Auto Trader launches Highly Rated 2024 to highlight exceptional customer service

Auto Trader is celebrating retailers who deliver exceptional customer service with the launch of its Highly Rated 2024 initiative.

Retailers across the UK, recognised by their customers for outstanding service through high ratings on Auto Trader, will receive exclusive Highly Rated assets. These assets include stickers and digital logos, which can be showcased in both physical and digital showrooms to promote their excellence.

Qualifying retailers will also have a Highly Rated logo added to their Auto Trader profile page and Retailer Store for maximum visibility.

A recent survey revealed that nearly 75% of Auto Trader consumers consider reviews important in their decision-making process and are more likely to visit a Highly Rated retailer.

Richard Mosely, founder and managing director of Right Track Cars, shared how the Highly Rated status has benefitted his business: "We are very proud to have been awarded Highly Rated on Auto Trader for the past six consecutive years.

“As a small family-run business, having a 4.9-star average with over 180 verified reviews means our customers have greater trust in us. Many mention that our reviews influenced their choice, even if it meant travelling a distance. Customer satisfaction is incredibly important to us, and the Highly Rated scheme is a great reward for our hard work."

Richard Smith, managing director of Golden Hill Garage, added: “Happy and repeat customers are our lifeline and best advert; they’ve enabled us to prosper and grow over the years. Achieving the Auto Trader Highly Rated accreditation for the last six years makes us very proud and boosts staff confidence. Importantly, recognition from Auto Trader provides current and potential customers with great comfort and confidence, especially with distance sales.”

Sally Leeming, co-founder of First4car.com, added: “Receiving the Highly Rated recognition from Auto Trader is a real achievement and boosts every member of staff. Advertising this on our site increases customer confidence and boosts sales, linking us to such a recognised and trusted brand.”

To qualify for Highly Rated accreditation, retailers must meet the following criteria within the last 12 months: a high volume of recent reviews on Auto Trader; an average review rating of four stars and above on Auto Trader; and engagement with any low-scoring customer reviews.

Darren Moon, Auto Trader’s group sales director, commented: “Our Highly Rated accreditation is an invaluable opportunity to recognize and celebrate retailers providing outstanding customer service. With more of the car buying journey taking place online, reviews are fundamental to establishing trust and confidence.

“As one of the UK’s most trusted brands, we hope this accreditation will help our partners stand out in a competitive market, reassure potential buyers, and give colleagues the recognition they deserve.”

Retailers are encouraged to proudly showcase their Highly Rated status across all consumer touchpoints to ensure potential customers don't miss their achievement.

Retailers posting photos of their Highly Rated sticker on display in their dealership (or a screenshot of their digital asset) on their social media channels will have the chance to win a prize. To qualify, they need to post by midnight on 5 August and tag one of the Auto Trader Insight accounts on X (@ATInsight), LinkedIn (Auto Trader Insight), or Instagram (@autotraderinsight), along with the hashtag #ATHighlyRated. Entries across multiple platforms are permitted, with retailers entered once per social media platform for a screenshot, twice for a photo, and three times for a video.