A straight comparison of paper, software, and the hybrid setup most shops actually run.
US Auto Supplies Blog
How to Choose Custom Dealer License Plate Inserts for Automotive Branding
Learn how to choose the right custom dealer license plate insert for your dealership. Compare 18 mil, 23 mil, 35 mil, and 55 mil polyethylene options, one color vs. full color printing, and simple branding strategies that help turn dealership vehicles into mobile advertising.
Best Heavy Duty Work Order Racks for Car Repair Shops
Compare 12- and 18-pocket steel repair order racks, side key holders, and ticket control systems to organize work orders and vehicle keys.
Car Lot Streamers & Pennants: Sizes, Lengths and How to Hang Them
Not sure where to get car lot streamers or how many you actually need? Here's the full rundown on types, colors, and setup so your lot looks sharp all season.
Should You Buy Dealership Supplies from Your DMS Provider or an Independent Supplier?
Not all dealership supplies have to come from your DMS provider. Learn the differences between buying from companies like Reynolds & Reynolds, Dealertrack, and CDK Global versus an independent dealership supplier, and discover which option is best for your dealership's forms, branding products, and everyday operational supplies.
FTC Buyers Guide Requirements: Window Sticker Rules for Dealers
Violations of the FTC's Used Car Rule carry penalties of up to $53,088 — per vehicle. This guide covers exactly what the Buyers Guide requires: which vehicles need one, where it has to be posted, As Is vs. Implied Warranties, the Spanish-language rule, and the printing format most dealers don't know about.
The Complete Guide to Custom Dealer License Plate Frames
Every vehicle your dealership delivers is a moving advertisement. Custom dealer license plate frames keep your dealership's name visible long after the sale while adding a professional finishing touch to every vehicle. But not all license plate frames are the same. In this guide, we'll compare raised letter, screen printed, and chrome-faced dealer license plate frames, explain their production times, and help you choose the right option for your dealership.
The Complete Guide to Key Hook Boards for Car Dealerships & Auto Service
A key hook board is a portable or wall-mounted panel with spring-loaded hooks designed to safely store and organize vehicle keys in automotive environments. Car dealerships, auto service departments, valet services, and parking operations all rely on them to prevent lost keys, speed up lot management, and keep daily operations running smoothly.
If you're setting up a key control system for the first time or upgrading an outdated one, this guide covers everything you need to know: the types available, how to size one for your operation, key features to look for, and how to build a complete system around your boards.
California Proposition 65: The Complete Compliance Guide for Car Dealerships and Auto Shops
If your dealership or auto shop operates in California, or sells vehicles to California customers, Proposition 65 compliance is not optional. This guide breaks down exactly what you need to know, what's required on every vehicle, and how to stay protected from fines that can reach $2,500 per violation per day.
US Auto Supplies Frequently Asked Questions
Running a dealership or service department comes with a lot of moving parts — paperwork, inspections, branding, lot decor, and everything in between. We put together this guide to answer the questions we hear most often from dealers and shop owners, covering everything from FTC compliance forms to the right marker for writing on a windshield. Use the table of contents below to jump straight to the section you need.