How to start a sale and structure the deal
Start a sale in DMS Apex: choose the car and buyer, add a trade-in, fees and down payment, and see your state's tax worked out.
Last checked November 14, 2026
Start the deal
- Open Sales and start a new sale.
- Pick the car from your inventory.
- Add the buyer, and a co-buyer if there is one.
- Enter the selling price, your dealer fee, and the down payment.
- Choose whether the deal is cash or financed by an outside lender, and add the lien holder.
Add a trade-in
Enter the trade-in vehicle and its allowance. DMS Apex applies your state's rule: in most states the allowance reduces the taxable amount, and in a few it does not.
See the tax
The tax is worked out from your state's published rules. Where a local tax applies, DMS Apex uses your local rate or the buyer's county, and you can change it on the deal.
Pending sales and deposits
If the customer is not ready to sign, take a deposit and hold the car. The sale stays pending until you finish it.
Common questions
Does DMS Apex do in-house financing?
Yes. Deals can be cash, financed by an outside lender, or financed by the dealership itself (buy here pay here), with payment tracking, late fees and the notices each state requires.
Run your lot, deals and paperwork in one place
DMS Apex is $28 a month with a 15-day free trial. It prints your state's forms and works out your state's tax.
Start your 15-day free trial