Acting as an agent: the Cold Meece connection

“Any company de-fleeting vehicles is looking for three key benefits – speed, efficiency and value,” says grs Sales Director Danny Hartshorne. “Turnaround time is key, and vendors want a partner who understands their needs and has the flexibility and know-how to accommodate them”.

Recognised as a leader in the remarketing sector, grs has pioneered a number of different approaches which can all work together as part of a multi-channel strategy, including outright purchase and residual value underwriting, both of which have grown in popularity in recent years.

However, there is an increasing focus on a third route, which brings another set of benefits for vendors – where grs acts as an agent on their behalf.

“There will always be a place for auctions within de-fleeting strategies, but they’re only one of the options available,” continues Danny Hartshorne. “Working with grs on an agency basis means there’s no waiting for the next auction if a vehicle fails to sell first time. We have built up extremely strong relationships with some 13,000 franchised and independent retailers across the UK over the past 15 years, so we have a guaranteed market for de-fleeted vehicles.”

However, there is another significant weapon in grs armoury above and beyond its deep industry expertise and extensive retailer relationships – its 36-acre logistics centre in Staffordshire. The purpose-built facility is capable of processing 60,000 cars and LCVs every year, and has the capacity to store up to 4,500 vehicles safely and securely at any one time.

Continues Danny: “Our Cold Meece site adds another dimension to our agency service which is unrivalled, as it gives us the ability to de-fleet, inspect and refurbish vehicles without delay. The team there understands the importance of speed to our customers.”

An estimate for any refurbishment required can be provided as soon as the inspection is completed, or work carried out on a fixed fee basis, whichever suits the vendor best. What’s more, all vehicles are photographed in the new Cold Meece photographic suite which includes a 360 degree turntable and high quality digital camera equipment. Photographed inside and out against a consistent and unobtrusive background, vehicle details and images are uploaded to the grs website where they can be accessed by retailers 24-hours a day – making the company’s agency offer more compelling than ever.

In addition, management information can be tailored to meet individual vendor requirements, whether it’s ‘days to sale’ or ‘performance against the market’, ensuring accurate and consistent measures of success are provided.

“Partnership is at the core of the agency route,” continues Danny. “Our logistics centre helps give us the flexibility – and capacity – that’s required to work with vendors in the way that suits them best. It also enables us to move quickly on a vendor’s behalf, carry out value-driven refurbishment and achieve real speed of sale. It gives us a real edge on behalf of our customers.”

For more information on how working with grs on an agency basis could benefit your business, please call Danny Hartshorne on 01743 281836.