VIDEO: How to build a successful auto business without any advertising? The story of AUTOSCOUT
In the new issue of the "Real Auto Business" column, Ostap Novytsky virtually visited the Autoscout company in Lutsk . It was founded by Iryna and Vitaliy, a couple who decided back in 2011 to turn their love of cars and travel into a lifeʼs work.
Lutsk is a city where there is a car dealership on every corner, and every second car on the road is a car carrier or a van with a trailer, but Autoscout has persevered and grown. Over 3,000 cars have been delivered to customers, and these are not high-profile figures from advertising, but the result of work where each car was selected as if for themselves.
How to maintain a 5-star reputation
“We don’t have a magic formula,” says Iryna. “Every purchase should be one that we won’t be ashamed of.” On Google Business — 371 reviews with an average rating of 5.0. No bonuses, no promotions “for a good comment” — only real people’s stories.
Car selection system in Europe
The secret to quick response to good cars is our own network of proven people in Europe. 11 partners in Germany, a few more in the Netherlands, Sweden, Austria and Belgium. Once Vitaliy himself went to look at each car, now this task is entrusted to those whom he knows personally.
How Autoscout works today
Autoscout does not chase volumes. Now the company specializes in cars from 15 thousand dollars — where you can still find real quality without "pigs in a poke". Available on the site — proven Volkswagen, Skoda, BMW, Audi and electric cars. And if you want something special — they will help you order. There are also certain disadvantages of this format — it is difficult to scale, because when moving from quality to quantity, there is a risk of losing the "craft" of our business, where every conversation with the client and every car goes through the founders.
"Our clients are people who understand what they want. There are even those who have already managed to be disappointed in the magical promises of others," adds Iryna.
What will happen to the Ukrainian car market?
Vitaliy and Iryna speak cautiously but optimistically about the future of the market. They believe that after the victory, the market will become more transparent, Ukrainian auctions will appear, and traditional classifieds sites, if they can adapt to the real needs of buyers and sellers, may regain their importance.
Interesting fact: from the first day of operation, Autoscout has focused on social media — mostly Instagram, where you can see every car sold and every customer. It practically does not use classic marketing channels — classifieds sites or direct advertising.
Autoscout operates in Lutsk next to the Ministry of Internal Affairs service center (near West Auto Hub ). Cars are purchased for both Ukrainians and those who are currently abroad. The main rule is to choose a car as if you were buying it for yourself. And judging by the reviews, this rule is not neglected here.
