Why Smarter Finance Journeys Start - and Succeed - In The Showroom

What if your finance process was the reason customers chose someone else?

Digital tools aren’t just about efficiency — they’re shaping how consumers decide where to buy and who to trust. Streamlining admin and increasing transparency isn’t a back-office upgrade; it’s a competitive edge.

In a world of increasing regulation, delivering good customer outcomes isn’t just best practice — it’s essential. One core principle is reducing customer detriment, yet many finance journeys still fall short. Disconnected systems and repeat data entry can lead to friction, confusion, and even unnecessary hard credit searches. That damages trust and puts both dealers and lenders at compliance risk. In contrast, a connected, transparent finance process is now both a regulatory requirement and a commercial advantage.

Yet despite today’s digitally literate buyers, much of the motor finance journey still relies on outdated, manual systems. For dealers, that means rekeying information into multiple lender portals. For consumers, it often means a lack of clarity or confidence. And for lenders, it can result in missed opportunities due to inefficiencies and poor-quality applications.

As an industry, we’ve embraced the idea that technology can improve outcomes — but the reality is that many tools and processes still fall short. At iVendi, we believe the next step forward lies in two key developments: multi-lender integration and dealer-led self-serve journeys. Both come together in a powerful new point-of-sale tool: Finance Navigator.

 

 

One platform. Multiple lenders. Zero duplication.

Today, most dealers still input customer information manually into each individual lender system. It’s time-consuming, error-prone, and frustrating — especially when staff turnover is high and familiarity with different portals varies. A true multi-lender solution eliminates this friction.

Instead of duplicating effort, a dealer enters the consumer’s details once. The platform then performs a soft search across the full lender panel, returning real-time finance results. The time, training, and admin savings are immediate — while the long-term benefits are felt across consumers, dealers, and lenders alike.

By simplifying the process, access is also widened to non-primary lenders that are often overlooked simply because sales teams aren’t familiar with their systems. Staff can focus on outcomes, not interfaces.

“The admin involved in entering a consumer’s details into each lender’s system is time-consuming and slows down the whole process of identifying the best motor finance for the buyer. A one-stop-shop solution, where you enter all the details once and they’re applied to a wide range of lenders, makes much more sense.”
- iVendi dealer

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Introducing Finance Navigator:
Launching 28th July

This new approach becomes reality with Finance Navigator, available to dealers on the iVendi platform from 28th July*.

For the first time, dealers can harness the full power of a multi-lender platform in a single, intuitive screen — comparing and quoting with real-time pre-approval, driven by actual lender criteria, all in one place. No guesswork. It’s a breakthrough moment for the showroom finance experience.

What makes it different is how seamlessly it pulls together complex journeys into a unified digital flow. Dealers can search, quote, and present tailored finance options to customers in real time — reducing manual entry, increasing transparency, and unlocking better finance outcomes.

 


It also enhances the advisory role of the dealer. Instead of pitching a product, they’re guiding customers through options, explaining terms, and supporting more transparent decision-making — while staying fully compliant.

“There are around 10,000 FCA regulated dealers in the UK, the vast majority of which have their own websites, accessible to millions of potential buyers searching for vehicles online. This presents huge opportunities for dealers and lenders.

However, we know that although most consumers prefer to complete their transaction at the point of sale, they will also look at price comparison websites as part of their buying journey. For example, a 2024 Mintel survey found that two thirds of consumers use Compare the Market.

The danger in not offering a multi-lender solution is that consumers will go elsewhere beforehand to access the choice they want.”


 Rob Severs - SVP of Products & Insight, iVendi

 

 

Want to see how Finance Navigator could work in your showroom?

 

 

The future of self-serve starts in the showroom

While many consumers are happy to research — and sometimes even arrange finance — online, most still want to finalise their decision in person. But the expectation of transparency doesn’t go away. They want to see all the available options in one place and feel confident they’re making the right decision.

This is where dealer-led self-serve journeys become crucial. Tools like Finance Navigator create a digital showroom experience — where customers can explore tailored finance, guided (but never pressured) by the dealer. According to a survey by Motors.co.uk, 71% of buyers are more likely to choose finance if all the information is available online.

This approach flips the traditional process. The dealer isn’t just a seller — they’re a trusted advisor. Meanwhile, the digital platform provides a full audit trail, clear regulatory compliance, and stronger outcomes for both consumers and lenders.

 

Where next for motor finance?

Unifying the motor finance journey through digital tools doesn’t just remove friction — it opens up new opportunities.

» For lenders, it means access to more — and higher-quality — applications.

» For dealers, it streamlines sales and strengthens trust.

» For consumers, it delivers clarity, choice, and faster, more confident decisions.

And with tools like Finance Navigator now live in showrooms, those opportunities are no longer theoretical — they’re operational.

The technology is here. The question now is:
Who’s ready to lead the change — and who risks getting left behind?

 

 

Not using iVendi yet?
Or looking to open up your lender panel?

Whether you’re new to iVendi or simply want to enhance how you’re offering finance, getting started with Finance Navigator is easier than you might think.

Our platform integrates directly with your existing sales process and supports onboarding at your pace. There’s no need to overhaul your setup overnight — and you don’t need to be tech-savvy to start seeing results.

 

Already using iVendi?

Now’s the perfect time to review your lender panel. By adding more lenders, you offer consumers greater choice — and increase your chances of conversion.

With Finance Navigator, every lender is surfaced in a single screen, so your team can present transparent, tailored quotes in seconds — helping you sell more vehicles and drive greater profitability.

🧭 Talk to us about moving to iVendi or expanding your lender panel.
Let’s make smarter motor finance work for everyone — together.

 

*Finance Navigator is available to dealers who are part of our lender subsidised programme.