Interesting New Car Consulting in India

[Sstar]

I have recently found this interesting and new kind of concept here in India. I found a paid car consulting service which promises to save a lot for less they charge....thought to share here.

http://www.carconsultants.in/

Personally, I know these concepts are very popular in US but here in India...not sure how successful they would be.

[sibasis_FIAT]

This concept seems new to Indian car markets. This will definitely help a fixed section of car buyers, who want their first car. But in case of seasoned car buyers and enthusiasts, it may not work. Though the consulting fee is low, I doubt whether Indian customers will be ready to shell that extra buck for advices.....

[sachins]

@Sstar, nice thread.

This is quite a new concept to India.

Since we have now so many online forums including our own ACI where experts can guide a prospective buyer to the right product free of charge so don't know where exactly they will be able to differentiate themselves.

After going through their service offerings, i find below 2 points particularly interesting.

- Arrangements for Test-Drive or Self inspection before purchase

If they can deliver what they promise then it might be a plus as many times people don't get the variant/model of their choice for a test drive from dealers citing various reasons.

- Negotiating the lowest purchase price

This might be the biggest plus point if they can get the customer discounts which otherwise is not available to a regular customer visiting a dealer directly.

This can virtually offset their service charges.

[librankur]

i find it a double edged sword

first they charge you for the service - make money.

secondly , they book for you - make money.

[Hersch]

While the concept looks good on paper, the whole model of service monetization through charging prospective customers for advice may turn out to be a complete failure. Such services should come up with better business and commercial models to ensure sustenance and growth; e.g. running tie-ups with dealerships/ manufacturers, providing value adds like car service assistance and discounts etc. There are multiple models though which such services can be monetized. As for this particular service provider, I find them very basic in terms of the services they are offering as most of what they do can as well be done over an email/ internet. Their business model lacks maturity and depth.

[Sstar]

i find it a double edged sword

first they charge you for the service - make money.

secondly , they book for you - make money.

yeah...i agree...but I am not sure they are really earning for booking on behalf of their clients...at least they are not claiming so. Rest God knows.

@Sstar, nice thread.

After going through their service offerings, i find below 2 points particularly interesting.

- Arrangements for Test-Drive or Self inspection before purchase

If they can deliver what they promise then it might be a plus as many times people don't get the variant/model of their choice for a test drive from dealers citing various reasons.

- Negotiating the lowest purchase price

This might be the biggest plus point if they can get the customer discounts which otherwise is not available to a regular customer visiting a dealer directly.

This can virtually offset their service charges.

Thanks,

Even i find they have a key point specially when they talk about price negotiation...truely speaking...I myself bought Ritz Ldi in 2012 from Gurgaon...and that time I was not available here in India...so I was forced so do all negotiations over phone...I was suprised to see that same model and variant was offered by various dealers like RANA Motors, Apra Auto, Rohan Motors at various price...ranging a difference in amount from 2k to 5k.

So I agree with you this concept might have better detailed idea about this.

This concept seems new to Indian car markets. This will definitely help a fixed section of car buyers, who want their first car. But in case of seasoned car buyers and enthusiasts, it may not work. Though the consulting fee is low, I doubt whether Indian customers will be ready to shell that extra buck for advices.....

True...