Uncover Hidden Fees: A Ford Salesman Reveals Shocking Dealership Paperwork You Must See!

A recent TikTok video is shedding light on questionable practices some car dealerships use to inflate prices. The salesman, known as @geebo4 from Long-Lewis Auto Group in Alabama, reveals how hidden fees can sneak into a car buyer’s final bill—leading to higher costs than expected.

In the video, @geebo4 compares two 2025 Ford Explorers. One is sold by a competitor, while the other is from his dealership. The competitor’s Explorer, valued at $47,500, had a $3,000 discount that lowered it to $44,500. But then came the extra charges: a $699 “doc fee” and a $190.98 electronic filing fee. After taxes, the total bill ballooned to $48,166.82.

In contrast, the Explorer from Long-Lewis, priced at $48,475 with a smaller discount, surprisingly ends up costing less—$47,062.46. This is primarily because there are no hidden fees. @geebo4 emphasizes that his dealership avoids these types of extra charges.

### What Are Hidden Fees?

Many buyers aren’t aware of what these fees actually cover. According to Edmunds, a doc fee is what dealerships charge for administrative tasks like preparing documents and transferring titles. These fees can vary significantly, from $75 to $899, depending on the dealership and location.

The electronic filing fee, another common charge, is not mandated by the government either. It contributes to the dealer’s profit while covering the cost of submitting paperwork electronically. Awareness of these fees can help potential buyers negotiate better deals.

### Viewer Reactions and Skepticism

The TikTok community reacted with mixed opinions. While some people thanked @geebo4 for his transparency, others remained skeptical. One user stated, “You’re getting your money one way or the other.” @geebo4 responded by reinforcing his dealership’s transparent pricing model, which focuses on volume sales rather than hidden fees.

Interestingly, this topic resonates with broader trends in consumer awareness. As buyers become more informed and share their experiences online, dealerships face increased pressure to be upfront about pricing. A recent survey indicated that 68% of potential car buyers research dealership fees before purchase, highlighting the growing need for transparency in the market.

In a world where information is shared quickly on platforms like TikTok, dealerships must adapt or risk losing customers to more transparent competitors. As the car-buying landscape evolves, awareness of hidden fees will likely be a key to fostering trust between buyers and dealerships.



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