CALGARY HERALD MEDIA REVIEW
Friday, August 28, 2009Auto brokers handle legwork for busy buyers
People consult a real estate agent when buying a house. But when it comes to an automobile--the second major purchase in someone's life --there's often no consultation with an agent.
Curtis Berube of Auto ProFind Inc. is an automotive broker, or an automotive agent, if you will.
"This service is for people who don't have the time, the knowledge or the desire to go out and source a vehicle," Berube, 40, says.
View Larger Image
No time to hunt for that new or used car? An auto broker will take care of all the searching, bartering, logistics and paperwork.
"They're busy with life, working two jobs, taking the kids to hockey or dance classes--we live in such a busy world.
"Many (also) feel overwhelmed with the whole vehicle purchase procedure."
Back in the mid-1990s Berube was working for an oilfield supply company, and he needed to buy a car. He was busy with work but spent time he didn't really have visiting automobile dealerships.
"I thought there must be some sort of service out there that would help--I didn't really have a lot of time to purchase a vehicle," Berube says.
Just three years later Berube found himself out of work. Remembering his experience trying to find and buy a vehicle, Berube started Auto ProFind in 1998 ( www.autoprofind.com).Auto ProFind's main office is in Edmonton. However, Berube has lived in Calgary, and says the majority of his customers live in this city.
For the most part Auto ProFind sources vehicles that are between one and three years old. Auto ProFind has access to all of the automobile wholesale dealer auctions, as the company is a licensed automotive dealership with the Alberta Motor Vehicle Industry Council (AMVIC).
"Typically we specialize in marketing lease return vehicles," Berube says. "However, we can assist with new vehicles as well."
Berube gets the process started by asking a client just what they need in a vehicle. Sometimes the requirements are very specific, right down to the make and model, colour and options. Other times it's more vague.
"Some people just don't know --we'll hold their hand at that point and become something of an auto consultant," he says.
Once he has the details Berube says: "It's my job to go source out the vehicle."
The ideal car, SUV or truck could be anywhere in North America, or it could be much closer to home--in Alberta or B. C. Berube scans the dealer wholesale auctions, and uses the manufacturers off-lease inspection reports coupled with other reports such as CarProof and Car-Fax histories to gauge the viability of a vehicle.
"We will source the available matches and present any relevant information to the customer," he says. That relevant information will be pictures, options, interior and exterior condition, mechanical condition, mileage and any other available history to determine accidents and repairs.
If it's a vehicle that suits the client's requirements Berube will go ahead and complete the purchase. Berube becomes responsible for all of the logistics and paperwork.
If the car is coming from the U. S. he handles all customs, and if the car is coming from anywhere else other than Alberta he will also take care of Out Of Province inspection.
"I show up at the client's doorstep, they put the key in and drive away," Berube says. That is, of course, after the client has paid the "market value" for the vehicle --which is an all-in final price before the purchaser commits.
"Even though we save our client's money, we like to focus more on the savings of time and the service we offer."
If the vehicle fails to meet expectations Auto ProFind will attempt to make it right, either by fixing the problem, replacing the vehicle, or refunding the money paid.
Berube says his clientele is a mix of men and women. He also works for businesses operating fleet vehicles, and says buying one-or two-year-old leasebacks to put into service can have savings.
When Berube started Auto Pro-Find he thought everybody would use the service. He's since faced reality, and realizes that for some folks buying a vehicle is a very emotional and visceral experience. Many still need to drive and visit dealer lots, walk around the car, kick the tires, take it for a test drive and negotiate the deal for themselves.
http://www2.canada.com/calgaryherald/news/driving/story.html?id=276341cc-aacf-40d3-a9c1-4700844cbdc3
Greg Williams, For The Calgary Herald
Contact Auto ProFind Today, we look forward to working with you. |
|
|
|
