Beat the “BAIT & SWITCH”!!
"Don’t make your wallet cry—our deals are tear-free!"
- Chase | Car deal dad joke writer | Not very good at it...
Week 6 – How to Spot (and Beat) the Bait-and-Switch
Hey there, car deal warrior. You’re back for Week 6, and today we’re tackling one of the most frustrating tricks in the game: The Bait-and-Switch.
This one makes people feel played. It’s when the dealership advertises one thing... but when you show up, the deal suddenly "changes."
Let’s stop that from ever happening to you.
Tactic #6: Don’t Fall for the Bait-and-Switch
What It Looks Like
Here’s how it usually plays out:
You see a car online for $18,995.
You call, and they say, "Yep, it’s still here."
You drive 45 minutes to the lot.
They say, “Ohhh… that one just sold. But we’ve got others!”
Surprise! Everything else is $3,000 more.
Sound familiar? That’s bait-and-switch. And sometimes, it’s not even about the car—it’s the monthly payment or interest rate they use as bait.
Let’s break down how to see it coming—and how to shut it down.
Step-by-Step: Outsmart the Bait-and-Switch
Step 1: Get the Deal in Writing
Before you show up, get everything confirmed via email or text:
"Can you send me the full breakdown of that $18,995 offer in writing?"
Ask for:
VIN number
Final price
Any required fees
Who the salesperson is
This way, if they try to change it, you’ve got proof.
Step 2: Ask, “Is It Physically On Your Lot?”
Lots of dealers post cars that aren’t actually on-site.
Ask:
“Can you send me a quick photo of the car as it sits right now, with today’s date on a paper in the window?”
If they can’t, that car might not even exist anymore. Or ever.
Step 3: Watch for the Payment Trap
Sometimes, they’ll push a crazy low monthly payment. Like:
“Only $299 a month!”
But here’s what they don’t say:
That’s for a 7-year loan
With a huge down payment
On a stripped-down base model
So always ask:
“What’s the total price of the car, and what are the exact terms of that payment?”
Break it down:
Total loan amount?
Loan term in months?
Down payment?
Interest rate?
If they won’t answer, it’s a trick.
Step 4: Show Up With Options
Before going to the dealership, find 2-3 similar cars at other lots nearby. Print out or save screenshots with price and VIN.
If they try to switch the car or price, say:
“Okay, I’ve got two other cars I like with similar mileage and price. If this isn’t available, I’ll check them out.”
They’ll feel the pressure to give you a real deal—or lose you entirely.
Visual Flag Checklist: Is This Bait-and-Switch?
✅ Price online is way below similar listings
✅ No VIN listed on the ad
✅ They refuse to send photos or a written quote
✅ Car suddenly "sold" when you arrive
✅ Pushes you into a higher-priced alternative
✅ Payment deal too good to be true
If 3 or more of these are happening—it’s bait.
Concierge Tip: We Handle the Confirmations For You
Bait-and-switch games waste your time and mess with your trust. Our concierge service:
Confirms availability and price in writing
Verifies the car is real and on-site
Deals with flaky salespeople so you don’t have to
Your job? Show up, test drive, and leave with a real deal.
What to Avoid
Don’t go to the dealership without written proof
Don’t trust the online price alone
Don’t fall for super low payments without checking the math
Don’t settle for a car you didn’t plan to buy
Recap: Bait-and-Switch Survival Plan
Get the VIN, price, and quote in writing
Confirm the car is physically there
Ask for the payment terms—not just monthly price
Show up with backup options
Be ready to walk if it doesn’t feel right
Next week, we’re diving into timing the market—when to buy, when to wait, and how to use seasons to your advantage.
You’re becoming a pro, one week at a time. 🙌
—
Tired of dealership games?
Let us deal with them for you.
Our car buying concierge service confirms every detail and protects your time, money, and sanity.
Our concierge car buying service saves you hours of stress and thousands in bad deals. Your time is valuable—let’s protect it together.
Go to GETDEALGUARD.COM TO LEARN MORE
See you soon
Chase Jordan
#cardealconcierge #carnegotiationtips #baitandswitch #cardealhelp #carbuyingstrategy
