Alex Snyder announces that DealerRefresh has full control of its own technology for the first time in 20 years and invites the community to share ideas for improvements, new features, and bold changes via an open AMA. Members responded with requests ranging from lighthearted (arcade games) to substantive, with the standout suggestion being a private, 20 Group-style section with member matching to facilitate more candid, high-value knowledge sharing among vetted peers. The thread signals a pivotal moment for the platform and genuine openness from leadership to act on community input.

Steve Stauning argues that PPC fraud and waste are rampant at dealerships, largely driven by OEM digital programs that function as profit centers rather than tools to move vehicles. The thread explores specific red flags like vendors bidding on a dealer's own brand name, the opacity of OTT advertising, and how dealers are kept in the dark through jargon-heavy performance meetings. The key takeaway is that dealers need to demand measurable, incremental results and treat any marketing channel — SEM, Meta, or OTT — with skepticism unless it can be tied to actual vehicle sales.

Dealer consultant Tom Kline fields questions from dealers about FTC compliance, particularly around doc fees, advertised pricing, and the CARS Rule. The central takeaway is that the FTC's position is unambiguous — fees must be included in the advertised price, not added afterward — and dealers who continue to sidestep this face real enforcement risk regardless of size. A recurring theme is the gap between what dealers post online and what actually happens on the showroom floor, with Kline warning that dynamic pricing will create new consumer protection issues ahead.