What is the difference between an authorized dealer and a 4S store?
2 Answers
An authorized dealer is a secondary outlet, while a 4S store is directly authorized by the manufacturer. Authorized dealers source vehicles from 4S stores, and 4S stores source vehicles from the manufacturer. Authorized dealers sell cars for 4S stores, acting as their subordinate sales units. 4S Store: A 4S store is a car franchise model centered around the "four-in-one" concept, encompassing vehicle sales (Sale), spare parts (Sparepart), after-sales service (Service), and information feedback (Survey). It features a unified appearance, standardized branding, consistent management standards, and exclusively deals with a single brand. Authorized Dealer: Authorized dealers typically purchase vehicles in bulk from 4S stores. To earn manufacturer rebates, 4S stores wholesale vehicles to secondary dealers. Due to lower operational costs, these dealers can adopt a high-volume, low-margin strategy, often offering prices cheaper than 4S stores.
In my years of car ownership experience, authorized dealers are mainly single-function points authorized by car brands, such as only selling new cars or servicing specific brands. Whereas 4S shops are all-in-one centers integrating sales, service, spare parts, and feedback, capable of solving all problems in one stop. I remember last time when my car broke down, the authorized dealer couldn’t fix it because it only handled sales; but at the 4S shop, not only was it repaired, but they also checked the battery for free. The key difference lies in the service scope: authorized dealers may not be comprehensive, but they cost less; 4S shops are convenient and quick but slightly more expensive. When choosing, if the car is under warranty or needs major repairs, prioritize 4S shops to ensure original factory service; for daily minor issues, save money at reputable authorized dealers. Also, be sure to check the shop’s authorization credentials to avoid unreliable services that waste time. In short, choose the most hassle-free option based on your needs and budget.
