Buying an automobile during the coronavirus pandemic seems quite outrageous. However, it’s necessary to have a means of getting around, whether you’re allowed to go to work or planning to head over to the supermarket to buy weeks’ worth of supplies. Owing to the legal and technical obstacles, the car buying experience has become contactless. At least, it didn’t become obsolete. 

Car dealerships are moving their sales online. The outbreak of coronavirus has determined auto dealerships to move their businesses on the Internet to protect consumers’ health and wellbeing. An ever-increasing number of people are embracing online commerce and, most importantly, supporting local enterprises, which is no little thing. 

The good news is that companies don’t have to shut their doors and they can manage to handle the COVID-19 outbreak. At present, there is an urgent need for change in automotive sales, which is completely achievable in spite of the challenging economic and political situation. Overall demand is softening and competition is fierce, which means that enterprises have to find new ways to differentiate themselves from established and new organizations. 

If you’d like to find more about how coronavirus is impacting car sales, keep on reading. 

The way we buy cars isn’t the same anymore 

Back in the old days, you would go to the auto dealership and pick out a ride that you liked. The process usually involved research, price location, and negotiation. If you decide to buy a vehicle, you’ll most likely discover that the path to purchase has changed radically. Nowadays, if you want to acquire an automobile, you have to turn on your computer and find a platform dedicated to buyers and sellers alike. 

It’s important to understand that auto dealerships are required to work under the conditions of the novel coronavirus restrictions. Therefore, they rely to a great extent on Internet sales and video demos for everything from test drives to oil changes. Needless to say, shopping isn’t merely an Internet-enabled transaction. So, what is it then? It reflects the customer journey that starts with product awareness and moves onto purchase and, then, fulfillment. 

Even if some countries still allow dealerships to keep their doors open, many prefer making the transition to the online medium. Why? Simply because they have a lot to gain. Online is where customers are? Motor vehicle dealerships have the power to simplify remote and electronic sales or leases, and they should take advantage of it. The rules can change any day now, so, even if dealers can book two appointments per hour, the situation might not remain the same for too long. 

Sellers will be forced to close their doors and move their activities online. Dozens of companies are taking into consideration the possibility of selling online, realizing that the best time to do it was yesterday. Brands across the world are commercializing organically grown CBD hemp flower buds that don’t get you high. It’s just an example. The point is that businesses of all kinds are moving their activities from offline to online as the world sits down to watch Netflix or play online games. 

Is the current automotive sales model outdated? 

There’s no denying the fact that the current car sales and distribution method could use some improvement. Acquiring an automobile based on the traditional dealership model doesn’t engender a great deal of trust. The number of employees more often than not makes it difficult, if not impossible for buyers to establish genuine relationships, not to mention build trust, especially when it comes down to repeat sales. 

It’s not to say that the COVID-19 outbreak is a good thing. The devastating economic consequences that strike now will be felt for years to come. However, we must acknowledge the fact that the coronavirus pandemic has brought about much-needed change. To be more precise, the process of buying a ride at the dealership becomes less complicated. There isn’t a lot of paperwork to fill out, besides the fact that the actual purchase isn’t delayed until further notice. 

All in all, car dealerships should improve their online efforts and recognize that online is the new norm. People are willing to buy and businesses can’t wait to make sales. So, why not let customers do everything online? Digital signatures and electronic records legitimize the transaction; numerous states have adopted laws in this respect. Plus, we live in a society that no longer prefers paper documents. It’s what you would call a win-win situation. 

There’s no reason to spend so much time at the office when the buyer can come to a virtual dealership. Showrooms should do their best to revolutionize the auto industry which is facing a new era. Owing to the latest evolutions in technology, it’s possible to sell a car without being present. And that’s the beauty of it. We’re slowly but surely heading towards online sales and this isn’t necessarily a bad thing.