Advertising & Search Ranking Transparency

1. Transparency in Commercial Communications

At CARWEBB, we are committed to complete transparency regarding commercial communications, vehicle listings, and search results. This policy is established in compliance with the Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act 2024 (DMCC Act 2024), the UK Code of Non-broadcast Advertising and Direct & Promotional Marketing (CAP Code), and the Electronic Commerce (EC Directive) Regulations 2002.

2. Search Ranking Parameters & Algorithms

When users browse or search for vehicles on CARWEBB, results are determined by the following core ranking parameters:

• Organic Ranking Factors:
• Relevance: Keyword match against vehicle make, model, variant, and specification details.
• Recency: Date and time the listing was published or renewed.
• Proximity: Geographic distance from the buyer's specified UK postcode or location.
• Listing Completeness: High-quality photographs, detailed condition descriptions, and verified vehicle history credentials.

• Paid Placements & Featured Promotions:
• Sellers and registered motor trade dealers may purchase optional listing promotion features (such as "Featured Listing" or "Top of Search" boosts).
• Promoted listings are given algorithmic prominence within search results and dedicated display carousels.
• Mandatory Clear Labeling: Every paid placement or sponsored listing is explicitly and conspicuously badged with visual labels such as "Featured" or "Promoted". We never present paid commercial promotions as organic search results.

3. On-The-Road (OTR) Price Transparency

All vehicle prices displayed on CARWEBB must comply with UK pricing regulations:

• The displayed headline price must be the full cash price payable to purchase the vehicle.
• Mandatory administration fees, documentation charges, preparation fees, or compulsory handover charges must be included in the headline advertised price. Dealers are strictly prohibited from demanding undisclosed mandatory surcharges at point of sale.
• Business-to-business (B2B) qualifying VAT vehicles must clearly specify the VAT status to avoid misleading consumer buyers.

4. Distinction Between Private and Commercial Sellers

Every vehicle listing clearly identifies the seller type:

• Private Seller: Private individuals selling personal vehicles. Consumer statutory remedies under Part 1 of the Consumer Rights Act 2015 do not apply to private sales.
• Trade Dealer: Commercial motor businesses registered in the UK. All dealer listings are subject to statutory consumer protection laws including the Consumer Rights Act 2015 and DMCC Act 2024.
• Any commercial trader attempting to disguise themselves as a private seller ("bogus private seller") is strictly prohibited and subject to immediate delisting and referral to Trading Standards.

5. Prohibited Advertising Practices

CARWEBB strictly prohibits:

• Advertisements displaying fictitious, misleading, or deceptive vehicle specifications.
• Falsified or "clocked" odometer mileage claims.
• Bait-and-switch advertising (advertising vehicles that are unavailable or sold to generate leads).
• Hidden charges or deceptive finance payment illustrations.
• Unsubstantiated claims regarding vehicle provenance, condition, or warranty coverage.

6. AI-Generated Listing Content Disclosure

CARWEBB provides artificial intelligence tools (powered by Google Gemini API) to assist sellers in drafting listing copy from vehicle registration data.

• All AI-generated descriptions and specifications must be reviewed, verified, and explicitly approved by the seller prior to publication.
• The seller remains legally responsible for the complete accuracy and truthfulness of all claims made in their advertisement.

7. Reporting Deceptive Advertisements

If you suspect an advertisement violates our advertising standards, is misleading, or constitutes fraudulent activity, report the listing immediately via the Report Listing button on the vehicle page or email support@carwebb.com.