The G+ Office Tour takes you around Korea, to meet the most dependable staff of Hyundai Glovis! This time, we visited Autobell Incheon Center, which opened its doors in January 2023. Located in a huge 17,900 m2 lot, with a gigantic auction area that can accommodate up to 300 guests, Autobell Incheon Center with its six hard-working staff members is fully prepared to become the ultimate secondhand car auction center in Korea.
Autobell Incheon Center was established in January 2023, with the goal of pioneering the used car auction market in the Seoul area. This is the fourth Hyundai Glovis secondhand car auction center to open, after Bundang, Sihwa, and Yangsan. The Incheon staff, who were recruited from the previously established centers, launched the new center in Incheon by contributing their expertise gained while working at the other auction centers. Even though the number of cars they handle is currently fewer than that of the other centers, they are working vigorously to become a major player in the industry. We met with the staff of the Incheon Center, whose future is definitely bright.
Tell us about Autobell Incheon Center.
Autobell Incheon Center is a new used car auction center established by Hyundai Glovis, following the centers in Bundang, Sihwa, and Yangsan. We opened this past January, and we handle various tasks related to the car auction process, such as the transfer and consignment of vehicles. The center has an area of approximately 17,900 m2 and can store up to 500 vehicles.
How does an auction work?
The most important task is to check the vehicles that have entered our center, to thoroughly examine them and determine their condition before they can be displayed. Used cars without defects are displayed both online and offline, through the Autobell Smart Auction Program and onsite auctions. Once an auction starts, each vehicle is then sold to the highest bidder.
How many vehicles do you usually display, and how many companies participate in the bidding?
Autobell Incheon Center displays about 300 to 400 vehicles in each auction session. About 700 members place their bids in real time. The number of vehicles we put up for bidding is still low compared to other auction centers, but we are planning to increase the amount through collaboration with our partner companies and diverse promotional activities.
What is the rate of successful bids at the Incheon Center?
We currently have a success rate of nearly 70%. In order to further improve this rate, we are continuously striving to provide the best services to our members who visit our center or call by phone. In addition, we are actively promoting the Autobell Smart Auction program, which allows customers to participate in an auction virtually, to boost our online transactions.
How does the Autobell Smart Auction work?
The Autobell Smart Auction is a cloud-based system that goes beyond the limitations of space, allowing customers to participate in auctions online through a computer or mobile device. Interested bidders can check the details of a particular car, such as its condition, exterior, and inspection status. It is also possible for them to check information about the auctions taking place in each Hyundai Glovis Autobell Center in real time, and to place their bids online in the same way as they would in an onsite auction.
A large part of your work involves dealing directly with customers. What do you believe is the most important aspect of CS?
I believe it is important to have empathy and understand the other person’s feelings. We occasionally have customers who express their dissatisfaction, and whenever that happens, we try to understand the situation from their point of view. If we empathize with the issue in a friendly way and try to provide a solution, most customers usually become satisfied. I think the way you speak to a customer is the most important thing in CS. Given the nature of our work, which involves a great deal of talking on the phone, I think responding to customers in an understanding and friendly tone is very important.
What are you most proud of here at the Incheon Center?
The biggest source of pride at our center is our team members, who each give their best in their assigned tasks. Our team is composed of some of the best staff recruited from the auction centers in Bundang, Sihwa, and Yangsan. Autobell Incheon Center has come to life as a result of their collective experiences and knowledge. We support each other in areas where we are lacking and help our colleagues when they are experiencing difficulties, as if the problems are our own. Thanks to this teamwork, we have been able to lay a firm foundation for Autobell Incheon Center, and we also never forget to laugh, even when things get tough.
What are the future goals of Autobell Incheon Center?
Our biggest goal is to increase the number of vehicles we enter into auctions and to raise the rate of successful bids by promoting harmony and collaboration. Since our center is the closest to Seoul, we plan to focus on targeting the used vehicle market in not only Seoul but also the northern Gyeonggi region. We will strive to make Autobell Incheon Center the top used car auction center in Korea.
Lastly, do you have a message for the staff of Autobell Incheon Center?
Thank you so much for all your hard work in preparing and opening the center. I remember when we first arrived here – there wasn’t even a proper office, and we all had to work together in the computer room. There were trials but I feel we were able to overcome these difficulties and open our center thanks to the dedication of our team members. I hope that we will maintain our sense of responsibility, and do our best in our tasks, so that we will become the best used car auction center in Korea. You really are the best! Let’s go Autobell Incheon Center!
By the Editorial Department
2023.04.18