In a world where convenience is king, the traditional aftersales services provided by car dealerships in the UK are facing a significant challenge. A recent nationwide survey commissioned by Tjekvik, a technology company specialising in automotive services, has shed light on the frustrations experienced by a substantial number of UK motorists. As it turns out, 38% of respondents wished for a more flexible approach, saying they’d prefer a way to drop off or collect their keys outside of the dealer’s regular opening hours.
Tjekvik’s survey, which examined aftersales department opening and closing times for the 100 largest dealer groups across the UK, found some revealing statistics. Only 52% of these dealerships closed their doors at 6:00 pm during the working week, while 28% shut down shop even earlier, at 5:30 pm. Additionally, though most aftersales departments remained open on Saturdays, 29% of them closed as early as 1:00 pm, with another 22% closing at 12:30 pm. A mere 5% stayed open until 5:00 pm on Saturdays. Shockingly, only two dealer groups were found to operate Sunday aftersales opening hours.
The frustration with these limited service hours isn’t limited to just a few motorists. Over a quarter (26%) of respondents expressed their desire to complete more elements of the aftersales handover process online, at a time that’s more convenient for them, rather than queuing up at the dealership. Notably, those in London were the biggest advocates for this digital-first approach, with 37% voicing their preference.
Tjekvik’s survey also brought to light regional disparities in the demand for out-of-hours drop-off and collection. For instance, 47% of respondents in Yorkshire and the Humber expressed their desire for dealers in their region to offer out-of-hours solutions, compared to only 25% in Northern Ireland.
Commenting on these findings, Christian Mark, CEO, and Co-Founder at Tjekvik, noted, “It’s clear that the lack of flexible options remains a sticking point for many aftersales customers, and it has the potential to impact satisfaction and retention rates. Providing the flexibility of self-service means dealers can better accommodate the growing number who wish to drop off or collect their vehicles early or late, or at weekends.”
To address this growing demand for flexibility and convenience, Tjekvik recently launched its innovative Outdoor kiosk. Designed to deliver a seamless check-in and check-out solution 24 hours a day, seven days a week, this technology promises to be a game-changer. The Outdoor kiosk is not only secure but also built to withstand all types of weather, ensuring durability in all conditions.
The operational flexibility of Tjekvik’s Outdoor kiosk opens up new possibilities for dealers. They can now offer drop-offs and collections at locations away from the service reception, such as airports, railway stations, and shopping centres. This expanded reach not only enhances customer convenience but also allows dealers to profit from additional business opportunities.
In conclusion, the demands of modern consumers are reshaping the landscape of aftersales services in the UK. As the survey from Tjekvik highlights, traditional working hours no longer meet the expectations of a significant portion of motorists. The introduction of Tjekvik’s Outdoor kiosk is a promising step towards providing the flexible options that consumers desire, ultimately transforming the way aftersales services are delivered. To learn more about Tjekvik’s Outdoor kiosk and its potential to revolutionise the industry, please visit Tjekvik | Outdoor Kiosks