Catching up with our National Automotive Buyer and Second-In-Command Manager

At 1800 Salvage, we prioritise your convenience and experience. That’s why we’ve built a team of automotive-buying experts who know the industry's ins and outs to help Australians easily sell their cars.

We sat down with Doug Whiffin, our National Automotive Buyer and Second-In-Command Manager, to discuss his role and experience working with the company.
‍

‍How long have you worked with 1800 Salvage? 

I’ve been with 1800 Salvage for 1 year and 9 months.

Can you speak about your experience in the automotive industry?

I started as a cadet with Toyota in 1993, selling brand-new cars. I've since worked for various Toyota and Ford dealerships as a salesman, used car manager and valuer/buyer. I spent 7 years with Car Search Brokers Australia in a broker role. I was responsible for helping customers select both new and used vehicles, handling the process of buying wholesale, as well as reconditioning the vehicle and disposal of the trade-in vehicle.  I also worked at Manheim Auctions for 6 years as an account manager, looking after 200+ new and used car dealers and managing their assets through the auction process.  I also managed a selection of salvage clients, helping them dispose of non-viable vehicles.

What does your role involve?

My role mainly involves valuations and buying assets. I assist the buying team in meeting their customers' needs while monitoring current market conditions and trends.

How do you go about evaluating a vehicle?

With 30 years of experience in the automotive industry, I have a solid knowledge of all vehicle types, their inherent faults, popularity, and the best markets in which they will suit best.

‍How do you focus on creating a great customer experience?

Customers deserve honesty and transparency, as well as clear and respectful communication delivered in a timely manner. Above all, they deserve a fair outcome. Our business's nature means that we often speak to people who find themselves in a stressful situation. We understand their concern whether they’re facing an expensive mechanical failure or have suffered damage to their vehicle that they cannot repair economically. We strive to offer the easiest and fairest solution so our customers can move on knowing they have been well looked after.

How do you think 1800 Salvage stands out from competitors?

1800 Salvage is the benchmark for clear communication, as well as fast, and fair outcomes. We have a culture of "customer first" every time and strive to provide a service that people will remember for the right reasons.

What challenges have you faced while working with 1800 Salvage, and how have you overcome them?

There are often many enquiries that come with challenges. They can involve accessing a "hard to get" vehicle, providing a solution to a customer who may reside in a remote location, or helping a family dispose of a vehicle that belonged to a loved one who has passed away. Any challenge we face is always handled with a focus on empathy and a genuine desire to help our customers achieve the outcomes they need.

What are some milestones you have reached with 1800 Salvage?

Our milestones seem to be happening at a rapid pace. I remember when we bought 100 cars in a month–we were all so excited! But then it wasn't long before we bought 200, 300 and even 400 cars.  One milestone we're very proud of is our Google reviews; the fact that so many of our customers are prepared to share their positive experiences is a testament to the great work we do as a team daily.

What is the most interesting asset you've purchased?

We purchase many interesting vehicles. We've had an old Porsche where a spouse threw the car keys into Sydney Harbour, an old Ferrari that the owner could not find the parts to repair, and several old boats that people have lived in. We are offered many vehicles that have an interesting story attached to them; it's never boring!

‍