When you are in the market for a new car, you probably do some of your research online and then, once you’ve narrowed down your list of potential new rides, visit a car dealer. You may be surprised to learn in the early 1900s, car dealerships didn’t yet exist. Shoppers bought cars from department stores, mail-order catalogs, traveling salesmen and wholesalers. Dealerships have certainly made the car-buying process more convenient! To get the best deal, you need to know the difference between an independent auto dealer and a franchise dealer.
What You Don’t Know Can Cost You
You can usually identify a franchise dealership because its name includes the car manufacturer. Dealerships with names like Bob Walker’s Subaru, Phillip’s BMW or Majestic Mercedes-Benz are franchises. This means they have a contract with a car maker to sell their vehicles. Independent dealerships, on the other hand, are not affiliated with a particular manufacturer. Their names don’t include a specific type of car. Instead, they have names like Bob Walker’s Used Cars, Phillip’s Pre-Owned Vehicles or Majestic AutoPlex. Franchises buy their cars from the manufacturer they’re affiliated with and also inventory trade-ins. Independent dealerships get their cars from other sources, including trade-ins, auctions and private sales, rather than a car manufacturer.
Key Benefits of Buying a Car from an Independent Car Dealer
The pros and cons of dealing with an independent auto dealership rather than a franchise are similar to the pros and cons of eating at a locally owned restaurant rather than a franchise. Each time you grab a burger at McDonald’s, which is a franchise, you get the same experience. When you go to an independent burger joint like Hamburg’s Famous Hamburgers, you’ll probably get a hearty welcome, a made-to-order burger and have an opportunity to try the daily specials. Independent car dealers are also known for outstanding, sincere customer service. They have no quotas to meet or rigorous manufacturer requirements to abide by. Independents have the flexibility to treat each customer individually and to do what it takes to provide the best deal and experience. Additionally, independent dealers are able to sell a wide variety of quality vehicles, regardless of what auto maker manufactures them.
Independents Don’t Have Quotas Dictated by the Corporate Office
Not all dealers have their customers' best interests in mind, so it's important to work with an auto dealer you trust. Some dealers are focused on sealing the deal, then moving on to the next sale. DeBoer’s Auto Sales & Service wants to sell cars, however, we also want to be a good neighbor. Our independent Sussex County auto dealership was established in 1982. We have deep local roots and value our reputation above anything else. Contact us to view a diverse selection of quality pre-owned vehicles you’ll be proud to own!
