Bumper identifies shift in customers paying VHC repair bills outside dealer opening hours

Bumper has identified a shift in customers choosing to pay repair bills outside of dealership opening hours.

Over two-thirds (67%) of customers using Bumper’s PayLater service, where bills are split into interest-free monthly payments, are completing transactions remotely out of hours.

While 33% of PayNow transactions, which facilitate direct payments via card or Pay by Bank, are also happening when dealerships are closed.

Bumper’s analysis identified that most of the repair work is driven by customers authorising Vehicle Health Check (VHC) advisories with links to payment options.

"By expanding the number of rooftops utilising our services and integrating with more dealer systems, we're seeing customers embrace the ability to authorise and pay for repair work at their convenience,” said Daniel Christie, Bumper’s Head of Sales.

“VHCs are proving to be a game changer for remote payments, giving customers instant access to the information they need.

“Consequently, most transactions now occur in the evening, when car owners are at home and have time to make informed decisions and without the pressure of in-person upselling. This moveeliminates discounting and drives conversions, making aftersales transactions more profitable.

“These automated out-of-hours payments are also helping to streamline dealership operations, freeing up valuable resources to be used elsewhere by allowing teams to focus on higher-value tasks," said Christie.

Last year, Bumper facilitated £300m worth of transactions and is on track to exceed £1.1bn this year.