In the F&I context, aftermarket products are add-on items sold at the time of vehicle purchase that are not part of the vehicle's original equipment. These include appearance protection, paint sealant, fabric protection, theft deterrent systems, and similar items.
Aftermarket products provide incremental per-vehicle revenue (PVR) and often carry attractive profit margins for independent dealers. Unlike core F&I products like vehicle service contracts or GAP insurance, aftermarket items tend to be lower-cost add-ons that appeal to a broad range of customers. Products like paint protection, fabric and upholstery treatments, window tinting, theft deterrent devices, and wheel and tire protection each address specific customer concerns — protecting their investment, maintaining vehicle appearance, or enhancing security.
Because aftermarket products are generally lower-priced than VSCs or extended warranties, they can be easier to present and sell in the F&I office. Many dealers find success bundling aftermarket products with core protection offerings, creating packages that offer comprehensive coverage at multiple price points. For example, a customer purchasing GAP insurance and a vehicle service contract may also be interested in paint protection or a theft deterrent system, rounding out their protection package and adding to the dealer's backend profit.
From a profitability standpoint, aftermarket products add up. While each individual item may contribute a modest amount to the deal, selling multiple aftermarket products across your customer base can significantly boost overall F&I performance. These products also tend to have fewer claims and chargebacks compared to insurance-based products, making them a stable and predictable revenue stream for dealers who build them into their F&I menu.
Add aftermarket products that customers value and boost your per-vehicle profitability.