What are dealer add-ons?

Dealer add-ons are extra products or services a dealership installs or adds to the price, such as VIN etching, paint or fabric protection, nitrogen-filled tires, wheel locks, door edge guards, tinting or pre-installed accessories. Some are useful to some buyers; many are high-margin and optional. They should be clearly itemized, and you can ask for them to be removed or decline them. The FTC advises consumers to watch for add-ons they didn't ask for on the final paperwork (consumer.ftc.gov).