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AMSOIL Preferred Customer vs Dealership: Which is Right for You?

AMSOIL Preferred Customer vs Dealership: Which is Right for You?

Deciding between an AMSOIL Preferred Customer membership and becoming a Dealer? We'll break down the key differences, costs & benefits here.
By
Dave Mann
4
min read
Updated
August 21, 2025
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AMSOIL Preferred Customer vs Dealership: Which is Right for You?

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dave mann headshot president of performance oil technology authorized amsoil dealer

Meet The Author

Dave Mann
President
Hi, I’m Dave - a former Ford Truck/Automotive Engineer with 40 years of combined professional experience working with lubrication systems and using and promoting AMSOIL products. My trucks, heavy equipment, farm and powersports vehicles experience extreme use, and I use AMSOIL products in every single one. Enjoy the site!

Quick Answer: Which Should You Choose?

Choose Preferred Customer if: You primarily want to save money on AMSOIL products for personal use, with no interest in selling or building a business.

Choose Dealer if: You want to sell AMSOIL products, earn commissions, build a business, or help friends and family access wholesale pricing while earning income.

Understanding the Recent Changes

In 2025, AMSOIL made a significant change to their Dealer program, increasing the annual dealership fee from $50 to $100. This doubling of the dealer fee has made the decision between Preferred Customer and Dealer more important than ever. Let's explore what each membership offers and whether the increased dealer fee is worth it for your situation.

AMSOIL Preferred Customer Benefits

The AMSOIL Preferred Customer (PC) program is designed for AMSOIL users who want to save money on products for their personal use. It's the simplest way to access wholesale pricing without any business obligations.

PC Membership Benefits:

  • Save up to 25% off retail prices on all AMSOIL products
  • Free shipping on orders over $100 (Continental US)
  • $5 birthday gift coupon to celebrate your special day
  • $5 back for every $100 spent - earn coupons with each purchase
  • Free membership renewal when you spend $500 or more annually
  • Exclusive promotions - special 2-3 week promotional periods throughout the year
  • Easy online ordering through your personal account
  • Annual product catalog delivered to your door

PC Membership Costs:

  • Initial membership: $10 for 6 months (when purchasing a qualifying product)
  • Annual renewal: $20 per year
  • No monthly fees or hidden costs
  • Cancel anytime without penalty

Who Should Choose PC Membership?

The Preferred Customer program is ideal for:

  • DIY enthusiasts who maintain their own vehicles
  • Anyone using AMSOIL products regularly for personal vehicles
  • People who want wholesale pricing without business responsibilities
  • Those who aren't interested in selling or building a sales team

AMSOIL Dealer Benefits

AMSOIL Dealers are independent business owners who can sell AMSOIL products, build customer bases, sponsor other dealers, and earn commissions. With the recent fee increase to $100 annually, becoming a dealer is now a more significant financial commitment.

Dealer Benefits:

  • Same 25% discount as PC members on all products
  • All PC benefits included (free shipping, birthday gift, $5 back rewards)
  • Earn commissions on personal and customer purchases
  • Build your own business with AMSOIL's support
  • Build a sales team
  • Access to business tools and marketing materials
  • Potential for passive income through customer reorders
  • Protected territories for commercial and retail accounts
  • Professional website provided by AMSOIL
  • Business training and support resources

Dealer Costs:

  • Annual fee: $100 (as of 2025, increased from $50)
  • Optional business tools: Various marketing materials available for purchase
  • No inventory requirements - AMSOIL handles shipping and fulfillment
  • No monthly quotas to maintain active status

Who Should Choose to Become a Dealer?

The Dealer program makes sense for:

  • Mechanics and service shop owners
  • Auto enthusiasts who frequently recommend products
  • Anyone interested in earning extra income
  • People with connections to fleets or commercial accounts
  • Those who enjoy sales and building relationships
  • Entrepreneurs looking for a low-overhead business opportunity

Key Differences at a Glance

AMSOIL PC vs Dealer Comparison
Feature Preferred Customer Dealer
Initial Cost $10 (6 months) $100 (annual)
Annual Renewal $20 $100
Product Discount Up to 25% Up to 25%
Free Shipping Yes ($100+) Yes ($400+)
Birthday Gift $5 coupon No
$5 Back Rewards Yes No
Exclusive Promotions Yes No
Can Sell Products No Yes
Earn Commissions No Yes
Sponsor Others No Yes
Business Website No Yes
Marketing Support No Yes

My Experience as an AMSOIL Dealer

As someone who's been an AMSOIL Dealer for many years and achieved the highest level (Titanium Cup Level 4), I can share some insights about both programs.

The recent increase to $100 for the dealer fee does make the decision more significant. However, if you're someone who naturally talks about products you love, finds yourself recommending AMSOIL to others, or has connections to potential commercial, installer, or retail accounts, the dealer opportunity can still provide excellent value.

For those who simply want to save money on their own oil changes and maintenance, the Preferred Customer program at $20 per year remains an incredible value. You get the same wholesale pricing as dealers on all products without any business obligations.

Special Promotions: A PC Exclusive Benefit

Preferred Customer members benefit from AMSOIL's exclusive promotional periods that run for 2-3 weeks at various times throughout the year. These promotions can include:

  • Additional discounts on select products
  • Free shipping on smaller orders
  • Bonus rewards points
  • Limited-time product bundles

These promotions are exclusive to PC members and add significant value to the membership beyond the standard 25% discount.

Making Your Decision: Questions to Ask Yourself

Consider PC Membership if you answer "yes" to these:

  1. Do you only need AMSOIL products for personal use?
  2. Are you looking for the simplest way to save money?
  3. Do you prefer to avoid any business or sales activities?
  4. Is the lowest possible membership cost important to you?

Consider Dealership if you answer "yes" to these:

  1. Do people ask you for automotive advice?
  2. Can you sell at least 1 case of oil per month?
  3. Do you have connections to businesses or car enthusiasts?
  4. Are you comfortable with a $100 annual investment in a business opportunity?
  5. Do you already recommend AMSOIL to others?

The Bottom Line

The choice between AMSOIL Preferred Customer and Dealer ultimately comes down to your goals:

Choose Preferred Customer ($20/year after initial period) if you want the simplest, most affordable way to save up to 25% on AMSOIL products for personal use. With exclusive perks like birthday gifts, $5 back rewards, promotional periods, and free shipping at just $100, it offers the best value for personal users.

Choose Dealer ($100/year) if you see potential in selling just 12 cases annually to break even - that's only one case per month. While you won't get the PC perks like birthday gifts or rewards, you gain the ability to build a business and earn commissions. Despite the recent fee increase, the dealer opportunity remains valuable for those willing to share AMSOIL with others.

Remember, both programs offer the exact same product discounts. The main difference is whether you want the ability to sell and earn commissions. There's no wrong choice - pick the program that fits your current situation, and you can always switch later as your needs change.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Do Dealers get better discounts than Preferred Customers?

A: No, both Dealers and Preferred Customers receive the same discount of up to 25% off retail prices. However, PCs get additional perks like birthday gifts, $5 back rewards, and exclusive promotions that dealers don't receive.

Q: How much do I need to sell as a Dealer to cover the $100 fee?

A: At Tier 1 profit levels, you need to sell approximately 12 cases of Signature Series oil per year (1 case per month) to break even.

Q: Do PC members get better perks than Dealers?

A: Yes, in some ways! PC members receive birthday gift coupons, $5 back rewards for every $100 spent, exclusive 2-3 week promotions, and free shipping on orders over $100. Dealers need to spend $400 for free shipping and don't receive the birthday gifts, rewards, or exclusive promotions.

Q: Is the PC membership really just $10?

A: The initial PC membership is $10 for 6 months. After that, it's $20 per year (or free if you spend $500+ annually).

Q: What happens if I don't sell anything as a Dealer?

A: There are no penalties or quotas. You simply maintain your dealership with the $100 annual fee and keep your wholesale buying privileges.

SAVE 25% + FREE Shipping!

Sign up today for 25% off all AMSOIL products and get FREE shipping on orders of $100 or more as a Preferred Customer.

Save 25% on AMSOIL Products

Join Preferred Customers for instant savings
Become a Preferred Customer