Automotive sales spiffs (sometimes spelled SPIF) are time-sensitive, product-specific bonuses paid out by the dealer. Or even the manufacturer (OEM). You’ll see them tied to everything from extended warranties and GAP products to leftover model-year units.
Sales spiffs are different from general commission because they’re:
- Targeted: Focused on specific products or goals.
- Time-bound: Often end-of-month or weekend-only.
- Additive: Paid in addition to base commission.
Examples of Common Spiffs in Dealerships
- $200 bonus for every prepaid maintenance plan sold.
- $100 cash for moving a 2023 F-150 before the new incentives drop.
- Tiered spiff: Sell 3 products, earn $300; sell 5, earn $600.
Who Offers Spiffs?
- Dealerships: To promote aged inventory or focus on high-margin products.
- OEMs: To move units in a specific region or push seasonal incentives.
- F&I Product Vendors: To drive specific add-on product penetration.
Spiff vs Commission—What’s the Difference?
Let's take this conversation offline. We've got an in depth article for you where we look at the differences of spiffs vs. commissions and what they mean to your dealership.
Sales Spiffs, Commissions, Who Cares?!
Everyone in the dealership should. Spiffs can spark urgency and boost morale—but they also bring headaches if they’re not tracked well. Missed payouts, fuzzy eligibility, and retroactive chargebacks create tension. Mismanaging spiffs creates departmental dumpster fires... chasing "spiff" emails, avoiding angry calls, reconciling promises of payments—with no proof. Can you relate?
With Nimble Compensation, every spiff is tracked automatically, tied to the RO or deal, and visible to both the manager and employee. No more mystery money. No more messy spreadsheets. Just results.
