Auto Republic / Cairns Cars

Auto Republic Boosts Sales by 10% with Loopit’s Car Subscription Model: A Strategic Lifeline for Customers in Financial Transition

Auto Republic, part of Cairns Cars, uses Loopit’s subscription model to convert declined finance leads into vehicle buyers, achieving an 80% purchase rate and broadening customer access through flexible options.

“We’ve found that subscription helps us support customers in unique situations, providing a pathway to ownership that wouldn’t be possible with conventional financing alone. Loopit’s model lets us build relationships and convert what could be a lost opportunity into a long-term customer,” said Felix Wong, Owner, Cairns Cars Group.

Auto Republic, part of the Cairns Cars Group and led by Felix Wong, has successfully leveraged Loopit’s car subscription model as a strategic tool to capture sales that would otherwise be lost to traditional financing barriers. By offering flexible subscriptions, Auto Republic has created a bridge for customers facing temporary financial challenges. Approximately 10% of customers who are declined for finance now convert to subscriptions, with many ultimately purchasing their vehicles.

A Unique Integration Approach

What sets Auto Republic apart is their distinctive approach to car subscription. Unlike many dealerships that offer subscription as a standalone service or actively market it to customers, Auto Republic has seamlessly integrated it into their F&I suite. The subscription option is not advertised externally but rather serves as a powerful tool within the business manager's arsenal at the point of sale. This strategic positioning allows F&I managers to present subscription as an alternative solution when traditional financing options may not be immediately suitable for a customer, ensuring that no opportunity is lost at the crucial moment of sale.

The Ideal Subscription Customer: Who Finds Value in the Model?

Auto Republic has found a particularly strong fit with specific customer types who value the flexibility that subscription offers, especially when immediate car access is essential. The subscription model appeals to:

  • Professionals on Probation – New hires on probation periods can avoid the hurdles of long-term financing and instead use subscription as a temporary solution until they become eligible for traditional finance.
  • Credit-Constrained Business Owners – Business owners experiencing temporary credit issues or waiting for financial processes to clear find subscription a lifeline. It enables them to access needed vehicles without the commitment of a finance contract.
  • Home Loan Applicants – Customers in the process of securing large loans, such as mortgages, often face limitations in their ability to take on additional financial products. Subscription allows them to secure immediate access to a vehicle while maintaining their credit readiness for home loan approval.

For each of these segments, Loopit’s subscription model acts as a flexible alternative, ensuring they can access reliable vehicles while navigating short-term financial complexities. By embedding subscription into the dealership experience, Auto Republic has broadened its customer reach and positioned itself as a trusted provider for individuals seeking adaptable vehicle access.

Felix Wong describes the model as a powerful tool for the dealership:

“We’ve found that subscription helps us support customers in unique situations, providing a pathway to ownership that wouldn’t be possible with conventional financing alone. Loopit’s model lets us build relationships and convert what could be a lost opportunity into a long-term customer,” said Felix Wong, Owner, Cairns Cars Group.

Remarkable Conversion and Retention

The Loopit platform has enabled Auto Republic to achieve an impressive 80% purchase rate among customers who subscribe for 12 months or longer.

Key Results:

  • 10% Conversion Rate: Around 10% of finance declines are converted into subscriptions.
  • 80% Purchase Rate: Among customers subscribing for a year or more, 80% go on to purchase their vehicle.

Customer-Centric Positioning and Education

A key factor in Auto Republic’s success with subscriptions has been their proactive approach to customer education. Dealership staff dedicate time early in the conversation to explain the subscription concept, which alleviates complications associated with finance products and helps avoid the perception that subscriptions are similar to short-term rentals. This approach has built trust with customers, many of whom are initially unfamiliar with subscription models.

Looking Forward

Auto Republic’s success with Loopit demonstrates the dealership’s commitment to innovative, customer-centric solutions in a challenging market. As they continue to grow and refine their approach, Auto Republic and Loopit remain focused on providing customers with flexible, financially accessible pathways to vehicle ownership, setting a new standard for modern automotive retail.

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