16 Jun 2020 Aston Barclay Announces New Measures to Help Buyers Select Used Stock
Aston Barclay has changed the way used vehicles are remarketed throughout the lockdown period, with online auctions tapping into a strong market with CAP performance returning to pre-COVID levels.
The wide range of cars and LCVs running through each centre has highlighted the pent-up demand and in response to this, Aston Barclay has set out new working practices to aid buyers in selecting used vehicles to replenish their stock in a safe way.
It will start by allowing a limited number of buyers on site prior to an auction to view vehicles. Each person will have to sign an online form and confirm the sale they are interested in viewing.
All buyers will report to auction reception and will only be allowed to enter once they have been through the check-in process.
Buyers will not be able to turn up and view stock without an appointment and for the time being the auction programme will continue in its online format, with no physical buyers present.
The current official Government guidance stated that vehicle auctions could open on Monday 15 June. However, Aston Barclay believes it is too early to host physical sales.
Neil Hodson, Aston Barclay’s Group CEO, explained: “Monday was the first time we have welcomed any customers onto our sites for 11 weeks. In our minds, 15 June was too soon to welcome buyers to a physical auction with social distancing measures still in force.”
Hodson continues: “However, we recognise that our loyal buyers may want to see vehicles prior to bidding in online sales. Our imagery, inspections and grading clearly show the condition of the vehicles online, although there are reassurances buyers take from physical viewing. We will be monitoring the success of our two-week trial before we decide on hosting physical sales in the future. In the meantime, we will continue with a 100% online auction policy.
Aston Barclay continues to increase the number of sales it hosts for vendors with 28 online sales planned for the two-week trial period between 15-29 June.