Car dealers have a reputation for sometimes using unscrupulous tactics to close a sale. One of the ways in which they do this is related to a customer's car keys. An honest dealer will use proper key etiquette when handling keys to assess a trade-in. Bad key etiquette is a warning sign that other tricks might be afoot.
Purpose
A car dealership will request a customer's keys when it needs to assess his car for the potential trade-in value. This allows the assessor to evaluate the car while the customer and salesperson look at new vehicles. The customer should be told how much the dealer will offer for his trade-in if he decides to buy a car. Proper etiquette dictates that his keys be returned promptly so he can leave the dealership whenever he chooses.
Problems
Some dealerships use their possession of the customer's keys as a way to keep her from leaving if the negotiations for a new car stall. She will ask for the keys, and the salesperson or manager will claim they cannot be found. This gives someone from the dealership a chance to apply more sales pressure while she waits for her keys to be located. The salesperson and manager will take as much time as they please since they actually have the keys are simply stalling.
Considerations
Poor car dealer key etiquette is annoying on its own, but it may also be a sign the dealership engages in other unscrupulous actions. Ask yourself if you really want to work with a business that plays the "lost key" game if the sales person tries to persuade you not to leave. There are usually plenty of dealerships for any particular brand. Hold firm, walk out and find a place that deals with its customers in an upfront manner.
Prevention/Solution
Prevent car dealer breaches of key etiquette by negotiating the trade-in deal after your purchase negotiations are complete. Cars.com explains you will usually get a better deal if you keep the two transactions completely separate. If you are car shopping and the salesperson asks if you plan to trade in your current vehicle, simply reply, "I haven't decided yet." You won't be asked for your keys, and you can focus solely on price negotiations.
Warning
Do not give your entire key ring to anyone at the dealership. Most people carry their house keys on the same ring. An unscrupulous person could make a copy and pass it along to someone who will burglarize you later. The dealer will have your address on its paperwork if you purchase a vehicle or fill anything else out, which makes it easy to match the key with your home.
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