VAutoStock is offering free use of its now stand-alone part-exchange vehicle appraisal tool which allows car dealers to value customers’ cars from a distance during COVID-19 lockdown.

Chris Barrett, the managing director of stock management specialist Visual Automotive, said that the offer was introduced as many dealers are facing challenges with valuing part-exchanges and to manage contact-less car sales during the current coronavirus pandemic. 

“The feedback we have received from dealers is that part-exchanges have been difficult, as estimates have been completed remotely. This can cause issues at vehicle handover or post sale”, he said.

“We developed the free part-exchange tool to provide an easy-to-use solution to assist dealers. Our early testing stage proved highly successful and so we are now making it available to all dealers.”

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VAutostock’s new part-exchange tool is available for free until the end of the year and can be fully customised to individual dealers and feature their logo.

Dealers who are not existing Visual Automotive clients will be charged £27 to cover set up and hosting. 

Barrett said: “As soon as the lock down was announced, we were keen to support our clients financially as well as offering to help on-site, once restrictions start to be lifted. 

“This was of course well received, but we decided we wanted to try and help further.

“Once we are out of lock down, our part-exchange tool can be used in the showroom by the sales team. 

“If they are still handing over paper-based appraisals, they could save money on printing by using our new tool.”

Dealers using the new appraisal tool to value a vehicle for part-exchange do so by sending the customer a web link. 

As soon as the customer has completed the appraisal, the dealer will instantly see all the information they need to value the vehicle and offer them a price.

Geoff Champion, sales director at Romford-based Tony LeVoi Vauxhall, which has already been using the new tool, said: “We have been using the new part-exchange tool over the last two weeks and have been deeply impressed with the results. 

“This additional support through the pandemic has helped up us take orders online ready for delivery as we start to come out of lock down.”