Location is a big consideration factor in the buying journey for cars and now consumers can quickly shop inventory in easy-to-visit towns and regions.
Location search, the latest improvement to carsales.com.au, improves the way consumers can find inventory in their local region, while including other important search criteria such as features or dealer services in a location-based search.
Location search can be put to work by consumers via the search refinements panel.
“Location search will make it easier for consumers to narrow down to purchase options from dealers in close-by towns or regions,” says Adrian Harris, Group Product Manager – Consumer at carsales.
“The new feature will go a long way to improving the online shopping experience for consumers, particularly for those living in larger geographical states such as Queensland and Western Australia, where there can be vast distances between dealers.”
Indeed, location search is expected to be a big assist for consumers living in bustling regional centers and cross-border locations such as Newcastle in NSW, Gold Coast, Townsville, Cairns and Rockhampton in Queensland, Geelong in Victoria and Busselton in Western Australia.
“carsales network data reveals that consumers in these regions use location search refinements to a greater degree than consumers in capital cities,” explains Harris.
“For example, with Location Search, a caravan shopper in Townsville can easily shop SUVs in the immediate Townsville region only.”
The release of Location search highlights the carsales network’s commitment to delivering the best shopping experience for Australian consumers.
“Location search was born out of the close analysis of consumer behaviour search behaviour and the feedback of dealers partnering with the carsales network,” says Harris.
“The rollout of the new feature is not only a win for consumers, but dealers in regional and cross-border towns across Australia that will now be able better respond to the needs of local shoppers.”
One of the effects of digitising much of the buying journey is that consumers are willing to travel greater distances to find the exact inventory item they want or take advantage of an opportunity that represents better value.
“For dealers, the distance consumers are prepared to travel to view an inventory can be a key indicator of how prepared they are to purchase,” says Harris.
“I’m excited by the potential of Location search to deliver dealers more qualified enquiries,” he concludes.
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