iVendi is partnering with customer engagement specialist Barbuck to help dealers connect with potential finance customers by turning online interest into real-time conversations.
Under the new collaboration, when a consumer uses iVendi’s platform to conduct a soft search across a dealer’s panel of lenders, they’ll now automatically receive an SMS inviting them to speak directly with the dealership about finance options.
James Tew, CEO at iVendi, said the move reflects the way modern consumers shop for cars: “This is about opening as many routes as possible for consumers to interact with dealers. We know that in 2025, the vast majority of used car buyers create sophisticated multi-channel buying journeys, following individual combinations of online, phone and physical interactions with dealers.”
“We see more complex motor finance decision-making emerging as a key trend in the used car sector. Consumers are spending more time researching the options that are available to them, and our newest technology is very much aimed at helping them navigate dealer lending panels effectively.
“Barbuck’s SMS technology supports this. Once a potential buyer completes a soft search, the SMS makes it easy for them to call and speak to a dealer about particular finance products and should help to more quickly convert highly qualified leads.”
Barbuck, based in Essex, brings over 20 years of experience in customer engagement and AI-driven analytics.
Managing director Elly Harron said: “Barbuck specialises in proactive customer engagement, identifying and turning leads into direct interactions quickly and efficiently. Our partnership with iVendi enables dealers to engage buyers, significantly enhancing their conversion rates. We know from experience that timely SMS engagement can greatly improve outcomes for dealers and customers alike.”