How Auto Trader Connect helped me save “2-3 hours per day” on admin tasks – Paul Richards, Crompton Way Motors
Paul and Lorraine at the Auto Trader Retailer Awards 2019
We recently spoke to Paul Richards, Owner of Crompton Way Motors to learn about his experience using Auto Trader Connect. Paul was part of a 6-month pilot programme for upgrading data feeds and we asked him how more advanced vehicle data, shared in real-time had benefitted his business.
He was tired of data feeds dictating the daily schedule for his team and was keen to be part of the pilot to reduce the time it takes to create and manage adverts.
Following the trial, Paul explained in summary that Auto Trader Connect ‘saves our business time and improves profit per unit. We operate on a fast turnover so this means we can reprice faster to drive higher margins. It’s a massive time saver, we’re saving 2-3 hours a day, a full day a week.”
Part of the new integration provides Crompton Way Motors with access to Auto Trader’s advanced vehicle data within their existing stock management system. This can be more efficient when adding stock items, whilst removing inaccuracies in the process. In the interview Paul stated “we’re now far more accurate and we can change something instantly” when speaking about this feature.
Relying on data feeds to sync changes between systems was a challenge Paul highlighted before taking part in the trial. It often resulted in double keying between different systems to ensure there was consistency between listings. When asked if Connect provided a solution to this challenge Paul confirmed “We no longer have the frustrating wait for a feed to run. If I want to change a price, correct a mistake or add a new photo, it’s done in an instant, both on Auto Trader and my website.”
With the feed between his stock management provider and Auto Trader now operating in real-time, we were keen to understand more about how this had impacted his daily schedule. Paul explained that time savings were the standout benefit and that the working day was now “more relaxed” without the previous rush to get stock uploaded at 4.55pm, in time for the data feed the following morning. Although he did say that adding stock prior to closing was a habit he still finds hard to get out of.
In addition to the retail essentials version of the product, Crompton Way Motors also subscribe to Retail Metrics & Valuations through Auto Trader Connect. This enables Paul to react to market shifts quickly and amend his pricing in line with the live market, all within his existing systems. This has been key in recent months following 78 weeks of successive price growth, helping Paul to maximise margin on his current stock.
Overall, Paul has seen significant benefits to his business as a result of upgrading from data feeds to Auto Trader Connect. He feels the most important benefit is the time saving available, saving a full day each week, but also recognised the opportunity to maximise profit by monitoring his pricing in-line with the live market. .
Auto Trader Connect - Retail Essentials will be available in packages from 1st December 2021* at no extra cost. For more information or to request access click here >