Have you ever been quoted a price for an item or service only to find the product or service was not available for the price you were quoted? Or, when it came to that “Great New Car Deal” you had to add freight, mop and glow, preparation and handling fees? Or when you arrived ready to sign on the dotted line the advertised vehicle had “just been sold”? Unfortunately, this is a common practice for some automotive retailers. So how do you protect yourself from the often confusing and directly misleading ad promising best price, below invoice, will not be undersold, blah, blah, blah, blah, blah?
You should first consider consulting a friend or relative who is more experienced or may even have a “friend on the inside.” Take the time to research the options and the equipment you desire as well as comparative pricing. If you choose to use a buying service or a “third party broker” remember they either buy the car and then resell it or “handle the transaction”. It is very important to remember that there are no free rides and no one works for free. Make sure to ask about all the incentives, specials, and rebates that are available. You may want to ask them what they are receiving from the dealership in addition to what they are charging you for their service. You could be spending hundreds, or even thousands of extra dollars on your new vehicle – and you could have saved by dealing direct. It may surprise you to find out what your trusted source is actually making.
If you are a card-holding, fee-paying member of a buying club or auto club, remember that pricing is set but could be higher than dealer-direct pricing. It is always a good idea to check with your local dealerships’ Internet, or fleet department to see what you can save by eliminating the middleman. Most dealerships will happily provide you with all the information you need to make a better informed decision.
Avoid providing contact information you would prefer the dealer not use. For example, if you do not want a call at work, provide your cell phone number which will allow you to answer when you have the time to invest, (no boss or nosy co-worker looking over your shoulder). In most cases, your email address is the best way to get a price or quote, and also provides a paper trail that will ensure the price you are quoted is the price you get. Besides, salesman usually check their email or voice mail long before they check their snail mail box. This is also a great way to begin a relationship and learn a little about the company or individual you are considering for what in most cases is considered your second largest purchase.
Do not be scared! Dealerships are in business for the sole purpose of providing you a service when you are in the market for a new or pre-owned vehicle, parts for your current one, or just making sure your dream car keeps running like a dream. If you do not get your questions answered (or at least a fair guesstimate) prior to visiting your local neighborhood dealership, it is a safe bet they will not be answered once you arrive. This is what can cause you to spend way too much time and money.
Remember the “Friends and family savings plan”. If you trust and enjoy the relationship you have developed with your salesperson, or local dealership, take advantage of it. Friends and family get a better deal – and that’s a fact – so make a friend, or marry a salesperson, either way you get a better deal. People do business with people they know or trust. Remember service goes way beyond the sale; and it’s nice to have a trusted source to refer your friends and family to when they are in the market.
