Smart Women's Car Buying Tip #6: Get Your 'We-Owe' in Writing

When you’re finally at the exciting stage of picking up your new (or new-to-you) car, the last thing you want is to drive away feeling uncertain about the little things—like minor repairs or missing accessories. If something isn’t right, securing a written ‘we-owe’ from the dealership can protect your investment and ensure you get what you were promised.

What Is a ‘We-Owe’ and Why Is It Important?

A ‘we-owe’ document is an informal, written agreement that notes any outstanding promises from the dealership. Common situations where a ‘we-owe’ might come into play include missing floor mats, minor repairs like dents or scratches on a new car, accessory installations, or anything else promised that hasn’t yet been completed.

Even though most dealerships want to follow through on their word, salespeople can leave, and deals might close out without a record. A ‘we-owe’ creates a written record that protects both you and the dealership.

5 Steps to Ensure You Get What Was Promised at the Dealership

1. Inspect Your Car Before Signing Before signing any final paperwork, look over the car. Are there any visible scratches, dents, or missing parts? Check for promised accessories, verify installations, and document anything missing.

2. Request a ‘We-Owe’ Document if It’s Not Offered If you notice any issues, ask the dealership to provide a ‘we-owe’ for any items they promise to fix or deliver later. The dealership may offer it automatically but don’t hesitate to request it if not.

3. Ensure a Dealership Representative Signs the ‘We-Owe’ This might be the salesperson, but preferably someone with authority, like a manager, to ensure accountability.

4. Follow Up on Outstanding Items Quickly Time can be a factor when getting what you’re owed and it's not fair to expect something a year or more after delivery. Schedule appointments for repairs or installations as soon as possible, and follow up regularly until everything’s complete.

5. Bring Your ‘We-Owe’ with You When You Return When it’s time to collect any owed items, have your ‘we-owe’ document with you as proof. This helps the dealership honor its promise without hassle.

A ‘We-Owe’ Benefits Both Sides of the Transaction

With a clear record of promises, buyers avoid disappointment, and dealerships avoid false claims. While it’s not a formal contract, this document reinforces the dealership’s commitment to customer satisfaction and can give you greater peace of mind.

TLDR: Takeaways for Smart Women Car-Buyers

Getting a ‘we-owe’ in writing is a small but powerful step to ensure you don’t drive away with regrets or concerns and build a smoother relationship with the dealership. Empowered car-buying means knowing your options and aiming for fairness at every step. 

Buyer’s Remorse? Not Here.

At Buyer for Hire, we’re here to help you navigate every aspect of buying or leasing a car with confidence. Our goal is to make your car-buying journey smooth, satisfying, and empowering with car buying tips, tools and support.