One hallmark of the Covid era is the comfort people now have with buying things online. That includes items they once vowed they would never purchase without seeing in person, like houses and cars. But it turns out that information-rich technology paired with trusted partners goes a long way toward building the confidence people need to purchase big-ticket items online.

This spring, Carousel Motor Group became the first local dealership to launch an e-commerce site for seamless pre-owned vehicle buying. From comparison shopping to delivery, customers can engage with Carousel Online to purchase used vehicles without ever having to step foot in a dealership.

Locally owned Carousel Motor Group built its reputation as a trusted seller of premium vehicles, and it aims to extend this brand promise to its online buyers. “We want to bring a transparent, premium experience to customers that they can explore, compare and purchase at their speed and comfort level,” says Dan Olson, general manager of Carousel Online.

“We really want to put clients in the driver’s seat of their shopping experience and their vehicle,” Olson adds. “We don’t want them to feel like they are just along for the ride—we want to partner with them and deliver an enjoyable and meaningful experience.”

Online from start to finish
Many customers already start their vehicle shopping journey by researching and comparing prices. They visit sellers to kick tires, then often go back online to complete the sale. Carousel Online allows buyers to eliminate that in-person step by providing comprehensive information up front about potential pre-owned vehicles.

For example, Carousel Online’s listings include dozens of photos, videos from technicians explaining what they did to prepare vehicles for sale, service records, and descriptions from head to tail. Buyers even can find links to outside resources about fair pricing (think Kelley Blue Book) right on the vehicle listings and access live one-on-one support to get questions answered.

Carousel Online’s goal is to take the guesswork out of used vehicle shopping. “We strive to provide a transparent, fair price, and give customers all of the resources they need to make a decision they feel good about,” Olson says.

Providing premium service
When customers decide to buy a pre-owned vehicle through Carousel Online, it will be delivered right to their door, complete with a six-month, 6,000-mile limited warranty. And if a vehicle isn’t exactly what the buyer was expecting, they can return or exchange it within 72 hours or 720 miles. Carousel Online will come pick it up without charge and return their trade-in. Additionally, Carousel Online will buy customers’ vehicles even if they aren’t purchasing through the site.

“The best way to purchase a vehicle is in a low-pressure situation, with transparency and convenience,” Olson says. “We want to offer all of that and the same premium experience we offer at our other Carousel brands. Everyone deserves a premium experience, no matter how they are shopping.”