2020Directory_FNL_FlippingBook

2020 MEMBERSHIP DIRECTORY & SERVICES GUIDE HOT TOPICS

THE LOWDOWN ON PREPRINTED FEES

The only preprinted charge dealers should have on their buyers order is the Doc Fee, which is specifically authorized by DMV regulations and currently set at $75. While an increase to $150 has been approved, it has not yet been enacted. The Association will let members know when they can update their documentation to reflect this increase. Preprinting charges have been the target of past enforcement by the Attorney General and Department of Motor Vehicles. Any charges that are preprinted may appear mandatory or state imposed; the AG’s office has also argued that adding a fee after you have negotiated a price with a consumer could be a deceptive practice. A preprinted fee for some specific item could subject you to charges that you are “packing” the deal. In addition to enforcement by the state, you could be opening the door to a class action lawsuit. Including language in a footnote that the extra charge is an additional markup or dealership profit probably won’t save you from potential legal action if you preprint a charge on the buyers or lease order.

Repair Orders & Shop Supplies DMV has maintained that no preprinted fees are permitted on repair orders.

Charges for the disposal of waste materials such as antifreeze, brake fluid, and solvents must be clearly identified and itemized on repair orders and advertising. Charges for these items must be reasonable and must be limited to those repairs where such materials actually were included in the repair. The same rule applies to shop supplies such as nuts, bolts, or cleaners. Furthermore, state law prohibits additional charges for accepting some waste (such as waste oil) so you must avoid those charges as well.

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