Revolutionizing Auto Sales: Amazon's Bold Move!
Darko Pavic
Founder & CEO at Fiscal Solutions | Simplifying Global Fiscalization for Retailers | Innovating POS Integration for Compliance & Cost Efficiency
Amazon is set to revolutionize the auto industry by allowing dealers to sell cars through its platform, starting with Hyundai next year. The partnership, which began in 2018 with a shared online showroom strategy, takes a leap forward. Customers can select and configure their desired car, choose a Hyundai dealer, complete the purchase online, and even trade in their old car. The ordered cars can then be picked up or delivered by the local dealership.
This pilot, starting in Q1 2024, will feature the full Hyundai portfolio and all features by H2 2024, potentially reshaping online car retail.
Amazon CEO Andy Jassy noted the partnership will change "the ease with which customers can buy vehicles online." But that's not all — Hyundai and Amazon plan to integrate Alexa into Hyundai cars by 2025, creating intriguing connections between cars, mobile phones, and smart homes.
While online car sales demand unique features, especially in the sales process, technical requirements aren't overly complex. Internationalization and fiscalization, though not required for online shops in most fiscal countries, pose minimal challenges.
The primary hurdles lie in refining the business concept, streamlining the sales process, and optimizing logistics.
Uncover 2024's Top 10 Retail Trends!
As the holiday season commences and 2023 draws to a close, our thoughts naturally turn to the evolving landscape of retail. As solution providers, staying ahead in the realm of international retailing demands a proactive approach. We anticipate and create solutions for future retail concepts long before they become mainstream. Unlike retailers, our journey must start ahead of the curve to be effective.
To share our insights, we cordially invite you to our live event, "Uncover 2024's Top 10 Retail Trends!" on December 20th at 3 pm CET. Joining me for this discussion is Milan, the General Manager of Fiscal Solutions. Together, we'll delve into the ten most crucial trends we foresee for the coming year.
Secure your spot by registering here:
Are Self-Checkouts losing their charm?
During my recent visit to Hong Kong, the prevalence of Self-Checkouts (SCOs) reaffirmed my understanding of the retail landscape in Asia.
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SCOs are omnipresent, even in the smallest stores, and consumers actively embrace them. What was once an innovation or trend has now become a commodity in this part of the world.
On the flip side, stories from the other side of the globe tell a different narrative. Trader Joe's President, Jon Basalone, dismissed rumors about the grocery chain adding SCOs, emphasizing their belief in human interaction. He remarked that SCOs are not 'fun,' and the company prefers the presence of human staff.
Similar sentiments echo at Target, which recently changed its policy, limiting SCO purchases to 10 items. Target's Chief Operating Officer, John Mulligan, noted that guests appreciate interacting with the team, leading to a 6% rise in customers using full-service cashier lanes.
This shift is not unique, as more retailers in the Western world reconsider their self-service strategy. Booths, a British supermarket chain, is removing self-checkout stations in most of its stores due to customer complaints about speed, reliability, and the impersonal nature of these machines.
While Asian retailers continue to invest in SCO infrastructure, Western counterparts are dialing back on this technology. Walmart, ShopRite, and Wegmans are among those who've made adjustments, citing various reasons, from customer complaints to losses.
In my view, self-service is essential in catering to the new consumer mentality—fast, efficient, and minimal interaction. Rather than removal, it's about refining and aligning with evolving expectations.
Meet Us in Paris!
Paris, a city close to my heart, becomes even more enchanting when fused with my passion for retail. I'm thrilled to share that Milan, General Manager at Fiscal Solution, and I will be in Paris for the Tech for Retail show, stationed at Stand C28.
We have some exciting highlights in store for you:
See you at Stand C28 – let's make Paris the backdrop for retail innovation!