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Anchoring Tactics Dealers Use

Anchoring tactics dealers use in the US—high first offer, payment focus, trade bundling so you counter with data.

AutoPremo Team
January 31, 2026
1 min read

Dealers in the U.S. use anchoring tactics: high first offer (MSRP or above), "what payment do you want?," trade bundling—so you're anchored high. Counter with data (fair value, OTD). Here's anchoring tactics dealers use.

TL;DR Dealers anchor: (1) high first offer (MSRP or above); (2) "what payment do you want?"; (3) trade bundled with price. Counter: have fair value and OTD from autopremo.com price checker and OTD calculator; anchor on OTD; negotiate trade separately. Use autopremo.com.

High First Offer

Dealer may start at MSRP or above—anchors you high. Counter with fair value (comps) from autopremo.com price checker. Get your numbers at autopremo.com.

Payment Focus

"What payment do you want?" anchors you on payment—they can stretch term or inflate price. Say "I'm focused on out-the-door price first." Use autopremo.com OTD calculator. See OTD at autopremo.com.

Bottom Line

Dealers anchor with high offer, payment focus, trade bundling. Counter with data—fair value, OTD—from autopremo.com price checker and OTD calculator.

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