Viewpoint: Dealership Stickers Steering Drivers to Dealers

Viewpoint: Dealership Stickers Steering Drivers to Dealers

I have been seeing a lot more of these stickers on new cars. It just drives home the point that the new car dealer is becoming your competition. This "propaganda" affixed under the hoods of every new car sold reinforces the false belief among some consumers that independent shops can't service late-model vehicles because they are too complicated.

New car dealers have been using “only call us” stickers under the hoods of new cars for more than a decade now. These stickers tell drivers that they must take their vehicle to a factory-authorized facility because it is equipped with “highly technical” onboard computers.

The fact of the matter is that most independent shops can service  vehicles for repairs outside the warranty repairs. Shops have access to information, tools and parts to complete just about any repair that a dealer can perform.

Dealers and their trade associations are putting more emphasis  on the service side of the business. It has evolved from quick lube bays to brake jobs. Now they want to see a vehicle long after the warranty has expired.

I encourage you to discuss the sticker with your customers and ask them if you could remove the sticker and clean away any residue. You can even create your own sticker that refers them to your shop. 

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