Indies Only: AutoSmart Takes the Pain Out of Buying a Car

Brian Caldwell and Scott Twait use their combined 30 years of experience working in the auto industry to advocate and negotiate the best price for their customers.

“Eight out of 10 people say their last car buying experience was miserable. We decided there’s a better way,” said Caldwell.

The concept for the business was based on their experience working with and in dealerships.

“We decided to create a concierge service to represent clients as they purchase a car,” said Caldwell.

Caldwell explained that their business model has three main components:

1. A concierge service to mediate the process of purchasing a vehicle. Based on the customer’s specifications, AutoSmart searches for the vehicle, negotiates the price, negotiates a trade-in (if necessary), financing and warranty.
2. A consignment service to sell a customer’s vehicle. AutoSmart markets the vehicle and handles all phone calls until a consumer is committed to purchasing the vehicle.
3. An education component. AutoSmart hosts a free monthly forums,  teaching basic fundamentals of car safety and maintenance.

“The internet provides a lot of information, but buying a vehicle is still a negotiated business. General consumers only purchase one vehicle every four to five years, while dealers are trained to negotiate,” said Caldwell.

Purchasing a vehicle can be an emotional purchase. If you get caught up in it, then the thought process goes out the window and you can exceed your budget, said Caldwell. AutoSmart has no preference whether their customer wants to purchase a new or used vehicle and will search for the vehicle that matches their customer’s criteria, said Caldwell.

AutoSmart’s consignment service offers a “shield of protection, removing the possible danger of inviting a stranger to your home,” said Caldwell.

Dealers also benefit by working with AutoSmart, said Caldwell, because “we bring in buyers, not shoppers. We make the process simple on their end too.”

Mike Schoppe, owner of Schoppe Design Associates, has utilized AutoSmart on three occasions. First, AutoSmart found Schoppe an enclosed trailer that perfectly matched his specifications.

“My criteria were quite restrictive and I wanted the trailer in good condition,” said Schoppe. “Brian worked incredibly hard, exceeding my expectations. He traveled as far as Huntley to look at a trailer for me.”

AutoSmart also negotiated a good deal on a car for Schoppe’s daughter and sold her old car. AutoSmart “took care of everything. They advertised the car and showed it to potential buyers. They used their connections to find the right buyer, saving me a large amount of time and the hassle of dealing with all the phone calls,” said Schoppe.

Rod Zenner, Community Development Director for the , heard AutoSmart offered services to negotiate a good deal on a new car and he decided to try out this new option.

“It was a great experience and very easy,” said Zenner. “I gave Brian the description of what I was looking for and he found that vehicle with my required options at a great price. I went to the dealership to sign the papers and drove my car off the lot 20 minutes later.”

“Brian’s ability to negotiate more than pays for his services. It sounds like a catchphrase, but you save money and time using AutoSmart,” said Zenner.

Caldwell and Twait opened AutoSmart in April 2011. Both Oswego residents embedded in the community, they chose Oswego as their home base and hope to grow the service, said Caldwell. AutoSmart is a member of the and Caldwell is president of the Oswego Rotary Club.

From 9 to 10:30 a.m. Oct. 15 AutoSmart will pair with for the .

• Vehicle safety
• Winter checklist
• Oil change intervals
• Vehicle maintenance
• Jump starting a vehicle
• The 21st century tune-up
• Common brake concerns

RSVP by Oct. 10 to 630-554-2285 or email info@autosmartnetwork.com. AutoSmart will host a child safety seat inspection Nov. 5.

AutoSmart, 39 Stonehill Road., Suite A. Contact: 630-554-2285. Hours: Mon 8 am-6 pm; Tues, Wed, and Thurs 8 am-noon; Fri 8 am-6 pm; Sat 8am-noon; Sun closed. Additional hours available by appointment.