Shop Smart Autos founder and chief technology officer Richie Bello closed July by making a major strategy pivot, announcing that the company is taking its focus from dealer lead provider to strictly a consumer marketplace.

According to a news release, the company no longer will sell consumer leads to dealers. The company intends to offer the consumer everything needed from shopping to financing and allow them to reach out to a dealer of choice through ShopSmartAutos.com.

Bello founded Shop Smart Autos in 2019 to provide consumers a seamless solution for purchasing a vehicle. Consumers can visit shopsmartautos.com and find private sellers and dealers’ inventory that is updated daily.

Features such as model comparisons, financing and delivery are available to the shopper. Pre-owned buyers and sellers can find the history and maintenance information to make a calculated decision.

“I want to thank the dealers that have purchased our leads, but the consumer marketplace is proving a better model for our company,” Bello said in the news release. “The changes in consumer behavior call for a safe place where they can control and find what they are looking for and have a ‘soup to nuts’ experience.”

Bello added that the company ran both models, with the consumer model showing stronger performance. He added dealers will still receive direct inquiries from shoppers, but at no cost to the store.