How to Offer Financing as a Used Car Dealer and Increase Customer Base

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Offering financing options can be a game-changer for used car dealers, as it allows customers to drive away in a new-to-them vehicle sooner.

According to the article, 75% of car buyers consider financing options when making a purchase. This is a key statistic to keep in mind when deciding whether to offer financing as a used car dealer.

By providing financing options, you can attract a wider customer base, including those who may not have considered purchasing from you otherwise. In fact, one study found that 90% of customers who were offered financing ended up purchasing a vehicle.

To get started, you'll need to establish relationships with lenders and understand their requirements for financing used vehicles.

In-House Financing Options

In-house financing can increase revenue generated from interest, but requires taking on more risk as it's your business's money being lent to buyers. Carvana is a great example of this practice in motion.

By offering in-house financing, you can eliminate the need for finance companies, giving your dealership more flexibility when it comes to setting rates, determining who qualifies for your loans, and deciding whether to require down payments. This can help you set up your department and start optimizing it to profit from this vital offering.

In-house car dealer financing offers a convenient solution for customers with poor credit who are unable to secure traditional financing options, allowing you to expand your customer base and offer an opportunity for those with limited access to lending sources.

In-House Financing Basics

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In-house financing can increase revenue generated from interest, but it also requires taking on more risk as it's your business's money being lent to buyers. This type of financing is often referred to as "buy here, pay here".

As a used car dealer, offering in-house financing can be a convenient solution for customers with poor credit who are unable to secure traditional financing options. By providing high-interest loans despite the higher risk, dealerships can expand their customer base and offer an opportunity for those with limited access to lending sources.

In-house car dealer financing offers a range of benefits, including the ability to attract a wider range of potential buyers, including those with less-than-perfect credit history. This can help establish long-term relationships with customers by assisting them throughout the entire car buying process.

To set up in-house car dealer financing, you'll need to follow a few key steps. These include picking a lending partner, such as a virtual finance company that connects auto dealerships with lenders, and outsourcing the credit decision making and paperwork to free up your time.

Discover more: Risk Financing

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Here are some key things to consider when financing a vehicle:

How Car Dealerships Profit

Car dealerships make money on financing by adding an additional percentage to the offered interest rate, typically 1-3% more than the bank's rate. This extra percentage is pocketed as a fee for their service.

Dealerships can negotiate flat fees with banks and credit unions for selling their loans. This means they can earn a fixed amount for each loan sold, rather than relying on interest payments.

Offering 0% financing can help dealerships sell more expensive car models that buyers might otherwise avoid. This type of financing may not generate interest income, but it can boost sales.

Dealerships can also profit from back-end services, such as offering additional warranties, maintenance plans, and insurances. These services often have higher profit margins than the initial sale.

Choosing Products to Offer Clients

Deciding which financing products to offer clients is the first step in setting up in-house financing options at your dealership.

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You'll need to consider the market you serve and what types of financing products are in demand.

Start by thinking about the financing products you've offered in the past and what worked well.

Contacting providers can also help you make this decision, as they can offer valuable advice on the options available.

Alternative Financing Options

Offering alternative financing options can be a game-changer for your used car business. Independent car dealers that provide in-house financing have the advantage of attracting a wider range of potential buyers.

This allows you to establish long-term relationships with customers by assisting them throughout the entire car buying process. In-house financing can help you secure repeat business and positive word-of-mouth referrals.

By offering financing options, you can cater to buyers who may not qualify for loans from banks or credit unions due to their less-than-perfect credit history. This can lead to increased sales and a more loyal customer base.

Expanding Customer Base

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Expanding your customer base as a used car dealer can be a game-changer for your business. By offering in-house financing, you can attract a wider range of potential buyers who may not qualify for loans from banks or credit unions due to their less-than-perfect credit history.

Independent car dealers who provide in-house financing can establish long-term relationships with customers by assisting them throughout the entire car buying process. This includes selecting a vehicle and securing affordable monthly payments.

In-house financing allows you to cater to customers who may have been turned down by traditional lenders, giving you a competitive edge in the market. By offering alternative financing options, you can increase your customer base and stay ahead of the competition.

With in-house financing, you can provide customers with a more personalized experience, from the initial consultation to the final sale. This builds trust and loyalty, leading to repeat business and positive word-of-mouth referrals.

Dealership Operations

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As a used car dealer, managing your dealership operations is crucial to offering financing options to your customers. Dealership operations involve managing the day-to-day activities of the dealership, including sales, service, and finance.

A well-organized dealership operation can help streamline the financing process, allowing you to offer more competitive financing options to your customers. According to the article, a dealer's finance and insurance (F&I) office is responsible for managing the financing process, including negotiating with lenders and preparing contracts.

To effectively manage your dealership operations, you'll need to establish a system for tracking customer information, vehicle inventory, and financial data. This can help you identify potential financing opportunities and improve your overall efficiency.

Offering Through Web Finance Core

Offering financing through Web Finance Direct can help your dealership remain competitive in today's market.

This is made possible by connecting you to a diverse network of lenders, giving you access to a wider range of borrowers looking for their next car.

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You can earn a flat fee for selling the loan or a percentage of the loan amount and interest, with the total amount varying depending on the price of the car and other products sold.

Working with an F&I Services company like Web Finance Direct can help expand your dealership's consumer base and elevate profits.

By partnering with an F&I company, you can eliminate the need for finance companies, giving your dealership more flexibility when it comes to setting rates and determining who qualifies for your loans.

This can also help you decide whether to require down payments, giving you more control over the sales process.

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Independent Dealers: Basics

Independent dealers play a crucial role in the automotive industry, often operating as small businesses or franchises. They typically purchase vehicles from manufacturers or other dealerships at a discounted price and then resell them to consumers.

Independent dealers usually have more flexibility in their pricing and business operations compared to traditional franchise dealerships. This allows them to offer competitive pricing and promotions to attract customers.

Curious to learn more? Check out: Do Car Dealers Make Money from Financing

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Independent dealers often have lower overhead costs, as they don't have to invest in the same level of infrastructure and staffing as larger dealerships. This can result in higher profit margins for the dealer.

Independent dealers may have more limited access to manufacturer resources and support, which can impact their ability to market and sell vehicles. However, they can often make up for this by building strong relationships with their local community and customer base.

Independent dealers typically operate on a smaller scale than franchise dealerships, with fewer employees and a more streamlined sales process. This allows them to focus on providing personalized service to their customers.

Consider reading: Rv Dealers Finance

Getting Started

Set up your in-house car dealer financing department as soon as possible to ensure the success of your business.

In-house car dealer financing is essential to the success of your business.

Optimizing your department is crucial, as it will help you profit from this vital offering.

It's more than just a box to check, though - it requires effort and attention to detail.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do car dealers offer financing?

Car dealers offer financing by originating loans to customers and selling them to banks or other financial institutions. This process is known as dealer financing or indirect lending.

Do used car dealers make money on financing?

Yes, used car dealers typically make a commission on financing deals, but they can lose this income if you finance directly through your bank or credit union.

Krystal Bogisich

Lead Writer

Krystal Bogisich is a seasoned writer with a passion for crafting informative and engaging content. With a keen eye for detail and a knack for storytelling, she has established herself as a versatile writer capable of tackling a wide range of topics. Her expertise spans multiple industries, including finance, where she has developed a particular interest in actuarial careers.

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