What is a "Fleet" dealer and do you get better deals from them?

Answer 1

I have a side business where I deal with fleet managers all the time.

As far as I know, there are no exclusively 'fleet' dealers -- those that sell only in volume to businesses or agencies and not retail to the public. There may be one or two, but I've never run into one.

Most commercial car dealers have a fleet department. They are set up these days to sell to brick-and-mortar and online car brokers like AAA, Autoland, Autobytel, etc., as well as to businesses and agencies. In California they have to have a written contract with these companies. As an individual who is basically referring customers to them, and do not ask the dealer for a finder's fee or commission, I do not.

If you agree not to shop their price (ask another dealer to beat it) fleet managers will usually quote you a competitive price over the phone when they know that you are shopping for the best price. You have to do your homework first and know exactly what car to ask about when checking to see if they have one in inventory.

It's a good way to avoid dealing with car salespeople, who don't have the authority to tell you whether they can accept the deal you ask for. A fleet manager can. And because they do not have the pressure of retail sales, they usually are personable, friendly, and altogether nice people to deal with.

Answer 2

Tecnically you cannot buy a fleet deal. You have to buy five or more cars a year and be signed up on the fleet program. I take it a salesman said they were a fleet dealer to entice you. I used to sell cars and the only reason I would tell people I was a fleet dealer is so they know we had the cheaper models or could swap out for the one you want at no xtra cost. Watch car dealers though. They are always looking for a sucker.

Answer 3

A fleet dealer typically sells cars to companies that need several cars at once like government or businesses. If they also sell to the general public, they may be cheaper as they don'y have any overhead like a dealer but usually they are not a dealer per se and they have to buy their cars from a regular dealer and resell them to fleets so it's not always cheaper. And who do you complain too if you have problems with the car? Best to see what kind of deal they offer and compare it to other dealers........Paul

Answer 4

a fleet dealer is a dealership, like my own, who deals with big companies and builds squad cars for police, or for different companies, a person could buy a fleet car but it is usually a cheaper not loaded at all squad or taxi looking car. It is normally the same thing though we sell both chevy and commercial fleet chevy. but if you do want a good deal,
www.sunrisechevy.com
midlothian il
gabriel