The Hidden Paycheck: Why In-House Recon is More Expensive
Posted Date: 9/23/25
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Every dealer knows that speed to market and quality reconditioning directly impact profitability. But many dealers underestimate the hidden paycheck that comes with hiring, managing, and supporting an in-house make-ready team.
At first glance, building your own recon department may seem cost-effective. In reality, the “Total Compensation Statement” reveals that it costs dealers an average of 51% more to hire internally compared to partnering with a qualified and insured 3rd party labor resource team like OnSite Dealer Solutions (ODS).
The Real Cost of Hiring In-House
When you hire your own staff, wages are just the beginning. Dealers take on a long list of hidden expenses and often cumbersome time commitments within other department needs, including:
- Overtime pay
- Health, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance
- Paid Time Off (PTO)
- Minimum wage adjustments
- Retirement/401K matches
- Recruitment, hiring, and onboarding costs
- Bonuses and commissions
- Cell phone reimbursements
- Uniforms, training, and equipment repair
And let’s not forget the intangible costs:
- High turnover in make-ready departments
- Slower turn times (often 5–10 days per vehicle)
- Inconsistent quality that limits resale value
Why Dealers Choose ODS
ODS eliminates these hidden paychecks by providing fully trained, fully insured, and fully equipped teams that are 100% accountable to your dealership.
We supply:
- Our own uniforms and equipment
- Paid training and ongoing quality checks
- Insurance, retirement, and benefits for our employees
- A nationwide workforce of over 750 vetted professionals across 12 states that come and work at your dealership
Most importantly, we average 24-hour turn times, dramatically increasing your speed to market and helping you put fresh inventory on the lot faster.
Bottom Line
With ODS, you get:
- Lower costs (no hidden paycheck)
- Better quality detailing and recon
- Faster speed to market (24 hours vs. 5–10 days)
- Zero HR headaches
If you’re ready to see how much ODS can save your dealership and how quickly we can help you move vehicles, call us today at 913-912-7384. Or request your complimentary labor analysis and uncover the savings and speed your dealership is missing without any obligations.
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