By ALANA MITCHELSON
A Geelong car dealer is trialling new technology to help prospective buyers check out the details of vehicles at the click of a mobile phone button.
Mike Hanneysee Car Dealers has introduced the system to the dealership’s advert in today’s Indy.
Readers can text codes, appearing with advertised cars, to receive more information almost immediately.
Principal dealer Justin Hanneysee said the technology helped reach buyers in the moment.
“It’s immediate, so I’m able to contact interested buyers immediately while they’re in the buying frame of mind. I think it’ll give me a better indication of how many people are engaging with my ads rather than just giving it a general glance.
“I’m not sure what the benefits will be at this stage but hopefully people will respond well to the codes once they understand how the system works.”
A Geelong-based developer created the technology with the aim of assisting car dealers and real estate agents. Peter Cran and business partner Phillip Warhurst spent 18 months developing the product.
“We create a code which is displayed beside each item in a newspaper advertisement. For example, a dealer may have six cars in an ad so we create six different codes,” Mr Warhurst said.
“When a potential buyer is interested in one of the sale items, they can text the code to a supplied mobile number. They’ll then immediately be presented with all the key details about the product.
“For example, texting the code associated to a property will send the potential buyer a link to a video, text, photos or other multimedia. During this process, the system captures the mobile details of the interested buyer.”
The one-step SMS system would provide convenience for customers and businesses alike, Mr Warhurst said.
“When agents or dealers advertise in a newspaper, space and the associated expense limits smaller businesses who don’t have the marketing power that bigger brands have. It provides interactive, connectivity to the ad.
“We wanted to create something to help bring back some of the power to smaller businesses so they can build databases and client loyalties.”
