Lifestyle

Used Car Prices on the Rise: What You Need to Know

Published

4 years ago

June 21, 2021

The impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic are wide-ranging. Some are also easy to overlook. Not every effect of the pandemic is as obvious as others.

For example, rental car companies often sell their vehicles after a year or so. This practice plays a critical role in determining the average cost of pre-owned vehicles. Many used cars are actually formerly rental cars.

However, because travel was extremely limited during the pandemic, when rental car companies sold off their vehicles early, they didn’t buy replacements. The low demand for rental cars made buying new vehicles unnecessary at the time.

This has resulted in a shortage of used cars available to buyers. Because rental companies didn’t buy as many replacements as they typically would, they now don’t have as many vehicles to sell to used car dealers and buyers.

This is one of several reasons used car prices are remarkably high right now. The implications of this for car buyers, owners, and sellers are numerous.

For example, if a car owner was considering eventually selling their vehicle and upgrading to a new model, now may be the best time to do so. Used cars are currently scarce, but that won’t always be the case. As their availability returns to normal levels, so will their prices. If a seller waits to sell their vehicle, by the time they do, they may not get nearly as much money for it as they would if they sold sooner rather than later.

It’s also worth noting that the pandemic made manufacturing and designing new vehicles very challenging for several months. This also contributed to the rise in used car prices. With fewer new vehicles available, buyers had to purchase used cars. Increased demand yielded increased cost.

However, new vehicles are beginning to hit the road again as the pandemic winds down. A buyer might thus sell their used car for a good price now in order to upgrade to a new model.

Even someone who doesn’t currently own a vehicle might want to consider these factors if they were planning on buying one in the near future. This is the case if they initially planned on buying a used car to save money.

Typically, buying a pre-owned vehicle instead of a new one is an effective way to limit spending when a buyer is on a tight budget. However, given that used car prices are currently much higher than ordinary, the amount of money a buyer could save is currently somewhat limited. They may simply be better off buying a new car that’s in better condition and boasts more innovative features.

Additionally, while demand for used vehicles may eventually wane, reducing their cost as a result, experts believe that might not necessarily happen soon. Now that vaccines are available and restrictions are being lifted, many people are buying used cars out of a desire to travel. This trend may continue for at least a year. As such, the high demand for used cars is probably going to remain consistent for some time.

Whether someone plans on buying a car, selling a car, or both, they should remember these points when deciding how to proceed. The rise in used car prices may be one of the more overlooked ripple effects of the pandemic. However, for drivers, it could also be one of the more significant.

Lifestyle

Powerful Corporate Gifting Strategies to Build and Strengthen Business Partnerships

Published

2 days ago

April 15, 2025

Michelle Langton

If you want to build and strengthen business partnerships with your clients and top investors, there are a few key steps you must take. One essential strategy is corporate gifting. This simple act goes beyond building a partnership. It will also increase your customer retention rate and promote your business even beyond the shore of your country.

But before you consider gifting any item, there are some strategies to put in place. This will ensure your gift makes a lasting impression and resonates well with your clients. Below are powerful corporate gifting strategies to build and strengthen business partnerships with your clients and top investors.

Choose a Personalized Item

Rather than choosing an ordinary gift for your clients and investors, opt for a personalized item. Customised corporate gifts such as T-shirts, coffee mugs, and bags create a stronger emotional connection than generic gifts. They also leave a more lasting impression than most other gift types.

Imagine how investors and your clients will feel when you beautifully inscribe their image or favorite quotes on a T-shirt. Of course, they will feel valued, appreciated, and ready to invest more in your business.

Consider Their Culture and Background

As an entrepreneur, it’s essential to be culturally competent and sensitive. Your gifts should resonate with your clients’ and investors’ cultural backgrounds. Otherwise, they may be quickly discarded or overlooked. If your investors and audience are predominantly of Black heritage, consider giving them a custom T-shirt featuring a map of Africa or inspirational quotes from iconic Black leaders.

Their religious beliefs are also important. Specific religions may find some images or symbols inappropriate. For instance, if you’re giving a gift to a Muslim investor, avoid designs that include images like pigs, as they are considered offensive in Islamic culture.

Consider a Functional Gift

You should also consider the gift’s functionality. A gift that can be used every day will be more valuable than an impractical one. Even if the gift is expensive but doesn’t have any functional purpose, it won’t serve the purpose it was intended for.

Instead of purely sentimental keepsakes or abstract gifts, consider practical items like pens, notebooks, backpacks, coffee mugs, umbrellas, or water bottles. Just make sure the gift is well-designed and features your brand logo and identity. This not only increases brand visibility but also helps strengthen the connection between you and your investors.

Tie it to a story

Tie your gifts to a story to make them more memorable and emotionally meaningful. For example, if during your business’s early days, your employees always worked tirelessly day and night, you could opt for a custom hourglass. Clients and investors who receive such a gift will appreciate your business’s journey of patience and perseverance.

Offer Quality Gifts

Gifts given to investors or clients who have significantly contributed to your business growth should reflect their value. They shouldn’t be cheap or low-grade items. The gift doesn’t have to be trendy or widely popular, but it should come from a reputable and high-end brand. This will give your gift more credibility. Besides, the recipients will feel comfortable to use the gift among their colleagues.