
Published: 29/03/2021
In this second part of our interview with Eugene Horan, General Manager at our Castledermot Operation Centre, he tells us how Copart Ireland has adapted to continue supporting customers during the pandemic and explains the benefits of Copart’s online auction platform.
How has Copart adapted to continue supporting customers?
The great news is that we are – and always have been – a truly digital vehicle remarketing company, which stands us apart within the marketplace. Whilst many traditional auctions have had to change and move online, Copart have always been there. It means many of our customers have benefited from more buyers transacting digitally.
The technology which powers our auctions is without doubt world class. This, combined with our massively loyal Member base and the fact that we have remained open for business (apart from April 2020), has helped our customers to maximise results during a difficult period of trading.
We have worked hard to put measures in place within our Operation Centre which ensure the safety of both our customers and teammates. The constant support and high level of performance from everyone at Copart has helped our customers to make the best of the situation.
How has Copart evolved to help customers since you joined the team?
Copart is very fast paced and the business is always looking for new ways to offer customers better solutions. Technology is very much at the forefront of the company’s development, which is great because there is always something new to learn and offer to our customers.
What I would say above all else is that within Copart there are some amazing people and a real sense of team spirit. We really do try and live up to our #customerfirst ethos – collaborating and working together with customers to keep improving what we do. It is a great place to work as a result.
What are the most unique types of vehicles you have helped customers to remarket?
Our Member base is so expansive that you will be surprised at the types of vehicles that we remarket for our customers. One day we could be selling a €35,000 BMW X5 and the next day we could be selling a Combined Harvester, so a little like my working day, no two are the same!
The fantastic thing about the Copart auctions and our Members is we can consistently sell any type of vehicle.
What are the biggest benefits of Copart’s online auction platform?
Many people will not appreciate that our online auctions genuinely replicate what happens in a live auction house. Our technology recognises real time bidding patterns and automatically extends the time of a Lot whilst people are bidding or are likely to bid.
This ability is not found elsewhere, and unlike a timed auction, this technology unlocks the door to genuine potential returns.
What would you say to those needing more from their vehicle remarketing/disposals?
Firstly, the market bounced back immediately once the first lockdown was lifted, which is to be expected given that people within the motor trade were re-opening their businesses.
From our perspective, we are still seeing these exceptional results today and the auction results show no sign of slowing down as we all learn to adapt to and live with Covid.
We have seen potential customers, who previously only utilised the traditional vehicle remarketing methods, becoming more open to a new way of doing things and this has created further opportunities for us at Copart, and of course our buyers and sellers.
We would encourage any potential customers, who are considering their options and want to maximise returns on their assets, to get in touch. We would be very happy to work with them and outline what we can offer to help improve their remarketing experience.
If you are interested in finding out how Copart Ireland could help your business remarket sub-optimal vehicles for maximum returns, get in touch with Eugene on 045 247491, or email eugene.horan@copart.com