The Truck & Van Blog: Trucks Archives

Webwatch: Smith Brothers Services

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.

The Smith Brothers homepage is clear and uncluttered

The Smith Brothers homepage is clear and uncluttered

Continue reading "Webwatch: Smith Brothers Services" »

Posted by James Clark on August 28, 2008 9:28 AM | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBacks (0)

Webwatch: Lombard

Welcome to Webwatch, a regular series in which we rate places on the web to buy used trucks. This time round, asset finance provider Lombard goes under the microscope.

Company: Lombard
Address: www.lombard.co.uk/assetsforsale

Homepage

The 'assets for sale' section of www.lombard.co.uk makes up only a small element of the site, but it has its own homepage at www.lombard.co.uk/assetsforsale (pictured). If you accidentally stumble into another part of the Lombard site, look for the rather small 'assets for sale' link in the bottom left of any page - or just use the 'back' button in your browser.

The 'assets for sale' homepage itself is simple and uncluttered, with a list of categories showing the types of product for sale. On the right of the page is a selection of the latest additions - useful for frequent visitors.

The main page of Lombard's 'assets for sale' section

The main page of Lombard's 'assets for sale' section

Continue reading "Webwatch: Lombard" »

Posted by James Clark on September 24, 2008 2:16 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Webwatch: Cromwell Truck Sales

Welcome to Webwatch, a regular series in which we rate places on the web to buy used trucks. Today we turn our attention to West Midlands independent dealership Cromwell Truck Sales.

Company: Cromwell Truck Sales
Address: www.cromwelltrucks.com

Homepage

We may have seen one or two snazzier used truck websites, but Cromwell's certainly does the job: it's friendly, bright and bold, with a clear navigation bar running along the top.

The homepage contains no less than three links to the vehicle catalogue, so this is one dealership that understands where its customers' priorities lie.

Continue reading "Webwatch: Cromwell Truck Sales" »

Posted by James Clark on February 26, 2009 11:19 AM | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBacks (0)

Webwatch: Ford & Slater

Welcome to Webwatch, a regular series in which we rate places on the web to buy used trucks. This time it's the turn of DAF Trucks dealer Ford & Slater.

Company: Ford & Slater DAF Leicester
Address: www.fordandslater.co.uk

Homepage

Privately owned dealership group Ford & Slater has a franchise agreement with DAF Trucks, so it should come as no great surprise that www.fordandslater.co.uk shares its layout and design with DAF's own website. As such, it is professional, clear, and full of information.

There is a search box on the homepage that allows you to hunt across the whole site for a keyword of your choice.

However, don't use it to search for a used truck - it won't work for that purpose. Instead, select 'Used' from the horizontal navigation menu at the top of the homepage and then click 'Trucks' (or 'Vans', if that's your preference).

Continue reading "Webwatch: Ford & Slater" »

Posted by James Clark on March 25, 2009 1:22 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Webwatch: Hanbury Riverside

Welcome to Webwatch, a regular series in which we rate places on the web to buy used trucks. This time we focus on 'nearly new' HGV dealer Hanbury Riverside.

Company: Hanbury Riverside
Address: www.hanburyriverside.co.uk

Homepage

"Our website is our shop window," boasts West Thurrock, Essex-based truck dealer Hanbury Riverside - and so it comes as little surprise that this is one site that looks professional and is well set out.

Navigate around using the links along the left-hand side, and click on the 'Hanbury Riverside' logo at the top to return to the homepage at any time.