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 Catalytic Converter Print-On-Demand Solutions

Understanding California Senate Bill 55 (SB 55): Catalytic Converter Marking Requirements

 

 

Overview:

Effective January 1, 2024, all California dealerships must comply with SB 55, which mandates the marking of catalytic converters in vehicle sales transactions. This requirement, however, comes with certain options for dealerships to implement.

 

Applicability:

  • SB 55 applies to both finance and cash sales of new and used vehicles.
  • Not applicable to lease transactions.

 

Catalytic Converter Marking:

Dealers are required to mark the VIN on the catalytic converter unless the marking is offered as an optional product, and the customer chooses to opt-out.

 

Permanent Marking Methods:

The marking must be done using a “permanent” method, such as engraving, etching, welding, metal stamp, or acid mark.

 

Compliance Options:

 

  1. Inclusive Marking:
    • The dealer marks the VIN on the catalytic converter before the sale.
    • The cost of marking is included in the advertised price of the vehicle.
    • Similar to other pre-sale dealer-installed equipment (e.g., tow hitch).
    • For new vehicles, use the supplemental/addendum price sticker to notate any adjustments above MSRP.
  2. Optional Product:
    • The dealer offers catalytic converter VIN marking as an optional product to the customer.
    • If it’s a finance sale, the marking is disclosed as a “theft deterrent device” in the precontract disclosure statement.

 Customer Opt-Out:

  • Unless the customer declines the dealer’s offer to mark the catalytic converter, marking is mandatory.

Print-On-Demand Workable Solutions 

Dealer chooses CA SB 55 Option #1

  • The Dealer marks the “VInstaEtch” prior to sale and advertises the price of the vehicle inclusive of the “VInstaEtch” and notate a price adjustment on an addendum. 
  • Star Shield Solutions can provide the Start-up Kit at no cost and the dealership can pay a blended “per vin#” rate on a monthly basis for their inventory. 
  • This start-up kit allows the dealership to utilize the Vin Scan Software with a 5″ Vin Scan Tablet & Printer and Print Vin# Stencils On-Demand & Permanently Etch them onto the Catalytic Converters 
  • This method would simplify the management of the variable costs of the required materials & the maintenance of equipment for the duration of Star Shield Solutions’ “VInstaEtch” Program 
  • $ NO Additional costs for materials to replenish the stencils and electrolyte chemicals apply. 
  • Optional Custom Addendum software is available via Dealer Addendums (See page #7) 
  • Ongoing Service and Support from Star Shield Solutions

Dealer chooses CA SB 55 Option #2 

  • The Dealer can offer the “VInstaEtch” to the customer as an “optional product” disclosed as “theft deterrent device” 
  • The Dealership can purchase a Complete Kit at a competitive cost which includes a 5″ Vin Scan Tablet w Software, Stencil Printer, Stencil Roll, Electro-metal Etch tool, Chloride Etching Solutions 
  • This start-up kit allows the dealership to utilize the Vin Scan Software with a 5″ Vin Scan Tablet & Printer and Print Vin# Stencils On-Demand & Permanently Etch them onto the Catalytic Converters 
  • $ Dealer purchases additional materials to replenish the stencil rolls and chloride etching solutions chemicals which are required but lowers your overall cost per car average after initial equipment and startup costs paid 
  • $ Additional theft benefit can be offered at an additional cost for the warranty based on benefit 
  • Ongoing Service and Support from Star Shield Solutions 

Dealer Chooses CA SB 55 Option #1 plus Additional Product Warranty

  • The Dealer marks the “VInstaEtch” prior to sale and advertises the price of the vehicle inclusive of the “VInstaEtch” and notate a price adjustment on an addendum. 
  • $ Additional theft benefit participation would be offered for an additional cost for the warranty based on benefit.
  • Star Shield Solutions can provide the Start-up Kit at no cost and the dealership can pay a blended “per vin#” rate on a monthly basis for their inventory. 
  • This start-up kit allows the dealership to utilize the Vin Scan Software with a 5” Vin Scan Tablet & Printer and Print Vin# Stencils On-Demand & Permanently Etch them onto the Catalytic Converters 
  • This method would simplify the management of the variable costs of the required materials & the maintenance of equipment for the duration of Star Shield Solutions’ “VInstaEtch” Program 
  •  $ NO Additional costs for materials to replenish the stencils and chemicals apply. 
  •  Ongoing Service and Support from Star Shield Solutions 

Optional Mark-On-Demand “VInstaMark” Dot Peen Marker

Mobile rapid VIN marking gun, mark a CAT Converter in under 1 minute!

  • (1x) Brand New Wireless App Controlled Dot-Peen Marker
  • (1x) custom mobile barcode scanning VIN verify app
  • (2x) 3.0 a(h) Makita Battery
  • (1x) high temp reusable gloves, high-speed charger
  • (1) 5” Android Tablet with Mobile App Software to Scan the Vin Barcode on demand (Not shown in the image)

As shown on ABC Ch 7 Eyewitness News in L.A by the LAPD

Optional Print-On-Demand Addendums 

  • Custom Dealership Logo
  • Branded Options
  • Watermarks Custom Infobox w QR Code
  • Vehicle Data
  • Custom Templates
  • Pulls from Inventory List to integrate vehicle info automatically
  • Star Shield Solutions manages the monthly subscription software on behalf of the dealership
  • Requires Color Laser Printer, Ink and Addendum templates 

 

Do you have any questions or want to reach out about starting this program at your dealership? Feel free to fill out our form and our team will get back to you.

Get Started Now With Our VInstaEtch Program