Wisconsin is one of over a dozen states that still ban the sale of automobiles on Sundays, one of the few "blue laws" still on the books. Legislation being proposed at the Capitol would lift that ban, but don't look for car dealerships to help the idea gain any traction.
Wisconsin Automobile and Truck Dealers Association President Bill Sepic says staying closed on Sundays is actually good for business, because it allows sales staff to have a day off work and lowers the cost of operating a dealership. He says many dealerships in the state are already at risk of closing, and adding the additional cost of staying open an extra day each week could put many out of business for good.
Sepic says having sales staff away on Sundays can actually help to attract customers to car lots who may normally stay away. He says there are many customers who prefer to have a chance to look at cars without a salesperson looking over their shoulder before they're ready to buy. Sunday provides them with that opportunity.
Sepic says allowing sales seven days a week would be like an unfunded mandate for dealerships across the state. Even if most dealers prefer to close on Sundays, they may be forced to do business anyway if other dealerships open up because of how competitive the business can be.
Even if you could buy a car on Sunday, Sepic also doubts many customers would be able to close the deal because most financial institutions and insurance offices are also closed as well.
AUDIO: Andrew Beckett reports (MP3 1:01)
