It won’t be a long stretch to say the Coronavirus pandemic affected every industry in an unexpected way and we have never faced such challenging but also thought-provoking times before. From the rise of e-commerce to the decline of interest in travel and changing consumer behaviours, there will certainly be a lot to analyse in the future.
The automotive and mobility industry was affected as well, and during its most profitable months - March and April, when car sales typically surge as new vehicle registrations plates come out. With lockdowns across the UK and Europe, vans and cars were left waiting patiently on the sidewalk. But from mid-May, following two months of concerningly low activity we saw an uprise - and such, that vehicle purchases online went through the roof.
How Did Consumer Behaviour in the Automotive Industry Change Post-Covid19
Perhaps the biggest change in behaviour, which stimulated the uptake of interest in the car sales industry, is the fact that people have shifted towards intercity travel, as compared to travelling abroad. Recent research shows that in terms of intercity travel the popularity of travelling by private car, rather than train or plane is on the rise.
A third of consumer said they now value the constant access to a private vehicle more than they did prior to the coronavirus crisis. Half have pointed out they have expanded their use of private vehicles beyond travel - such as to visit drive-in theatres.
How Did Buying Behaviour Change During Coronavirus
While shopping online has become increasingly popular in the last few years, the COVID-19 pandemic consolidated its position as the main choice for shoppers. This is especially true for the Millennial and Gen Z generations who have, in general, reported a change in where and how they shop.
Buying online is not strictly reserved for necessities and clothing either - almost every industry, including the automotive, has seen an increase in enquiries coming through online channels as people try to avoid visiting shops and being in an enclosed space with other than members of their family.
Availability, in particular, has taken the leading spot when it comes to purchasing decisions, due to shortages of supplies experienced across different sectors. In this sense, shopping online allows the consumer to quickly determine if a product is available or not, the waiting times and delivery times. Going to a physical store or showroom might require multiple attempts and interactions, which is not desired by consumers at this stage.
For the automotive and mobility industry this has meant that car and van buying online have rapidly spiked in popularity, and now seem to be a preferred method among consumers.
Questions to ask When Buying a Car Online
Though the trend of buying a new vehicle online is on the rise, consumers are still not fully aware of all the questions they need to ask or confirm to ensure a safe and smooth purchase.
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Is the car brand I want available or there is a wait time
Often car dealers online will list models they have access to but are not available immediately. Other times they might stock a cerrtain brand but not all the models from it. If you have a certain model in mind and you can’t find it available on the car dealer’s website it’s always best to drop them a quick email - they might be planning on restocking it soon.
2. Do I have to complete a purchase online?
It’s understandable that many will have underlying concerns about completing such an important financial purchase online. Often, when buying a car online, you will have the chance to choose the model and complete documentation online, at convenient for yourself time, but the actual transaction can be completed face-to-face.
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Can I only buy a vehicle online from a manufacturer’s website
Absolutely not! In fact, it’s always best to browse around for the best car and van deals available online. Just like you’d do if you were looking to buy a car offline.
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What are my consumer rights when buying a car or van online
When buying a vehicle online, consumers enjoy increased protection by the Consumer Contracts (Information, Cancellation and Additional Charges) Regulations 2013, which covers “distance selling” where a product is not sold in person. Also, when buying online you have the right to cancel within a 14 day period following the vehicle’s delivery. You can’t do this if you’re purchasing from a physical dealership. However, it is also worth asking about the return charges you might incur in such case.
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How much will it cost me in the end?
As with all vehicle, purchases be mindful of hidden costs, delivery fees, processing fees and any other charges that might occur in the process of the purchase. Always ask for a price breakdown and a confirmation of the overall sum you will have to pay.
Which Online Car Buying Site is the Best?
There is no straightforward answer to this question, as it will depend on the vehicle you want to purchase, the deals available, and the added offers and conditions. We always recommend looking for an established online car dealership, with a traceable history of closing deals online. Make sure you can access their agents on the phone, in case there is need - while email is a preferred method of communication, being able to have a chat and easy access to any question you may have will fill you with confidence. Finally, don’t hesitate to be inquisitive and most importantly - trust your gut!
At Nationwide Cars we have been selling vehicles for over 35 years. We always have huge discounts and offers on a wide range of vehicles so you can have the best choice available. Contact us for more information and advice on the best cars and vans for your budget and preferences.
