AutoTrader.com Overview

AutoTrader.com was the ultimate place to buy and sell cars. It was so successful that it shifted the trend of how consumers bought and sold vehicles from traditional media to online.

Dealer Solutions 07

Before 2005, most people would buy and sell vehicles through print media or television. The automotive industry took notice and invested in AutoTrader.com.

Dealer Solutions O7 was a program backed by the original equipment manufacturers of the Automotive business to revolutionize how to advertise car sales on the internet. We designed multiple applications that would help dealerships advertise their fleets of vehicles online. We revolutionized and shifted how the automotive industry would sell cars moving forward.

At Autotrader.com, we were a full service in-house UX team including, interaction, visual, content, and research. Eventually, I was promoted to UX Design Lead and became involved in the Private Seller and Trade in Market Place application teams. While I was there, AutoTrader's 2 applications were grossing 2 million dollars a month each.

 

Autotrader.com - Private Seller

I was presented with a remarkable opportunity to revamp the For Sale By Owner application and become an integral part of the team led by Design Lead, Sheri Sipsis. Over time, Sheri was promoted, which paved the way for me to take the reins and lead the design team.

One crucial lesson I learned throughout this journey was the value of innovation. We embraced a forward-thinking approach that allowed us to think big and iterate rapidly. Thanks to our dedicated research team, we were able to create prototypes and gather valuable customer feedback through our design lab. This enabled us to test our hypotheses and amplify the elements that proved successful.

Our mindset was always focused on evolution and innovation. A significant milestone in our trajectory was the acquisition of trader publishing by Autotrader.com. This development presented us with an opportunity to provide users with the choice of selling their vehicles on both AutoTrader.com and in the AutoTrader magazine.

Continuing to push the boundaries of private car sales, we devised a range of package offerings tailored to our customers' needs. Through our inventive approach, we introduced an allocation model that offered customers the flexibility to enhance their advertisements with additional photos or make them more prominent, ensuring greater visibility.

Furthermore, I am delighted to share some of the additional innovations that our team designed:

  1. How to Sell Your Car: A comprehensive guide to assist users in navigating the car-selling process effectively.

  2. Price Your Car: A feature that empowered users to accurately assess and determine the optimal price for their vehicles.

  3. Trade-In Market Place: A dedicated marketplace where users could explore trade-in options for their existing vehicles.

  4. VIP: An exclusive offering that provided enhanced benefits and privileges to our valued customers.

Together, we embarked on a journey of continuous improvement, fueled by innovation, customer-centricity, and the pursuit of excellence.

 

How to Sell Your Car

My team consisted of passionate individuals who deeply admired customers willing to roll up their sleeves and take charge of selling their own cars. Our goal was to inspire and empower people to become successful private sellers. One invaluable asset to our team was content designer Holly Day, whose expertise enriched our endeavors.

To assist our customers on their selling journey, we developed a clear and concise four-step process. This user-friendly guide provided comprehensive information, empowering individuals to navigate the intricacies of selling a car with confidence. We took great pride in equipping our customers with the knowledge and skills necessary for a successful transaction.

In addition to guiding customers through the selling process, we recognized the importance of pricing a car appropriately. We understood that determining the right price is crucial to attract potential buyers and ensure a fair deal. Therefore, we dedicated effort and resources to educate individuals on how to accurately assess and set a competitive price for their vehicles.

By fostering a supportive environment and offering valuable guidance, we aimed to transform ordinary car owners into proficient and self-assured private sellers. We firmly believed that with the right tools and knowledge, anyone could navigate the selling process with ease and achieve favorable outcomes.

 

Price Your Car

In addition, my team undertook the development of a cutting-edge vehicle valuation application. This innovative tool served as a powerful asset in determining the optimal price for customers' cars. By leveraging the valuator, individuals could gain valuable insights into the market value of vehicles similar to their own, enabling them to set a competitive price for their used cars.

Through meticulous analysis of market data, the valuator provided comprehensive information on the current listings and selling prices of comparable vehicles. Armed with this knowledge, customers could make informed decisions and strategically price their cars to attract potential buyers. The application proved to be an indispensable resource, empowering individuals to maximize their chances of securing a favorable sale.

With our unwavering commitment to equipping our customers with the best tools available, we strived to simplify the process of pricing used cars. By leveraging the capabilities of the vehicle valuator application, individuals could confidently enter the market, armed with accurate and up-to-date information, ensuring they posted a competitive and fair price for their beloved vehicles.



Trade-In Market Place

Seizing the opportunity presented by the retirement of the government program known as Cash for Clunkers, we envisioned a groundbreaking solution for customers seeking a seamless trade-in experience. Our team ingeniously designed a platform that enabled individuals to receive accurate quotes for their vehicles, subsequently bringing these quotes to participating dealerships within the program. This innovative process allowed customers to swiftly and effortlessly receive a check or use it as a down payment toward their next desired vehicle.

The success of our Trade-In Marketplace exceeded all expectations, with the application quickly gaining significant traction. By the time I concluded my tenure at Autotrader.com, this revolutionary platform had consistently generated an impressive monthly revenue of over 2 Million dollars.

Our relentless dedication to creating an efficient and user-friendly trade-in experience transformed the way customers approached their vehicle transactions. Through our groundbreaking application, we bridged the gap between sellers and dealerships, offering a streamlined process that maximized convenience and financial benefits. As a result, customers were empowered to confidently navigate the trade-in landscape, while dealerships flourished with increased business opportunities. This notable achievement solidified our position as pioneers in the automotive industry, leaving a lasting impact on the way people traded in their vehicles.

VIP

In addition, we curated an exclusive white glove service tailored to high-end customers who desired maximum value for their cars and expert guidance throughout the selling process. Our team of professionals provided a seamless and personalized experience, ensuring a successful and lucrative transaction for our esteemed clientele.

 
 

Volvo Certified Pre-Owned Website

Designed a Certified Pre-Owned Application exclusively for Volvo, empowering customers to effortlessly discover and purchase top-quality pre-owned vehicles directly from the brand.