BCA's Dealer Training Division has launched a new training course on how to buy profitably at auction.

Aimed at all levels of dealer staff involved in stock procurement, the BCA course trains the principles of physical and remote auction buying, stock location, appraisal and valuation.

The course covers the basics of buying at auction, using remote online channels, compiling buying lists, stock location, buying to order and stock replacement. It also advises on maintaining a balanced portfolio of used stock for retail and includes a stock valuation exercise.

The course can be used stand-alone or as an integral part of BCA's ongoing Dealer Training programme for the industry.

T full-day event is suitable for anyone in the used car trade who acquires stock.

The courses are held at BCA centres nationwide by arrangement and both franchised and independent dealers are welcome to attend.

"Profitably sourcing used stock is likely to be one of the biggest challenges facing dealers - franchised or specialist - not just this year but for the foreseeable future," said BCA training manager Les Butler.

"Auction offers the biggest and most reliable source of stock for dealers, but many professional buyers have lost touch with the auction scene, think it's not for them or simply have never used auction in their stock acquisition planning.

"This course aims to demonstrate how cost effective auction is, whether you are buying to order or for stock. It should also dispel the long held myth that the best cars don't come to auction - nowadays the best cars are rarely seen anywhere else."