An increasingly buoyant market is not being matched by the availability of vehicles, making it harder than ever for retailers to buy the right vehicles at the right price for their forecourts.

“Without doubt the market is changing,” says Dean Richards, grs Sales Manager. “It’s been picking up this year which is good, but it brings with it a new set of challenges.”

With significantly reduced numbers of new cars rolling off assembly lines throughout the recession and rental companies running fleets for longer than they did in the past, a number of factors have combined to create what might appear to be a perfect storm for retailers.

“Because of the reduced demand for new cars during the recession, the volumes just aren’t coming through now,” says Dean. “This situation is being compounded by rental vehicles being run for two years and being de-fleeted with up to 30,000 miles on the clock today, rather than the 12 months and 15,000 miles we typically saw pre-recession.”

The resulting shortage is pushing prices higher, while additional fees and charges on top of the sale price at auctions can quickly add up. “There are also a number of significant hidden costs, in particular the day out of the office required to attend the auction itself,” says Dean.

“Once purchased, retailers also have to arrange transport for their vehicles back to their forecourts, with some companies even adding ‘gate out’ fees when retailers collect vehicles themselves.”

Not so at grs, where retailers are guaranteed a safe port in a storm – perfect or otherwise!

“In the current climate it’s hard for retailers to buy the vehicles they really need for their forecourts, though it’s by no means impossible,” Dean says. “It’s essential that they buy good quality, at the right price – and that’s where we can help.”

Thanks to its relationships with manufacturers, major lease hire operations and rental companies across the UK, grs has the pick of the crop when it comes to sourcing a wide range vehicles – from Vauxhalls to VW Cabriolets, BMWs and commercial vehicles.

Importantly too, the price that retailers see is the price they pay, with absolutely no hidden fees or charges. And with all vehicles photographed inside and out on the company’s purpose-built turntable, neither will there be any unexpected bumps or dents.

“Our market-leading photography is accompanied by detailed vehicle descriptions which are all available online, along with information such as the availability of spare keys and logbooks, so that retailers can see exactly what they’re buying,” says Dean.

Speed is another important factor and when using the grs transport service, vehicles are normally delivered within 48 hours of cleared funds being received. Alternatively, retailers are welcome to collect vehicles themselves from the grs logistics centre at Cold Meece – with absolutely no collection charges guaranteed!

“Our approach is all about transparency and trust,” concludes Dean. “When buying from grs there are never any unwelcome surprises and no hidden fees, which is why so many retailers rely on us to supply their forecourts with good quality vehicles.”

To find out more about how grs can add value to your business call Dean on 0844 2255477 or visit www.grs.co.uk