There are major new players in the new-car business that are changing the way cars are sold. They have obtained several franchises to sell new vehicles, however, and plan to become a one stop source for everything automotive, providing a no-haggle, uniform buying experience for several brands of vehicles. This has motivated car companies and individual dealers to improve their sales techniques to compete in this new environment. There also are independent brokers, agents, and buying services that work in place of dealers or as middlemen who link consumers with dealers. Brokers typically receive payment from dealers for steering business their way.
Some brokers are dealers themselves or purchase cars from dealers for resale.
Brokers are banned in seven states, and 10 states require that they be licensed. Members of the National Association of Buyers Agents charge a specific fee to the shopper for their efforts but are prohibited from receiving any payment from dealers. If a buying service charges no fee, they might receive a fee or commission from the dealer to which they send you. Web Surfing Technology is helping to change the buying process, and many consumers now buy or shop for a car by computer to bypass all or some traditional routes. The day of ordering a car by computer and having it delivered to your door could arrive soon.