This SOP is how we sell cars here. Integrity, a clear title, a complete jacket, and Tennessee law — every deal.
Purpose
Outline the vehicle sale from inventory to temp tag so every deal is documented the same way: clear title, 100-point inspection, Peace of Mind terms, DCS, EZ Dealer tags, and a jacket Jameson can audit.
Scope
All sales staff and managers on Cody's Automotive Sales (Jameson, Judah, and anyone they assign).
Procedure
1. Clear title before it is sold
Title in hand. No sale without it.
Confirm it is free of liens and filled out correctly.
2. Inventory entry — Dealer Car Search (DCS.com)
Log in → Inventory → Add Vehicle.
Year, make, model, VIN, miles, price.
Upload clear photos. Save and confirm it shows on the lot list.
3. First conversation
Greet the customer. Ask what they need (size, budget, passengers, time frame).
Log that request on Sales Floor → Leads if they are not buying today.
Walk the lot honestly. Price and known issues stay on the table.
4. Inspection and warranty talk
Every retail unit: 100-point digital inspection. Needed safety/reliability work done before sale.
Repairs we perform: 3-year / 36,000-mile warranty as written.
Peace of Mind: 30-day drivetrain coverage as written. Sales are final. Sold As-Is except those stated warranties.
5. Present the numbers
Sale price, tax, title, registration, trade, payoff.
Run the TN tax calculator on Sales Floor (Williamson / Franklin: 7% state, 2.75% local on first $1,600, single-article 2.75% on $1,600–$3,200).
Say out loud: final sale, As-Is plus the warranties above, Tennessee law applies.
6. Close the deal — documents
Copy the driver’s license.
Buyer’s Guide, Buyer’s Order, Odometer Disclosure. Title is not signed by the buyer at the desk until the transfer is recorded.
DCS: fill the inventory sale, buyer, payment method. Complete the worksheet. Convert to a deal. Print Buyer’s Order and odometer for signatures.
Finance: pick the lienholder in DCS. Email Southeast the Buyer’s Order and a Buyer’s Guide for that car.
Customer signs. Copies for them and for the jacket.
7. Temp tag — EZDEALERTAGS.com
New Entry → Williamson County → VIN and purchase date.
Print, sleeve, tape. Display per TN temp-tag rules.
8. Title
Seller name/address. Buyer name/address. Use and if both must sign, or if either may sign.
Odometer and date of sale. Seller signs. Buyer does not sign the title until it is recorded.
Copy of the signed title in the jacket.
9. Jacket and Sales Floor
Open the unit on Sales Floor → This month → Jacket.