According to Autorola statistics, from 2012 to 2013 the average price of used vans sold rose from £6,808 to £8,020, the largest increase in the company’s eight years in the UK.
That is despite average mileage of vans increasing by nearly 1,400 miles to 31,707 during that period and on average stock is predominantly two to three year old. This compares to an average increase of £161 (just under 2%) to £8,323 for used cars sold online.
The growth of online sales has been dramatic, as, according to Autorola, three to four years ago the used LCV industry bought and sold all of its stock through physical sales channels. The growth of online selling and the increase in buyer confidence has meant vendors now sell some or all of their stock online.
‘Buyer confidence is key and across the group we have identified the greater level of detail needed by LCV buyers including more detailed descriptions of the vehicle for sale including damage, repair costs and specialist bodywork or equipment fitted,’ explained Jon Mitchell, sales director at Autorola UK.
‘We believe the number of LCVs being bought and sold online will continue to grow. One major benefit is that the vehicle does not move until we deliver it to the new owner. That cuts out the normal delivery cost incurred of getting a vehicle to auction and we are delivering a vehicle to its new owner within just a couple of days of them buying it and paying for it online,’ he added.