How Can It Be So Difficult To Get A Company Car?
A Woman’s Perspective on sourcing business vehicles.

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Full article by Claire Sinclair...

"I have always heard rumours of the difficulty people experience when trying to get unbiased information when wanting to get a new or used vehicle, especially when it comes to understanding the best method of finance.  However, when I recently joined the CarMenu family, I wanted to check this out. 

I acted as a mystery shopper visiting various main car dealers.  My “story” was that I had recently started my own business, and my new assistant started next month and needed a new car.  I knew how much I wanted to spend a month, how many miles the car would do, that it was for business use, and that there is a finance method that allows VAT registered companies to get the VAT back.

My first shock, was that in 2 out of the 4 dealerships, there was no-one in sales available to help me.  In one dealership, the entire showroom was empty and the receptionist had to go searching the building to find someone.  In the other dealership, despite the fact there were only two other customers, all their sales executives were tied up. 

Although I thought walking into a car showroom, saying I need to buy a car, would give me great spending power, many of the sales executives lost interest when they heard me say “1 car for now”.  Not one of them was able to provide me with a quotation there and then.  Despite there being designated Business Sales Managers, no-one directed me to them, meaning I would not receive the specialised knowledge and advice, which would help a new business owner.

I expected them to discuss the various finance options with me, but No.  Every dealer only offered PCP to me, without even asking me questions about the business or how long I wanted the car for. 

Why was this I wondered, when PCP is tailored towards personal buyers who want vehicles in their name.  I wanted a business car for an assistant, and therefore would benefit most from a business finance package, especially when I get the VAT back. 

After the second dealer still had not discussed the VAT issues with me, I asked directly “My friend who has a business mentioned he used a finance method which allows a VAT registered company to get their VAT back, which package is this?”.  One response was “Oh that would be of no use to you at all”.  How can receiving the VAT back on your rentals NOT be of any use I cry! All he suggested was that I speak to an accountant. 

Wouldn’t it be lovely I thought if I did need to buy a car, to be able to speak to a company who could provide information on the best vehicle, finance package and yes, the VAT.  This is obviously where CarMenu rises above all others.  The response from the other dealer was even more shocking; he had never heard of such a package despite his many years in the industry.

I noticed something that most of you probably have.  Not one of the sales people who spoke to me filled in an enquiry form.  The best they did was to right my name and number down on a sticky pad.  Again, this emphasised to me their focus on targets.  They didn’t want to have to report to their Sales Manager how many enquiries they had received, because then they would be expected to do their job and provide a good enough service which would persuade you or I to use them.

Gone are the times when you or I go into a dealership and are met by a warm and friendly advisor, who offers you a drink whilst you look around.  Now all we are faced with is over eager reps who see you merely as a number; as a means to an end! 

This is why CarMenu is so popular. 

CarMenu acts as an impartial advisor of vehicle types and finance packages.  Their only target is customer satisfaction and making you want to come back, time and time again. 

In the age of advanced technology and automated systems, CarMenu stands out above everyone.  Because they believe in putting the customer first, and providing full impartial advice which often leads to substantial cost savings for both individuals and companies."
Claire Sinclair

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