I recently purchased a new 9.9 horse Merc 4 stroke from BassProShops. As I was finishing the paperwork with the salesman, the sales manager came out of his office and told me that a $50 dollar "document and registration fee" was required with the sale of a new outboard. I told him I had never heard of that, and that I thought he was mistaken. Even the salesman interrupted and said he didn't think that was required. Well the salesmanager insisted it was, and I reluctantly said if it was required, that I would pay it. Well, yesterday I get a form letter from BassProShops with all the standard info on it regarding the new motor. Price, serial number etc. At the very bottom of the page in capital letters it says: A documentary fee is not an official fee and is NOT required by law. A buyer may avoid payment of the fee by handling these documents himself."
I have absolutely no idea what I paid this guy 50 dollars for, but I do know this form letter said it wasn't required, and the sales manager insisted it was. Has anyone ever encountered this before? I'm going back to BassProShops tomorrow, and I'm wondering what my chances are of getting my 50 dollars back? I also checked with a game warden friend and the tax assessors' office, and they both say there is no requirement to register a boat motor in the state of Mississippi.
Kenny

I believe Texas used to issue titles for outboards and boats separately, so the fee they charged you is for filing the title documents. Texas no longer does this, but other states may. Anyway, regardless, make a little noise until they refund your money. Polite noise. The guy may just be ignorant. If they won't give it back I'd get impolite. You weren't given the choice and BPS says you should have been, regardless of whether they actually did anything for the $50.

I am not sure who told you that Texas no longer issues separate titles, but when I purchased my boat in Feb 2005, I had to transfer it to Texas from Missouri and had to title both the boat and motor and they are separate. If things changed, do you know when they changed?

Ranger - If they actually registered the engine and/or filed for title properly, then you may have a difficult time getting your money back. In other words if they performed the service, even if they misrepresented the law, then they fulfilled their part of the implied contract and you don't really have proof (other than your word that they intentionally or inadvertently lied). If they did not perform a service, then you can demand your money back.

Let us know how it comes out.

Steve P. You are mistaken about Texas not requiring a title on a Outboard Motor. Texas requires a separate title on the motor and boat. Don't know about Mississippi. The $50 is for the company that does all the paper work to register the motor and get the title.