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Dealer Code of Ethics
In an ongoing effort to ensure a fair and honest
marketplace for new car and truck buyers, the Washington State
Auto Dealers Association (WSADA) 2003 Board of Directors unanimously
adopted a “Dealer Code of Ethics.” It emphasizes high
business and customer service standards, which have been the trademark
of the state’s new-vehicle dealers for decades. The ethics
code was developed by the National Automobile Dealers Association
and outlines standards for advertising, sales, service and financial
professionals to follow when interacting with customers.
Washington’s auto dealers have been practicing
these high standards for years, but the association officially
adopted the code believing it reinforces dealers’ strong
commitment to their customers, and that adherence increases consumer
confidence, reduces disputes, and contributes to the overall health
of our state’s economy.
The ethics code was reviewed and approved in
2003 by the Washington State Attorney General’s Office and
the Washington State Department of Licensing. The Dealer Code
of Ethics embraces a number of strong business and customer service
standards, including:
- All sales professionals will be honest and truthful when
dealing with consumers.
- All vehicle service professionals will perform high-quality
repair services at a fair and competitive price.
- All financial service professionals will fully disclose
to customers the costs, terms, and contractual obligations
of credit and lease transactions.
- All documents will be written in a simple, plain and unambiguous
manner to the extent permitted by federal and state law.
- All advertising for products and services will be done
in a clear, conspicuous and accurate manner that fully complies
with applicable legal requirements.
Dealers have to earn the trust of customers every
day, one at a time, and it all starts the minute someone enters
the showroom. When car or truck buyers walk into a dealership
and see the Dealer Code of Ethics decal on the window and the
certificate of compliance on the wall, they can expect to be treated
with the highest level of fairness and professionalism. |
