The Independent Motor Dealers Association (IMDA) has entered a new partnership with ecommerce platform provider SilverBullet.
It means the organisations 600 UK members will have access to SilverBullet’s full ecommerce platform for used, new and aftersales. The company’s training resource will also be available to IMDA members.
By partnering with SilverBullet, the IMDA says it can provide members with access to materials, webinars, and best practice guides to ensure more website visitors are turned into sales.
Umesh Samani, chairman of the IMDA said: “With a year of lockdowns proving to be a catalyst of consumers to start buying more cars online, and many more online retailers joining the market, we want to make sure IMDA members have the tools to compete and that they are not left behind.
“By partnering with SilverBullet, we will make sure IMDA members get access not only to software that can help them sell online, but also to training to help owners and staff members best serve these customers.”
Nearly two out of every three car buyers say they are now open to buying their next car online, according to CarGurus 2021 Buyer Insights Report.
The shift to digital purchase paths has increased dramatically over the last year. Pre-pandemic just 42% of buyers said they were open to buying online, that figure now stands at 63% as consumer behaviour continues to adapt.
SilverBullet’s Managing Director, Cameron Wade, said: “Since the beginning of lockdown, we have been doing everything we can to make sure dealerships can sell cars online and as we emerge from lockdown and see a rise in demand, we are looking forward to showing more independent dealers how they can make more margin, reduce costs and increase conversion rates through ecommerce.
“Consumers are now more empowered than ever with the information they need to make informed buying decisions and are increasingly buying online. This shift in behaviour has resulted in an increased requirement to have a flawless online presence.”
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