In a significant move that makes car buying easier for consumers, Amazon has partnered with Ford to offer certified pre-owned vehicles through its Amazon Autos platform. This new service allows customers to browse, finance, and purchase thousands of vehicles from Ford dealers—all from the convenience of their home computer or mobile device. For small business owners who may be in the market for a fleet or simply want to streamline their vehicle acquisition process, this development opens up new avenues.

The collaboration presents a well-structured buying experience that is beneficial in several ways. Ford certified pre-owned vehicles are classified into three categories—Gold Certified, EV Certified, and Blue Certified—each offering different levels of warranty and inspection. Gold Certified vehicles undergo a rigorous 172-point inspection with a 12-month/12,000-mile limited warranty. EV Certified models receive similar treatment with a specialized inspection. Blue Certified vehicles include a broader array of brands, with a 90-day/4,000-mile warranty. This tiered system is designed to accommodate diverse customer needs, ensuring that there is something for everyone.

“We’re creating a car buying experience that combines trusted vehicle certification with the convenience Amazon is known for,” stated Fan Jin, global leader of Amazon Autos. He emphasized the strategic partnership between Ford dealers and Amazon, indicating that it will enhance customer service while simplifying the vehicle purchasing process.

For small business owners, the ability to view inventory from participating Ford dealers within a 75-mile radius is particularly advantageous. Business owners can filter offerings by various criteria—such as make, model, and year—allowing for a focused selection that meets specific business needs. The listing transparency, including itemized pricing and vehicle history, brings an additional layer of certainty.

Moreover, qualified customers can access financing options through a network of lenders directly from the platform. This feature can help small business owners potentially secure better financing options without having to visit multiple banks or credit unions.

“Amazon Autos allows Ford Dealers to offer their certified pre-owned vehicles through Amazon’s accessible digital platform,” said Robert Kaffl, executive director, Ford U.S. Sales and Dealer Relations. This innovative channel not only showcases Ford’s certified pre-owned inventory but also maintains the essential relationship that dealers have with customers.

As appealing as this streamlined car buying experience may be, small business owners should remain aware of potential challenges. Although purchasing a vehicle online offers convenience, it could also come with a learning curve for those who are less familiar with digital platforms. Business owners will need to evaluate their comfort level with online transactions and ensure they understand the warranty and service offerings tied to each vehicle.

Additionally, while the current offering includes cities like Los Angeles, Seattle, and Dallas, the service may not be immediately available to all. Small business owners outside these areas might need to wait for expansion plans, which could confine their immediate options.

After a vehicle is selected, the pickup process is designed to be seamless. Customers can start the financing paperwork online and schedule a pickup time at their local dealer, allowing for a more streamlined dealership visit where they can focus on the in-person experience.

The introduction of Ford certified pre-owned vehicles on Amazon Autos signifies a significant shift in how consumers, especially small business owners, can approach vehicle purchasing. This development marries the reliability of Ford’s vehicle certifications with Amazon’s renowned customer service, creating an experience that can make the often-overwhelming task of buying a vehicle much simpler.

For more details on available certified pre-owned vehicles from participating Ford dealers, visit Amazon’s dedicated Ford page. To see the original press release from Amazon detailing this exciting development, check out Amazon Press Releases.

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This article, “Amazon Teams Up with Ford to Offer Certified Pre-Owned Vehicles Online” was first published on Small Business Trends