Today, there is hardly anyone that does not desire a car of their own. When this is coupled with the fact that public transport systems may be crowded or unreliable in various parts of the world, cars just turn into an extremely convenient option of travel. Naturally, then, the automotive industry has to expand their functionalities to address these rising demands. And what better way to do so than with a car marketplace app? So, along came apps like Cars.com to the rescue, with much to offer the market!
But before we discuss the development process of such apps, let's have a look at what they are and how they work.
What is Cars.com?
A leading digital marketplace for the automotive industry, Cars.com is perhaps the best car selling app available today. It connects shoppers and sellers with each other, allowing them to purchase or sell new and pre-owned cars.
With a wide range of choices to pick up from, Cars.com caters to all kinds of customers, and is available on Android and iOS app stores. However, the app itself does not hold a physical inventory. Rather, it lets you buy vehicles from various lots near you.
Once you, as a user, have picked out a car, you can contact the seller through Cars.com and take the vehicle out for a quick test drive. Then, if you like the car, you’re free to purchase it directly from the seller!
How Does a Car Marketplace App Work?
Now that it's clear what Cars.com does for its buyers and sellers, there's another question to be answered. What is its business model and how can you emulate it?
As it turns out, such apps typically have two business models:
1. Aggregator Apps
Such marketplace apps work by bringing buyers and sellers under a single roof. All the app owner has to do is provide a platform where sellers can put up ads, pictures and other details of their automotive products. Then, the app can allow buyers to browse through them and choose something they really like. Consequently, the only expenditure on the app owner’s part is in developing the platform and it's IT infrastructure.
As far as revenue generation goes, aggregator apps must depend on in-app advertising, marketing, sponsorships and more.
2. Dedicated Apps
A dedicated or specialized car sales app, on the other hand, is slightly different. Here, the owner of the app is also in-charge of advertising products and displaying various automotive commodities.
More often than not, such apps are tied-in with an already established car dealership that simply wishes to advertise its products. Then, the dealer or owner of the automotive business is in-charge of changing the available listings in the app.
Features Your Car Sales App Absolutely Needs
Take it from us, folks. The following features are must-haves for a used car selling app:
1. Admin Panel
The admin panel is what would allow you to organize the upcoming vehicle selections; manage offers, sales and marketing reports; manage delivery status; and manage buyer orders with ease. With the admin panel, you can:
- Organize forthcoming vehicles
- Manage Offers
- Manage Sales and Marketing Report
- Manage Sub Admin Groups Delivery Status
- Buyer Orders may be seen and managed
2. User Panel
Next, a user panel provides options such as
- listing the seller’s vehicles
- making dealership offers
- managing store pages
- listing the locations of their stores, and so on.
3. Advanced Features
For a more fancy and unique experience, the used car selling app can allow for things like 3-D model view, virtual tour, in-app cameras, road assistance services, used car price calculator, and a lot more.
Building Your Own Marketplace Application
There is no better time to venture into marketplace app development than now, because it has a lot to offer an ecommerce entrepreneur. So, here’s an expert take on how to build a marketplace app like Cars. com.
1. Build the admin interface
First things first, let’s make an admin interface where all of your app’s logic will be stored. From smart algorithms to the core engine of your app, this is where it will all reside. The admin panel will also let your employees manage the buy-sell process from start to finish.
2. Set up the app’s framework and database
For step two, let’s make the fancy side of the application— a consumer marketplace app! This is where you provide features and services like registration, user profiles, a catalog of the products, in-app messaging, push notifications, geolocation, and so much more.
3. Make provisions for third-party features
No doubt, marketplace app development is a massive undertaking. So, you can go easy on yourself and implement things like third-party payment gateways and other features. But if you prefer a more original approach, you can also hire custom mobile app development companies to build them for you.
4. Post-release of the app
Much like any application, a car selling app also requires regular upkeep. You’d have to regulate the content on the app, optimize it with newer versions and so on, all of which is typically available on the admin panel.
How Much Will it Cost to Develop an App like Cars.com?
Now, this is a good question! And the answer is, it can vary. A lot. But, of course, you can make an estimate based on the following things:
- Features you have added in the app
- UI and UX design
- The development platform you choose
- Where the app developers are located and their hourly rates
Tips for Increased Sales on Your Marketplace App
Alright, so you’ve taken off the training wheels on your app and launched it into the market. Now, how can you increase your sales? Well, here’s how!
1. Engineer Customer Loyalty
Your first instinct might be to “wow” your customers into ordering stuff on your app. However, this may not always work.
The best way to create loyalty is to be there for your customers. Listen to their problems, do your best to resolve them and make them as happy as you can. And lo, you’ve now got a loyal customer-base!
2. Make Your Marketplace a Habit
This is where you’ll need to delve into some interesting human psychology. Research shows that most buying choices are made almost automatically. So, you must make your app as attractive, easy to use and rewarding as you can for your consumers.
3. Empower your customer support techs
They are your first line of defense against disgruntled customers. So, help them do a really good job and you will have to hear a lot less complaints from your consumers!
Final Thoughts
An idea is all you need to transform your app into a success story. But given how app development can be a bit complicated, there is no harm in hiring an experienced custom developer. And now, with our experts at Pixbit Solutions being always happy to assist you, you don’t even need to look all that far! With years of successful custom mobile app development experience, there is nothing we cannot master.
So, the next time you’ve got an idea, you know who to call!