Recently, regulators in several states have been scrutinizing dealer advertising practices as a result of concerns about business practices by TrueCar and other companies. This is a good wake-up call for dealers to be diligent about understanding - and following - each state’s unique guidelines. The primary responsibility for truthful and non-deceptive advertising rests with the dealer, not outside vendors or agencies. While state advertising regulations vary, there are a number of common themes throughout. Dealer associations are a good source of information on state-specific advertising regulations. Here are some examples of advertising rules that many states enforce.
Availability of Vehicles - Advertised vehicles should be in the possession of the dealer and willingly shown and sold as advertised. If a specific advertised vehicle is not immediately available, the advertisement should clearly state that the vehicle is available only by order or is located elsewhere. Advertising goods or services with the intent not to sell them as advertised is considered to be "Bait" advertising, which is an unfair and deceptive practice.
Duty to Sell at Advertised Price – Some states require that advertised vehicles be sold at or below the advertised price regardless of whether or not a customer has knowledge of the advertised price. These policies apply to all forms of advertising, including radio, television, print, electronic, direct mail, flyers, billboards, showroom and other dealership displays, and the Internet.
Disclosures - All disclosures must be made in a clear and conspicuous manner to minimize the possibility of misunderstanding by the consumer public. The use of any print in type size so small as to be not easily readable is likely to be deemed misleading or deceptive. Any Qualifying statements made on television and radio should be of sufficient content, clarity, and length to be easily understood. Asterisks or other reference symbols should not be used as a means of contradicting or substantially changing the meaning of any advertised statements. The use of any unexplained abbreviation, term or jargon which is not readily understood by the general public, such as OAC or TT&L, is not allowed in many states.
Credit Advertising - When credit terms are advertised, they must comply fully with the specific disclosure requirements of the Federal Consumer Truth in Lending Act (TILA) and Regulation Z. Leases must comply with Lease Advertising provisions of TILA and Regulation M.
Trade-in Advertisements - Many states disallow the advertising of minimum or guaranteed trade-in allowances. In these states, dealers should not use terms such as “guaranteed trade-in,” or “Push It, Pull It, Tow It In”.
Pictures of Vehicles - Several states prohibit the use of inaccurate photographs or illustrations when describing specific vehicles. Photos should always accurately depict the overall appearance of the vehicles actually offered for sale. Such terms as “pictures for illustration only” or similar disclaimers should be avoided.
Downpayment Advertising – In several states, the phrases "No Money Down" or “0 Down” may not be used if any charges, including tax or license fees, rebates or trade-in equity is to be paid by the consumer at the time the contract is signed.
Guaranteed Credit Approval – Term such as "Guaranteed Credit Approval" or "Everyone Approved" should not be used unless there are absolutely no credit qualifications needed to obtain financing, and the dealer is willing to finance anyone, regardless of their ability to pay.
Underselling Claims - Ads that claim a company policy of matching or beating competitor’s pricing should only be used if the claims are verifiable. Terms such as “We will beat any dealer’s price” or "We won't be undersold" may be deemed to be deceptive unless the advertisement clearly and conspicuously discloses a price matching policy and does not require the presentation of any evidence which places an unreasonable burden on the consumer.
Creating a False Sense of Urgency -Advertising the words "sale", "price cut", "reduced", "clearance", or "tent sale" may be deemed to be deceptive unless the current selling price of the vehicle is reduced by a reasonable amount from the vehicle's former (regular) price. False price comparisons on vehicles, such as “was___, now___”, should not be used.
The use of terms such as “Liquidation Sale” or “Going Out of Business Sale” should not be used unless such a sale is required by law or by impending cessation of the dealer’s business.
The use of terms such as “Authorized Distribution Center”, “Factory Outlet”, or “Factory Authorized Sale” imply that the dealer has an exclusive or unique relationship with the manufacturer and should not be used unless the advertising dealer has received a unique authorization from the manufacturer and such authorization is in addition to their normal authority to act as a franchisee of the manufacturer.
Invoice Advertising - Some states do not allow dealers to advertise the terms "dealer cost", "invoice price" or similar terms.
Rebates – In many states, dealers may not offer any rebates or cash back, unless it is from a manufacturer. When limited rebates (first-time buyers, college graduates, military personnel, etc.) are advertised, the terms and limitations should be clearly and conspicuously disclosed.
Advertising violations are very easy for regulators to find and very difficult for dealers to defend. It’s vitally important for any dealer employee or vendor tasked with creating advertisements to be aware of all state-specific requirements.
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