Stories from the Sales Frontlines

1115311541156115811592003

Comments

  • tidestertidester Member Posts: 10,059
    In the quote you used the word hour preceding the term 12:30. In my mind, the hour was twelve.

    Yes, I used the word "hour," specifically identifying the hour hand. It was the angle between it and the minute hand that I was asking for.

    Therefore, it would seem logical to suppose that the hour hand is sitting on 12.

    Nope - completely non sequitur. :)

    judge would have decided in my favor just to get rid of me.

    LoL! You're not going to get out of this one that easily. ;)

    tidester, host
    SUVs and Smart Shopper
  • sterlingdogsterlingdog Member Posts: 6,984
    Thanks for the link. I do agree with you. My dad used to say that the difference was all that interested him. It's certainly a good point. As you say, if we like it that's all that matters.

    Richard
  • houdini1houdini1 Member Posts: 8,356
    That tells me the dealer "stole" the SRX from the local banker. Be sure to beat the dealer there in 2 years !!

    2013 LX 570 2016 LS 460

  • sterlingdogsterlingdog Member Posts: 6,984
    "LOL! You're not going to get out of this one that easily."

    Oh, yes I am. You've already tripped up. You just said that you specifically mentioned the hour hand. Since you did that, the hour hand had to be 12. If it wasn't sitting on 12, then you mislead us. You also just said that you were asking for the angle between the hour hand and the minute hand. Since the minute hand was on 12:30, the hour hand must have to be assumed to be at 12. In addition, if you want an angle between two points, then you need to specify the possibilities of degrees available with the concept of angles. You didn't clarify that data.

    Your serve... :D (Grin goes here if you haven't taken care of business.)

    Richard
  • houdini1houdini1 Member Posts: 8,356
    edited October 2010
    Tidester, I thought your problem was perfectly phrased, primarily because I saw the "catch" in about 10 seconds. My wife says I am hard to fool because I am so ignorant. Those other guys are just making excuses because they are not as smart as a 4th grader.

    I still could not come up with the angle though !! Alas, another psychology major.

    2013 LX 570 2016 LS 460

  • sterlingdogsterlingdog Member Posts: 6,984
    Excellent point. In two years, I'll do a private sale. Then I'll call the banker and set up a meeting. We won't even need the dealer. You get 10% of the thousands that I'll save. (Grin) :D

    Richard
  • sterlingdogsterlingdog Member Posts: 6,984
    "Those other guys are just making excuses because they are not as smart as a 4th grader."

    Well! Going over to the side of management are you? Your 10% is now reduced to 5%. We'll also have to raise your union dues. You have to admit that my "excuses" would be something that would drive a host crazy. ;) (Wink goes here since management is cutting benefits.)

    Richard
  • houdini1houdini1 Member Posts: 8,356
    Whew, that's a relief. I thought I was gonna be cut out of the deal entirely !!

    2013 LX 570 2016 LS 460

  • sterlingdogsterlingdog Member Posts: 6,984
    No, not entirely. We still recognize your many talents and redeeming qualities. Everyone falls victim to poor judgment at times. :P (Joke goes here since Tidester's technicians appear to be on strike.)

    Richard
  • explorerx4explorerx4 Member Posts: 20,886
    edited October 2010
    Some people just can't admit you negotiated a great deal, and leave it at that.
    That was still goal number 2.
    Number 1 was getting Mrs. Richard the vehicle she wanted.
    2024 Ford F-150 STX, 2023 Ford Explorer ST, 91 Mustang GT vert
  • jipsterjipster Member Posts: 6,299
    edited October 2010
    You just said that you specifically mentioned the hour hand. Since you did that, the hour hand had to be 12. If it wasn't sitting on 12, then you mislead us

    Yeah, I agree with you richard. The ole tidester pulled a fast one. He tricked us just like I said. That's conduct unbecoming a host. We'll let it slide since he let's us talk about watches, 401k's, Fred Flintstone smoking and assorted other topics lightly tied into sales stories. (winky eye) ;)
    2021 Honda Passport EX-L, 2020 Honda Accord EX-L, 2011 Hyundai Veracruz, 2010 Mercury Milan Premiere.
  • driver100driver100 Member Posts: 32,599
    . Since you did that, the hour hand had to be 12. If it wasn't sitting on 12, then you mislead us

    And I thought I had won the award for never giving in. :mad:

    2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250

  • sterlingdogsterlingdog Member Posts: 6,984
    Fortunately, both goals were accomplished. (Smile)

    Richard
  • sterlingdogsterlingdog Member Posts: 6,984
    Of course we'll let him slide. He's a good egg. Besides, he is so busy designing math problems and grading papers that he doesn't notice how we slide in these comments on watches, 401k's, etc. (Grin)

    Now, as for Houdini joining up with management, we'll let him slide this time---but he is on probation with a dues increase. (Wink)

    Richard
  • sterlingdogsterlingdog Member Posts: 6,984
    Oh, it's just part of my dark side. It was always there. I just haven't put it to full use here. (Surprise goes here.) Besides, when you're right, you're right. (Wink) Right? (Grin)

    Richard
  • tidestertidester Member Posts: 10,059
    You just said that you specifically mentioned the hour hand. Since you did that, the hour hand had to be 12.

    By any chance, are you related to Rod Serling? I can't seem to shake the Twilight Zone theme music out of my head after reading what you wrote. :)

    How else could I possibly ask for the angle between the hour hand and minute hand without mentioning the hour hand? :confuse:

    tidester, host
    SUVs and Smart Shopper
  • jmonroejmonroe Member Posts: 8,989
    And I thought I had won the award for never giving in.

    I’d say you’re both dead even on that.

    Frankly, I’m a little surprised that an ex-teacher would go on and on and on and…like he has on this. All I can remember is that the more I tried to make my point with a teacher/instructor/professor, the less likely I was to get partial credit. Maybe he’s been out of that biz too long. (confused goes here)

    jmonroe

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

  • graphicguygraphicguy Member Posts: 14,165
    richard....thank you for your kind words.

    Frankly, every once in awhile, I take a little drive through where I grew up. While I don't remember it being a "bad" part of town growing up, I do remember my Mother telling me not to stray to far from our street. I understood why later in life as there are literally prostitutes and what I'll assume are drug dealers on the streets there now, (and thinking back, then too).

    Status? Not in the least.....not coming from that neighborhood.

    BTW....you did good on your SRX deal. How they got to the numbers doesn't really matter. Why they sold it for your number could be because of a number of reasons. It was a lease return, right? Considering what GM (and GMAC, who was probably the lessor) has been through in the last couple of years, it could very well be that it went back to the dealership at well under the residual value agreed to at the inception of the lease. Ergo, you got a great deal as the 2nd owner because of all the GM/GMAC upheaval.
    2024 Kia EV6 GT-Line AWD Long Range
  • imidazol97imidazol97 Member Posts: 27,720
    Wait till the beloved host starts asking for the answer in radians. :surprise: :)

    2014 Malibu 2LT, 2015 Cruze 2LT,

  • imidazol97imidazol97 Member Posts: 27,720
    >ever, the colon in 12:30 unambiguously specifies a time.

    Is that AM or PM? ;)

    2014 Malibu 2LT, 2015 Cruze 2LT,

  • driver100driver100 Member Posts: 32,599
    edited October 2010
    And I thought I had won the award for never giving in.
    I’d say you’re both dead even on that.
    Frankly, I’m a little surprised that an ex-teacher would go on and on and on


    I got another reply. Some watches are very asymetrical in shape, therefore the angle could be completely different. Something like this.
    image

    It is just that Richard and I are very creative thinkers, and we think outside the box :P

    2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250

  • driver100driver100 Member Posts: 32,599
    the colon in 12:30 unambiguously specifies a time.
    Is that AM or PM?


    But does AM or PM affect the angle? :confuse:

    I think the angles will be different on this watch too.
    image

    2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250

  • lemkolemko Member Posts: 15,261
    edited October 2010
    Actually, those were Winstons. "Winston Tastes Good like a (cough cough) Cigarette Should!"
  • driver100driver100 Member Posts: 32,599
    try some of these:
    Question should have said "if the clock is symmetrical".

    image

    image

    image

    2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250

  • fezofezo Member Posts: 10,386
    Those who are concerned with what seem to be variables in tidester's posts have to realize - he's pulling the old bait and switch so that it seems on topic.... Well, you answered that question but what I asked was this.....
    2015 Mazda 6 Grand Touring, 2014 Mazda 3 Sport Hatchback, 1999 Mazda Miata 2004 Toyota Camry LE, 1999.
  • greanpea68greanpea68 Member Posts: 1,996
    Since we refuse to smoke in the car, we can have a short one on the way to the mall entrance.

    OMG.... Richard is human and does he have fault..... he smokes cigarettes... There may have been a few other things in the 60's also :surprise:
  • sterlingdogsterlingdog Member Posts: 6,984
    I don't mean to go on and on and on, but it would be rude not to respond to his posts. Beside, it's called "friendly exchange". As a former teacher, I encouraged discussion and an exchange of ideas. As for "partial credit", I don't need it. My dues reduction is now down by 90%. (Grin)

    Richard
  • sterlingdogsterlingdog Member Posts: 6,984
    What made you think that I wasn't human? My faults would fill the pages of War and Peace. As for the 60's, I was teaching then. My development took place in the 50's. You gave me credit for more youth than I deserve.

    Richard
  • greanpea68greanpea68 Member Posts: 1,996
    As so many of you have said before, if I think that it is a good deal, then it's a good deal. I'm happy; she's happy; and the dealership seemed happy

    That is the truth.... A good deal is only what the buyer thinks is a good deal..... to the seller.... a sale is sale and that is all that matters.... My thoughts are they over allowed for your trade but might have made a $2000 profit for the store which can be considered reasonable... ;)

    Either way it sounded like you have done what you have been taught here and for that I am proud of you!!!!

    One question? Was it a GM certified Pre-Owned... if it was I would say good deal... Looking at how many replies you recieved I would imagine somebody asked that already.... and I won't be surprised if someone else said you could have recieved a better deal ...... And by the way no matter how much money I make or loose on a deal I would never treat customer different. A customer is a customer no matter what the profit is!

    It's a always a pleaure to visit these boards....

    GP

    I am going to have to take a break from Facebook and see what is happening around here more now that I have some down time every once in a while....
  • sterlingdogsterlingdog Member Posts: 6,984
    "How else could I possibly ask for the angle between the hour hand and minute hand without mentioning the hour hand?"

    Naturally, you couldn't. The point is whether or not you wanted the generally expected response or a more specific response. That wasn't indicated. You should have ended your question with a statement such as: "Be specific" or "Be exact." It's all in the interpretation or perspective as seen by others. BTW, how many of your students came up with the answer that you wanted? If more than 25% failed, then you need to reteach the lesson. Well, that used to be the rule of thumb. Today, it's just "socially promote", "Guard their self-esteem." and move forward.

    Rod Sterling? He, Alfred Hitchcock, and I were separated at the hip. (Grin)

    Richard
  • greanpea68greanpea68 Member Posts: 1,996
    good luck, I am sure you will like it more, but working in service was probably an excellent experience.

    HAHAHA..... just when you think you know everything they go ahead and put you in service..... Truth be told! It was a very excellent experience and one I would not ever trade.... I learned more about vehicles and how the dealership works which I can use to my advantage everday now. I negotiate trades to my advantage cause I can talk about what there vehicle actually needs to validate our reasons for a trade value :surprise: But more importantly I have gained a huge respect for the service side and made great relationships with the mechanics..... in other words I can get my vehicles taken care quickly cause I can first recognise who is slow by looking at what kind of work they are doing... by recognising who is available they will usually drop what they are doing and assist me :D I also have learned a great respect for the service department and still continue to help out where ever they need help..... I am considered a bridge for both departments :blush: And now have a great understanding of how warranties work......

    I would reccomend a warranty to anyone considering buying a car....!!!!!!! Only if it is a warranty from the manufacturer..... 3rd party warranties sound cheaper up front.... but they don't cover all costs and a dealer doesn't have to accept them.... 3rd party warranties are considered a cash transaction where the consumer is responsible for the differences in the bill which can be $500 ..... and usually that is the difference they saved.... As a service writer it was usually eaiser to keep the customer happy if they had a factory warranty cause you could determine quickly how long the process of correcting the vehicle would be and you could provide them with a rental.... which meant they could be happy getting around while their vehicle was being fixed, and when a customer was in a rental that would give me the writer extra time to service them..... one extra day could make everything easier :D

    SO GET THE FACTORY WARRANTY.... OR CERTIFIED PRE OWNED WARRANTY !!!!!

    GP
  • tidestertidester Member Posts: 10,059
    Something like this.

    LoL! I think we'll switch over to another type of analog watch. One without hands - say something like a sundial?

    tidester, host
    SUVs and Smart Shopper
  • greanpea68greanpea68 Member Posts: 1,996
    You gave me credit for more youth than I deserve

    They you negotiated your wife's vehicle was strong like bull.... with that strength you should live another 50 years no problem..... The New England Patriots are looking for a wide reciever, you might be able to fill that void :P

    GP
  • sterlingdogsterlingdog Member Posts: 6,984
    Yes, the SRX was a CPO. To answer GG's question, it was not a lease. Also, no poster here told me that I could have done better. They seem to think that I did fairly well. I'm glad that the dealer made a profit. That's why they are in business. In these harsh economic times, I don't like to see a business not make some profit. Thanks for the advice on purchasing an extended factory warranty. It makes good sense. I intend to do that before my current warranty runs out.

    Richard
  • tidestertidester Member Posts: 10,059
    If more than 25% failed ...

    Exactly 100% get it when I follow up with the question "Where is the hour hand at 12:30?" But it's now a moot point as we're switching over to sundials which have no hands and you can fudge all you want with a judicious choice of latitude and longitude. ;)

    tidester, host
    SUVs and Smart Shopper
  • sterlingdogsterlingdog Member Posts: 6,984
    "...New England Patriots..."

    I bet the pay is better than teaching. (Grin)

    Richard
  • sterlingdogsterlingdog Member Posts: 6,984
    "...we're switching over to sundials which have no hands..."

    Finally, you figured it out. (Joke) That's my kind of math....a reasonable answer with extended boundaries. (Grin) You're a Master at allowing both of us to win. That's what makes you such a wonderful teacher. It's also why they hired you as a Host.

    Richard
  • gogiboygogiboy Member Posts: 732
    edited October 2010
    "Exactly 100% get it when I follow up with the question "Where is the hour hand at 12:30?" But it's now a moot point as we're switching over to sundials which have no hands and you can fudge all you want with a judicious choice of latitude and longitude."

    Tidester--

    Forget the sundial, how am I supposed to measure the angle on my Casio digital watch? It doesn't matter what time it is, the numbers are always in alignment and I can't find any hands. What's wrong with all you folks still stuck in the analog age? The next thing you'll say is that you're still listening to music on vinyl or tape. :P In 1971 I remember seeing the first Pulsar LED watches. Over $300--a fortune to a kid in junior high. I remember thinking that I would never be rich enough to own one.

    By the way, I have an analog wall clock in the printmaking studio that has the face numbers reversed. The electric motor runs backwards (unless the power is cut off) and it keeps decent time. Printmaking students need to learn to think in reverse (mirror image). The clock drives them crazy.

    Gogiboy
  • mako1amako1a Member Posts: 1,855
    My development took place in the 50's. You gave me credit for more youth than I deserve.

    That's funny, Richard.

    Greenpea, I was a child of the sixties. My math goes like this> 1 Kilo=2.2 lbs. and there are 28 grams to the oz. I also remember when digital watches were new.

    2013 Mustang GT, 2001 GMC Yukon Denali

  • jmonroejmonroe Member Posts: 8,989
    I remember seeing the first Pulsar LED watches. Over $300--a fortune to a kid in junior high. I remember thinking that I would never be rich enough to own one.

    I thought that about the calculator when they first came out. I was convinced that I would have to carry a slide-rule around for life. Now I have 3 of them. Not sure where the slide-rule is hiding.

    jmonroe

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

  • fezofezo Member Posts: 10,386
    I also remember when digital watches were new.

    Ah, yes. the little red number specials.

    I remember calculators coming out and selling for $90 and being bigger than a couple of packs of cigarettes. Now you get one that does more, is the size of a credit card and they are giving it to you free for stopping by someplace - and you're throwing it out because you can do all that on your cell phone.
    2015 Mazda 6 Grand Touring, 2014 Mazda 3 Sport Hatchback, 1999 Mazda Miata 2004 Toyota Camry LE, 1999.
  • jayriderjayrider Member Posts: 3,602
    I remember when cigarettes were 15 cents a pack in Pa. Probably 10 cents in the South. Lower taxes.
  • jwilliams2jwilliams2 Member Posts: 910
    Yep, I remember them being $1.50 a carton. Back in the mid-fifties, my enterprising older brother would sell my younger brother and I cigarettes for a nickel apiece, or three for a dime. Talk about markup!
  • cdnpinheadcdnpinhead Member Posts: 5,625
    edited October 2010
    And I thought I had won the award for never giving in.

    You're forgetting the Richard Rule -- "When Richard says or does it, it's okay." Don't believe your lyin' eyes, or ears, or grammar rule books, or much else.

    Some would say it's the Dick rule, but I'm not among them.
    '08 Acura TSX, '17 Subaru Forester
  • sterlingdogsterlingdog Member Posts: 6,984
    I knew that we had lurkers on this site, but I never realized that they consisted of businesses or marketing firms. In today's snail mail, I received a catalogue on watches! This particular catalogue is for Daniel Steiger and Klaus Kobec watches. I have never heard of either of them. Have any of you? They range from $800-$1,400 unless you order from the manufacturer through the catalogue. In that case, you pay $200-$300 per watch. Here's a real kicker: Buy one and get one free. Think I'll pass though they look pretty.

    Richard
  • fezofezo Member Posts: 10,386
    Back in the mid-fifties, my enterprising older brother would sell my younger brother and I cigarettes for a nickel apiece, or three for a dime. Talk about markup!

    Did he go into car sales? :P

    My dad had what we called a Superette in the day. Grocery store maybe the size of a small 7-11. I used to sell cigarettes at the register when I was like 5 years old! 26 cents.
    2015 Mazda 6 Grand Touring, 2014 Mazda 3 Sport Hatchback, 1999 Mazda Miata 2004 Toyota Camry LE, 1999.
  • houdini1houdini1 Member Posts: 8,356
    They remind me of my wife...she has never been wrong either and never makes a mistake. If she drops something by accident she won't say "I dropped it", she will say I didn't drop it, it just fell from my hand.

    What is that old saying, "Nothing sucks as bad as that point in an argument when you realize you are wrong". (and some still won't admit it). Grin.

    2013 LX 570 2016 LS 460

  • mako1amako1a Member Posts: 1,855
    I remember the young girl (19 or 20) across the street washing her new car (Ford Sunliner-retractable hardtop) while listening to a small radio with no power cord.
    She worked but lived at home and my dad thought she was spending herself into oblivion what with the radio alone costing $75 and driving a car he couldn't (or wouldn't) afford. Circa 1957 or so. Bikinis hadn't hit the scene yet or he would have had another fit.

    2013 Mustang GT, 2001 GMC Yukon Denali

  • delthekingdeltheking Member Posts: 1,152
    GP, Truer words have not been spoken..I would give you a shield of honor for your last statement in BOLD letters!! :P

    I always suggest folks buy an Ext warr for their cars irrespective of how reliable a make is. Heck, I own Toyota and Lexus and still buy an ext war.. Folks say,keep that $100 that you pay for an ext warr in a savings account and use it as needed. 1000 for today`s cars is peanuts. A single Check engine light that is a very minor repair can cost hundreds especially as dealer labor rates are 100 an hr. $1k for an ext warr over a period of 8 yrs is peanuts compared to the cost of a car and it`s buying price. :shades:

    And yes, I will generalize and say that all 3rd party warr are worthless - doesnt matter who backs it- even if my mom backs it I am not buying a 3rd party aftermarket warr. ;)

    The main purpose of a warr is like insurance-- You pay for car or home insurance -- but hope to never use it.. Just dont understand why an ext warr's worth is not realized. Especially as cars today are so complex, computerized and electronic-- the local shade tree indy mechanic cant repair these computers on wheels as the diagnostic equipment cost and technical know how is getting prohibitively expensive.. :confuse:
  • isellhondasisellhondas Member Posts: 20,342
    Wow...I remember wanting a transistor radio so bad. a Motorola was 29.95.

    My dad brought home a used Zenith he bought somewhere. It was bigger than I wanted but it had (still has) seven transistors. I still have it. One of the few things I have from my father who was killed in a tugboat accident when I was eleven.

    I remember watching a guy put down the top on his 1957 Ford Skyliner. I was fascinated!
This discussion has been closed.

Your Privacy

By accessing this website, you acknowledge that Edmunds and its third party business partners may use cookies, pixels, and similar technologies to collect information about you and your interactions with the website as described in our Privacy Statement, and you agree that your use of the website is subject to our Visitor Agreement.