Objectives

Broekhuis, one of the largest car dealer holdings in The Netherlands, initiated the development of an online car purchasing platform. The goals were to increase inventory, introduce non-customers (individuals) to the Broekhuis organization, and ensure efficiency, reliability, scalability, and most importantly, a positive customer experience.

Broekhuis outlined the following key requirements:

• Direct payment to the seller after a successful vehicle purchase;
• Prior checks where possible to enhance fully automated processes (e.g., vehicle registration code, IBAN number).
• A well-organized process for transferring vehicles from the seller to Broekhuis’ business inventory at the national vehicle registry (‘vrijwaring’).
   

Challenges for Broekhuis

Before implementing the final solution, Broekhuis faced challenges in optimizing the vehicle acquisition process. A solution was sought that aligned with Broekhuis’ earlier described core values. The platform needed streamlining to ensure swift payments, pre-checks, and a seamless process for vehicle transfers.

Notarieel Betalen’s Solution

To meet Broekhuis’ needs and overcome challenges, Notarieel Betalen introduced the ‘Inkoop-app’ (Purchase App) to Broekhuis. This app facilitates step-by-step vehicle acquisition, including the registration of the purchased vehicle in Broekhuis’ business inventory at the national registry (RDW). The solution brings several advantages compared to traditional manual acquisition processes:

• Time-saving in the purchasing process;
• Implementation of pre-checks to enhance efficiency;
• Improved customer experience with fewer steps during vehicle transfer;
• A simplified and less error-prone process for Broekhuis employees.|
   

How It Works

• A private individual visits the Broekhuis website to sell their car. A Broekhuis specialist makes an offer to the customer based on the license plate number, mileage, car information, condition of the car and a number of photos;
• The customer receives a message about the offer on his personal website and can accept or reject the offer;
• Upon acceptance, the customer selects a date and location to bring the car. The customer then receives an email to enter additional information (IBAN and ascription codes);
• Upon collection of the vehicle, the car will be included in the Broekhuis business inventory in the national register (RDW) via Notarieel Betalen;
• Simultaneously, Notarieel Betalen triggers a payment to the customer via the ABN AMRO Business Account Payment API after verification through the IBAN-Name Check API*.
   

Improved Process and Customer Experience

The collaboration between Broekhuis and Notarieel Betalen has resulted in a streamlined acquisition process addressing Broekhuis’ initial challenges. The ‘Inkoop-app’ optimizes each step, from checks to including the vehicle in the business inventory, leading to shorter processing times and a smoother customer experience.

Impact on Vehicle Acquisition

This collaboration not only highlights the successful partnership between Broekhuis, Notarieel Betalen, and ABN AMRO but also illustrates the transformative impact on the vehicle acquisition process. The integration of various APIs has exceeded Broekhuis’ requirements and desires, ensuring a positive and seamless experience for both private sellers and purchasing teams.

Lessons Learned

The collaboration brought together expertise from different sectors. Broekhuis, known for innovation in the automotive industry, collaborated effectively with the teams of Notarieel Betalen and ABN AMRO. The partnership is characterized by clear communication, a shared vision, and a commitment to mutual support for further process optimization.

More information

APIs offer numerous possibilities. In Broekhuis’ use case, the APIs from Notarieel Betalen and those from the house bank ABN AMRO proved to be perfect building blocks. Please note that this is not an exclusive proposition; API possibilities are infinite.

Inspired by this example and curious about what APIs can do for your organization? Check out the websites of Broekhuis, Notarieel Betalen, and ABN AMRO.

*ABN AMRO partnered with SurePay to distribute the IBAN-Name Check API.