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Automotive
Payment processing for car dealerships and dealer groups
Card processing and Clover devices for the sales desk, the service drive and the parts counter, set up and supported by one team for dealerships across the country.
The short version
A dealership takes card payments in several places: the service drive, the parts counter, the sales desk and sometimes over the phone. TM Services Inc. sets up CardConnect processing and Clover devices for each of those spots, with consistent employee setup and reporting across rooftops. We quote pricing from your real processing statement, and we offer a free review of it.
- Dealerships
- Auto repair shops
- Repair shops
- Oil change facilities
- Muffler shops
- Tire & brake shops
- Auto service centers
Where a dealership takes payments
- Service drive. Service advisors can take payment at the counter, or at the vehicle with a handheld Clover Flex or a Clover Go reader that pairs with a phone or tablet.
- Parts counter. A countertop Clover device such as the Station Solo or Mini handles parts sales, with a built-in receipt printer and a cash drawer on the Station models.
- Deposits and down payments. Take larger payments such as vehicle down payments, send an invoice, or key in a card-not-present payment over the phone when a customer can't come in. Transaction limits are set per account, and we size them to your deal flow during setup.
- Your dealer management system. We integrate payments with dealership management systems (DMS), so transactions don't have to be re-keyed into the DMS.
- Cash discount or surcharge. If you want card fees offset, we set up a surcharge or cash discount program with the signage and receipts it requires.
Dealer groups and multiple locations
For groups, we set up consistent devices and employee access at every location, with combined sales reporting through the Clover Dashboard. Each location can be funded separately when you want deposits kept apart by store. You have one team to call for all of them instead of a separate support line per rooftop. Reports can be exported or synced to QuickBooks and Xero.
How it works
Review your statement
We go through your current processing statement with you, line by line, for free.
Match devices to each counter
We recommend Clover devices based on how each department takes payment.
Set up and support
We configure the devices, employees and processing, then stay your direct contact after you go live.
Questions
Dealership payment questions
How do car dealerships take card payments in the service department?
Most take payment at the service counter. With a handheld Clover Flex or a Clover Go reader, an advisor can also take payment at the vehicle. Larger repair bills can be sent as an invoice.
Can a dealership add a surcharge to credit card payments?
TM Services Inc. sets up surcharge programs. The rules we follow: surcharge signage must be displayed at the point of sale at all times, debit card transactions do not get a surcharge, and the surcharge is only refunded when the refund is processed from the original transaction. Card-brand rules change over time, so we walk through the options with you first.
Can one provider handle payments for a dealer group with several locations?
Yes. TM Services Inc. sets up consistent devices and employee access across locations, with combined sales reporting in the Clover Dashboard and one team to call.
Can a dealership take a deposit or payment over the phone?
Yes. We set up keyed card-not-present payments over the phone, plus invoices and online payments.
Do dealerships have to replace their existing equipment to switch processors?
Not always. Some equipment can be reprogrammed and some can't. We tell you which during the statement review, before you commit to anything.
Does TM Services integrate with dealer management systems (DMS)?
Yes. We integrate card payments with dealership management systems, so payments taken at the service drive, parts counter or sales desk don't have to be re-keyed. We confirm the details for your DMS during the review.
Can a dealership take a vehicle down payment by credit card?
Yes. Transaction limits apply and are set per account, so we size them to your deals during setup.
Can each rooftop in a dealer group be funded separately?
Yes, when you want it. Each location's deposits can be funded separately, while the group still has one team to call.
How much does the equipment cost?
Equipment, leasing and install timing are quoted per business, not published, because they depend on how many devices you need and how you take payments. We go over it with you in a short meeting, along with a free review of your current statement.
Free, no obligation