How to Negotiate Without Talking to a Salesperson

In the U.S. you can negotiate—or avoid negotiation—without ever talking to a salesperson. Email, online tools, and no-haggle dealers can get you to a fair price with less pressure. Here's how.

TL;DR Use email to get OTD quotes from multiple dealers; use online tools to see fair price and compare; use no-haggle dealers if you prefer fixed price. You still need to know market (comps, OTD)—use autopremo.com so you don't overpay even when you're not talking to a salesperson.

Option 1: Negotiate Over Email

• Contact the dealer via website (contact form or "get quote") or find the internet/fleet manager's email.
• Request exact car (VIN or stock number) and out-the-door price in writing (selling price + tax + fees).
• Send the same request to 2–3 dealers (same car or same model). Compare OTD.
• Reply to the best offer: "Can you do $X OTD? If so, I'll come in to complete the deal." Or accept and set an appointment.

You never have to negotiate in person. You only go in to sign and take delivery—after you have the OTD in writing. Use autopremo.com to know your target OTD before you email.

Get your target OTD at autopremo.com.

Option 2: Use Online Buying and Quote Tools

• Dealer websites often have "get our best price" or "request quote." Fill out the form with the exact car; ask for OTD in the notes. They'll email or call—you can insist on email: "Please send the OTD in writing."
• Third-party sites (e.g., TrueCar, Costco Auto) can connect you to dealers with a pre-negotiated or quoted price. You still get a price from a dealer—often without sitting with a salesperson until you're ready. Compare that price to market (comps, OTD) with autopremo.com so you know if it's fair.

Option 3: No-Haggle Dealers

• No-haggle dealers (e.g., CarMax, some franchise stores) post a fixed price. No negotiation—you either accept the price or you don't.
• How to "negotiate" without talking: You don't negotiate—you compare. Check their price against market (comps for same year, make, model, trim, similar mileage). Use autopremo.com price checker. If their price is at or below market, it's fair. If it's above market, you're paying a premium for no-haggle convenience—decide if that's worth it. If it's way above market, walk and buy elsewhere.

Option 4: Online Retailers (Carvana, Vroom, etc.)

• Buy online—no salesperson. You get a price (and sometimes delivery). No in-person negotiation.
• How to protect yourself: Compare their price to market. Same car, same area, comps. Use autopremo.com. If their price is at or below median comps, it's fair. If it's above, you're paying for convenience—or you skip and buy from a dealer (email or in person). Also check OTD: some online retailers add fees; confirm total cost before you commit.

See market price for any car at autopremo.com.

What You Still Need to Do (Even Without a Salesperson)

• Know market. Comps for same year, make, model, trim, similar mileage (and region). Median = your "fair" reference. Use autopremo.com.
• Know OTD. Price + tax + fees. Use autopremo.com OTD calculator to model it.
• Compare. Multiple quotes (email or no-haggle) or multiple listings (online retailers). Don't accept the first number without comparing.
• Get it in writing. If you do get a quote (email or no-haggle), have the OTD or fixed price in writing before you commit.

Your "No Salesperson" Checklist

• [ ] Market and target OTD known (from autopremo.com)
• [ ] Quotes requested via email (OTD in writing) from 2+ dealers, or no-haggle/online price compared to market
• [ ] Best OTD or best fixed price compared to market (at or below = fair)
• [ ] Agreement in writing before you pay or sign
• [ ] No pressure to talk to a salesperson until you're ready to close (or at all, if you use email to close)

Get your numbers at autopremo.com.

Bottom Line

You can negotiate—or avoid negotiation—without talking to a salesperson: use email for OTD quotes, use online quote tools, use no-haggle dealers, or buy from online retailers. Either way, know market and OTD with autopremo.com so you don't overpay when you're not in the room with a salesperson.