"Being Prepared" Boosts Sales Activity

Sales activity across SMA proved particularly robust during October, with an increased volume of buyers, both in the SMA centres and particularly online.  Good availability of stock and effective marketing played a key role, with sales analysis revealing two key areas of increased impact:

1. Increased buyer presence and activity on the web
2. Price premiums for well-prepared stock

The continuing economic situation has seen a shortage of used car vehicles coming to market, subsequently demand for this stock, particularly vehicles that have been well-prepared and with a good history has been particularly strong.  The situation has been such that guide prices have been regularly exceeded.

SMA has been successful in developing new vendor relationships throughout the year, and the capacity to prepare and market cars effectively has been cited as a key part in the decision process to work with SMA.

On site Technical Service Centre facilities provide state-of-the-art vehicle servicing, preparation and even body shop options for vendors and buyers, and it is a considerable investment that is now proving very timely.

Better preparation and imaginative marketing = more buyers

It is a formula that is certainly increasing the buyer pool, especially those working remotely who are able to bid and buy whilst at their keyboards.  Research findings from this growing audience revealed that the key reasons for using the online service were: stock availability and the SMA Online Guarantee which is applicable to all online purchased vehicles displaying a completed Vehicle Condition Report.  The unique SMA Online Guarantee emphasises the company's commitment to customers and clarity in the information provided, whereby customers taking delivery of an online purchased vehicle and the condition differs from the online Inspection Report SMA will take the vehicle back and refund the purchase price in full.

Commenting on what was a fascinating and busy month Managing Director Bob Anderson reflected; "We are operating in a very dynamic market right now.  The consumer is clearly in short supply and cost conscious, but stock shortages, especially in the small car sector are driving car values ever higher.

In light of consumer behaviour, Trade buyers are favouring prepared stock because they can get it to market faster and without any additional refurbishment costs, vital when margins are tight.  To get this they are clearly prepared to travel.  Buying right today, is increasingly about the all-inclusive cost to include preparation and with SMA that is very much available".