Car Dealer Influenced News
Sales and Blogs Portrayed as Viable News
Have you ever read an article on a reputable news website?
Ever noticed the links to the brands or companies that the stories are about? I
am not sure about this but, it frequently looks like paid blogging to me. Paid advertisements are perfectly acceptable on websites. However, paid ads mixed into what appear to be editorials or news reports are not.
I recently watched a bonafide news story on msnMONEY which
plugs an auto dealer sales website by a CNBC correspondent. Mixed in among the
April 2012 Auto Sales data, is a plug for this 'website'. The website advertises
itself as a compilation of market data for consumers to use as a tool to buy
their new or used vehicle. It is portrayed as a special new service that exists to help consumers. But, the truth is that it is a dealership advertising source like all of the popular websites. It's fine to be an ad site but, not if it's veiled as something entirely different.
I had never heard of this company or website. When I went to their site, I saw multiple big box dealers as well as a list of their board of members on
their Dealer Council. Many major brands and auto dealers are represented.
Upon researching, I discovered that this is just another website for auto dealers
to use to sell their cars. The market data that is supposedly for consumers
does not reflect the comparables that are traditionally used in the car
business. In fact, it really isn’t disclosed where they get their data.
Customers are encouraged to look cars up based upon if they
are priced as a “Great Price” listing. The scary thing is that what is touted
as a “Great Price” does not give any actual comparable listings so that clients
can judge this on their own. On top of that, customers of this website are then
encouraged just to call these big box dealers and not negotiate. This is the
biggest scam I’ve ever seen.
What’s worse, is that a major news organization is either
crediting this company with valuable and honest information or being paid to
plug them.
For honest price comparables, call BOB STALLINGS AUTO GROUP.
We will look up comparables on Cars.com, AutoTrader.com and even eBay and
explain why our vehicles are priced the way they are. Sometimes being the
cheapest BMW online is a strong indication of a problem. However, sometimes we
steal a car. When we steal a car, we gladly pass our savings on to you.
For more information on our pricing, call Client Services at
BobStallingsCars.com (972) 248-2277.facebook.com/bobstallingscars
