Spotting a small sticker or dot on a dealership car’s windshield might signal a hidden opportunity. Learn how this subtle sign could lead to serious savings on your next vehicle.
Car Dealerships’ Secret Sticker System (And How to Use It to Your Advantage)
Published on Jul. 09, 2025
If you’re walking around a car dealership and spot a little colored sticker or dot in the corner of a windshield, don’t just assume it’s for inventory tracking or decoration. That tiny mark might be a secret signal. And if you know what it means, it could save you hundreds or even thousands of dollars.
Dealerships are under pressure to move cars that have been sitting on the lot for too long. While they won’t advertise which vehicles have aged, there may be a subtle way to spot them and use that information to your advantage.
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The Secret Behind the Sticker
@danieljaredrivas That dot could save you a bunch of money!! #money #financialfreedom #carbuying ♬ original sound – Mr. Cash Stache
A TikTok creator shared an insider tip that dealerships don’t want you to know. Some dealerships place a small sticker or colored dot in the corner of the windshield to indicate how long a car has been sitting on the lot, according to the video.
It’s not necessarily intended for customers to notice. It’s mainly for the dealership’s own staff, but if you’re paying attention, it could become a quiet clue in your negotiation strategy.
Here’s why it matters: Most dealerships don’t pay for their inventory upfront. Instead, they finance their vehicles using a method called floor planning, which is essentially a loan that covers the cost of the cars until they’re sold. The longer a vehicle remains unsold, the more interest the dealer has to pay. Once a car hits a certain mark, it starts to cost them real money. At that point, dealerships become highly motivated to sell. They might offer steeper discounts, special financing, or other incentives just to get the vehicle off the lot. In some cases, salespeople are even offered cash bonuses for selling these older units quickly.
How to Use the Sticker to Your Advantage
So you’re walking the lot and notice a little sticker or dot in the corner of a windshield. It might seem random, but now you know it could actually mean something. What should you do?
Start by asking the salesperson how long that particular car has been sitting there. You don’t need to be confrontational. Just casually bring it up during the conversation. Even if they don’t give you a clear answer, the question alone shows you’re not a clueless buyer. And if your gut tells you the car’s been parked there for a while, you’re probably right.
That’s your chance to lean in a bit on negotiating. Dealerships lose money the longer a car stays unsold, so they are often much more open to cutting a better deal just to move it off the lot. You might not only get a lower price but also some extras like free oil changes, a better warranty, or discounted service.
There is also a good chance the salesperson has a little extra motivation. Dealerships sometimes offer bonuses to staff for selling cars that have been sitting too long. If that is the case, they will be even more eager to make a deal with you.
This trick is not foolproof. Not every dealer uses a sticker system, and not every dot guarantees a bargain. But it is a small clue that can give you an edge. In a car-buying process that often feels overwhelming, even one inside tip can help you walk away with a better deal.
Other Dealership Hacks to Watch For to Possibly Save Money
That little windshield sticker isn’t the only hint that a car might be a good deal; there are other subtle signs to watch for.
Some dealerships include arrival dates in the stock number. If you see something like “0324,” it could mean the car’s been sitting since March 2024. Color-coded tags or stickers might also show how long a vehicle’s been on the lot or flag it for special promotions. If something seems consistent across multiple cars, ask what it means.
You can also look for obvious signs like dust, faded window stickers, or worn tires. These usually point to a vehicle that hasn’t moved in a while.
And while “manager special” or “clearance” signs can sometimes be just sales tactics, they often mark vehicles the dealership is eager to sell. If you spot one, take a closer look. It could lead to a better price.
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