iVendi’s claims “world first” with off-the-shelf online motor retailing platform

iVendi’s next release of its platform will deliver a “world first” off-the-shelf complete online vehicle retailing platform for dealers.

Ready at that start of 2018, it will allow dealers ranging from major groups to small independents to simply plug in the solution to their existing web sites.

James Tew, CEO, said: “This is very much the holy grail of online motor retailing. Buying a car online is not like buying a pair of jeans. It is a process that requires everything from handling a part exchange to motor finance.

“Over the eight years that iVendi has been in existence, we have been working on each of the key elements of the process and, by early next year, will be in a position to deliver a complete solution to dealers and others.

“We are now at the stage where we can incorporate a simple but important feature into the platform – a ‘buy’ button. Getting to this point has been a long journey but we confident that this product is absolutely right for this moment.

“In the same way as a High Street retailer might move into online sales by using e-commerce technology like Shopify on their web site, dealers will now be able to use iVendi. It really is a genuine step change.”

James said that a trial version of the platform had been in operation with up to 500 dealers since Spring of 2017 and it was currently handling sales in excess of £2 million per month.

He said: “To anyone who still says that online motor finance doesn’t have a role to play, we can point at this very substantial figure, one which is growing month-on-month. This is a genuine market satisfying genuine customers.”

An important feature of the platform will be that it can handle continual switching back-and-forth from online to in-showroom sales for each individual customer.

James explained: “Our view is that there are a handful of completely online sales and a handful of completely offline sales but in the real world, most customers will, for example, perhaps look at stock online, try out online finance options, call the dealer to ask some questions, play with the finance some more, go for a test drive, and so on.

The next phase is due for release in Q1 2018 and we can add you to the list of prospective clients/customers. Simply call 0330 229 0028 or email tellmemore@ivendi.com