Can I Tell a Car Dealership Not to Brand My Car Without Payment?
As a consumer, you have the right to request that a car dealership not place their branding or name on the car you purchase. However, this policy varies from dealership to dealership and may depend on their established practices and agreements.
Dealership Policies and Practices
Dealerships often standardize their practices by including their logos or decals on vehicles. This is especially the case if they are providing a warranty or have specific promotional agreements. As a standard practice, many dealerships place significant importance on getting the opportunity to advertise through their branding on the cars they sell.
If you want to ensure that no branding is placed on your car without compensation, it is advisable to discuss this with the dealership prior to finalizing the purchase. Make your terms clear and consider requesting these terms in writing to avoid any misunderstandings. Some dealerships may be less willing to accommodate this request due to their established practices, so it is beneficial to be prepared for this possibility.
Removing Branding Before Purchase
Many consumers have successfully removed the branding after purchasing the car, but before the dealership hands over the vehicle. This might involve asking the dealership to remove the decal before you take delivery of the car. While some dealers might try to convince you to leave the decal on for a period, ultimately, the decision is yours. Most people choose to leave the brandings on to allow dealers to get free advertising, but you have the right to request the removal of these decals.
Legal Requirements and Exceptions
In Massachusetts, the dealer needs your explicit written permission to place branding on your car. However, as mentioned by one expert, virtually no dealers in Massachusetts follow this law. This highlights a lack of legal enforcement in this area, leaving the decision largely in the hands of the consumer.
If you decide you no longer want any branding on your car, it's feasible to request that the dealership remove the decals when they clean the car before transferring it to you. Most dealerships will honor this request without significant pushback. Some consumers even report using a simple trick, such as pouring hot water over the sticker to make it easier to remove. However, keep in mind that this method might fade the paint underneath the sticker.
Lastly, it's a myth that dealerships would ever pay a customer to keep their decals on the car. Most people choose to leave the decals on because it provides the dealer with free advertising. There's no incentive for the dealership to compensate for the branding.
Ultimately, the decision to have or not have dealership branding on your new car is entirely up to you. Ensure you are aware of your options and consider all aspects before making a final decision.