Has anyone ever heard of a dealer getting money up front for parts?

[JMT03LSV8]

Had this happen the last couple times I've gone to the dealer. Been taking my LS there for 3 years or so and my girlfriends Explorer for about the same amount of time. The last 3 visits, they have asked for money up front to order parts. it's been $50 every time so I'm not sure if it's for the actual parts or what.

Now I'm wondering if it's because they aren't using a "Ford" part since they offer me the option to use the Ford part on another brand.

 

[Kumba]

No. Every dealer I've ever used just wanted payment upon completion. Some independants want parts up front.

 

[LS4me]

Every dealer I've used wanted payment before ordering the part. They don't want to get stuck with a part they can't sell.

 

[JMT03LSV8]

I've only used 3 or 4 dealerships for service and maybe 3 independents, and I've never had anyone ask for money up front. Like I said earlier, this dealer just started doing it. And judging by the amount they asked for and then looking at the final bill, they aren't getting enough to cover the parts anyway. Just strange I guess.

 

[joegr]

My general (dealer) experiences:

1. Leave the car with them. They figure out what part you need and order it. Wait a few days for them to get it and put it in, while driving their loaner. Pay for everything when picking up car.

2. Tell them what it needs. Pay for parts up front. They order them. Take car to them when the parts come in. Wait in the waiting room. Pay for the labor when they are done.

 

[1LoudLS]

i've only paid for parts ahead of time if im just buying parts (everytime)

if they are doing the work on the car, I pay when I pick the car up (I dont pay, I dont get the car back)

 

[Kumba]

I've only ever paid for parts when buying them and not dropping the car off for service. I guess if they are going to service your car and you aren't dropping it off with them then that would make sense.

If I leave the car with them I pay for nothing until they are done working on it. Depending upon the size of the bill they may or may not give you a loaner. That has been my experience.

 

[LS4me]

My general (dealer) experiences:

1. Leave the car with them. They figure out what part you need and order it. Wait a few days for them to get it and put it in, while driving their loaner. Pay for everything when picking up car.

2. Tell them what it needs. Pay for parts up front. They order them. Take car to them when the parts come in. Wait in the waiting room. Pay for the labor when they are done.

I've only ever paid for parts when buying them and not dropping the car off for service. I guess if they are going to service your car and you aren't dropping it off with them then that would make sense.

If I leave the car with them I pay for nothing until they are done working on it. Depending upon the size of the bill they may or may not give you a loaner. That has been my experience.

Actually, this is my experience. I misread the original post.

 

[JMT03LSV8]

I've always had them do the repairs. And, they have always given me a loaner if it's more than an oil change. But I have noticed it's only the new service writer that's done it.

 

[LSinYourLS]

Been working in dealerships for 15 years.

If the car stays, you pay for everything when the repairs are done, the vehicle is our collateral.

If we need to order the parts and you're leaving with the vehicle, then you prepay. That way people actually come back for the repair, you'd be surprised how many people agree to a repair, only to flake out when they get home and never come back.

 

[1LoudLS]

you'd be surprised how many people agree to a repair, only to flake out when they get home and never come back.

or they just have it done by J. J. Giveaway down the road for half the price because they are using crap chinese parts that wont last for crap...