Even as the nation has reopened following the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic, public health and government officials urgently ask Americans to maintain precautions in order to slow the spread of the virus. Wearing a mask and keeping 6 ft of distance from others is simple enough, but how has coronavirus impacted the process of shopping for and buying trucks? Here are our tips for buying commercial vehicles in the time of COVID-19:
KNOW YOUR SHOPPING OPTIONS
As you look to purchase a commercial vehicle, it’s important to know how you can safely obtain information about available units. One option is to go to the physical dealership lot and hope that they provide a safe, socially distant shopping experience. However, COVID has contributed to a huge spike in online research, and dealers have responded accordingly. More than ever, it’s easy to quickly browse trucks and vans on dealership websites and on third-party marketplace websites like CommercialTruckTrader.com. Online marketplaces give you the widest selection of vehicles from which to choose while providing the safest method of purchase research.
DO YOUR RESEARCH
The most important step in buying any commercial vehicle is to find out as much as you can. This helps you determine if the truck is the right purchase for you. The main aspects of inquiry can all be safely completed online:
- Learn about the truck or van’s details from its structural components to the mileage via the unit’s online listing photos and description.
- Learn the vehicle history including use, maintenance, repair, and accident history by simply asking the dealer and by searching through public records using the vehicle’s VIN.
- Research the owner/dealer through online background checks and by asking around with your industry contacts.
- Compare listings. Just because you’ve found one unit that could be a good fit doesn’t mean there’s not a better deal or more relevant vehicle out there. Be sure to fully research local dealership websites and leading online marketplaces.
COMMUNICATE WITH THE SELLER
Once you’re interested in a unit, you don’t have to immediately visit a dealership. Instead, you can safely reach out to the seller by phone call, email, text, or live chat (depending on what contact options they offer). Don’t hesitate to request more photos, seek out additional details, ask questions, talk financing, negotiate price, or communicate about anything else you think is important.
INSPECT THE UNIT
You may think that inspecting a vehicle must be done in-person, but actually live video inspections have become increasingly popular during coronavirus. A live digital appointment with a dealer satisfies many of the goals of a traditional appointment, including viewing the unit and its parts in real time, observing unit functionality, asking any relevant questions, and hearing the dealer’s sales pitch. When setting up a live video chat, confirm certain details with the dealer, such as the exact date and time for the live video chat and which video app or feature you’ll use to communicate. Popular video chat options include Zoom, FaceTime, Google Hangouts, and Facebook Messenger Video Chat. When conducting a live video inspection, we recommend that you…
- Ask to hear the running engine,
- Have the dealer show the mileage,
- Request to see custom specs or any damage,
- Have the dealer point the camera to any specific part you want to see, and
- Inspect anything else you would usually observe face-to-face.
CONDUCT A TEST DRIVE
OK, if you want to go a test drive, this particular step does have to be done in-person. However, there are still steps you and the dealer can take to make test drives safer in light of COVID. First, instead of just showing up at a dealership, schedule an appointment. This helps dealers manage how many people are in the dealership at once. Second, request that the dealer have the vehicle sanitized and ready to go with the keys already in the ignition so that you and the dealer can maintain social distancing. Third, consider bringing along a cleaning wipe to sanitize the steering wheel and gear-shift yourself before touching them. Wear your mask and have some hand sanitizer with you so you can immediately wash your hands after the drive.
MAKE THE PURCHASE
In the times of COVID, it’s likely a dealership will allow you to begin the purchase process digitally. Many dealers have offered solutions like providing online financing resources on their website or accepting purchase deposits online or over the phone. Depending on state laws, the dealer may even be able to finalize the sale and sign over the vehicle to you through their website as well. Some dealers also offer expanded delivery services where they bring a purchased truck or van directly to your home, business, or jobsite. If you do need to sign documents or pick up the vehicle at the physical dealership, we again recommend that you help the dealer manage how many people are in the dealership by calling ahead to schedule an appointment. And as always, don’t forget to wear your mask!
FOR MORE INFORMATION
Find out more, visit www.commercialtrucktrader.com.
