Propickup Digital Magazine
Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/93729
MONEYMATTERS DECK STACKED Keeping an eye on the dealer if you want a winning hand By Robin Walton, CPA aftermarket parts are simply replacements for wear items such as brakes and tires, or the basic necessities of a commuter pickup such as a toolbox and bedliner. Pickup owners, however, are much more A likely to modify their vehicles for business or recreational use, adding winches, lights and gooseneck hitches before the truck does its fi rst day of work. These upgrades can be parts you buy and have your company mechanic install or install yourself. They can also be ordered through, and installed by, a local upfi tter. Or, as a number of companies are doing with new truck purchases, have the accessories installed through the pickup dealer's network, which saves time on shopping and installation. Automakers distinguish between "factory installed" options and the "dealer installed" accessory programs to sell that brand's parts; 8 PROPICKUP August 2012 good number of car owners drive their rides in stock mode just as they came from the factory. Any Ford refers to their aftermarket parts program as Genuine Ford Accessories; the GM term is Genuine GM Parts; and the Chrysler system markets under the Mopar name. Then there're the accessories the dealer installs that don't carry the vehicle manufac- turer's brand name. While there is nothing wrong with the idea of dealers selling aftermarket parts so their customers can customize their vehicles before they drive off the lot, the reality of how it plays out in some dealerships can leave you with a bad taste in your mouth and a big hole in your wallet. MONEY MAKERS The closing hours of some vehicle transac- tions take on a circus sideshow feel with all kinds of sleight-of-hand tricks and last minute maneuvers to try to blindside the unprepared customer. Much of the latter is related to the sale of accessories, which is a profi t honey- hole for car dealers. Dealer-installed upgrades that have a big profi t margin include: Rust-Proofi ng Fabric Protection Paint Sealant Window Tinting Alarm System Rear-Seat Video Bug Defl ectors Alarm Systems Navigation Systems Running Boards Wheels Bed Mats Splash Guards Cold Air Intake Bed Extender There's nothing wrong with wanting to have some of these parts on your vehicle. After all, aftermarket makes up lot of our talk here at ProPickup. But you should question whether or not the dealership is the best place to get these, and whether or not the point of sale is the best time to make that decision. Before you sign the sales contract, ask yourself this: Why here? Why now? Think about it. The dealer is in business Bed Tie Downs Tonneau Covers Tool Boxes Extended Warranty Bedliners