Independent Dealer Solutions

In March 2026, the FTC issued warning letters to dozens of dealerships nationwide reinforcing a clear standard: advertised vehicle pricing must include all mandatory fees, with only government-imposed charges (such as taxes, title, and registration) permitted to be excluded.

Immediate Action Steps for Dealers
To ensure compliance and reduce risk, IDS strongly recommends that all dealers immediately:
1. Review all advertising (website, third-party listings, social media, print, and radio) for pricing accuracy
2. Ensure all mandatory dealer fees are included in advertised prices including dealer doc fees.
3. Clearly disclose any conditions tied to pricing (financing, trade-in, rebates)
4. Eliminate pre-selected or bundled add-ons that are not optional
5. Train sales and F&I staff on consent requirements for all products
6. Audit inventory listings to confirm advertised vehicles are available
7. Work with legal counsel or compliance providers to review advertising practices

Watch for additional information coming via email.