Transparent Vehicle Pricing
We believe in honest, transparent pricing for every vehicle. PleaseStart's platform policy requires dealers to disclose mandatory fees and optional add-ons clearly.
Why transparent pricing matters
Clear prices help buyers compare vehicles without hidden mandatory fees, misleading discounts, or unwanted add-ons.
Clear Pricing Disclosures
Requires dealers to clearly display the full cash price of vehicles, including all fees (except government charges like taxes and registration).
Prohibited Misrepresentations
Bans misleading claims about vehicle costs, financing terms, availability of discounts, rebates, or the vehicles themselves.
Express Informed Consent
Requires written and oral disclosure of all charges, with clear consent from buyers before adding any fees or products.
No Worthless Add-Ons
Prohibits charging for add-ons that provide no benefit, like warranties that duplicate manufacturer coverage or services for features the vehicle doesn't have.
Policy basis
How PleaseStart applies its pricing policy
We've built our marketplace around transparency and honesty. Here's how the platform policy works:
Transparent Pricing from the Start
Dealer listings must show an offering price that includes all mandatory dealer fees, including documentation charges and required add-ons. Government charges and optional products are disclosed separately.
- Clear display of the offering price on dealer listings
- Required dealer fees entered by the seller included in the displayed price
- Government fees entered by the seller shown separately when applicable
- Listings show the current asking price; earlier prices are not displayed
Honest Advertising & Availability
Sellers must certify that their listing information, photos and condition disclosures are accurate and not misleading, and bait-and-switch advertising is prohibited. A listing's status reflects the seller's or dealer's latest update, not a live inventory check, so confirm the vehicle is still available with the seller before you travel or buy.
- Listing status reflects the latest seller or dealer update
- Seller certifies the description and vehicle information when publishing
- Seller discloses known condition issues or affirms there are none
- Seller-supplied photos; watermarked and stock photos are prohibited
No Worthless Add-Ons
PleaseStart does not sell add-on products. Our dealer pricing policy requires any optional dealer products or services to be:
- Clearly disclosed as optional
- Itemized in written disclosures
- Priced separately from the vehicle
- Added only with your express consent
Independent Payment Planning
PleaseStart does not offer, arrange, or compare financing. Our tools help you understand vehicle costs before you work with your own bank, credit union, or other provider.
- Displayed total includes required dealer fees entered by the seller, before government charges
- Confirm tax, title, registration and any other charges with the seller
- Educational calculators clearly labeled as estimates
- No PleaseStart credit screening, financing approval, lender routing, or offer comparison
You're in Control
At PleaseStart, you make all the decisions. We never:
- Pressure you into unwanted purchases
- Add fees or products without your explicit consent
- Use confusing or deceptive sales tactics
- Hide information in fine print
PleaseStart vs. Traditional Dealerships
See how our approach compares to traditional dealer practices
| Practice | PleaseStart | Traditional Dealers |
|---|---|---|
| Upfront Pricing | Required by our policy | ✗ Often Hidden |
| Mandatory Dealer Fees | Seller-disclosed fees included | ✗ Common |
| Forced Add-Ons | Never | ✗ Frequent |
| Bait-and-Switch Advertising | Prohibited | Sometimes |
| Financing services | Not offered | Varies |
| Sales Pressure from PleaseStart | None; we don't sell vehicles | Varies |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the former federal motor-vehicle-dealer regulation still in effect?
No. The Fifth Circuit vacated it in January 2025, and the FTC formally withdrew it in February 2026. PleaseStart independently maintains a pricing-transparency policy because clear prices and accurate disclosures are core platform requirements.
What fees can I expect when buying through PleaseStart?
We require dealers to disclose all mandatory dealer fees. The displayed total includes the asking price plus the required dealer fees entered by the seller. Government charges vary by location, and optional products or services require your consent. Confirm the final itemized price with the seller before purchasing.
Can I negotiate the price on PleaseStart?
Yes! PleaseStart facilitates direct communication between buyers and sellers. You can make offers and negotiate directly, ensuring a transparent process where both parties are in control.
Are there any mandatory add-ons or packages?
PleaseStart does not sell warranty products, vehicle coverage products, or other add-ons. Dealer listings must include all mandatory charges in the displayed price and disclose seller-controlled optional charges separately.
How does PleaseStart ensure pricing transparency?
Listings show the current asking price and, for dealer listings, a breakdown of fees entered by the seller; earlier prices are not displayed. We require sellers to disclose all mandatory dealer fees and provide accurate structured condition disclosures. Buyers should independently verify title and history information before purchasing.
What if I find misleading information in a listing?
Contact us and include the listing link. We review reports and may require corrections, remove listings, or suspend sellers that violate our Terms of Service.
Does PleaseStart offer financing?
No. PleaseStart does not screen buyers for financing, route applications, display lender offers, or validate rates. Buyers arrange financing independently, and our calculators are informational math tools only.
Our Commitment to You
Whether or not regulations require it, we believe in treating car buyers with honesty and respect. That means transparent pricing, no hidden fees, and putting you in control of your purchase decision.