirror their in-person trade-in process. This means that the online trade-in experience can be exactly the same as the in-person process, ensuring consistency and reducing any surprises for the customer.

  3. Penny-Perfect Pricing Powered by JD Power: One of the standout features of WebBuy’s trade-in tool is penny-perfect pricing, powered by JD Power. This trusted pricing model ensures that what the customer sees online is exactly what they will get in-store with a salesperson. This eliminates discrepancies and reinforces the trust built during the online evaluation.

  4. Seamless Online and In-Person Integration: The CarValuator tool can be used both online and in-person, allowing salespeople to walk customers through the process transparently. By giving customers control and a clear understanding of how the trade-in value is determined, there is less reason for them to dispute the offer.

The Importance of Trade-Ins for Dealers

Trade-ins are crucial for dealers, especially in today’s market. According to recent market research, 41% of shoppers are looking to sell their car when purchasing a new one. Considering used car inventory is still recovering, this makes used car acquisition a vital component for dealers. By providing a seamless and transparent trade-in process, dealers can attract more customers and secure more vehicles for their inventory.

Conclusion

Trade-in negotiations don’t have to be contentious. With WebBuy’s CarValuator tool, customers can take the lead in the evaluation process, understand the dealer’s criteria, and benefit from penny-perfect pricing powered by JD Power. This not only makes the trade-in process more transparent and less stressful but also helps dealers acquire used cars more effectively.