Autobytel
Autobytel was the first company to offer consumer purchase request to car dealers and manufacturers via the internet, when it launched it's website in 1995 . Through Autobytel.com, consumers are provided with information to purchase or sell new and used cars from dealers and manufacturers. Customers can browse hundreds of vehicles online for every make and model, access specification and information such as pricing, specification, auto reports, professional vehicle reviews, consumer reviews, and manufacturer brochures. Customers also have access to information about manufacturer incentives, rebates, and dealer invoice prices. Information service providers such as Kelly Blue Book were on the website to assist customers with decision making, including information about finances and insurance.
Another benefit is the customer can build car from the bottom up once a model is chosen, where they can choose the make, model, and exact series. Autobytel automatically adds the car's standard features on the website, and customers can add packages which will reflect changes in the dealer & MSPR pricing. Once the car is built, customers can submit a free, online purchase request for the vehicle they chose, or they can submit an option to finance or lease application. Purchase requests are forwarded to a local dealer in the customer's area which has been accredited through Autobetyl, and finance applications would be forwarded for same day processing to financial institutions for the customer as well. The dealer is obligated to call back the customer with low, competitive, no haggle, no hassle price within 24 hrs and arrange for delivery of the car if purchased.
Dealers arrange for delivery of paperwork to the customer through FedEx for purchase of the vehicle, and the customer would sign the paperwork and return via FedEx. The car would be delivered so the customer never had to go to the dealership. When making a purchase through...