New data from SpringboardAuto reveals that consumer likelihood to provide the dealer a 5-star rating increases by 133% and the percentage stating they would return to the dealer for future service visits nearly doubles when financing is completed online; 86% surveyed prefer to finance online before going to dealership

Irvine, CA –January 9, 2018 – Consumers want to finance their vehicle online and doing so significantly improves their overall car buying experience and perception of the dealership they buy from, according to a new survey from SpringboardAuto. The survey, conducted among consumers who have recently financed a vehicle online with SpringboardAuto for the purchase of a vehicle from a dealership, provides a snapshot of how consumers’ impressions of auto dealerships improve when they can complete financing online before setting foot into the dealership and shows a significant positive impact on CSI and retention.

“It comes as no surprise that consumers want to feel more empowered and more informed during the auto financing process -- and that they want to do it at their own pace. What is especially striking is that if they have that opportunity, their positive feelings about their dealership skyrockets,” said Jim Landy CEO and Founder of SpringboardAuto.  “With today’s technology providing multiple platforms that enable consumers to complete financing online and, in many cases, qualify for financing they may not otherwise be able to get through a dealership’s F&I process, the opportunity for dealerships is significant – especially if that platform is seamless, and easy-to-use.”

“Dealerships gain where it counts most to their bottom line: in service visits, loyalty, positive word of mouth --  and that critical CSI score, all while saving time spent on financing paperwork,” said Landy.

Landy added that, while there will always be consumers who want to finance in the dealership, today’s customer is increasingly looking for more control and personalization in the experience and to do it digitally -- and that this is particularly true among millennials.

The survey, conducted online in November/December 2017, asked consumers to compare their perceptions of completing financing at the dealership versus completing it online prior to purchase. The result? Customer satisfaction with the dealership increased on average by over 100% when they completed their financing online as evidenced by them being likely/highly likely to:

                                                          Financed online        Financed at the dealership

• Give a high CSI score                                            63%                                      27%

• Recommend dealership to friends                         55%                                       28%

• Return for service                                                   49%                                      28%

• Return to dealership for next purchase                  47%                                      21%

• Post a positive review                                            40%                                      18%

Eddie Castillo, General Sales Manager for the Subprime Division for Pine Belt Cadillac in Toms River, New Jersey, found the experience of working with a customer who has completed financing online prior to coming to the dealership to be a positive one: “You don’t go back-and-forth with the customer going over their credit or some of the very sensitive areas that sometimes can affect the situation. So now, they look at the car, they like the car, we agree on a price – and it’s an easier and more comfortable experience.”

The majority of those surveyed also reported that the finance experience online was easier, more pleasant and hassle-free than what they had experienced previously at a dealership.  They stated that what they liked best is the ability to do it all online, followed by not being rushed and having more control over personalization.  The survey also made clear that these consumers have been hampered by fear when heading to a dealership for financing, and that fear is fueled by lack of information and feeling disempowered.

Data Highlights

• Overall, customer perception of dealership increased in favorability by 115% as measured by likelihood to return to dealership, give a 5-star rating and recommend to friends.

• The financing preference of the vast majority surveyed is to go online prior to visiting the dealership: 86% versus 5% who want to do it in the dealership

• These are not finance newbies: 81% have financed via the dealership in the past

• 84% found the dealership financing experience frustrating and time-consuming, while only 16% found the experience hassle-free and convenient

• 92% said that working with an online financing platform was easier, more pleasant and hassle-free than their previous dealership finance experience.

• Respondents cited being able to complete financing online (82%) as the thing they liked most about the process, closely followed by not feeling rushed and being able to proceed ‘at my own pace’ (80%) and more control over personalizing the loan (72%)

• 81% said concerns about their credit score had held them back from financing via dealership in the past. Why?

  • Number one reason: “I was unsure if I could get approved and I had no idea what my payments would be/what I could afford” (77%)

  • Over half said: “I did not want to be embarrassed at the dealership by being rejected”

  • Just over two-thirds said: “I feel that my low credit rating means a dealer will take advantage of me”

• Getting the best loan rate and term trumps all else, including experience, for top priority in auto financing, with pleasant and hassle free coming in second.

About SpringboardAuto

SpringboardAuto (www.springboardauto.com) is an automotive digital retail company and technology solutions provider created by industry veterans and backed by CUNA Mutual Group. SpringboardAuto’s proprietary technology was architected by experts who saw gaps in the digital auto-buying experience. The company’s mobile-friendly, auto finance solution simplifies a secure online transaction for customers, dealerships and private sellers. Additionally, the company offers a complete suite of end-to-end technology, marketing and fulfillment services to credit unions, banks and other partners as an extension of their member and customer experience. As a complete digital ecosystem, SpringboardAuto is empowering the industry and revolutionizing the auto fintech landscape.

Media Relations

Melanie Webber, mWEBB Communications, (949) 307-1723, melanie@mwebbcom.com

Angela Jacobson, mWEBB Communications, (714) 454-8776, angela@mwebbcom.com