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Documentation Fees

667 messages,  Last post on Sep 18, 2009 at 3:24 PM

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#41 of 667 exactly, not where I work, by abtseller Nov 01, 2002 (11:46 am)
that is "hands off" money to us lowly non-owners.   of course, this keeps us sniffing to see if the grass is greener on the other side of the block,   Ed
#42 of 667 zueslewis by outhere Nov 01, 2002 (11:49 am)
please re-read my post #35. You have stated the obvious. I asked WHY?...in hopes of a dealer response
#43 of 667 brianw220 by tboner Nov 01, 2002 (12:00 pm)
I don't think any of us are saying dealerships shouldn't make money. In fact, I don't believe there is such a thing as excessive profits.   However, there is no way I'm gonna pay $200 just for a dealer to hand me the title or certificate of origin and tell me to visit the DMV, because I buy the car out of state.   The costs and fees, internally to take the car in, such as getting titles for trades and such are legitimate costs of doing business.   But don't tell me that everyone has to pay the $200 (or whatever fee) because it isn't worth it to me.   A fee of say $50 to save me an hours worth of time, I'll pay that, and at least according to Zeuslewis, will probably cover most dealers administrative costs to handle my paper.   But make it optional. If I want to take the title or CoO and do it myself, or I have to do it myself, then I don't want to pay that fee.   TB Pro Profit, Pro Value.
#44 of 667 brian by outhere Nov 01, 2002 (12:08 pm)
I/we have NO problem with profit on a product or a service. Provided it is not excessive. Keep your profit margin where it belongs... on the vehicle. Don't you think the educated shopper shops the doc fee too?
#45 of 667 I agree with Upthere by buttle Nov 01, 2002 (12:08 pm)
#46 of 667 TB .. by rroyce10 Nov 01, 2002 (12:21 pm)
..... If I had my way, I would let every customer do their own tax, title, regs, pay-offs and all that goes with ..         But unfortunately, this is all based on the state, the county and all that goes with ..         I just had a customer in my office about 8 months ago and he was just DETERMINED to do it all himself, because he knew better.        I explained, he didn't have a dealers license, I explained the title agency wouldn't except his money, I explained they would not except his notary or paperwork, etc, etc. So I said, "knock yourself stupid" -- he did, so after a call from the title clerk and the Sheriffs dept, I went down personally (not my Yob Mon. l.o.l.) and got it all straightened out, between me, their staff, 2hrs, and the kindly Sheriff that was DETERMINED to take him for a little ride.. l.o.l.....         So he finally did get the gist of it .. but still didn't want to pay the $50 - amazing.!            Terry
#47 of 667 I must admit by tboner Nov 01, 2002 (12:31 pm)
In Illinois, it is pretty easy, two forms. One for the sales tax and one for the title and registration. You simply check on the Title and Registration form what you need, a new title, or a new title and new registration.   You pay your $135 (IIRC) to the Secretary of State and a seperate check to the DoR for the taxes.   You get a cardboard tag (thank goodness, those window stickers are hard to get off when applied to the rear window defogger) until your tags arrive or transfer your existing tags to the new vehicle.   However, sounds like your customer was in a bad state (double entendre intended). If the state requires a citizen to register a vehicle, then they should make it possible for a citizen to register a vehicle.   I didn't say they have to make it easy, but they shouldn't write the laws in such a fashion so that only car dealers or other "agents" are the only ones allowed to register.   Kinda goes against the whole notion that government is working for the people. Of course, I have a problem in many cases with the notion that government is actually working, LOL.   TB
#48 of 667 TB .. by rroyce10 Nov 01, 2002 (12:40 pm)
... But in the vast majority of States, if you are buying a vehicle from a dealer or a dealer related business, the dealer HAS to do all the work ... so go figure.         Terry
#49 of 667 I agree with UpThere by buttle Nov 01, 2002 (12:43 pm)
The reason car dealers are so scrutinized is that historically they were one of the most unscrupulous and dishonest businesses. But things have changed and, although you still have your share of bad apples, most are decent. You're right UpThere, they are in it to make money and we should let them. But hey, cars and houses are always negotiable and there will always be the debate that they are making too much or the customer won't pay enough. Has anyone ever questioned their doctor or supermarket's prices? I bet not. But we can all be grateful for one thing. and that is that we have a champion in Rayban and the insight he provides. The more educated a consumer, the better he can negotiate. And when he finally does buy that car, he should know that he's gotten a decent price and the dealer has made some money as well. The happy medium. I paid a doc fee of 199 for my car. Didn't fight him over it because I knew that was what I could expect to pay and I had already negotiated a deal that I was happy with.
#50 of 667 Tboner by brianw220 Nov 01, 2002 (12:51 pm)
With all due respect, I would submit that several posters have suggested that doc fees should not be a source of profit for the dealership. I think they should. Car dealer profit margins pale in comparison to those made in jewelry and furniture retail for instance, but car dealers are the group whose profits are scrutinized and questioned.

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