Car Buying FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions
What is Invoice Insider?
Invoice Insider is a car-buying advocacy service. I sit alongside you, in person, at the dealership, handling price negotiation, trade-in valuation, and financing review, so you don't walk into the deal alone and don't walk out with a deal that hurts you later.
How much does it cost?
We offer more than one service, but the main service most people have questions about is our in person service. This service is a flat fee of $599, covering one buyer, one day, and one car. There are no hidden charges or hourly billing.
Is the fee refundable if I don't buy a car?
No. The fee covers my time and presence for the day, regardless of outcome. Because I'm on-site with you for a large portion of the day, the fee is due upfront and is non-refundable whether or not a purchase is completed.
Do you actually come to the dealership with me?
Yes. This isn't a phone or online consulting service. I'm physically present with you at the dealership from negotiation through financing until you drive away.
What exactly do you help with?
- Vehicle price - reviewing MSRP, identifying padded pricing, and negotiating add-ons like paint protection or dealer markups.
- Trade-in value - using market and wholesale data to make sure your trade-in isn't undervalued.
- Financing - reviewing the finance contract for rate markups, hidden fees, and unnecessary add-on products before you sign.
Do I need to already have a car picked out?
No. I can help whether you already know the exact vehicle you want or you're still narrowing it down. It's most effective if we talk beforehand so I understand what you're looking for and what you're trying to avoid.
What if I want to visit more than one dealership in a day?
That's fine, the "one day, one car" structure covers the full day working toward one vehicle purchase, whether that involves one dealership visit or several in the same day.
What if I need to go back on a different day?
Since the fee covers one day, a separate visit on another day would be arranged as a new engagement. This is something we can discuss directly based on your situation.
Do you work with both new and used vehicles?
Yes, the service applies to both new and used vehicle purchases.
How do I know you're not on the dealership's side?
I'm hired directly by you and paid only by you, never by a dealership. I have no financial relationship with any dealer, lender, or manufacturer. My only incentive is getting you the best possible deal.
What's your background?
Over 20 years in the automotive industry, working nearly every role inside a dealership: sales consultant, internet sales manager, BDC manager, sales manager, finance manager, and general sales manager. That experience is what allows me to recognize markups, hidden fees, and negotiation tactics in real time. Read more on the About page.
How do I get started?
Contact me with your name, phone number, and a bit about the vehicle you're looking for, and we'll set up a time to talk before your dealership visit.
What areas do you serve?
The Tampa Area. Hillsborough, Pasco, Hernando, Polk and Pinellas County. Nationwide by special appointment.
Have a question that isn't listed here? Reach out directly and I'll get back to you.