ATLANTA -

Autotrader discovered 70 percent of the consumer traffic arriving at its Buy-Here, Pay-Here Center came through mobile devices. That figure, along with many enhancements Autotrader has made to the platform designed specifically for BHPH operators, will be on the agenda when site officials give an update about this endeavor later this month at the annual conference hosted by the National Alliance of Buy-Here, Pay-Here Dealers.

“There are some misconceptions out there that would say buy-here, pay-here shoppers don’t use the Internet. We know that’s completely false,” said Brett Kelly, the director of independent dealer business at Autotrader.

“There’s a misconception that they don’t do any research prior to going to a dealership. We know that’s false,” Kelly continued.

“There’s a misconception that they don’t have access to mobile devices, and we know that is false because 70 percent of our traffic is coming from mobile devices,” he went on to say.

That traffic has been generated since Autotrader launched the Buy-Here, Pay-Here Center during last year’s NABD event. Now more than 1,500 dealers from all 50 states use the platform and are seeing results.

“Before, with just our website we couldn't get that car out there to all the people. Now with the BHPH website through Autotrader you can,” said Dave Parks, general manager of Woodstock Auto Credit in Woodstock, Ga.

“I see with the BHPH center, over the years, I look forward to changing our whole business,” Parks added.

Kelly intends to use his session at the NABD event to reiterate the capabilities of the Buy-Here, Pay-Here Center and the nearly half dozen improvements Autotrader made to the platform during the first year of operation.

“We’ve really created an environment that connects buyers and sellers,” Kelly said. “If a dealer utilizes that environment to the fullest, they find themselves in a much more efficient position than they would have been in otherwise.”

Pivoting into a better position is what NABD hopes operators can accomplish by coming to the conference to learn from a host of experts and successful dealers. Several panel sessions dedicated to improving collections, compliance and underwriting as well finding inventory and additional capital are all part of the NABD conference agenda. The event runs from May 19 through May 21 at the Wynn in Las Vegas.

“More than 1,500 operators and industry experts will gather to network and discuss solutions to these industry challenges,” NABD founder Ken Shilson said. “Hoping that the market will improve in the future is not a prudent strategy.

“Instead, operators must be proactive in order to capitalize on the exceptional profit opportunities that are ahead. The more you learn, the more you will earn,” Shilson continued.

Registration details and more information are available at NABD’s website at www.bhphinfo.com.