Options

Stories from the Sales Frontlines

11021031051071082003

Comments

  • madmanmoomadmanmoo Member Posts: 2,039
    1%
  • bobstbobst Member Posts: 1,776
    Well, since you didn't make an offer, you didn't try very hard.

    If you had really wanted a new car to replace your wife's 40K mile clunker, you would have written your offer on paper and handed it to the salesman as he rushed past.

    My guess is that you were profiled as someone who was at the dealer to just browse around, which is exactly what you were.
  • bigdveedubgirlbigdveedubgirl Member Posts: 402
    Well a deal like that when no one in town will take that deal either, my chances are a little better, especially if the client its in the FW area because those people are LEAST likely to drive to the BigD.But if they are in dallas my chances are slim.
  • graphicguygraphicguy Member Posts: 14,123
    Elaine....well, what can I say. She was drop dead gorgeous. I was in way over my head when we dated in high school. As these things go, she was the kind of person you had a lot of fun with, and got into a lot of trouble with. Not a girl that you consider a "life long partner" (or, even a month long partner).

    I went off to college. She stayed around home to sell cars. Our lives had just gone in different directions. I changed. She didn't.

    Yes, I broke up with her during one of her visits to my dorm, freshmen year. I just couldn't take her Jekyl and Hyde act, anymore. She left crying. Sent me crazy letters, afterwards. She actually stalked me for a bit...would make the long drive to my college and show up at all hours...all crazy. Threatened to kill me, whomever I was dating, herself (I never took her seriously...probably should have, though). After a few months of that, it subsided. But, in the end she said she knew it was for the best (or, so I thought).

    Yes, there was drinking involved at the reunion. Her "psycho" side was always magnified when you threw alcohol into the mix. She was always the person that went "way over the line" when drinking. I was always the conservative one. She said I was the only person that ever broke up with her (usually, she was the heartbreaker).

    The positive/sad end of that, she told me at the renunion she wasn't able to have kids. That's probably a good thing.

    You guys know how that goes, though. Fun girl....tons better looking than I was. You put up with a lot of crap for all the obvious reasons.

    She actually threw up at the reunion.

    She was a mess, at that time....and obviously, vindictive.

    Ah....what fond memories...... :sick:
    2024 Kia EV6 GT-Line AWD Long Range
  • snakeweaselsnakeweasel Member Posts: 19,592
    Well a deal like that when no one in town will take that deal either, my chances are a little better,

    Little better? please explain.

    2011 Hyundai Sonata, 2014 BMW 428i convertible, 2015 Honda CTX700D

  • british_roverbritish_rover Member Posts: 8,502
    Ouch..

    Stories like that make me glad I don't really speak with anyone I went to HS with. The only person I talk to on a regular basis that I went to HS with is my ex-roommate in college.
  • snakeweaselsnakeweasel Member Posts: 19,592
    She left crying. Sent me crazy letters, afterwards. She actually stalked me for a bit...would make the long drive to my college and show up at all hours...all crazy.

    OMG and you actually did a business transaction with her?

    2011 Hyundai Sonata, 2014 BMW 428i convertible, 2015 Honda CTX700D

  • Kirstie_HKirstie_H Administrator Posts: 11,242
    What a lovely story. I just adore any tales that involve stalking & vomit :) Ahem...

    OK, I'm actually hanging around hoping, desperately, to hear the end of british_rover's story. If you didn't live so far away, I'd swear I know these people.

    MODERATOR /ADMINISTRATOR
    Find me at kirstie_h@edmunds.com - or send a private message by clicking on my name.
    2015 Kia Soul, 2021 Subaru Forester (kirstie_h), 2024 GMC Sierra 1500 (mr. kirstie_h)
    Review your vehicle

  • madmanmoomadmanmoo Member Posts: 2,039
    What a story.... How old are you now, graphicguy? Will you ever go back to another school reunion?

    Again, what did you do when she told you that you were her highest gross? And she's still in car sales you say?

    -Moo
  • stickguystickguy Member Posts: 53,414
    random thoughts:

    -Isell, I see your point about giving out prices to shop. But, don't plenty of buyers just make them up anyway? I personally have gotten a price and compared it at other dealers, and told them I could get it for whatever at a competitor, but was never asked to show written proof. Maybe becasue I never asked them to beat a number, and just used it as a reference point?

    - For the BMW lady, you certainly have patience. I would have already been at the point of a take it/leave it final offer. If you really don't want to be cleaning snow off of it, if say 23,500 is break even, tell her that much, she fixes the bra, take it or leave it and move on.

    The local BMW guy by me always seems to be loaded with converts in the winter. One day while shopping them, I asked the sales guy why. Seems he does it on pupose. He scaps them up at the BMW auction when everyone is trying to unload before the snow, and just lets them sit until spring. No cheap sales over the winter either IIRC.

    2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.

  • british_roverbritish_rover Member Posts: 8,502
    Part three will be starting shortly and it will be another short one.

    I think this is going to end up being a five parter and you won't know the end till this evening at the earliest cause I dont' know the end yet.
  • isellhondasisellhondas Member Posts: 20,342
    Wow...

    On my email list, I have five people that started kindergarden with me and quite a few others that go back to Jr.high and high school. We "talk" often.

    Even a couple ex girlfriends. Heard from one this morning.

    Quite a bond as we share life's ups and downs.
  • british_roverbritish_rover Member Posts: 8,502
    I moved around a lot as a kid because I was an Army brat. I had five different elementary schools in three different states.

    I used to keep in pretty close contact with my old High School gf cause we dated for over six years but I haven't talked to her in over a year. It was right before she got married actually wonder if that had something to do with it.
  • graphicguygraphicguy Member Posts: 14,123
    kirstie...it's funny...after I posted, I thought to myself..."why are you telling that?"

    Fact is, some of the people here I've got to know pretty well through our posts. Some, I've communicated with off-Edmunds.

    I'd say I consider some friends. These are the types of stories you tell to friends. Who else do you share vomit...psycho stories with?

    Matter of fact, I think Edmunds should sponsor a "get together" for those who post here all the time (hint-hint), so we can meet.

    Moo....I'm mid 40s. While I moved away for awhile (Bay Area, CA) after college, for the last 12 years, or so, I've lived in the general vicinity from where I grew up (OH).

    As such, although it doesn't happen often, I do run into childhood (teenhood) friends that have stayed close to home their whole lives. Some of those folks keep track of those we went to HS with, and some have stayed friends, across the miles. Those that stayed close to Elaine told me about a year ago she was selling "high line" used cars in a ritzy section of Miami. Don't know anything about Miami, so I can't say what section that is. Don't know if she's still in the biz, either.

    What can you say about a car deal done 15-20 years, ago? Did I get taken by a "friend"? Sure! When they laugh at your misfortune, what is it exactly you should do? I grinned and quitely walked away shaking my head (feeling rather smug that I don't consider myself capable of doing something like that).
    2024 Kia EV6 GT-Line AWD Long Range
  • snakeweaselsnakeweasel Member Posts: 19,592
    On my email list, I have five people that started kindergarden with me and quite a few others that go back to Jr.high and high school. We "talk" often.

    That unusual. I have a "friend that goes back to like I was 1. Haven't seen each other in decades but we e-mail each other regually (we found each other on line one time). Other than that the guys I hung around with in high school we lost contact with one but the others I see regually. I still talk to some of the guys I was stationed with in the service (and thats going back many a decade).

    2011 Hyundai Sonata, 2014 BMW 428i convertible, 2015 Honda CTX700D

  • jmonroejmonroe Member Posts: 8,989
    gee, it sounds like you are giving the customer a free pass to be the way they are...but if a SALESPERSON acted that way, boy, would they be reemed out by the masses...

    I’m not giving the customer a free pass. I said, “the customer should have given the first guy a chance to match price”.

    a salesperson has to be nice and friendly and do everything the customer asks, but a customer can be rude and demanding and inconsiderate, and we have to take it or get out of the biz?

    I never said that either. A salesperson shouldn’t have to take anything, rude or otherwise, from a customer. I know I wouldn’t if I were in the biz.

    I hope I’ve cleared up my position on those two points.

    Now, if you don’t mind, please answer the question I asked in post 5357. Namely, “So, in the end it’s a wash isn’t it”?

    Thanks,

    jmonroe

    '15 Genesis V8 with Ultimate Package and '18 Legacy Limited 6 cyl

  • bigdveedubgirlbigdveedubgirl Member Posts: 402
    Ya.......If I was her I would'nt of sold you a wrecked car...but I would find joy to make ALOT of money off you....

    Ladies, We all have a little Elaine is us.

    I have not done that but I have had EXs call me while out of the blue and make mindless small talk and then say "I am the Honda store and they are offering $X, is that a good deal should I do it?" And knowing that he has at least a grand to negotiate, say "That is a GREAT deal. Run with it!"

    TEE HEE!
  • british_roverbritish_rover Member Posts: 8,502
    HEHe now that is funny.
  • jmonroejmonroe Member Posts: 8,989
    I think this is going to end up being a five parter and you won't know the end till this evening at the earliest cause I dont' know the end yet.

    You sure give credence to sales guys statements that 'there is no such thing as a quick deal'.

    jmonroe

    '15 Genesis V8 with Ultimate Package and '18 Legacy Limited 6 cyl

  • madmanmoomadmanmoo Member Posts: 2,039
    Sounding a little nasty there, jmonroe. I feel I gotta stick up for her! :P

    She already stated it came off a little better in her head than it did in writing. You asked if it was all a wash.

    Probably is, but the salesmen's complaints are: why can't all the dealerships play by the same rules? There is always one owner that states, "WE'RE GOING TO BE NUMBER 1!!!" And then he proceeds to whore out every car he sells. If we didn't have that, we'd all be enjoying sizeable profits and wouldn't have to deal with this nickel and dime crap.

    Did I help or make the water murkier?

    -Moo
  • jmonroejmonroe Member Posts: 8,989
    Matter of fact, I think Edmunds should sponsor a "get together" for those who post here all the time (hint-hint), so we can meet.

    Oh goody. Can we do it on your boat.

    BTW, did you fix the lights yet.

    jmonroe

    '15 Genesis V8 with Ultimate Package and '18 Legacy Limited 6 cyl

  • jmonroejmonroe Member Posts: 8,989
    I'm really getting to hate dealerships.

    Sit back and take a deep breath.

    We need these guys for tales. If you don't bail this one out we may lose a potential poster.

    Do you really want to be responsible for something like that?

    Didn't think so,

    jmonroe

    '15 Genesis V8 with Ultimate Package and '18 Legacy Limited 6 cyl

  • bigdveedubgirlbigdveedubgirl Member Posts: 402
    That would be sweet! I will bring the 7 layer dip and my friends The Captian, and Jack. (If I do not sell some cars soon it might be McCormick)
  • graphicguygraphicguy Member Posts: 14,123
    j....I could make that happen. Lights are fixed. It's actually still in the water. Trying to decide whether to dry dock it. If the river doesn't freeze, I'll stay onboard, overnight a weekend/month...probably tonight and tomorrow night, too since it's going to be sunny and close to 50 degrees around here. I'll be winterizing it this weekend.

    I'll take it out on the river one more time (tomorrow) to (mostly) empty the fuel tanks. Then, nothing more until spring...just make sure the fittings for electric are secure on the dock....tiedowns are all secure. Have to make sure nothing freezes when it gets real cold. It's got a good heater. Make sure the bilge pumps are still in good working order. I'm waiting 'till spring to get some of the other stuff fixed. One of the A/C units needs attention...hopefully just a freon recharge (it's got two A/C units) Found out one of the prop shafts is slightly bent. Hopefully, they can straigten it and rebalance...don't want to buy a new one. It's got dual 350s in it. They both need to be tuned.

    None of that's going to be cheap.

    bigveedubgirl...please tell me most women aren't that crazy. I think most of us men (and probably most women) have been faced with "crazy" former....um.....lovers. But, I can't be the only one that has had someone take it too far. Can I? All women have a little vindictiveness in them? I dunno. I've dated some females in a relationship that didn't work out that are as sweet as the day is long. I couldn't even fathom them wanting to hurt me in any, way, shape or form.

    Then again, I'm divorced...so obviously, I've got my own issues with relationships.

    Anyway, Happy Friday!
    2024 Kia EV6 GT-Line AWD Long Range
  • mikefm58mikefm58 Member Posts: 2,882
    That's a great story and I wouldn't be surprised if she made up the part about you being her highest gross. As a youngster, my grand pappy told me once, "Hell has no fury like a woman scorned". I never understood what he meant until I got older.

    This board has been much better the past couple days.
  • snakeweaselsnakeweasel Member Posts: 19,592
    I’m not giving the customer a free pass. I said, “the customer should have given the first guy a chance to match price”.

    Here lies the question, I go to dealer 'A' and ask for his best price and he gives it to me then dealer 'B' gives me his best price beating dealer 'A' can I presume that dealer 'A' cannot beat dealer 'B'?

    2011 Hyundai Sonata, 2014 BMW 428i convertible, 2015 Honda CTX700D

  • zodiac2004zodiac2004 Member Posts: 458
    As a youngster, my grand pappy told me once, "Hell has no fury like a woman scorned".

    Will all due respect, that saying has been around for quite a long time before your grandpa's time.
  • snakeweaselsnakeweasel Member Posts: 19,592
    I'll take it out on the river one more time (tomorrow) to (mostly) empty the fuel tanks.

    As long as you mostly empty those tanks. When I was on a small boat station we actually had guys who would run their boats dry out on the lake and call us for a tow back. :mad:

    2011 Hyundai Sonata, 2014 BMW 428i convertible, 2015 Honda CTX700D

  • kyfdxkyfdx Moderator Posts: 266,272
    Isn't that Shakespeare?

    Edmunds Price Checker
    Edmunds Lease Calculator
    Did you get a good deal? Be sure to come back and share!

    Edmunds Moderator

  • madmanmoomadmanmoo Member Posts: 2,039
    I believe there was a gentleman named Bill Shakespeare who coined that phrase. Nice guy. Wrote a couple of plays.
  • tidestertidester Member Posts: 10,059
    I believe it was from William Congreve (The Mourning Bride).

    tidester, host
  • madmanmoomadmanmoo Member Posts: 2,039
    This is strange. Of all the posts to get responses from hosts....

    You positive, Tidester?

    (It sure as hell is. I just googled on my manager's computer. Some dude from 1697 in that play Tidester mentioned. I feel stupid.)
  • british_roverbritish_rover Member Posts: 8,502
    (It sure as hell is. I just googled on my manager's computer. Some dude from 1697 in that play Tidester mentioned. I feel stupid.)

    Didn't you say you had a liberal arts or Literary degree???

    Shame shame shame not to know The Bard said that.
  • qbrozenqbrozen Member Posts: 33,742
    heck, i've got an English degree and I'm an editor by profession and I didn't know that.

    yes, i am secure enough in my ignorance to admit it

    '11 GMC Sierra 1500; '98 Alfa 156 2.0TS; '08 Maser QP; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '11 Mini Cooper S

  • madmanmoomadmanmoo Member Posts: 2,039
    Didn't you saw you had a liberal arts or Literary degree???

    Exactly why I feel so stupid. I never knew that that quote wasn't Shakespeare. :cry:
  • graphicguygraphicguy Member Posts: 14,123
    snake...I've seen guys do that, too. :P It's usually "newbie" boaters. The rest of us have already experienced running dry when we were newbies. They'll "run out the tanks" and get stranded. I guarantee I'll see at least one boat stranded tomorrow....probably 2 or 3 of them....out of fuel.

    That's why I said I'll run the tanks MOSTLY out (to around 1/8th to 1/4). I like to leave some fuel as I fire up the engines 3-4 times during the winter....well....just because. Keep everything lubricated. Won't launch, though.

    bigveedub...hopefully, you'll get a big rush tonight with folks that just have to buy a car. Maybe I'll send you my ex-inlaws. :P
    2024 Kia EV6 GT-Line AWD Long Range
  • tamarastertamaraster Member Posts: 107
    I'm a woman, and have never been vindictive towards an ex-boyfriend or anything. But then I'm kind of naturally un-possessive by nature, so maybe that helps. I dunno.
  • mikefm58mikefm58 Member Posts: 2,882
    Yep, you're right, I googled it and came up with this from http://ask.yahoo.com/20051108.html

    While many attribute the quote to William Shakespeare, it actually comes from a play called the "The Mourning Bride" (1697) by William Congreve. The complete quote is "Heaven has no rage like love to hatred turned / Nor hell a fury like a woman scorned."
  • graphicguygraphicguy Member Posts: 14,123
    Gee Mike...after reading that quote, I might just stay at home all weekend and not tary out anywhere to where females may be.

    tara....thanks...I was hoping there was some sanity out there.

    For a little while there, I was thinking I'd never have another relationship for the rest of my life.
    2024 Kia EV6 GT-Line AWD Long Range
  • bigdveedubgirlbigdveedubgirl Member Posts: 402
    I think all women have a little vindictiveness in them. Any woman, scorned regardless of how sweet and nice we are, does not bode well and sometimes we do things that we would NEVER do under normal circumstances. I have friends who snoop and stalk and plant decoys, and I am so out on that. My boyfriend knows that and knows that I am really laid back. But he knows not to take advantage of that, It only took one time..............
  • thenebeanthenebean Member Posts: 1,124
    thanks moo.

    one reason i got out of the business was this inherent hate for salespeople. im a nice honest person that loves cars, and i wanted to help people find the right one for them. it was just terrible though for people to hate you without knowing you, just because you were a "sales consultant" as my business card said...

    and to answer your question jmonroe, there is no way of knowing if its a wash. it could be, it might not be...if someone gets a price, and knows that a dealer has a rep for beating deals, even by $50, many people will get their best price, then go there to get it beat and buy...

    dont know if you'll accept that as an answer, but whatever.

    it is amazing the way people feel so empowered to be mean on message boards. just shoot people down without knowing who they are...all because we're anonymous behind the computer screen.

    no need to hate folks...

    -thene :sick:
  • jipsterjipster Member Posts: 6,299
    graphic, just a follow up question on your ex-girlfriend story. Did you just happen to run into her at the dealership, or did you know she was in car sales and give her a ring? Interesting story...thanks for sharing.

    Unrelated, they say "sex" sells. Any salesmen or saleswomen use this(their attractiveness) to their advantage... or see co-workers who maybe would flirt a bit to get a sale? Generally speaking, will a more attractive salesperson do better in sales? Any female customers come in dressed provacatively in attempt to manipulate said male salesperson for a better deal? You ever walk around dealership in your underwear madman? Any stories on this anyone?
    2021 Honda Passport EX-L, 2020 Honda Accord EX-L, 2011 Hyundai Veracruz, 2010 Mercury Milan Premiere.
  • 1racefan1racefan Member Posts: 932
    "Any female customers come in dressed provacatively in attempt to manipulate said male salesperson for a better deal?"

    As a follow up - any female customers ever promise a salesman a date during the negotiation process just in order to try to get a good deal - and then never bother to call him afterwards?
  • plektoplekto Member Posts: 3,738
    After it is all said and done we are basicly breaking even on the car or possibly losing just a tiny bit of money. We would probably lose more at the auction now and we will definetly lose more at the auction if it goes there next month.
    ***
    I know this myself. Tommorrow is tommorow. And holding something until spring means storing it, driving it so it doesn't get old gas/fluids/etc, and so on - for 3-4 months. While it's taking up real estate on the lot. Unless you have acres and acres of wasted space, you're probably like most used car places/dealerships - there's room for x number of cars and selling 3-4 cars in as many months in that space that the BMW would take up sitting there...

    The problem was that the owner(s) paid more than it was worth going into it, so while the $23K price is fair, to you it's not really ever going to make any profit. You needed to get it for $18-20K and not 21K. Not your fault - your manager just made an unwise decision this time. That's the other reason you should get out from under it - there's no profit margin going in due to a bad initial purchase/trade-in. And snow is weeks away... :sick:

    Edit - on the other topic about $500 over invoice... well, that's the salesperson's problem. With places like cars direct offering them for a few hundred over invoice, you're really shooting yourself in the foot in new sales if you don't move inventory fast. And most people have web-phoens these days and can check the prices in about a minute. Gone are the days of the impulse buyer(except for luxury models of course).

    They think they can get their quota/bonus and be greedy. And reality hits them at the end of the month when they're 6 cars short and it's the 28th.
  • ban122ban122 Member Posts: 5
    Hi all,
    I bought a Mazda Mpv from a dealer for the reduced price stick on the dash board ($20,090). Sale price and registration price is $19,995 . Mazda corp site says $3500 Man rebate and $1000 Mazda auto finance rebate . When I asked about them the mgr said they were included in the sale price but they didnot mention in sale agreement and I didnt sign any rebate document . How do I get the $3500 rebate , I called Mazda corp , they asked me to talk to the dealer and said that is given by Manufacturer but delaer has to process that rebate .

    My dealer is adamant to do this process, they are saying rebates were discounted in the sale price but were not mentioned in the sale letter and tax not collected.
    Any advice ? thanks
  • Kirstie_HKirstie_H Administrator Posts: 11,242
    for those of you who are buyers:

    A writer for a national magazine is writing a story on the dealership experience and would like to talk to consumers who have bought a new car within the last few months. he writes "I want to hear your experiences with the sales staff, good, bad or ugly. You must be willing to be interviewed by phone and quoted by name." If you have bought a new vehicle recently and want to chat about your experience, including how you shopped it, what the negotiating process was like and whether you think you got a fair deal, please email your story to carguy147@hotmail.com and/or jfallon@edmunds.com no later than Wednesday, November 15, 2006.

    MODERATOR /ADMINISTRATOR
    Find me at kirstie_h@edmunds.com - or send a private message by clicking on my name.
    2015 Kia Soul, 2021 Subaru Forester (kirstie_h), 2024 GMC Sierra 1500 (mr. kirstie_h)
    Review your vehicle

  • tidestertidester Member Posts: 10,059
    Of all the posts to get responses from hosts...

    Hey, we're more than just pretty faces! :shades:

    tidester, host
  • mazda6iguymazda6iguy Member Posts: 365
    Unrelated, they say "sex" sells. Any salesmen or saleswomen use this(their attractiveness) to their advantage... or see co-workers who maybe would flirt a bit to get a sale? Generally speaking, will a more attractive salesperson do better in sales? Any female customers come in dressed provacatively in attempt to manipulate said male salesperson for a better deal? You ever walk around dealership in your underwear madman? Any stories on this anyone?

    I remember when my brother bought his Ford Focus, the F&I woman was very shall we say "busty" and wore a cleavage revealing outfit.
  • corvettecorvette Member Posts: 11,307
    ...waited until the last night to do it. Be honest now we all did this, right?

    Yes, but for some of us it's not in the past tense! :P
  • jmonroejmonroe Member Posts: 8,989
    Here lies the question, I go to dealer 'A' and ask for his best price and he gives it to me then dealer 'B' gives me his best price beating dealer 'A' can I presume that dealer 'A' cannot beat dealer 'B'?

    No, I don’t think you should presume that.

    How do you know what dealer 'A' will do until you give him a chance to match or do better? However, there comes a point when you have to stop going back and forth. This happened to me and since the dealers knew I was ready to buy immediately I e-mailed both guys and said, “Please give me your final price by 4:30 PM today and I will not accept any offer after this time since I want to be fair to all dealers who are interested”. I did this at about 10:00 AM and buy noon I heard from both of them.

    FWIW, dealer ‘A’ gave me the best price so this was the guy I went with.

    I felt this was the fairest way to deal with this situation but I'm sure someone will not agree with me. I just know it.

    jmonroe

    '15 Genesis V8 with Ultimate Package and '18 Legacy Limited 6 cyl

This discussion has been closed.