Van Trader has launched a real-time messaging service, Live Chat, enabling dealers to engage with customers at an early stage in the buying process.

Requiring a dedicated resource to respond quickly, it allows online consumers to chat to dealership sales staff with the aim of turning warm leads into hot prospects.

Justin Woodgate, dealer principal at Master Group, commented: “I would recommend Live Chat to any dealer looking to increase enquires.

“The system is simple and allows the customer to ask the questions they want without the hassle of visiting a dealership.”

Rob Morphet, product director at Van Trader, says Live Chat develops a relationship in a way that web pages or social media cannot.

“As we rely more on digital communications there is a real danger that the art of conversation will become lost,” he said.

“This would be a shame as talking directly with a potential customer is still a great way for a dealer to convert a prospect into a sale in an online retailing environment.”