How Fresh Trade mode works
- The rep types or pastes the VIN.
- LotBoard validates the check digit and decodes the vehicle: year, make, model, trim, body, engine and drivetrain. Decoding uses the public NHTSA vPIC database.
- The rep adds the price, mileage and photos from their phone.
- The listing builder writes an "early access" description, and the rep presses Publish.
Why it matters
The first days after a trade are when it's most interesting and when nobody else has it listed. Early-access listings capture buyers before the unit is reconditioned, photographed and syndicated, and they tell local shoppers your lot has fresh inventory.
Guardrails
- Managers can see Fresh Trade listings flagged in the dashboard.
- The duplicate-VIN rule still applies, so two reps can't list the same trade.
- When the unit later appears on your website, the daily sync keeps the price in check.
Frequently asked questions
Where does the VIN decode come from?
From the NHTSA's public vPIC service, combined with the VIN check-digit test. Canadian-market trims can differ, so the rep reviews every decoded field.
Can I turn Fresh Trade mode off?
Talk to us if your store doesn't want early-access listings. Most managers use the dashboard flag to review them instead.
Sources
This page is general information, not legal advice. Confirm current rules with your provincial regulator.