The return to physical auctions is proving popular with used car buyers according to Aston Barclay, although online sales are still being widely used too.

Aston Barclay has been running physical sales for one month now, following the opening of car dealers and non-essential retail

The remarketing specialist has been running physical sales for one month now, following the opening of car dealers and non-essential retail.

It’s already seen overall buyer attendance increase 17% in that month, with online buyers remaining consistent.

And physical buyers in halls now account for 50% of all purchases.

Meanwhile, sale prices have gone up by 8% across all six Aston Barclay UK centres, due to high demand for available stock.

The return to physical auctions has also proved popular with vendors, enabling additional stock from existing clients and stock from new clients to be sent through Aston Barclay’s lanes. There have also been comments from vendors about the benefits of being back in the halls, and being able to work directly with the auction staff.

A survey in early March had already shown a strong appetite among buyers for a return to the auction halls – 84% said they wanted to return to the halls as soon as it was safe to do so and 97% said they would buy the same amount or more, given a choice of.

Buying online also remains a popular channel for its buyers, especially with the newly introduced vehicle inspections provided by the AA with guarantees provided by WMS.

Martin Potter, Aston Barclay’s managing director – customer, said: “Giving our buyers the choice in how they purchase their used vehicle stock remains an important part of how Aston Barclay differentiates from the more traditional auction house. Our new partnership with the AA means buyers can trust making a purchase either in the auction hall or online, and that the vehicle they buy is accurately described.”