# @asotu_morethancars on Instagram

- **Type:** Image
- **Original URL:** https://www.instagram.com/p/DWB-iF6DYef
- **Gondola URL:** https://gondola.cc/posts/68725687-asotu-morethancars-instagram
- **Thumbnail:** https://img.gondola.cc/tr:w-,h-,fo-auto/postThumbnails/700925892e.jpg
- **Posted:** 2026-03-18T15:31:07.000+00:00
- **Account Owner:** More Than Cars (@asotu_morethancars) — https://gondola.cc/asotu_morethancars

## Caption

The FTC is knocking. Is your store ready?

This week, 97 dealers received warning letters from the FTC. The message was simple and non-negotiable: the price you advertise MUST be the total price the consumer pays. As we discussed with Ted Smith, the beauty of the franchise auto industry is its intense competition. But that same competition can sometimes push pricing practices into a gray area. 

Regulators are watching closely, cracking down on excluded fees, "phantom" inventory, and mandatory pre-installs that aren't baked into the listed price. 

But let's look at the bigger picture: this is a massive opportunity. For dealers already doing business the right way, this levels the playing field. When you lead with transparent pricing, you have the opportunity to build consumer trust. And in today's market, trust is your ultimate competitive advantage. If you've previously relied heavily on racing to the bottom with price advertising, now is the perfect time to pivot and start selling your brand.

How to get ahead of the curve:
1, Audit Your Marketing: Check your website and all third-party listings for discrepancies.
2. Review Pre-Loads: Ensure mandatory accessories are fully included in the advertised price.
3. Align the Desk & BDC: Make sure your phone scripts match the exact reality of your pricing.
4. Document Everything: Build a culture of compliance. If you ever get flagged, showing documented internal meetings and diligence goes a long way.

How is your team adapting to the industry's push for total transparency? Let us know in the comments.

## Stats

- **Views:** 0
- **Likes:** 5
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- **Comments:** 1

## Credits

These are the roles credited on Gondola. Credits may be incomplete.
A brand, account owner, or featured person is not necessarily the creator.

| Name | Username | Profile | Role |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Rob Downes | @designedbydownes | https://gondola.cc/designedbydownes | Graphic Designer |
| Rob Downes | @designedbydownes | https://gondola.cc/designedbydownes | Senior Social Media Manager |
| Rob Downes | @designedbydownes | https://gondola.cc/designedbydownes | Creator |
| Rob Downes | @designedbydownes | https://gondola.cc/designedbydownes | Creative |

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