Certified data chats for future used car markets

Abstract

Used car market platforms are interested in extending their offering from information provision to the whole customer journey. Providing certified data on the car’s state and history enables this extension by eliminating the need to physically inspect the car before buying it. Hence, communication and negotiations can move entirely to a used car platform to cover the entire value chain. How can such a market communication be designed when certified data come into play? This study designs and develops a certified data chat for the selective and controlled exchange of blockchain-based certified data in used car negotiations. An experimental market game is played with students to evaluate the usefulness of the chat. The study contributes to the augmentation of market communication with valuable and sensitive data exchange and demonstrates what a key component of a future used car market can look like. It offers three design principles and insight into why certified data chats are useful.