Multi Award Winning Group:
About Fresh Motors:
Fresh Motors, led by Managing Director Jacob Freshwater, began its journey in 2016 with humble beginnings. What started as a one-man operation with just five vehicles has since evolved into a thriving business with 30 staff members and a fleet of 150 vehicles. This impressive growth has been marked by three location changes, showcasing the company’s resilience and adaptability in a competitive market.
As Fresh Motors expanded, so did the complexities of vehicle preparation. Jacob and his team found themselves struggling with traditional methods to manage this crucial part of their business. Their quest for a solution led them to discover vAutoStock, a platform that would revolutionise their approach to inventory management and preparation.
See the full video below:
The Challenges Before vAutoStock
Prior to implementing vAutoStock, Fresh Motors relied on a patchwork of manual tools to manage their vehicle preparation process. Excel spreadsheets, Trello boards, and Monday.com were used, but these systems lacked integration and didn’t provide the insight Jacob needed into the status of each vehicle.
“We had no idea how long vehicles were in certain processes, what was holding them up, or what the next step was,”
Jacob explained.
“There was no visibility into the preparation journey, which was a massive challenge for a growing business like ours.”
Without oversight into the time, cost, and processes involved in getting a vehicle ready for sale, Fresh Motors was missing a crucial piece of the puzzle. The team struggled to manage the flow of vehicles efficiently, leading to delays and inefficiencies. This lack of visibility impacted both the speed of sales and profitability, as vehicles were often stuck in limbo during the preparation process.
Why vAutoStock?
Fresh Motors was drawn to vAutoStock because of its ability to provide complete oversight of their vehicle preparation process from start to finish. Jacob recognised that controlling days in stock and improving the speed of preparation were key to improving both efficiency and profitability.
“vAutoStock allows us to track the status of each vehicle at every stage of the preparation process,”
said Jacob.
“We now have a clear understanding of where each car is, how long it’s been there, and who’s responsible for the next step. This visibility has transformed the way we operate.”
With vAutoStock, the team at Fresh Motors now has real-time access to important data, helping them to make informed decisions and reduce bottlenecks. The platform’s ability to track and manage vehicle preparation tasks has significantly reduced the time it takes to get cars from the lot to online listings.
The Implementation Process
As with any major change in a business, the transition to vAutoStock required careful planning and support. Fortunately, vAutoStock’s team was there to ensure a smooth implementation process. Chris from vAutoStock personally visited Fresh Motors on their go-live day to provide hands-on training and reassurance to staff.
“We were really impressed with the level of support we received. Chris and Amanda from vAutoStock were there every step of the way, helping us adjust the system and make sure everything was running smoothly,”
said Jacob.
“It gave our staff the confidence they needed to adopt the new system quickly.”
The ongoing support from vAutoStock has also been outstanding. Whether it’s addressing tweaks in the system, handling new feature requests, or providing general guidance, Fresh Motors has felt like they have a true partner in vAutoStock.
Measurable Benefits and Improvements
The improvements Fresh Motors has experienced since implementing vAutoStock are tangible and measurable. Prior to using the system, their days in stock averaged around 65. Now, they’ve shaved 20 days off that number, bringing it down to just 45.
“By having full oversight and management of our processes, we’ve been able to speed up the time it takes to get cars online and ready for sale. Every day a car is in stock costs us money. The faster we can prepare and sell a vehicle, the better our profitability,”
Jacob explained.
This reduction in days in stock is a clear indicator of the efficiency gains Fresh Motors has achieved. The ability to measure and track the progress of each vehicle, combined with performance targets for staff, has driven improvements across the board. The platform has made staff more accountable, with clear targets to keep the process moving swiftly.
Continuous Improvement and Feedback
One of the standout features of vAutoStock is its receptiveness to customer feedback. Fresh Motors has suggested a few enhancements that have been incorporated into the system, such as the addition of key numbers on the T-card board for faster vehicle identification and the ability to change vehicle locations within the key search. These small changes have had a big impact on speed and usability.
“We’ve been really impressed by how vAutoStock listens to its customers,”
Jacob noted.
“They’re always open to suggestions, and when we have ideas for improvements, they take them seriously. It’s clear that they’re committed to continuously evolving the system to meet the needs of their users.”
A Strong Recommendation
Jacob’s final words offer a clear endorsement of vAutoStock.
“I would categorically recommend vAutoStock to any dealership. If you’re looking to drive down your days in stock, improve your preparation process, and enhance your speed to sales, vAutoStock is the solution. There’s simply no other partner in the market that can do what they do.”
In conclusion, vAutoStock has become the heart of Fresh Motors’ operations. By providing comprehensive oversight and streamlining the vehicle preparation process, it has enabled Fresh Motors to operate more efficiently and effectively, ultimately leading to improved profitability and growth.
For automotive dealers looking to optimise their operations, vAutoStock offers a game-changing solution that can drive success, just as it has for Fresh Motors.
