Sophisticated imagery and guaranteed inspection reports gave buyers the confidence to buy vans without viewing at Manheim’s first online-only auction.

When we ran a competition recently here at vanrental.co.uk, we asked entrants how they would normally hire a van — online, by telephone or via a recommendation from a friend or colleague.

Six in ten of those questioned said their first choice was to head online and hire, compared to just 24.4% who telephoned a local firm and just 15% who relied on recommendations. It seems the move online is unstoppable — and not just for hire firms.

Vehicle auctions are also increasingly moving online — witness the success of eBay Motors — and while ‘bricks and mortar’ auction houses which allow online bidding are not a new phenomenon, auctioneer Manheim UK recently took the concept to the next level with an online-only auction.

The auction, which took place in August, offered 102 Lex Autolease vans for sale virtually and exclusively to an online buyer audience.

The sale was delivered by Manheim Online’s team in Bruntingthorpe and saw 125 unique buyer log-ons and an 89% conversion rate. A total sales value of just under £500,000 was achieved.

From a buyer perspective the online auction’s operation mirrored a physical sale, with the exception that the vans were sold remotely using condition reports and images; without being driven past a rostrum.

Online buyers instead received a live audio and video feed of the auctioneer conducting the sale.

Matthew Davock, head of LCV, Manheim commercial vehicles, said:

“It’s fantastic to be at the forefront delivering new and innovative remarketing solutions. The buyer engagement and social media buzz created by this event was considerable.

I auctioneered at all three sales and the online sale in particular had an amazing atmosphere. Buyers have truly embraced this online sale format. They are comfortable using Simulcast technology. They trust Manheim. All told we delivered a unique event that countered the seasonal retail sales lull and produced a market leading result.”

The online auction also featured Manheim Van Check, Manheim’s unique and industry leading mechanical inspection product. Van Check provides buyers with a money back guarantee covering 21 major areas. When coupled to detailed inspection reports and high quality zoom imagery, online buyers were given maximum confidence to bid and buy remotely.