INDIANAPOLIS -

MaxTradeIn, a free online marketplace aimed at giving vehicle owners the ability to trade in or sell their used model by selecting trusted local dealers, is now available to customers and dealerships in Columbus, Ohio.

MaxTradeIn highlighted that it has experienced rapid growth since first launching in Indianapolis late last year. More than $80 million in offers have been made by nearly 100 dealers located in Indianapolis, Cincinnati and Louisville, Ky., that subscribe to the service.

Last month, MaxTradeIn finalized a $1.2 million seed round of funding.

Founded by a team with more than 50 years combined leadership experience in the automotive sales industry, MaxTradeIn believes it can be valuable to dealerships.

The company offers two services that allow dealerships to receive high-quality consumer leads who want to trade in or sell their used vehicle and purchase a new one: MaxTradeIn.com and MaxTradeIn DealerDirect.

Dealerships that subscribe to MaxTradeIn.com can be connected directly to qualified buyers in their market who are seeking sale or trade-in offers on their used vehicle from as many as six dealers in their area.

“We've been able to save money on auction fees and travel expenses while increasing our used-car inventory by using MaxTradeIn.com,” said Brett Rozzi, general manager for Penske Chevrolet in Indianapolis. “What’s more, we're able to acquire specific vehicles that aren’t always available via commercial avenues.”

MaxTradeIn DealerDirect is a tool that can be integrated into a subscribing dealerships existing website and can enable site visitors to enter their vehicle identification number (VIN) and a few quick details about their used vehicle to receive a nearly instant offer directly from that dealer when selling or trading in their vehicle.

“MaxTradeIn DealerDirect is a great way to mainstream leads to your dealership website,” said Rusty Lasley, Internet manager at Dugan Chevrolet in Avon, Ind., which is west of Indianapolis. “Between the dashboard and email notifications, it’s hard to miss a sale opportunity or buy for your used car inventory.”

MaxTradeIn can offer consumers an easy way to receive multiple offers from local dealers during a free 48-hour listing period, eliminating the stress of negotiating with several dealers or relying on suggested book values for their vehicle’s worth.

“Your vehicle’s value may vary significantly from dealer to dealer because an actual car dealer’s quote is influenced by several factors, including sales activity, current market trends, competition and location,” said Justin Bates, chief executive officer and co-founder of MaxTradeIn.

“MaxTradeIn takes those variables off the table and provides real-time trade-in offers from trusted dealers in your area,” Bates continued.

To learn more about MaxTradeIn, visit www.maxtradein.com.

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