Avoid Hidden Charges on Your Service Invoice

If you’re a responsible car owner, then there’s a good chance you’re bringing your vehicle into a service station, mechanic, or dealer service department every three to six months for oil changes, other standard maintenance, and to make sure that everything is running safely and efficiently. Unfortunately, a majority of places you go for these services often tack on unspoken, hidden fees to the bottom of your bill. Find out how to detect these illegitimate charges and what to do when you find them.

How to Find These Fees

Usually, these fees are hidden at the bottom of your invoice or receipt near the sales tax amount. They are usually titled something like “Miscellaneous,” “Sundry Supplies,” “Hazardous Waste Disposal,” or something else like that. Next to that, you’ll find some arbitrary amount, often 5 or 10 percent of the total sale, and sometimes even more.

What Are These Fees?

When you ask the technician or salesperson what these fees are for, they’ll likely provide a variety of different answers. They might say this amount is put towards miscellaneous supplies like soap, screws, nuts, bolts, and solvents. They might also say that it’s used for waste costs. All they’re really doing is simply tacking on a random amount to the bottom of your bill to increase their revenue stream.

What to Do if You See one of These Fees

First of all, it’s important to be mindful of these fees up front. Take a look at your invoice before you pay for the service. Ask for an explanation of any charges that don’t seem to fit with the services administered. If the explanation you’re given isn’t for the exact service you paid for, insist on having the charge removed from your bill.

Bring Your Vehicle to Earl Stewart Toyota for Fair Service

When you have your vehicle serviced at Earl Stewart Toyota, you’ll never incur miscellaneous costs. We provide transparent, straightforward, and fully itemized invoices so that you know exactly what you’re paying for. Schedule your service today, and then bring your vehicle in for service at 1215 US-1 in Lake Park, FL.