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Student starts car consultant business Date published: 1/25/2008
By Megan Grigorian From the time he opened his first car magazine as a child, Zack Fauver knew he had found his calling. Now 21, Fauver is using his passion for automobiles to create his own business. The concept, similar to that of a buyer's agent in real estate, brings in Fauver as a third party to represent the buyer, allowing little face-to-face contact with the dealer. "I'm making sure what's out there and what the best deal is," Fauver said. Fauver, from Spotsylvania County, is a senior at Christopher Newport University who expects to graduate in December, feels he knows how dealerships operate. In the past three years, he worked at two dealerships in the Fredericksburg area on summer and winter break. He offers a free consultation and two packages, depending on the level of his involvement with the purchase. For $49, he gives guidance on choosing a car and techniques for acquiring the best deal. For $199, Fauver brings vehicles to the client's house to test drive and conducts all negotiations with the salesmen. He says that ideally this will lead to an hour or less of contact with the dealership for the customer. The communications major began acting as a third party in April for a few friends who were purchasing cars for the first time. He said he saved his friends $1,000 each. His success recently inspired him to offer his services to his Sawhill neighborhood in Spotsylvania County. Fauver claims his business can appeal to both new and experienced car buyers. For new buyers, the benefits lie in his knowledge of the business. "This is the most money a lot of times that they've spent, they're nervous they're spending too much or not getting a good deal," Fauver said. "For them I give peace of mind, helping them feel better about the decision they're going to make." The lack of time spent at the dealership is the primary benefit for experienced buyers. "The whole process is timely, I can provide an opportunity for them to spend more time with their family and avoid being hassled by a salesmen calling you every day," he said. Fauver currently operates his business only locally, and will travel back to Fredericksburg on weekends from Christopher Newport for customers. He eventually hopes to start something similar in Newport News. "It's more rewarding to see people just real happy and comfortable with their car decision rather than having regret or buyer's remorse," Fauver said. Zach Fauver can be reached at Megan Grigorian:
Date published: 1/25/2008
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