Welcome to Webwatch, a regular series in which we put used truck dealers' websites under the microscope. This time we look at Widnes-based Smith Brothers Services.
Company: Smith Brothers Services
Address: www.smithbrosltd.com
Homepage
One glance at Smith Brothers' clear, uncluttered website (pictured below) tells you it is professionally designed. The main links can be found across the centre of the homepage, and the site's most important feature - the 'Truck Search' tool - is positioned in the top left.
Apart from the contact details for Smith Brothers to the bottom left, there's nothing to distract you from finding the vehicle you are after.
Product search
To browse a complete listing of all vehicles in stock, click the 'Trucks' link on the centre of any page. Vehicles for sale will be displayed four at a time; use the 'previous' and 'next' buttons to scroll through.
If you are looking for something specific, use the 'Truck Search' tool in the blue box to narrow your search. Here you have two options. The first is to select a type of vehicle from the drop-down list ('rigids' or 'tippers', for example) and click 'Search'. The second is to type in a keyword of your choice and again click 'Search'. This enables you to search the listings for a particular make or model.
A brief description and a thumbnail photo are provided for each vehicle. To find out more, use the 'Please click for further details' link - it doesn't look like a web link, so it's easy to overlook. But it is worth finding, as it will present you with a full spec for your vehicle of choice, as well as three further photos taken from different angles.
If something takes your fancy, use the 'Click here to enquire about this vehicle' link - again, it doesn't look like a web link so don't miss it.
At the time of writing, all of the major marques were represented in the stock list, with Scania tractor units from 2002 and 2004 predominating. Although the 'Truck Search' tool includes a 'trailers' category, none were in stock.
As is usually the case with dealers' websites, prices are on application.
Other pages
The website also includes a contact form, so you can express interest in a particular vehicle. Just click on the 'Contact' link found on every page.
The site's only other feature is a map to Smith Brothers' Widnes, Cheshire, site (pictured below) - either click on the 'Location' link or the small map icon underneath the 'Truck Search' tool. As the map is "powered by Google", it's easy to use and you can even request directions to Widnes from wherever you are based.
We like
We're not sure
Conclusion
It's almost impossible to get lost on this site and exceedingly easy to find the truck you are looking for - as long as it's in stock, of course. Smith Brothers has certainly got all the basics right, and its website looks nice to boot.
Web rating
Appearance: 8/10
Information: 7/10
Navigation: 8/10
Check out our other recent Webwatches, including:
If you would like your used truck site to be considered for a future Webwatch and appear on this blog as well as in Commercial Motor magazine, please email james.clark@rbi.co.uk
To browse a complete listing of all vehicles in stock, click the 'Trucks' link on the centre of any page. Vehicles for sale will be displayed four at a time; use the 'previous' and 'next' buttons to scroll through.
If you are looking for something specific, use the 'Truck Search' tool in the blue box to narrow your search. Here you have two options. The first is to select a type of vehicle from the drop-down list ('rigids' or 'tippers', for example) and click 'Search'. The second is to type in a keyword of your choice and again click 'Search'. This enables you to search the listings for a particular make or model.
A brief description and a thumbnail photo are provided for each vehicle. To find out more, use the 'Please click for further details' link - it doesn't look like a web link, so it's easy to overlook. But it is worth finding, as it will present you with a full spec for your vehicle of choice, as well as three further photos taken from different angles.
If something takes your fancy, use the 'Click here to enquire about this vehicle' link - again, it doesn't look like a web link so don't miss it.
At the time of writing, all of the major marques were represented in the stock list, with Scania tractor units from 2002 and 2004 predominating. Although the 'Truck Search' tool includes a 'trailers' category, none were in stock.
As is usually the case with dealers' websites, prices are on application.
Other pages
The website also includes a contact form, so you can express interest in a particular vehicle. Just click on the 'Contact' link found on every page.
The site's only other feature is a map to Smith Brothers' Widnes, Cheshire, site (pictured below) - either click on the 'Location' link or the small map icon underneath the 'Truck Search' tool. As the map is "powered by Google", it's easy to use and you can even request directions to Widnes from wherever you are based.
We like
- The site has a clear, clean design
- You can search for stock by keyword
- The map is easy to use
We're not sure
- No trailers in stock at the time of writing
- Some links don't really look like links
Conclusion
It's almost impossible to get lost on this site and exceedingly easy to find the truck you are looking for - as long as it's in stock, of course. Smith Brothers has certainly got all the basics right, and its website looks nice to boot.
Web rating
Appearance: 8/10
Information: 7/10
Navigation: 8/10
Check out our other recent Webwatches, including:
If you would like your used truck site to be considered for a future Webwatch and appear on this blog as well as in Commercial Motor magazine, please email james.clark@rbi.co.uk
Comments (1)
I am new to this site. I have just learned about this site. I am going to read on and it’s very interesting to know
Posted by Used Trucks | November 6, 2009 9:28 AM
Posted on November 6, 2009 09:28