FI showroom red and grey logo
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

Consumers Want Price Transparency From Service Centers, Survey Finds

Price uncertainty is the No. 1 reason a customer won’t visit a dealership’s service center for maintenance, according to results of a survey commissioned by Record360.

by Staff
September 14, 2016
2 min to read


SEATTLE — Price uncertainty is the No. 1 reason a customer won’t visit a dealership’s service center for maintenance, according to results of a survey commissioned by Record360, which provides asset condition reporting app.

If dealerships want to bring those weary customers in and improve customer retention, then their pricing needs to be transparent and they need to provide greater visibility into vehicle condition, results of the survey concluded.

Ad Loading...

“It’s exciting to see that customers are asking for services that are well within any dealership’s ability to offer. Whether it’s stronger transparency around cost and the time it takes to complete maintenance or around visualizing vehicle condition, customers are asking for things that dealerships can implement right now, or with some minor technology upgrades,” said Shane Skinner, co-founder and CEO of Record360.

More than half of respondents said they wanted a free car wash as part of their visit. About 41% stated they wanted an email record of their vehicle’s condition.

One thing that would dissuade a majority of survey respondents from ever returning to a dealership was stolen property, the survey found. Eighty percent of respondents said they would not return to a service center if they thought an item went missing from their car during their last visit. ​

The survey polled 500 consumers that had taken their vehicle into a dealership service center for maintenance within the past 12 months. Respondents were asked about the factors that determine whether or not they’ll visit a dealership’s service center, as well as what kind of services they would want to see from their service centers.

More F&I

Photo of businessman's hands resting on files on a desk
F&Iby John TabarMay 27, 2026

Focus on the Opening

F&I managers must learn as much as possible about their customers, starting before they walk into their offices. The bulk of today’s consumers expect that, and good results will follow.

Read More →
Photo of a three-seat vehicle back seat
F&Iby Hannah MitchellMay 22, 2026

F&I Reaches for the Sky

The increasingly important profit center continued making gains in the first quarter, according to StoneEagle data, ancillary products proving more popular as consumers hold onto their buys longer.

Read More →
Cover image for a BOK Financial report titled “Timing the market: How avoiding volatility entirely can hurt long-term reinsurance program performance.” The image shows several road construction barricades with flashing amber warning lights lined up in a nighttime work zone. Beneath the image, red text explains that avoiding volatility can mean falling behind inflation and missing market rebounds that drive long-term surplus growth. The BOK Financial logo appears at the bottom right.
SponsoredMay 8, 2026

Timing the Market Can Hurt Long-Term Program Performance

For dealer-owned reinsurance entities, avoiding volatility entirely can mean falling behind inflation and missing market rebounds that drive long term surplus growth. Missing just a handful of strong market days can materially impact cumulative returns—an important reminder for long horizon trust and investment strategies.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Ryan Ruff, The 90/10 Rule, Automotive Training Academy, Sales Series
F&IMay 6, 2026

The 90/10 Rule

In this video, Ryan Ruff explains the rule that elite sales professionals use to turn ordinary conversations into unforgettable customer experiences.

Read More →
Photo of essential oil diffuser on desk next to laptop
F&IMay 4, 2026

Your Office Is Talking

What’s the atmosphere saying about you to your customers? You can make minor adjustments and additions that transform your space into one that creates trust with the people on the other side of the desk.

Read More →
"Effective training ensures the customer’s needs remain at the heart of everything we do. When that is the focus, both sales and profits naturally improve." by Rick McCormick with F&I and Showroom logo and picture of Rick McCormick
F&IMay 1, 2026

F&I Training Fundamentals

How can auto dealerships help F&I managers fulfill their vital role in the most effective ways? Industry expert Rick McCormick shares his insights on the best ways to train these professionals and help them maintain good habits.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Photo of car tire and the tread mark it left in snow
F&Iby Hannah MitchellApril 29, 2026

Not Just Any Tire Will Do

More consumers and businesses are opting for all-season options for various reasons as safety, sustainability and convenience push practical change.

Read More →
Photo of robot holding a laptop
F&Iby Hannah MitchellApril 27, 2026

How AI Will Drive the Next Wave of Innovation in Finance & Insurance

It’s time to take the next digital step to free F&I managers to handle the most challenging aspects of customer meetings.

Read More →
Photo of notepad and pen next to computer keyboard on desktop
F&IApril 13, 2026

Control in Sales Is an Illusion

Some of it should be given to the customer, but that doesn’t mean the F&I office relinquishes the process. In fact, a different approach both builds trust and boosts sales.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Photo of external keyboard on office deak next to window
F&IApril 7, 2026

The Limited Warranty Game

Bringing it in-house benefits the dealership and its customers.

Read More →