Almost everyone wants to own a car these days, or even multiple cars for that matter. Cars have become more like a symbol of status these days, and therefore, the automotive industry is growing unstoppably. However, not everyone can afford to buy a new car and for them, buying a second-hand car is a more feasible option.
To fulfill this need, a mobile marketplace app like Cars.com came to the rescue. Since the present mobile app era has completely changed the automotive industry, vehicle marketplace app development has gained momentum faster than ever.
As technology has transformed almost every industry, it is now easier than ever to buy or sell a car online. Used cars marketplace apps are mushrooming like never before, and the credit goes to the revolutionary mobile app industry. According to a recent survey, more than 1,500 people use a mobile app to buy a car every day, and the numbers are expected to increase in the coming years.
Among many vehicle marketplace apps for used cars, one app that has turned many heads is Cars.com. This app has inspired many automobile enthusiasts to develop a vehicle marketplace app like Cars.com of their own and grow their business digitally.
Before proceeding further with the development process of a marketplace app like Cars.com, let us first understand what Cars.com is and how it works.
What is Cars.com precisely?
Launched in 1998 and headquartered in Chicago, Cars.com is a leading digital marketplace for the automotive industry. The app connects car shoppers with sellers to buy and sell used and second-hand vehicles. Cars.com is available to download for iOS and Android devices.
Cars.com doesn’t hold any physical inventory; instead, it’s a platform to shop for new, used, and pre-owned cars at different car lots in your area. Cars.com makes it easy to find nearby vehicles in good condition for sale.
How can users shop cars on Cars.com?
The users can use Cars.com to shop for new or used cars and evaluate the value of the car before buying and selling it. Once the user likes a car on the app, they can contact the seller through the app and take a test drive. After the test drive, the shoppers can purchase the car directly from the seller.
How does a car buy-sell mobile app like Cars.com work?
To develop a vehicle marketplace app for used and pre-owned cars, it’s essential to go through the business model for Cars.com and learn from it to create a similar app of your own.
Although there are several business models for a marketplace app like Cars.com, we will discuss the two most popular business models below.
Aggregator App
This business model brings both the sellers and buyers under one roof. Under this model, the app owner provides an infrastructure where the seller and dealer can publish their ads with pictures and details of the car and market their listings. The customers can browse through the cars and choose the one they are interested in.
The aggregator app earns revenue from in-app advertising and marketing made by the sellers and dealers.
Dedicated App
A dedicated marketplace app is a dedicated medium for businesses dealing in buying and selling cars. Under this business model, the owner posts the cars that are up for sale, and the customers can send inquiries about the car and proceed further. Under this app, only the owner can update the car list.
The dedicated app is not a standalone business but a marketplace that can supplement the streamlined business.
What are the advantages of a marketplace app like Cars.com?
A marketplace app like cars.com has several benefits for dealers and customers. Let’s see how this app benefits both parties.
Advantages for the car dealers
- They can manage the booking quickly that has been received by them through the app.
- The app allows the dealers to book a time slot for the buyers to take the vehicle for a test drive
- The dealers can respond to the queries raised by the customers on the app.
- The dealers can also get feedback from the customers on the app.
- The app has simple and reliable payment gateways for safe and secure payments
Advantages for the buyers
- The buyers can browse the cars on the app and compare the prices of all vehicles through this marketplace app.
- The buyers get a number of options to choose from as a lot of people get their cars listed for sale on the app.
- The buyers can book a test drive for the car they are interested in by directly contacting the dealer through the app.
- The buyers will instantly get the seller’s quote for the car they are interested in.
Which are the important features of a marketplace app like Cars.com for used cars?
- Simple login
- In-built camera
- EMI calculator
- GPS tracking
- Push notifications
- In-app chat and calls
- Car comparison
- 3D model view and virtual tour
- Scan and upload document
- Car valuation tool
- Real-Time analytics
- Loyalty programs
Cost to make an app like Cars.com
Now comes the critical question- how much will it cost to develop an app similar to Cars.com for buying and selling used cars? If you are stuck in the cost estimation, don’t worry, we will tell you the factors that decide the overall app development cost.
Primarily, the cost of app development depends on the following factors
- Features of the app
- UI/UX design
- Choice of platform
- Hourly rates of the developers
- Location of the developers
Among these factors, the most important factor that affects the overall cost is the geographical location of the developers. For instance, Asian countries like India offer great quality mobile app development services and charge less than other European countries.
On average, the cost estimate for developing a used car buy and sell app like Cars.com will be between $20,000 to $50,000. However, it might vary from one project to another.
To hire mobile app developers with the right expertise and skills, you can discuss your project requirements with our team of professional developers. They will give you an estimated cost and help you with the best services under your budget.
It’s time to sum it up
An idea can transform your business, and an idea can make you a true leader. Many big businesses were born out of an idea, and therefore, your ideas have the potential to become a successful business too. It’s 2022, and it’s high time to discuss your project idea with a reliable team of mobile app developers.
Ask them all you want, get the right assistance and begin with the app development. To build an app that makes a difference, you need to trust your gut, hire skilled mobile app developers, and believe in the successful outcome. Here’s a handbook to select a mobile app development company for startups that might help you choose the right team of developers.