A reverse auction service designed to supply franchised dealers with strong sales leads has been launched by a former car sales manager.

Shaun Williams used to manage a used car supermarket in Bristol. Now he has linked up with an IT expert to start Bidaprice. The business combines two websites, www.bidaprice.com for the public and www.bidaprice.net for dealers.

Consumers seeking a particular make of car select dealers from that brand’s entire franchised network, enter the specification and options they require, and invite those dealers to put forward matching vehicles. It’s likely they will go for the cheapest, which means participating dealers will need to put forward their best prices.

The service is free to dealers as consumers pay £99 to start their search. Williams believe the cost will not be a deterrent.

“Lots of car buyers don’t like the traditional haggling process now. They want to be offered a car at a realistic price,” he says. “The majority of buyers research their next car online, so they can simply wait to dealers to pitch for their custom.”

Bidaprice hopes to raise public awareness through search engines and magazine reviews.