when you go to a lawyer, should it not be assumed that their might be a photocopy.. or a fax?
Actually, that's all in our retainer, which is explained thoroughly to any new client before they are even given a chance to sign. I let them read it, then go over it section by section, then allow for any questions (if they haven't already come up).
...and photocopy/fax charges are considered "disbursements," which, if assessable, are paid for by the Defendant at the time of settlement or judgement. The client really doesn't pay the disbursements, even though it seems like they do.
...but that's just in a lawyer's defence.
What I dislike about the 'admin' fee is that there's simply no other avenue in which to purchase a car. These are all extra costs that are being pushed to the consumer for what is the cost of doing business. IF a manufacturer wants to add on fees to offset dealership costs, then lump it into MSRP. If MSRP is too high on the basis of these costs, then that's competition for you.
As far as PDI is concerned, I think some things are fair, others less so. I understand PDI covers the fluids that are not shipped in the car (a FULL tank of gas (I'd be livid if my new car came with 1/2 a tank - when did that start? Our 2010 Corolla got a full tank and the 2011 Forster did as well. My brother's Crosstrek, purchased in May also came with a full tank of gas - and there was no admin fee), washer fluid, oil top up, etc.). I just don't accept that freight + PDI is $1700 on a compact car. I understand why freight is higher in Canada vs the US (population density), but there's clearly more profit made in Canada on those charges.
In any event, I don't care if there are costs to the dealerships. It's not fair. The cost of doing business is not supposed to be 'fair.' It is the cost, and if some businesses can thrive without having an "admin" fee tacked on, then why can't others?
Tooscoops, none of this is directed at you. I simply don't like add-on fees. I want it all tacked into MSRP and I don't want to deal with negotiations or wondering if I paid the same amount as my neighbour did for the same cookie-cutter car. Vehicle sales are complex - no question, but I think there's a better way and there are people better equipped than I to determine what that way is. The system as it stands is clearly flawed, however.