Bethany Weir
01 May 2023
In an industry where competitors rely on impersonal online portals or high-pressure sales tactics, Pike+Bambridge decided to do things differently. That’s why we conduct personalised 1:1 Fact Finds with every client as part of our sales process. This unique approach sets us apart from the rest and reflects our commitment to providing the best possible experience for our customers.
Naturally, you’ll have a few questions about what to expect and what you need to prepare before we call you. That’s why we’ve put together a blog outlining the call, how it works, and why we do it.
What is the P+B Fact Find?
Similar to a Financial Advisor in many respects, the Fact Find is an opportunity for your Personal Account Manager to gather information about you and your needs. This will include some hard facts such as the car you have now and what you did before, but also soft facts including your aims and objectives, what is going on in your life, and what you do and don’t like.
For our EV Salary Sacrifice Scheme clients, it helps us to understand your salary and pension contributions, as well as determine if an electric vehicle is a practical option for you.
Unlike many car-leasing platforms, this isn’t a quick, one-size-fits-all transaction. It’s the key to making sure you save time, money, and reduce the chance of hassle you may experience acquiring a new vehicle.
What is the end goal of this call?
The end goal of the call is for your Account Manager to get sufficient information to find and quote the right vehicles for you in the next stage of the sales process.
How long does a Fact Find call last?
Our Fact Finds last in the region of 20-30 minutes and can be on a video call, phone call or physical meeting.
We tend to prefer a video call, just because it’s more personal and we can get a better feel for each other. However, if you have a long commute home from work, and it’s the only time you get peace, a phone call is just fine! All we ask is that you’re in an environment where you have time to chat in-depth so we can ensure we’re giving you the best advice possible.
Why do I need to do it?
It’s simple. Letting our Account Managers build a relationship with you helps us to provide an accurate and personalised quote. Our team’s extensive industry connections also allow us to find specific vehicles faster than competitors, too.
The pricing behind a new car is complex and can carry a huge amount of risk. From manufacturer discounts, dealership discounts, finance support, maintained or non-maintained contracts, business or personal funding (the list goes on).
Therefore, we ensure that our Account Managers go through 250 hours of training in their area of expertise before they speak with clients, and we then monitor ongoing weekly training in this area. Trust us, you’re in good hands.
What should I have prepared?
Most of the information we’ll need from you is pretty simple, but it’s good to think about what you need beforehand to save you a bit of time. These details help us streamline the process and tailor advice that’s both relevant and realistic. Here are a few questions we might ask you:
- Are you currently on another lease?
- Will you need to sell your old car? (We’re happy to help with this)
- What is your annual mileage?
- What are the monthly running costs on your current vehicle?
- How much are you looking to spend a month?
For our EV Salary Sacrifice Scheme clients, we’ll also need to know:
- Your salary
- Your pension contributions
- If you have any student loans
The details are critical for calculating the tax savings you could achieve. We’ll also need to know about what kind of cars you’re after. Shocking, I know.
Surely you could just send me some quotes and then we could chat after?
We could, but to be honest it could end up being a waste of your time, and ours. As mentioned, there are so many variables involved and the element of risk means we want to make sure we get it right the first time. You’re in control of the objectives, but we can help ensure you get the quickest route there.
We know you’re a busy professional who’s low on time, but trust us, giving a little can save a lot later.
Who needs to be on the call?
This again is up to you. Some of our clients will do their Fact Find with their partners, and some won’t. It is normally suggested to meet anyone who has a stake in making the decision, as it saves everyone time if we can all jump on a call together. We are now open to take calls until 8 pm on Tuesdays and Thursdays, so we can accommodate you when the children are in bed, or once you’re home from the office and have time.
What if I feel I need more time?
Deciding on a car is no small task. Some clients take months to decide, and we’re here to guide them without pressure. We’ll highlight special offers without creating urgency that feels manipulative. If a client is unsure, we can also encourage test drives to give them confidence in their choice.
At Pike + Bambridge, every client is treated as an individual. This isn’t just a tick-box exercise. This is an opportunity to learn about you and ensure our recommendations fit your needs perfectly.
We set out to build meaningful relationships with our clients and understand their every priority. Do they need space for a growing family? A vehicle to support a sustainable lifestyle? Or maybe they’re simply seeking luxury at the best value.
We’re far more interested in who’s behind the wheel than the vehicle itself. That’s the difference at Pike+Bambridge.
