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Quick Guide: AutoTrader Feed

3 min read

This guide outlines the critical differences and support procedures for the new AutoTrader (AT) feed. This process is fundamentally different from all other VMG feeds and requires a shift in how we manage customer expectations.

Key Difference: Direct API Submission #

All other VMG feeds send vehicle data to a VMG-controlled endpoint, which aggregators fetch. When a user clicks Update Web in VMG Webmaster, the endpoint updates in real-time, and we can see that data.

  • The AutoTrader feed is different. We submit vehicle data directly into their API.
  • The Challenge: The moment data leaves VMG Webmaster, we lose visibility and control. We cannot see what happens to the data within the AT system.
Support Challenge & Expectation Management #

Customers will contact us about issues that are outside of our control. Frontline support must be aware of these issues and MANAGE USER EXPECTATIONS accordingly.

If a vehicle is “on Web” in VMG Webmaster but not on AutoTrader, the issue is almost certainly on their side.

  • Timeframes: All issues below require DREAN to contact AutoTrader for resolution. We cannot promise any timeframes for how long an issue will take to resolve.
Required: User Training & Preparation #

The most effective way to minimize AutoTrader issues is to ensure customers are properly trained to use VMG Webmaster. We expect support to reinforce training on perfectly preparing vehicles for the web.

Inefficient Scenario (Must be avoided):

  1. Customer calls support because a vehicle isn’t showing.
  2. Support spends unnecessary time troubleshooting.
  3. We discover it’s an AT rejection issue (see below).
  4. DREAN has to contact Frontline/User to fix, resulting in re-uploading time.
The Cause: AutoTrader Moderation (Rejection Triggers) #

AutoTrader has a team that manually or automatically checks every uploaded car. A car will be put into MODERATION (meaning not displayed on AutoTrader) if it triggers any of the following issues:

note: VMG Webmaster currently shows these vehicles as “on web”.

Vehicle Data Issues #
  • Incorrect VIN.
  • Duplicate VIN: The VIN is already loaded in the AT database by another dealer. AT will not display the same car twice.
Image Content Issues #
  • Not Enough Images are loaded (AT minimum required).
  • “Coming Soon” Images are prohibited.
  • Generic/Stock Images: Using a picture from the internet (e.g., a new model’s image for a used vehicle).
  • Images containing:
    • Company Logo
    • Contact Info (e.g., telephone or email addresses)
    • Warranty Info

Action: If a user reports a missing vehicle, first check if any of these conditions are met, especially the image content. If they are, have the user correct the vehicle immediately.

Prepping Vehicles for Autotrader Feed #

Step 1

  • Select the stock item you want to prep for web

Step 2

  • Ensure that vehicle data is accurate to avoid an unpleasant experience later in the webmaster process.

NB!!! Ensure that vehicle data is accurate to avoid an unpleasant experience later in the webmaster process.

Step 3

  • Add vehicle extras
  • Add the vehicle extras
  • Add service history
  • Add previous owners

You will see motorplan, service plan, and warranty, as well as the next service is also there to be updated if the vehicle still has them.

Step 4

  • Add a description that will be displayed on the Autotrader website.

Step 5

  • Add images
  • DO NOT UPLOAD
    • Coming soon
    • Generic pictures
    • Company logo
    • Contact Info
    • Warranty Info

Congratulations your vehicle is now prepared to be uploaded. Our team will send the Upload Guide when vehicles are prepped.

Step 6

Navigate to Webmaster to upload to Auto Trader