‘Shopping by appointment’ is coming and according to the Bovag this should also mean that (car) sales in showrooms should be able to take place again. Under certain conditions, this must fit within the measures, says the trade association.
The measures against the corona virus are being relaxed in some areas. One of the intended relaxation is that sales may again take place in shops by appointment. That should also apply to car showrooms, says the Bovag. Viewing a car in the showroom and possibly completing the purchase there can be arranged according to the trade association.
Han ten Broeke, general chairman of the Bovag, explains: “We fully understand the caution displayed by the cabinet, we are simply in a pandemic that is difficult to curb. However, the impact of the lockdown on entrepreneurs and consumers is great. For us, it should be possible to pick a bicycle or caravan in the showroom by appointment, for example. This does not have to have an impact on the spread of the virus, provided that all safety measures, such as triage (request for health), distance and hygiene, are observed. This can be a sensible first step to offer entrepreneurs and their customers solace. “
Currently, sales can only take place at a distance. According to the Bovag, this regularly holds back potential buyers in practice: “Bovag now sees the necessary reluctance among customers because online, remote purchasing creates a barrier that can hardly be overcome for many customers. Good advice and good information are crucial when choosing a product. means of transport. And that is perfectly possible 1 on 1 in a showroom or shop. By appointment, in a predetermined period. ” Naturally, the Bovag would like to see that everything is done to ensure that this takes place safely when shopping by appointment. That is why it is emphasized that companies affiliated with Bovag already have protocols for this. The trade association calls on the cabinet to apply ‘remote shopping’ to showrooms as well, with due observance of these protocols.