In our latest vlog, we talk about FullAppraisal and how the system is benefitting motorbike dealers.
Category: FullAppraisal
Motorbike and van appraisal diagrams added to FullAuction and FullAppraisal
Cooper Solutions brings greater specification capabilities to dealers’ fingertips
Van and motorbike dealers can now reap new benefits of FullAppraisal and FullAuction from Cooper Solutions, with the addition of electronic appraisal diagrams. Now dealers can offer the fullest possible level of interior and exterior small damage and repair detail on all of their vehicles, including vans and motorcycles, when assessing them for part exchange or sale.
FullAppraisal, the mobile vehicle appraisal tool from Cooper Solutions, allows dealers to move away from outdated paper-based process to electronic appraisals. Tablet and mobile technology captures vehicle type and customer information accurately for appraisals on the go, helping dealers secure that deal.
Tom Wheeler, Sales Manager for LMC of Farnham in Hampshire comments: “Moving from paper-based to electronic appraisal diagrams when assessing vans gives a better impression when dealing with our customers. We can process information faster and more accurately. Also, by using a second signed appraisal on receipt of the part exchange, we are able to make sure the vehicle is checked properly by the salesman and the mileage updated for remarketing routes.”
This is backed by Lee Sarjeant, Sales and Finance Manager at Vines of Guildford BMW Motorrad who adds: “The team at Cooper Solutions has worked with us to ensure appraisal diagrams and descriptions are specific to bikes only. The process is simple with just a few clicks needed.”
The addition of the motorcycles and vans appraisal diagrams to FullAuction means that is the only vehicle auction platform offering this capability. FullAuction is an alternative route to market for franchised dealer trade cars that minimises transaction costs, attracts hundreds of validated trade buyers and is quick and easy to list, sell and deliver.
“Thanks to the new van and motorcycle appraisal diagrams, dealers using FullAppraisal or FullAuction can share the highest level of specification detail on their vehicles,” explains Simon Whicher, General Manager at Cooper Solutions. “Dealers using both FullAppraisal and FullAuction benefit from vehicle specification details being seamlessly integrated into FullAuction, eliminating duplication, saving time and improving accuracy.
“This latest upgrade is part of our commitment to offering the level of information dealers need to differentiate them from their competitors, whilst enjoy a seamless and powerful online appraisal and auction experience.”
Specialist Cars Collaborates With Cooper Solutions To Achieve A Seamless CDK Drive Migration
Partnership removes an age old IT challenge for dealers
Specialist Cars, one of the largest privately owned BMW and MINI retailer groups in the UK, has undertaken a seamless DMS migration to CDK Drive, and benefited from strengthened financial and forecasting capabilities, thanks to its partnership with Cooper Solutions.
In addition to the move to CDK Drive, the DMS provider of choice for BMW and MINI, Specialist Cars was able to create a bespoke solution that maintained access to Cooper Solutions’ range of services, including FullForecast, FullCover and FullAppraisal.
“We have been utilising FullForecast for over a decade, and it revolutionised our business from the outset. To this day, it continues to deliver a level of forecasting and accounting that is superior to any alternative solution on the market. So when the time came to switch to a new DMS solution, it was crucial for us to be able to continue benefiting from its real-time financial reporting. Any sustained interruption would have had a significant impact on the business and our daily operations,” explains Clive James, Finance Director for Specialist Cars.
In addition to avoiding disruption to daily financial reporting, Cooper Solutions enabled Specialist Cars to mitigate risk on customer courtesy and demonstration vehicles by ensuring FullCover’s fleet management and daily rate insurance offering was sustained throughout the migration.
Specialist Cars believes that the success of its seamless Drive migration was driven by a team of experts within the Cooper Solutions business, who combine powerful knowledge of state-of-the-art IT systems and algorithms, with a coherent understanding of motor retailing processes. Continues Clive James, “More than just a provider of technology solutions, Cooper Solutions understands motor retailing, delivering bespoke, dedicated services that cater to our needs which strategically support our business. This is why Cooper Solutions continues to be a first choice partner for Specialist Cars.”
Andrew Whicher, General Manager at Cooper Solutions adds, “This successful migration builds on our long-standing relationship of over 14 years. Not only were we able to ensure the smooth, consistent operation of our solutions which Specialist Cars rely upon daily, we were perfectly placed as a consultant to assist them in the mapping of thousands of accounting codes that enabled quick and easy reconciliation of accounts, whilst retaining prior year information.
“This was only achievable because at Cooper Solutions we have a team of passionate motor industry specialists, working with dealers to maximise the benefits of today’s technology in building business profitability, alongside customer loyalty and retention.”
Automotive Systems UK Partners With Cooper Solutions
Harnessing FullAppraisal to streamline the sales process and deliver an enhanced customer experience for retailers
Cooper Solutions has chosen Automotive Systems (UK) Ltd to help users of its mobile vehicle appraisal tool, FullAppraisal, to deliver a faster and more professional part exchange process to boost the customer experience.
FullAppraisal integrates seamlessly with ASUKL’s existing software, eliminating the need for multiple data entry and reducing time during customer transactions. Retailers using ASUKL’s platforms can now input customer details and vehicle data whilst at the vehicle side, using their mobile device. Crucially, the integration of FullAppraisal with ASUKL’s software means retailers are fully compliant with FCA Regulatory Treating Customers Fairly guidelines, ensuring best practice in people and systems. The robust software provided by ASUKL also tracks sales, reduces time spent inputting data, helping retailers sell more and boost profits.
Tim Sherriff, Director of Automotive Systems (UK) Ltd says: ‘Working in partnership with Cooper Solutions and integrating our systems has a number of benefits to the retailer. The platforms fit seamlessly into retailers’ existing sales processes, delivering a more streamlined and professional customer experience. Now sales executives have to input customer details just once online, via their mobile device, creating a slick and professional impression.
“FullAppraisal also delivers data through digital appraisals, allowing it to be easily transferred to the ASUKL platform. This means we can track sales and collect data in one simple reporting system. Using both systems together means our retailers have peace of mind that their FSA compliance is robust whilst offering clear and concise advice to their customers.”
Simon Whicher of Cooper Solutions, adds: “We are looking forward to working closely with ASUKL in this exciting new venture in our joint mission to streamline retailers’ sales processes. FullAppraisal helps motor retailers embrace electronic appraisals, for faster, more accurate data collection at the vehicle side which, together with FCA compliance, creates a modern, professional image for the business and enhances customer experience.”
September 2017
L&L Automotive Boosts Sales With Cooper Solutions
Harnessing the power of FullAppraisal and FullAuction for business growth
L&L Automotive Group, has chosen Cooper Solutions’ FullAppraisal and FullAuction to support its focus on expansion. Seamless integration of these services into its business has resulted in increased profits on part exchanges by xx%.
As a certified used approved Mercedes-Benz retailer, L&L Automotive in Hertfordshire, is harnessing the power of FullAppraisal, the mobile vehicle appraisal tool, to ensure cars are properly prepared and accurately described, ready for resale. By pulling in data from pricing guides, sales executives have a good starting point for part-exchange values, which can be provided to customers along with supporting images so they can review how a retailer came to their decision. Removing the traditional paper and pen appraisal process provides customers with the modern retail experience they expect, whilst sales managers can track how many appraisals carried out are converted into sales.
Andrew Gallacher, General Manager and Sales Director for L&L Automotive, explains, “FullAppraisal has replaced our traditional method for pricing cars, which involved calling upon a select group of traders to provide reasonable estimates, so we now have even greater confidence that we are benefiting from a high quality appraisal. And because FullAppraisal pushes vehicle information through to FullAuction, it has become an integral part of our resale process, making the whole procedure more efficient, faster and professional.
“It’s been a similar experience with FullAuction, which has boosted business confidence alongside increased monthly profits. As a result, we have reinvested in the businesses with the appointment of a dedicated used car controller, who has the sole responsibility of moving stock. Thanks to FullAuction, we now trade to industry respected dealers without incurring marketing expenses and with streamlined, automatic payments on sales, the whole process is slick and efficient.”
FullAuction is an electronic trade-only auction site, maximising margins for buyers and sellers alike with no listing or buying fees. Connecting FullAppraisal with FullAuction, means an accurate appraisal and a realistic auction grade – inaccurate appraisals mean a loss at auction. Vehicles can be offered to the trade whilst still on the retailers’ premises providing a seamless end-to-end trade management solution.
Gallacher adds, “Our business has grown in partnership with Cooper Solutions and its Client Support team, which ensures we continue to deliver a high quality, individual service, which our customers’ value. Cooper Solutions’ biggest strength is its ability to design tools that integrate seamlessly into the business. In addition, the team is reliable, responsive and adapts to suit our changing needs.”
Barry Cooper, Managing Director of Cooper Solutions, says, “We work closely with customers to help them maximise the benefits of our services, support business growth and make a tangible difference to their bottom line. As a long-standing customer, L&L Automotive has seen the benefit from streamlined appraisals and sales that supports their business by boosting profits using the power of FullAppraisal and FullAuction.”
L & L Automotive is a certified Mercedes-Benz, smart and Mercedes-AMG franchise retail group based in Hertfordshire, offering new and used sales, plus fleet and business services and finance.
March 2017
Jemca Signs Up To FullAppraisal From Cooper Solutions
Digital solution improves data capture and customer service levels
Jemca is the latest group to turn to FullAppraisal, the mobile vehicle appraisal tool from Cooper Solutions, harnessing digital capabilities to replace its paper-based system. Following a successful trial, Jemca has rolled out FullAppraisal across its 11 Toyota and Lexus sites, building on its existing partnership with Cooper Solutions.
Jemca Car Group’s core business and heritage is its Toyota and Lexus franchises, operating state-of-the-art retail and servicing centres across the South East. As part of its commitment to delivering a premium customer experience, Jemca needed to move from its paper-based manual appraisal system. FullAppraisal offers Jemca’s sales staff an intuitive solution that auto-fills vehicle details and makes it easier to accurately capture the data they need without slowing down the sales process.
With FullAppraisal, all vehicle and customer information is captured electronically, using a VRM look-up to auto-fill vehicle details. This helps sales teams save time they once spent on manually filling out forms, allowing them to focus on the customer needs. In addition, FullAppraisal’s easy to use checklist system reduces the risk of missing information by ensuring sales teams complete specific fields before they can finish the process. Sales executives can also upload up to 15 photos with a ‘drag and drop’ feature to add vehicle condition markers for greater accuracy.
Paul Meller, Market Area General Manager, Jemca Car Group, says, “Today’s consumer expects a digital customer experience. FullAppraisal not only enables us to improve the accuracy and timelines of data capture, but moves us on to an electronic platform, presenting a new level of professionalism to our customers. Each member of our sales team is armed with an iPad featuring FullAppraisal, so they can make fast, accurate appraisals and engage with customers the whole time. Indeed, it’s not just streamlining our part exchange process; we’re using FullAppraisal for every customer enquiry.”
Simon Whicher, FullAppraisal General Manager at Cooper Solutions, adds, “We have been working with Jemca for over six years, delivering our daily rate insurance for customer loans. This extension of our partnership demonstrates the expertise and support Cooper Solutions can offer dealers across the business. FullAppraisal is just one of the suite of online tools we deliver to enable dealers to improve business processes for everything from financial management to used car stock control. We are looking forward to building on the support we already provide Jemca as it continues to meet the expectations and needs of its customers.”
November 2016
Best Practice – Streamline your part-ex process
The customer journey at your dealership
Customers are far better informed than they have ever been, and with fewer customers stepping through the doors of dealerships today, it’s vital that retailers stay ahead of the competition and provide a quick and efficient valuation process on a part-exchange vehicle.
Using an electronic solution such as FullAppraisal allows retailers to present a professional, trustworthy and transparent service when managing the part-exchange process.
Accurate
FullAppraisal is intuitive; teams can efficiently appraise incoming part-exchange vehicles, creating a ‘packet’ of data that can be shared within the dealership or wider group.
By avoiding duplication when entering information and eliminating chances that paperwork could be mislaid, using technology makes for a slicker and more efficient operation which is easy to track and measure.
Barry Cooper said “nowadays, customers expect a modern retailer experience, and retailers who are maximising their use of technology impress customers the most. It’s too easy to miss off vital pieces of information about the vehicle, which can make all the difference to achieving the right hit rate and ultimately the price which underpins the importance of a robust and effective appraisal process, ideally digital and integrated into the dealer’s digital remarketing process.”
Digital remarketing
Moving to digital remarketing using a system such as FullAppraisal allows access to market valuations using integrated data from CAP immediately after data entry. By transferring this information to an online auction site such as FullAuction, retailers can be sure of a quick sale to a national market at minimal transaction cost. Vehicles that have been more accurately appraised benefit from a higher average selling price through confident bidding.
Combining your appraisal process with an e-auction site ensures an end-to-end trade management solution that is efficient, stress-free and profitable.
The paperless age is here!
AM Live 2016: The Customer Journey At Your Dealership – Is It Fit For Purpose?
Purchasing a car is not only a financial commitment for consumers but also involves a significant emotional investment. Cooper Solutions will be exploring the customer journey and the impact technology can have on this experience, as well as covering the acquisition of used car stock and disposal of vehicles during a best practice masterclass at the new AM Live expo.
Product Head Simon Whicher and Business Development Manager David Abel take to the stage to provide dealers with the knowledge they need to deliver the modern retailer experience. Breaking down the entire process, beginning with important contact points like CRM data capture, how digital appraisals can lift the customer’s perception of the process as well as providing a highly efficient and credible valuation method, and FCA compliance. The seminar will incorporate video and client testimonials to share retailers’ best practice in these areas and how the use of online auctions can help boost stock turn and ultimately profitability . Taking place on 16 November at Milton Keynes Arena, the expo is the first of its kind for the automotive retail sector and is free for dealer and manufacturer delegates upon pre-registration.
Commented Whicher: “ Avoiding duplication when entering information and eliminating chances that paperwork could be mislaid creates a more professional and engaging process with customers. The use of technology makes for a slicker and more efficient operation which is easy to track and measure. We find those who maximise their use of technology are the ones securing greater exposure and demand for their vehicles, in turn driving up margin and improving average trade debtor days. We also find it’s too easy to miss off vital pieces of information about the vehicle which can make all the difference to achieving the right hit rate and ultimately price which underpins the importance of a robust and effective appraisal process, ideally digital and integrated into the dealer’s digital remarketing process.
According to Cooper Solutions, transaction costs for online auctions can be nine times less than physical auctions. The company’s figures across the whole site over the last five years reveal a 72% conversion rate on first time listings, rising to 89% with a single relist, and 94% with two relists. Meanwhile, vehicles which are more accurately appraised benefit from an average uplift of £125 per unit through confident bidding activity.
AM Live is the only event of its kind on the automotive calendar, a one-day expo where leading sector suppliers take part in a huge exhibition highlighting latest products, services and developments alongside a jam-packed programme of ‘best practice’ seminars, an F&I theatre and a law clinic where dealers can pose legal questions.
Best Practice – Cooper Solutions’ Top Tips for online appraisal
Attention to detail
We all know accuracy is key when it comes to appraisal, but it can be all too easy to lose paper forms while interpreting colleagues’ handwriting can sometimes be problematic! Using digital software is a very simple and effective method to record the information needed. With a tablet-based tool, dealers are able to quickly input key figures, while targeted prompts ensure no information is missed out during the process.
Saving time, keeping interest
Appraising a part-exchange can be a time consuming process. However, by using web-based tools, salespeople can shave valuable minutes from the data entry. Plus, by using technology with which customers are familiar, such as iPads, dealers can involve their clients in the process. This not only helps conversation flow, but also builds rapport and encourages a feeling of honesty and approachability with the sales team.
Transparency is key
Harnessing the power of digital is critical if dealers want to get ahead in today’s ultra-competitive market. By using digital software, dealers can get instant live market valuations using integrated data from CAP immediately after data entry, creating a smooth transition towards talking about finance options with the customer. Integration with CDK then ensures the part-exchange is tracked throughout the sales process, with the vehicle details instantly sent to online auction apps for the best possible profit margin.