Options

Stories from the Sales Frontlines

11321331351371382003

Comments

  • carguy09carguy09 Member Posts: 3
    Lojack's recovery rate is in the high 90's and under 6 hours or something crazy. Its the only system that is activly covered by your local pd (meaning when tripped they receive a becon signal). I went on a ride along demonstration in a police cruser so they could demo the system for us. I believe its the only time I've ever been in a cop car by MY choice...
  • imidazol97imidazol97 Member Posts: 27,681
    How many police departments have this capability? Do you mean if I call my local excellent department, they'll say they have it?

    2014 Malibu 2LT, 2015 Cruze 2LT,

  • british_roverbritish_rover Member Posts: 8,502
    I am sure most do. Lojack has been around for a very long time now.

    When I had my lojack installed I also had an additional system put in that would email and/or call my cell phone if they car was moved without the key in the ignition.
  • graphicguygraphicguy Member Posts: 14,127
    LoJack? Never been a big proponent of it. That said, I've never had my car stolen, either.

    If memory serves, I think OnStar actually will pinpoint your car if stolen, too. Call them up. Tell them your car is stolen. They tell you where it's at.

    On the subject of "above sticker" cars, I think you have to make a decision if the premium you pay is worth what you're getting. In the case of the Shelby Mustangs, especially the GT 500, it is limited production. But, I don't think anyone with any sort of common sense, will expect that they'll be able to recoup their money on those cars....at least, not in their lifetime. You always pay to be the first on the block to have that next "hot car".

    Any dealership can ask any price they want on any car. It's the consumer that decides if the price is worthwhile. For me, a premium added to the sticker for a GT500 wouldn't be worth it. Heck, I don't think it's worth it at MSRP. Others won't see it the same way as I do, though.
    2024 Kia EV6 GT-Line AWD Long Range
  • mac24mac24 Member Posts: 3,910
    Any dealership can ask any price they want on any car. It's the consumer that decides if the price is worthwhile.

    Which is why I don't really understand why people get so upset by ADMs etc. To me it either means that some people value the vehicle higher than I do, or that it's going to be a lot of work to negotiate the price down. Either I'm going to wait until the buying spree is over and supply exceeds demand (or I re-evaluate what it's worth to me), or in the second instance the dealer drops to the bottom of the list.

    No need to get upset, there'll always be plenty of cars to choose from, and plenty of dealers competing to sell them to you.
  • graphicguygraphicguy Member Posts: 14,127
    mac.....I don't disagree with you. I do think a car like the GT 500 will have many slobbering to get the first ones on the road. I also think there are those that think they'll sell-out immediately, and they become a rare commodity. Maybe they're right. Maybe they're wrong.

    Bottom line, any car is only worth what someone else is willing to part with their hard earned dollars for.

    $20K over MSRP for a car? Maybe someone will bite. I know it won't be me, though.

    Like those folks who forked over $5K over sticker for the '05 Mustang GTs when they were first announced, my guess is 3-4 years down the road, someone is going to take a bath for paying over sticker for a GT 500.
    2024 Kia EV6 GT-Line AWD Long Range
  • jmonroejmonroe Member Posts: 8,989
    LoJack will NOT prevent a carfrom being stolen.

    I agree and no anti-theft system is theft proof. However, one of the closest you can have is to always travel with your favorite Doberman.

    Probably not as expensive as most systems and you have someone to play ball with in the back yard. It also saves the Mrs. of having to put leftovers in the frig, that nobody eats anyway.

    Lots of advantages here and you can probably add some of your own. :)

    jmonroe

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

  • snakeweaselsnakeweasel Member Posts: 19,592
    Which is why I don't really understand why people get so upset by ADMs etc.

    Neither do I IF the market demands it, but I have seen dealers put ADM stickers on cars other dealers are selling at invoice.

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

  • jmonroejmonroe Member Posts: 8,989
    $20K over MSRP for a car? Maybe someone will bite. I know it won't be me, though.

    It won’t be me either or anyone that I know. 20K premium, that’s a lot of biting , I just couldn’t get that much to go down.

    ... my guess is 3-4 years down the road, someone is going to take a bath for paying over sticker for a GT 500.

    That’s not a guess, that’s a fact !!

    Yep ... being first on the block will cost you.

    jmonroe

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

  • heavypedalheavypedal Member Posts: 5
    My wife and I recently put down a $500 deposit on a Honda Civic that was en route to the dealership. We agreed upon the price, and then signed a "Retail Installment Sale Contract" that has a VIN. The sales people we dealt with said that they would call us when the car arrived and that we would then go in to finalize the sale. After 10 days with no word I started leaving messages -- when I finally got someone to respond to me, he told me that the car came in and they sold it to someone else.

    I'm unclear as to how they are allowed to do this, since we had an agreement in place. I know that I have no real recourse here, but I want to know what I might have done wrong so that I won't do it again.

    I appreciate any suggestions that you might have.
  • dino001dino001 Member Posts: 6,191
    To me it either means that some people value the vehicle higher than I do, or that it's going to be a lot of work to negotiate the price down.

    I guess that's why people are upset - lots of work that would be somewhat unnecessary if those dealers had better idea about the market condition (ADMs slapped on run-the-mill third year model small/midsize sedans). It's pure greed and "jackpot" mentality, when one sucker pays for ten normal customers. I guess it's one possible way of doing business - hard to say if it's the best. In retail above all you want to keep your paying customer happy - if so many get upset about ADMs, that means you have to work their satisfaction uphill and never get there.

    2018 430i Gran Coupe

  • goodcrdgoodcrd Member Posts: 253
    What state are you in? Call your states Attorney General's Office and you might be surprised. Most states would require the dealer to give you the same model with the same equipment at the same exact price. I think it falls under breach of contract. They probably sold the car at a higher price then what you agreed on. Or just wanted out of the deal. This is why I put car salesman below lawyers. Sue them in small claims court for the difference plus court costs and buy the car off another dealer.
  • boomchekboomchek Member Posts: 5,516
    The recourse you have is to get your deposit back and find another dealer. Can't imagine why they would have done (maybe they had someone who paid more for it than you did, but it's still not right on their part to sell it to someone else).

    I'd take your deposit back and run, to a different Honda dealer.

    And from what you're saying, it doesn't look like you did anything wrong, or done anything differently other than deal with a better dealership.

    2016 Audi A7 3.0T S Line, 2021 Subaru WRX

  • isellhondasisellhondas Member Posts: 20,342
    Oh, you can get off your high horse!

    Some dealers are just sloppy and that store could be guilty of that. The salesperson should heve made sure that car was marked sold whan it arrived and followed up with the customer.

    Life is short and that poster should move on with life but certainly find a different dealer!
  • cccompsoncccompson Member Posts: 2,382
    I normally avoid dealers on the weekend but my wife and I stopped at a couple of stores (Honda and Acura) today.

    The floor traffic, especially at the Honda place, was extremely heavy.

    Is this typical for an end of the year Saturday? Is there any comparable time of year for such interest?
  • british_roverbritish_rover Member Posts: 8,502
    We were very busy today and yesterday and really just the whole week.

    Did two spot deliveries yesterday plus two planned deliveries and sold two other cars that were delivered today.

    We sold three cars thursday and a couple of more the day before.

    We also sold four cars today but two of them won't be delivered till March as they are pre-orders.
  • isellhondasisellhondas Member Posts: 20,342
    We sold 72 cars the last two days of the year and it looks like we may surpass that this year!

    Gotta run!
  • british_roverbritish_rover Member Posts: 8,502
    Are you open now??

    Tomorrow???
  • isellhondasisellhondas Member Posts: 20,342
    You're kidding, right?

    Of course we are open now and open tomorrow.

    Closed New Years Day.
  • british_roverbritish_rover Member Posts: 8,502
    No I am not.

    We have been closed since 5 and will be closed tomorrow and monday.
  • corvettecorvette Member Posts: 11,318
    There wasn't a lot of foot traffic when I picked my car up at around noon today, but I think there were a bunch of football games going on today.
  • isellhondasisellhondas Member Posts: 20,342
    Is your owner/management NUTS??
    This is the busiest week of the year! New Year's Eve may be the busiest day by far! We are SWAMPED!!
  • boomchekboomchek Member Posts: 5,516
    Our Honda store is extremely busy as well. It's like a summer saturday every day of the week this week. We must have sold about 10 to 12 cars a day since the 26th.

    2016 Audi A7 3.0T S Line, 2021 Subaru WRX

  • british_roverbritish_rover Member Posts: 8,502
    We just aren't open on sundays. Most dealers around here are not. For a while it was acutally illegal to be open on sundays but they changed the laws. A few dealerships tried being open on sundays but they found it just hurt monday business to the point that it was not worth it.

    Oh and our managment at the auto group level is nuts just for the record.
  • isellhondasisellhondas Member Posts: 20,342
    In a lot of the Bible Belt areas, businesses are closed Sundays which would be fine with me.

    Years ago, before I worked here we were closed Sundays but some of the competition started opening we had no choice. Actually Sundays are one of our best days.

    When I first worked for Sears years ago it was the same thing. Closed on Sundays but the same thing happened with the competition and we opened on Sundays after that.
  • snakeweaselsnakeweasel Member Posts: 19,592
    You're kidding, right?

    Maybe not, here in Illinois they have a(n anti consumer) law that makes selling a car on sunday illegal, so all dealerships close.

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

  • mark156mark156 Member Posts: 1,915
    I like it when the dealers are closed on Sundays so I can car shop without being "assisted".

    Car dealers should be closed on Sundays so the salesman can have time with their families.

    Mark156 :)
    2010 Land Rover LR4, 2013 Honda CR-V, 2009 Bentley GTC, 1990 MB 500SL, 2001 MB S500, 2007 Lincoln TC, 1964 RR Silver Cloud III, 1995 MB E320 Cab., 2015 Prevost Liberty Coach
  • isellhondasisellhondas Member Posts: 20,342
    That would be fine with me except some store would decide to open and the others would be forced to follow suit.
  • moparbadmoparbad Member Posts: 3,870
    Not only are the dealerships in my area not open on Sunday, most of them do not have a document fee. It's amazing they are able to stay in business.
  • newbee7newbee7 Member Posts: 30
    Can someone describe exactly the list of all the papers needed to be signed at the dealer in order to buy a new/used car?

    At what point (or after signing which paper) the buyer can still legally back out of a deal?
  • newbee7newbee7 Member Posts: 30
    You may try to look for somewhere in that contract stating that the dealer has to deliver the car on the day the contract is signed.

    But, I'm not sure the contract covers the situation when the car is not available to you and the dealer doesn't give you another car anymore (due to any reason).
  • lilengineerboylilengineerboy Member Posts: 4,116
    In Michigan everyone is closed on Sunday. The story I was told was the salespeople threatened to unionize so they got Saturday and Sunday off. Now a lot of dealers are open Saturday becuase everyone else has no desire to take off a day of work to go hassle with a dealer over a car. Apparently there was a lot of backlash over this, and a lot of dealers are still closed on Sat as well as Sunday.
    Not a super big deal...I think the Ohio dealers are open and Toledo is a better market than SE MI for whatever reason.
  • jmonroejmonroe Member Posts: 8,989
    At what point (or after signing which paper) the buyer can still legally back out of a deal?

    Need a little help here. If and when you're at the point of signing papers, why are you thinking of backing out of the deal? :confuse:

    If a dealer was to back out before the last paper was signed, you would be irate and would come here to complain about an unscrupulous dealer.

    Most car buyers are glad when they get to the paper signing part, why aren't you?

    Having said all that, I believe until you drive the car off the lot it's not yours but the laws may be different in different states.

    Maybe a guy in the biz will jump in here and explain it better.

    jmonroe

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

  • newbee7newbee7 Member Posts: 30
    >Need a little help here. If and when you're at the point of >signing papers, why are you thinking of backing out of the
    > deal?

    Because I changed my mind for whatever reason, is it a good enough answer? Car buying can be very emotional, at least to me.

    >If a dealer was to back out before the last paper was signed,
    >you would be irate and would come here to complain about an >unscrupulous dealer.

    I can't answer this question because I haven't been in this situation myself. But, I'm sure that a dealer has enough sale experience to know if he really wants to sign the paper.

    If he changes his mind at some point, it's also fair for him to try to get out. Your question brings up a good point. At what point can a dealer still get out? For example, if the dealer has a new buyer who is making an offer that is 5-10K more than what the current buyer is offering (for some high demand hot car), can he cancel the current buyer to work with the new buyer?
  • newbee7newbee7 Member Posts: 30
    Thanks for a very long reply. But my particular situation is the very opposite of what you said.

    I've done a lot of research (thanks to this forum), I knew exactly what car I want before going into a dealership. I knew exactly how much I'm willing to pay and always make a reasonable OTD offer within my budget. My offer could be reasonable enough that the salesman wants to strike the deal without much haggling. I've lined up my own financing. I also made sure they know that my OTD offer is all they will get. I don't have any trade in, no need extra services, and won't use their financing.

    So when I step into a dealership I'm there so strike a deal.

    However, they used intimidation, they lied and said BS things (e.g., the DMV needs your credit app. to register the car), they have to stick their financing in, etc. At some point during the paperwork, I don't want to put up with their BS anymore, I walked. I was polite enough not to say they're full of it. So I guess saying "because I changed my mind" is acceptable.

    I really felt good walking out. I know that I don't want to spend my money for that kind of treatment.

    So, I'm here wondering what it would be like to go all the way.
  • dino001dino001 Member Posts: 6,191
    At some point during the paperwork, I don't want to put up with their BS anymore, I walked. I was polite enough not to say they're full of it.

    I strongly believe customers do not let dealers know often enough that some behaviors are simply unacceptable - and I mean verbally, not just by walking. I'm pretty sure there are thousands salesman/woman and managers totally convinced that their sales results are "just fine" or better and having absolutely no clue why last customer-to-be walked out. At best they may be thinking the other guy was better in the BS game, so they need to apply more of it on the next guy too score the sale. Every time it works, it reinforces their conviction, when it doesn't and no one tips them why, they remain oblivious.

    I believe in giving people chance to improve - telling them exactly what was wrong (doing it politely but very to the point) is such a chance.

    2018 430i Gran Coupe

  • jmonroejmonroe Member Posts: 8,989
    However, they used intimidation, they lied and said BS things (e.g., the DMV needs your credit app. to register the car), they have to stick their financing in, etc. At some point during the paperwork, I don't want to put up with their BS anymore, I walked. I was polite enough not to say they're full of it. So I guess saying "because I changed my mind" is acceptable.

    Whenever you feel you have been lied to (changing what is in the contract vs. what you were told) you should immediately tell them you no longer want the car and why. Saying you changed your mind is not an honest answer. Therefore, by telling them exactly why the deal is off, they will know you were serious and may not be so quick to pull this stunt again on the next guy.

    I'm a firm believer in being honest and will only do business with dealers who are the same.

    jmonroe

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

  • snakeweaselsnakeweasel Member Posts: 19,592
    Car dealers should be closed on Sundays so the salesman can have time with their families.

    So all the police should be off on Sunday so that they can spend time with their family? Same with the fire department?

    If you choose a career in retail you should expect to work a lot of evenings and weekends. If you don't like those hours get a different job. I think car dealers should be allowed to be open on Sundays to facilitate sales and serve their customers.

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

  • mark156mark156 Member Posts: 1,915
    Snake.. Policeman get 2 days off a week as they rotate their schedules. Fireman also get a lot of time off as most have side-line businesses. So, you can't compare Policeman and Fireman to a Car Salesman (not apples to apples). Also, Police and Fireman are not commissioned.

    Like I said before, being closed on Sunday's gives the customer a chance to scope out the car lots without a car salesman.

    Just my opinion.. Mark156 :D
    2010 Land Rover LR4, 2013 Honda CR-V, 2009 Bentley GTC, 1990 MB 500SL, 2001 MB S500, 2007 Lincoln TC, 1964 RR Silver Cloud III, 1995 MB E320 Cab., 2015 Prevost Liberty Coach
  • snakeweaselsnakeweasel Member Posts: 19,592
    Policeman get 2 days off a week as they rotate their schedules.

    And so do car salesmen, so then whats your point?

    So, you can't compare Policeman and Fireman to a Car Salesman

    Actually you can since both work odd hours and get time off. Especially since people are saying closing the dealership on sundays gives the car salesman time off.

    Like I said before, being closed on Sunday's gives the customer a chance to scope out the car lots without a car salesman.

    I do that often while the dealership is open. Just tell them right off the bat that I am just looking and will not be buying at this time. When I say that 95% of the time I am left alone.

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

  • mark156mark156 Member Posts: 1,915
    Snake, my point is.. IT'S JUST MY OPINION!

    no need to respond.

    Mark156
    2010 Land Rover LR4, 2013 Honda CR-V, 2009 Bentley GTC, 1990 MB 500SL, 2001 MB S500, 2007 Lincoln TC, 1964 RR Silver Cloud III, 1995 MB E320 Cab., 2015 Prevost Liberty Coach
  • british_roverbritish_rover Member Posts: 8,502
    You know how he is he just needs to pick some point to argue about for no reason... :confuse:

    And actually regarding being open on sundays most dealers around here have found it does not help business.

    Like I said before in CT dealers used to be all closed on Sunday and a few years ago the law was changed.

    When it was changed I know a couple of autogroups decided to be open on Sundays just to see how it would go.

    They stayed open on sunday for six months so that they would have a mix of cold weather and warm weather.

    After they were open on sunday for six months they compared those numbers to the numbers from those same six months last year.

    It was found that they didn't really sell anymore cars and instead just had monday business drop off a whole lot. There overhead was higher from having extra people come in on sunday and from having higher utility bills.

    The conclusion was that they didn't really sell anymore cars and that it cost them more money to stay open on sunday.

    Most of the more reputable dealerships are therefore closed on sunday here.
  • snakeweaselsnakeweasel Member Posts: 19,592
    I used to think that making snide remarks about other posters was beneath you, turns out I was wrong.

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

  • tidestertidester Member Posts: 10,059
    Can we resolve to keep it more friendly? :)

    tidester, host
  • british_roverbritish_rover Member Posts: 8,502
    It might be snide but it is kind of true. You have a tendancy to lash onto an issue and argue it to the death. Not necessarily a bad thing in some respects but it can be really annoying.
  • nortsr1nortsr1 Member Posts: 1,060
    I am not certain, but the car dealers in Melbourne (Florida) and nearby towns are closed on Sundays, however; I do not know if this is true for ALL of Florida. Also in Southern NJ the dealers are closed on Sundays.

    snakeweasel: do the car salesmen also work the MIDNIGHT shift????
  • oldfarmer50oldfarmer50 Member Posts: 24,239
    I notice that no one answered newbee7's main question..."Can someone describe exactly the list of all papers needed to be signed at the dealer in order to buy a new/used car?" I'd like to know too. Are there standard forms country wide, or does each dealer or state have different things which you sign? Enquiring minds want to know!

    2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible

  • madmanmoomadmanmoo Member Posts: 2,039
    Are you stating that there is no room for improvement in any retail job? Everything is working as intended and nothing will ever change?

    You can't just say that's a retail job and that's the way it is. There is always room for improvement.

    At my particular store, I'm down to just 1 Sunday a month. :)

    -Moo
  • madmanmoomadmanmoo Member Posts: 2,039
    What is listed below is front paperwork. There are all kinds of other forms to be signed in the business office.

    Purchase Order
    Privacy Notice - to release information to DMV and Banks if financing
    We Owe - If you negotiated any accessories not already included
    Tag & Ad Valorem - Details tag information and ad valorem ..... :D
    Insurance - States you have insurance and will maintain full coverage
    Payoff Form - If applicable
    Warranty Coverage - If any on used vehicles

    I think that's everything in Georgia. These should be pretty standard across all states.

    -Moo
  • jlawrence01jlawrence01 Member Posts: 1,757
    BR,

    You have to remember that SOME people (not me) think that retail workers are basically serfs that are low on the food chain and don't even deserve a day off each week. It is all about them having the right to shop at their convenience no matter what its impact on family life is.

    On another board that I participate, some clown suggested boycotting a locally owned spice shop. The reason why? Because the owner had a long standing commitment that his employees could take Sunday off to attend church and to spend time with their families. He couldn't find the time to make it to the store any of the other six days OR shop on the website.

    Methinks that if you WERE open Sundays and took Monday or Tuesday off, the poster would be complaining that you weren't at the dealership the day HE wanted to buy the car. By the way, few accountants I know work many Sundays.

    While I don't generally favor government regulation of private business, I would strongly favor the reenactment of "blue laws" and required closures on major. I think that it is a darned shame that my niece has had to work the last six Thanksgiving Days
This discussion has been closed.