The rule
AMVIC's position, as reported by the Automobile Protection Association: if a vehicle price is advertised, "it must be the total all-in price of the vehicle," and "no additional fees can be added on top of the all-in advertised price." Only sales tax is excluded. In Alberta that's GST, plus the federal luxury tax on vehicles over $100,000. Violations can bring penalties under Alberta's Consumer Protection Act. (APA)
What that means for a rep's listing
| Allowed | Not allowed |
|---|---|
| An all-in price, plus GST | A low "teaser" price with admin or documentation fees added at signing |
| Optional products offered separately, such as warranties and protection packages | Making an "optional" product mandatory to get the advertised price |
| Clearly stating the price is plus GST | "Plus fees" or an asterisk that adds costs later |
Keeping 10 reps consistent
- Pull the price from the website, not from a rep's notes. LotBoard does this automatically.
- Build "plus GST" into your description template.
- Clear price-drop and sold prompts daily so old prices don't linger.
- Review a sample of listings each week in the dashboard.
Frequently asked questions
Can Alberta dealers charge a documentation fee?
Any mandatory fee must be inside the advertised price. It can't be added on top. Check AMVIC's current guidance for specifics.
Sources
- Automobile Protection Association: All-in pricing rules in Alberta and other provinces
- Miller Thomson: Drip pricing and Canada's Competition Act (in force June 23, 2022)
This page is general information, not legal advice. Confirm current rules with your provincial regulator.