🚨 “We Won’t Sell You the Car Unless…”
A Homework Guy Guide to Illegal Tying Sales — and How to Shut Them Down
At The Homework Guy, we’ve seen almost every dirty trick a dealership can throw at unsuspecting buyers. But one of the most outrageous — and often illegal — is the classic “tying arrangement.”
What is it?
“We won’t sell you the car unless you also buy our window etching, paint protection, or this $2,999 ‘protection package.’”
Sound familiar? If it does, don’t worry — you’re not alone, and you’re not powerless. In fact, this blog will show you how to legally trap the dealer, shut the whole thing down, and walk away with your wallet intact.
🔍 What Is a Tying Arrangement?
In legal terms, a tying arrangement happens when a business conditions the sale of one product (like your car) on the mandatory purchase of another (like nitrogen-filled tires, wheel locks, or a bogus protection package).
It’s a form of coercive bundling, and depending on how it’s presented, it can be a violation of:
- State UDAP laws (Unfair and Deceptive Acts and Practices)
- Truth in Lending Act (TILA) if it affects loan terms
- Franchise agreements, if it’s a brand-name dealer (Toyota, Ford, Honda, etc.)
🧠 Why Tying Laws Exist (A Bit of History)
Tying arrangements have long been recognized as anti-competitive and deceptive.
- The concept dates back to antitrust laws in the early 20th century. The Sherman Antitrust Act and later the Clayton Act prohibited companies from conditioning one sale on another if it restricted competition.
- In consumer protection law, UDAP statutes were added in the 1970s and beyond to stop businesses from using deceptive tactics against average Americans — like forcing them to buy something they didn’t ask for.
- For auto sales, this is especially important because franchise laws prohibit dealers from undermining the brand’s image or gouging customers with forced add-ons. That’s why many OEMs (original equipment manufacturers) require franchisees to sell vehicles at published terms without forced extras.
In short: Tying is illegal because it manipulates buyers and disrupts free, fair markets.
📌 Quick Stat:
According to the Federal Trade Commission, car dealers are among the most complained-about industries in the U.S., and forced add-ons are a top issue.
✅ Step-by-Step: How to Shut It Down Like a Pro
1. Get It in Writing (Or Record Where Legal)
Ask the salesperson:
“Are you saying I can’t purchase the vehicle at MSRP or the agreed price unless I also buy [add-on]?”
If they dodge the question, follow with:
“Can you repeat that while I record it for my notes?”
📍 Use this state-by-state guide to see if one-party recording is legal where you live (in most states, it is).
2. Drop the Legal Bomb: Use the words: “Tying Arrangement”
Say this to the sales manager:
“What you’re doing sounds like an illegal tying arrangement — requiring purchase of unrelated products in order to get the car. That’s a deceptive practice under both state and federal law.”
Dealers hate hearing this — and most will backpedal immediately.
3. Name the Right Agencies
Let them know you’re serious:
“I’ll be filing a complaint with the State Attorney General, the FTC, and the CFPB if this is a financed deal.”
✅ Where to file:
- FTC Complaint Portal
- CFPB Complaint Form
- Find Your State Attorney General
4. Demand Your Consumer Right
Say:
“I want the car without the add-ons. Are you refusing to sell it unless I pay for them?”
If they say “yes,” you’ve got a legal case.
🧾 Bonus: Create a Paper Trail
Always get a printed buyer’s order or sales sheet.
If it lists unwanted add-ons:
✍️ Write on the contract:
“Customer declines [add-on]. Requested removal. Dealer refused.”
Then:
- Sign it
- Ask the dealer to co-sign
- Take a photo if they refuse
Now you’ve got proof — and that’s your ammunition.
💥 What to Do If You Catch Them in the Act
You’re ready to file official complaints:
| Agency | Why You Contact Them |
| State AG | UDAP laws (deceptive business practices) |
| FTC | National deceptive practices enforcement |
| CFPB | Credit-related coercion or fraud |
| OEM/Manufacturer | Franchise agreement violations |
📣 Pro Tip: Most OEMs have rules that prohibit forced add-ons. Reach out to:
- Toyota Customer Support
- Ford Motor Company Contact
🧠 Final Move: Speak Like a Pro
If they’re still pushing back, say this:
“I’ll be seeking legal advice and reporting this as a tying arrangement unless you remove the forced add-ons and provide a clean buyer’s order.”
You’ve now put them on notice. You’re not their average uninformed customer — you’re The Homework Guy’s kind of buyer.
🚗 Need Backup? We’ve Got You Covered
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🔍 Want a professional to review your deal before you sign?
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- Detailed reviews of your contract and fees
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- Identification of legal red flags
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🔗 Trusted Resources used for this blog:
- FTC Auto Retail Complaints
- CFPB Complaint Submission
- Reporters Committee Recording Laws
- Find Your State Attorney General
- Homework Guy – Legal Violation Checkup