10:31 am, March 28, 2018
ASTON Barclay has launched its new vendor app as part of its digital technology roll-out to customers.
The app allows vendors to control and manage the auctioning of their vehicles in real time, remotely from anywhere in the world.
One feature of the app is the ability to send a direct message to the auctioneer during a sale, allowing the vendor to accept a reserve bid or answer a question from a buyer. Real-time sales data is also going to be introduced later this year.
In addition, vendors can also target buyers by sending them push notifications and showing them pre-recorded video messages when they open the app.
Around 5,000 Aston Barclay’s customers have now downloaded the buyer app, with 30 per cent of bids across the group being made on mobiles.
As a result of this increased mobile usage, time limits on proxy bidding have been removed. Buyers are now able to make proxy bids until each vehicle is offered for sale.
On Aston Barclay’s website, customers are viewing cars for 15 per cent longer online thanks to the introduction of SpinCar technology.
The website is also going to receive an upgrade, allowing for quicker access to auctions from the homepage and improved video and audio of sales.
Meanwhile, the physical auction halls are being updated as well, with the Westbury site having been fitted with Mega Screens and four-foot-tall tablets.
Neil Hodson, CEO of Aston Barclay, commented: ‘We believe it’s the first time a physical auction business has hooked up buyers and vendors digitally, with vendors already looking at ways to engage with buyers.
‘Being able to send an auctioneer a message remotely during the sale has proven a big hit with vendors who have piloted the app. It means they do not have to attend every auction, but still have the power to engage with the rostrum and buyers.’
MORE: Record-breaking start to the year for Aston Barclay’s Prees Heath site
MORE: Aston Barclay strengthens management team
MORE: CDX 2018: Give your dealership’s unsung heroes a chance to shine!
On WorkshopMagazine.co.uk: Pagid doubles size of its specialist technical services team for the UK aftermarket
