Best used car stock now “largely being sold online,” says 1link Disposal Network

The best used car stock is now largely being sold online in ready-to-retail condition to dealers, reports 1link Disposal Network.

The 1link Disposal Network e-commerce platform confirms there has been a definite shift during 2016 because of increasing stock availability.

Tim Meadows, commercial director, said: “There are ever larger numbers of PCPs and other leasing returns coming to the market and this has required manufacturers and leasing companies to rethink their approach to disposal in some important ways.

“What we are seeing is a concerted effort to defleet, recondition and resell stock as quickly as possible, generally in days rather than weeks, in order to free up capital rapidly and meet growing dealer demand for ready-to-retail cars and vans.

“The best way to do this is online, purely because the process is much faster than sending the car to a traditional auction, and potentially places the vehicle in front of many more buyers.

“There is no question in our minds that the best used car stock is now largely being sold online.”

Is the quality of used car stock sold at physical auctions diminishing?

Tim said that the majority of stock now sold at physical auctions tended to be of lesser quality.

“There are exceptions, such as certain specialist sales. But in general, the standard of stock sold through traditional channels is not quite as good as we see online and is priced accordingly.

“As availability of stock increases, we’re seeing increasing stratification of the market as those selling cars seek out effective solutions.

“The best, fastest-to-sell stock goes through online channels. Below that are different levels of quality with the poorest finding their way into general auction sales.”

Over the next year or more, as stock levels are predicted to increase, the overall trend will increase.

“More and more PCP stock will be returning to the market. We expect to see further refining of disposal strategies.”