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- Sale prices have risen by 8% in last month
- 50% of used cars have been bought by buyers in the halls
Aston Barclay has now been running physical sales for one month following the opening of car dealers and non-essential retail.
Since the new auction schedule has begun, Aston Barclay has seen a 17% uplift in attendance, with online buyers remaining consistent. Of the vehicles sold, 50% have been bought by buyers in the halls compared with 100% online just a month earlier.
Across its six centres around the UK, Aston Barclay has seen an 8% increase in sale prices, as buyers’ clamour for the available stock.
Vendors have been happy with the performance, with both additional stock from existing vendors and stock from new vendors being sent through Aston Barclay's lanes because of the return to physical. They have also noted the benefits of being back in the halls and being able to work directly with the auction staff.
In early March, the auction house surveyed its customers to understand what the appetite was for a return to the auction halls and the feedback was clear - 84% saying they wanted to return to the halls as soon as it was safe to do so.
Of those surveyed, 97% said they would buy the same amount or more given a choice of channels through which to buy. There was a strong appetite for a choice between physical and online, with the higher mileage and older vehicles attracting a greater desire for vehicles driven through the lanes.
Buying online remains a popular channel for its buyers, especially with the newly introduced vehicle inspections provided by the AA with guarantees provided by WMS.
Martin Potter, Aston Barclay's Managing Director - Customer said: "Giving our buyers the choice in how they purchase their used vehicle stock remains an important part of how Aston Barclay differentiates from the more traditional auction house. Our new partnership with The AA means buyers can trust making a purchase either in the auction hall or online, and that the vehicle they buy is accurately described."
