How Dealers Hide Profit in Fees
How dealers hide profit in fees in the US—doc fee, prep, add-ons can be marked up so you get full OTD in writing.
Dealers in the U.S. can hide profit in fees—doc fee, dealer prep, and add-ons (protection, warranty, gap) are often marked up so the dealer makes more. Here's how dealers hide profit in fees and how to avoid it.
TL;DR Dealers mark up doc fee, prep, and add-ons—profit is in the fees. Get full OTD in writing (every line); refuse or negotiate add-ons; compare doc fee to state norm. Use autopremo.com OTD calculator to build OTD. Use autopremo.com.Doc Fee and Prep
Doc fee and dealer prep can be inflated—dealers keep the difference. Get full breakdown; ask what each fee covers; negotiate or refuse. Use autopremo.com OTD calculator. Get your numbers at autopremo.com.
Add-Ons
Protection packages, extended warranty, gap, VIN etching—often high margin. Say no to what you don't want; if you want one, negotiate price. Use autopremo.com. See OTD at autopremo.com.
Get Full OTD in Writing
Insist on written OTD—selling price, every fee, every add-on, total. No surprise fees at signing. Use autopremo.com. Check at autopremo.com.
Bottom Line
Dealers hide profit in fees—doc, prep, add-ons. Get full OTD in writing; refuse or negotiate; use autopremo.com OTD calculator so you see what you're paying.