— Total Dealer Compliance (TDC), a car dealership compliance-auditing firm, today announced key findings from its latest consumer survey which found almost 90% of consumers believe that car dealers should be held more accountable for their combative sales techniques. The survey also revealed that nearly 85% of consumers said that they believe US car dealers are given unrealistic sales goals and in turn conduct aggressive sales tactics.

The survey results confirm the notion that consumers have become the victims of aggressive sales tactics and explores the lasting effects of car manufacturers unrealistic sales goals have on consumers, shareholders, and car dealerships. The sales expectations set by car manufacturers can force car dealers to engage in deceptive trade practices and aggressive sales tactics.  

“The industry is ripe with deceptive sales strategies that consumers and dealers alike must recognize and be more aware of. The expectations set by OEMs (original equipment manufacturer) is the primary variable in this vicious sales sequence,” said Max Zanan, President of TDC. “Requiring car dealers to report sales monthly leaves room for high failure rates, pressures to sell, high fines, and non-compliant accusations that will cost the dealership thousands of dollars.”

Highlights from the consumer survey include:

• Nearly 80% of consumers believe aggressive car sales are avoidable
• Over half of consumers surveyed believe unrealistic sales goals set by OEMs cause car dealerships to conduct aggressive sales tactics
• Nearly 90% of consumers feel car dealers should be held accountable for their aggressive sales tactics
• More than 80% of consumers believe car dealers are put under too much pressure by OEMs to increase sales numbers
• Half of the consumers surveyed believe eliminating monthly reporting cycles will reduce pressure from car makers and decrease aggressive sales tactics by dealers

“The automotive industry has a reputation of aggressive and deceptive sales practices,” said Zanan. “In reaction to the constant coverage of ‘dirty dealerships’, and consumers’ desire for transparency throughout the car sales process; car dealers should execute regular audits, provide online courses to employees and conduct their business ethically. TDC’s survey further highlights the need for a strong compliance training program – as compliance results in transparency and a transparent dealership by definition will not engage in aggressive sales tactics.”

Total Dealer Compliance (TDC), a car dealership compliance-auditing firm, launched with a comprehensive solution that will help dealers mitigate risk faced from proactive regulators and create a compliance culture that will reduce exposure.  The solution includes on-site compliance audits and an E-Learning Platform offering more than 20 online courses.  Dealership staff completing courses and passing required tests receive TDC certification.  By working with TDC, car dealers can be fully compliant with Federal regulations across Sales, BDC, F&I, Fixed Ops, HR, and IT departments.  

TDC’s Advisory Board includes seasoned professional auditors, attorneys, and automotive industry veterans whose sole mission is to protect car dealers’ interest and improve operations. TDC works closely with its Board to help car dealerships of all sizes by providing a variety of packages including:

• Best in Class – TDC’s most comprehensive offering and guaranteed to make a positive impact on a dealership with quarterly audits, unlimited access to the company’s E-Learning platform, testing and certification, policies and procedures, and best practices.
• Stand Alone Audit – Uncovers problems, reduces risk, improves internal controls with on-site audits, schedules interviews with department heads, and creates action plans for success.
• Individual Online Courses – Dealership employees can choose from a range of topics pertaining to their day-to-day job responsibilities.
• Online Course Bundles – Dealerships looking for additional savings can package together online courses by departments.

Compliance is essential in today’s car dealership environment. TDC offers a unique and simple comprehensive approach that generates fast results and stands above competitive offerings.

“Federal regulators see car dealers as low hanging fruit, and every dealership is having internal meetings about regulations across all departments,” said Max Zanan, President of Total Dealer Compliance. “TDC will improve the industry, benefit both dealerships and consumers, and weed out all the bad apples.”

About Total Dealer Compliance

Total Dealer Compliance is an auditing firm that provides a comprehensive solution to ensure car dealers are fully compliant with Federal regulations within Sales, BDC, F&I, Fixed Ops, HR and IT departments. For more information, please visit www.totaldealercompliance.com or call 1-888-243-5204.