Dealer Website Vehicle Trade-in Appraisals Catching On

Online vehicle appraisal tools are becoming more popular, with savvy dealers using them to attract customers. So says Mike McFall, president of Black Book Online, a vehicle value-setter that offers appraisal applications on dealership and auto maker websites. Conventionally, customers take their currently owned vehicles to dealerships for on-site determinations of value as a prelude to trade-in transactions.

Steve Finlay, Contributing Editor

April 1, 2011

1 Min Read
WardsAuto logo in a gray background | WardsAuto

Online vehicle appraisal tools are becoming more popular, with savvy dealers using them to attract customers.

So says Mike McFall, president of Black Book Online, a vehicle value-setter that offers appraisal applications on dealership and auto maker websites.

Conventionally, customers take their currently owned vehicles to dealerships for on-site determinations of value as a prelude to trade-in transactions.

But a website tool using a “Value Your Trade” button can fairly accurately value the vehicle, sight unseen, if the shopper enters relevant and correct information.

“We provide a range that allows the customer and the dealer to negotiate,” McFall says. “A used vehicle's condition is a major factor in determining its value.”

Online appraisals empower the customer and aid the dealer's cause, he says. “The customer gets an appraisal, the dealer gets a lead. We tell dealers, ‘Do the trade first, not last. Use it to get the customer to the store. It creates an appointment.’”

Timing matters. “If customers are asking trade-in questions, it's not the time to talk about the car you want to sell them,” McFall says.

About the Author

Steve Finlay

Contributing Editor

Steve Finlay is a former longtime editor for WardsAuto. He writes about a range of topics including automotive dealers and issues that impact their business.

You May Also Like