Stories from the Sales Frontlines

driver100

I am going to reply to your last very informative and helpful post Richard. 1st I have to do this before I forget. There are a series of billboards around Detroit...this is one.

driver100

Always remember: You are the one in control; it's your money, your car, and your desire to purchase.

You made lots of good points and I don't know where to begin to reply. I think the one above is most important, it is my money and if someone wants it they should treat me in a professional manner. This is a business transaction, we all want to move forward, but somehow we got off track.

In retrospect, I think you are completely right, there is no need for a deposit at that time. If the salesman takes the contract to the manager and he approves, all he has to do is say it's accepted, let's put a downpayment on your new car. If he doesn't like it he can counter offer.

This is a major point, if they don't trust me then why should I trust them.

Also, sending in a closer. It was bad form in your case and it was just as bad in mine. If they are that desparate to close a deal then there is something wrong. They might have actually made a sale that day, if my warning radar bells weren't ringing. I didn't feel comfortable at all, and buying a new car should be an enjoyable experience. $5000 sounded like a lot for a deposit, but I did put down a low figure...I wanted them to start salivating. I didn't expect they would say yes to it, but I thought they would come down a little more. I was prepared to go up $2000 from my low offer...they wanted $1800 more.

I hope I never have to buy a car there again. I am hoping Dealer B comes in at a good price.

I really do appreciate your comments, and I don't think I would have put up a fight in this case without all your experience...I mean every one around here too!

mac24

Oh but they do!
Here's a white rapper extolling the virtues of his Volvo:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tKOVF1qwPzI

:P

fezo

There you go! And how long has it been since a GM car was in a sing? If they are telling me that they made good cars 40 years ago I know that.

roadburner

There you go! And how long has it been since a GM car was in a song? If they are telling me that they made good cars 40 years ago I know that.

What gets me is when an automaker shows their classic cars in an ad for their current models. Nine times out of ten it only reminds the viewer how great their cars used to be. BMW, Mercedes, and Porsche can usually pull it off, as can adverts for Mustangs, Camaros, Corvettes, Challengers, the CTS-V, .and Wranglers. But try comparing a new Regal GS to a GSX or a Grand National- or an anodyne new Lincoln to a 1960 Continental or a 1990 Mark VII LSC...

driver100

Oh but they do! Here's a white rapper extolling the virtues of his Volvo:

Yes, I guess there are songs about Volvos if you don't mind rap-crap. Personally, I prefer the GM ads.

imidazol97

>...sat next to you and wore a poodle skirt? RS-6900

Wow. That's putting the distaff half in a subservient position.

But those were the good old days. Can't have bucket seats and cuddle while you're driving like the good old days.

driver100

Nine times out of ten it only reminds the viewer how great their cars used to be

Fezo and RB, your comments are right on.

A 57 Chevy....what a great car! A 2011 Impala.........mmmm, not so much.

roadburner

A near double of my first BMW has been spotted over on Bring a Trailer.
Except that mine wasn't an automatic.







Too bad I'm over three years late...

roadburner

I decided I would leak test the heater box in the 2002 again in order to see just exactly where it was leaking- so that I wouldn't make the same mistake twice. It turns out that the leak test itself may have been the culprit
Here's what I think happened:

This is the heater box:



The box bolts into a square opening in the firewall, so you have to seal the upper edges of the box. I believe I screwed up by pouring water not only around the seam but also into the fan opening. I noticed this when I re-tested; I made sure that I only poured water around the seam. No leak! But when I poured some into the fan opening the "leak" reappeared. It appears to be leaking from inside the box- not the cowl seam. I'm going to double-check again tomorrow, but I think I'm in the clear.
Whew!

sterlingdog

"That's putting the distaff half in a subservient position."

I agree. I can't believe that they got away with that ad---or wanted to. If my wife saw that ad, she would be boiling. I have to admit that it's pretty tasteless in the 21st Century.

Richard

sterlingdog

I once told Driver that I thought BMW's were ugly (except for the big convertible). That's not the case with your picture. That is a fabulous looking automobile. If they made that design today, I would buy one in a minute.

Richard

bolivar

Everyones got a better come-back after the fact, but if someone runs a 'closer' in on you in the future, stand up, put your arm around him, and ask 'Where's your office, let's go there.' When you get there, ask him nicely to stay in there because you are doing fine with the greenpea.

driver100

ask him nicely to stay in there because you are doing fine with the greenpea.

That would have been a really good way to handle the situation, and then I could add, "If we need your help, we will know exactly where to find you".

I am very curious to see if they are going to phone me, and if they do which one will phone me. I am sure the Greenpea will get chewed out for losing the sale, but it was all Rocko's fault that the whole process went downhill.

I am going to see if they have pictures of their staff because his name isn't Rocko of course...he came in and slurred it so much I have no idea what his name is, but it sounds like Rocko.

They might wait untilthings cool down before calling, but I would be surprised if they let it go....they have a potential customer, who put $5000 down....that would be hard to ignore.

driver100

I can't believe that they got away with that ad---or wanted to.

I didn't see anything wrong with the ad. For good or bad, that is pretty much the way it was. I don't think it was putting any one down, it was just saying women wore poodle skirts which they did, and because there wasn't a cup holder they would hold the guys drink while he drives. It's like watching the movie Grease. It was just the way it was. We can't impose todays values on what went on in the past.

At one time woman couldn't vote....it is just the way it was. I think the ad is just saying that's the way it was.

jmonroe

However, maintaining the grates was becoming such a chore that I was using the grill less and less.................until I came across this:

I know I’m late in responding to this but I just got back from vacation and I’m starting to catch up on some post reading.

Those add on grill grates look pretty good but I like to throw some Oak wood strips on the flame spreader of the grill I have when doing my steaks and I don’t think enough flame would come through those slots to satisfy me. Of course I could probably use them for all the other grilling stuff.

The big problem is that they are shiny when new and Mrs. jmonroe would expect to see them shined up like she does with her cooking paraphernalia after every use and there is no way I’m going to be able to get her to do that on those thingies. I’ve almost got her convinced that what we have now is the standard for what a grill grate is supposed to look like after each use. Don’t go trying to mess up the years of work I’ve put into this, OK.

Thanks anyway.

jmonroe

sterlingdog

"...they would hold the guy's drink while he drives."

There are times when I love your innocence. You read it wrong. Think "sports" cup holder and read it again. Then again, perhaps I took it the wrong way---my dirty mind! :sick:

Richard

Kirstie_H

We had an absolutely delicious experience on Saturday. It was my SO's birthday, and we decided to cook a really nice dinner at home instead of going out. Got a couple of 10 oz lobster tails to grill, and bought some of those cedar wraps. Soaked them for 30 minutes, put in a tiny bit of butter and some lemon juice, then grilled for 15-20 minutes. It was the best lobster we've ever had, at home or at a restaurant.

jmonroe

It was the best lobster we've ever had, at home or at a restaurant.

And now you tell us. I can undertand that for the guys who aren't paid up but most of us are.

jmonroe

roadburner

Richard,

That model -the Bavaria- was the car that got me hooked on BMW back in the early 1970s. The contemporary ads boasted that it had a top speed of 130 mph and could cruise at 120. Fast forward ten years; my future wife is living in Cincinnati and she locates a nice Bavaria which I buy without any hesitation. Back then the majority of BMW owners were still hard-core enthusiasts and most people thought BMW stood for British Motor Works. Aside from the rust issue and weak A/C my Bavaria ran like a champ. I know for a fact that it would cruise at 100 mph; I averaged that speed for a couple of hours coming back from my first BMW Car Club national meet(AKA Oktoberfest) in 1984.

Here is one of those ads that caught my eye so many years ago:

michaellno

Nice car.

When I was in high school ('78-'82), I car pooled with a few other people. One of them had a sister who owned a Bavaria, and we got to take it to school a few times.

I remember, even then, how nice that car was ... the airy greenhouse, the "feel of the road", the sprightly acceleration.

Makes me wonder why I've never owned a BMW .... :mad:

isellhondas

" I wanted them to start salivating"

Really? They aren't dogs you know.

" I hope I never have to buy a car there again"

You don't HAVE to buy a car from them unless the price is the only thing you care about!

sterlingdog

Imagine---a new BMW for under $5,000. It doesn't seem possible, does it? I had never heard of BMW until we moved to S.C. in 1970. We became good friends with a couple who owned a new one---a white coupe is all that I remember. The husband was so thrilled to have it. He gave it complete TLC the three years that we lived there. When he and his wife later divorced, their BMW was a major bone of contention in the divorce settlement. He actually gave up his half of the house in order to keep the car. Though they had two other very nice cars, they both wanted ownership of the original BMW. The last that I heard a few years ago, the husband still had it and it looked like new. Their only child, a boy, was allowed to take it to college with him. The only stipulation was that it had to be kept in a nearby garage. The son was as careful with it as his parents had been. The dad took it back after the son graduated. The son bought a new one when he began his first job in 1989. I'm told that he still has it---like father, like son. The mother? My wife says that she only drives BMW's. Too bad that the car didn't hold the marriage together. He was a good old farm boy, she the daughter of a U.S. Senator. We loved them both, but they just couldn't understand each other's views. The son? He's a wonderful combinaiton of the best in both parents. Interestingly, neither parent married again.

Richard

Kirstie_H

A reporter is looking to interview people in the Miami area who plan to sell their car soon. If you care to share your comments, please email your daytime contact info to pr@edmunds.com no later than 5:00pm Pacific, on Tuesday August, 23, 2011.

Kirstie_H

Hope you are all safe. Just read about the quake, and hoping property, and mostly lives, are intact.

The only good aspect is that we may see politicians "quaking in their boots" on the news tonight.

graphicguy

driver....if they do call back, I'd congratulate them with....

"OK....you win. You have done everything within your power to keep me from purchasing a vehicle from your dealership. And, you've succeeded. So, congratulations."

Personally, I wouldn't waste any more time on that dealership, even if they did call back.

oldfarmer50

http://albany.craigslist.org/cto/2548145999.html

How's that for making lemonade out of lemons?

Any damage to you guys in VA?

qbrozen

It was quite strange to feel such a thing here in NJ. Considering it was rattling my office window, I sure hope folks closer to it are OK.

andres3

when I gave a couple of salesman a poor Customer Service review right after buying a new Honda, they kinda got upset and tried to make me feel guilty about giving them such a bad review. It was really the closer/sales manager that stalled delayed, and made me waste extra hours for a deal they could have simply said yes to from the beginning instead of trying to squeeze more money out of me. I gave poor reviews because I felt they wasted my time for "false" reasons. My first offer was more than fair.

andres3

During the pre-season NFL game Audi had a new ad for the R18 TDI race car.

My wife pointed out that "THEY don't sell that! ... do they?"

I was like no, but they use some of that race tech in their regular cars, or so I think Audi would like you to assume. It is kinda strange to see an ad that makes no mention of a car they do sell to the public.

verdugo

I am going to see if they have pictures of their staff because his name isn't Rocko of course...he came in and slurred it so much I have no idea what his name is, but it sounds like Rocko.

Don't. If you do, you'll ruin the illusion. Let him be Rocko as far as this board is concerned. It gives the story that extra something. :P

verdugo

There are times when I love your innocence. You read it wrong. Think "sports" cup holder and read it again. Then again, perhaps I took it the wrong way---my dirty mind

Richard, I think it was your dirty mind. I read it the same way as driver did.

driver100

Think "sports" cup holder and read it again. Then again, perhaps I took it the wrong way

Geez, I see Verdugo has answered for me too. I might be a little naive, but that's a stretch to think "sports holder".

They were just innocently saying, instead of having cup holders (to hold your coffee or Slurpy in), you girlfriend used to do that for you....which is very true.

I guess you can make an ad for anything and some people will misinterpret it.

driver100

then grilled for 15-20 minutes. It was the best lobster we've ever had, at home or at a restaurant.

Sometimes it's nice to go to a restaurant just for a change of scenery, and so you don't have to do any work.

But, if you cook things on the barbeque the food will be much less and it will cost a lot less. A lot of things are easy to do on the barbeque, like steak, lobster, chicken, hamburgers and they turn out much better than the food you get at a restaurant. And the nice thing is you can control what you are eating, not as much salt, breading, bread etc. And you can heat up your own vegetables which they almost never give you in a restaurant.

Those lobster tails are making me hungry.

jmonroe

First off, I hope Mrs. Richard is feeling better and that her blood pressure meds are working by now.

Some days we drove 400-500 miles a day.

When we headed down to Myrtle Beach on Friday afternoon (8-12-11) we stopped in Asheboro NC, just like last year to spend the night, then onto Myrtle on Saturday morning so we could make use of the beach that day (got there about 11;30 AM). However, on the return trip we did that in one day. About 625 miles to Son #1’s driveway. That is my limit for one day.

jmonroe

Kirstie_H

Yes, we like to go out as well - but only when we're in the mood for something we wouldn't cook at home, or that's made much better by the pros. We go out for upscale Mexican and Indian, because those dishes take too long and require ingredients I don't normally keep on hand, and of course the Brasilian rodizio - I'm not going to cook 12 different kinds of meat!

Having said that, I'm headed out shortly to our local watering hole for $1 taco Tuesday. I can get out of there for $10 + tip.

driver100

I wanted them to start salivating"
Really? They aren't dogs you know.

That's your opinion and I have mine.

Besides, it was a figure of speach and incase any one wants to know, what I said was "$5000 sounded like a lot for a deposit, but I did put down a low figure...I wanted them to start salivating."

" I hope I never have to buy a car there again"

You don't HAVE to buy a car from them unless the price is the only thing you care about!

Price is no longer the issue. I don't like how I was treated by the "Closer". Did you have a "Closer" at your dealership?

I might have struck a deal with the rookie. But the "Closer" was trying to move me from a 2012 to a demo. If I am writing a cheque for $10s of 1000s of dollars I expect he won't insult me by telling me for the price I wanted to pay, he will sell me a 2011 demonstrator. His first price was full MSRP, I came in low, we were getting to the mid point...but he literally killed the sale. And he will probably blame the rookie for losing the sale because he was a pompous [non-permissible content removed].

Now, I'll tell you what Dealer B has sent back...without a deposit and in an email.

And, your post is pretty well saying, any salesmen or manager can act however he likes, if I don't like it I can go somewhere else. That's fine and true, but this guy should not have been allowed to sell anything to the public...and I won't be back. They do have the best service around though, so I don't want to be barred from going there.

jmonroe

Having said that, I'm headed out shortly to our local watering hole for $1 taco Tuesday.

If you're going to a "wateriing hole", why not just drink your dinner? :confuse:

jmonroe

driver100

Dealer B emailed me a contract. I had in my mind that if I could get 4% or 5% off the new car that would be about all you can do with BMW. Dealer A was at about 2.6% discount, and I would only get that if the new ones go up in price because the price would be locked in, but they probably will go up.

Dealer B will give me 5% off the new one and will give me $1500 more for the trade in. I would sign it (they actually haven't indicated I would have to sign anything, all they have said is they go into production in October and they would order it for me when I agree. My friend did that, he put no money down and they said bring in a certified cheque when you want to pick up the car) .

The salesman at Dealer B is easy to talk to, he is helpful, the price is all done in a straightforward manner...none of the trying to get full MSRP and then having to go back and forth.

I would sign it now, but their is one option that I want...premium seats, and I would like to know how much they are or if they will be included in an option package. But, I might do it and take my chances, the trade in price is good, and the discount is as high as it gets.

I have also asked him what his price would be for a new 2011 just to see how that works out. Dealer B said they would knock off $1500 on a 2011.

tjc78

Was on the beach during the quake in Ocean City Nj. Like Q said, strange feeling that in NJ. People on the beach were looking around at each other saying "did that just happen". Spoke with an associate in Richmond and they said everything was ok, just some things flew off the shelves.

mako1a

Nothing of any consequence here in the mountainous side of VA.

My wife asked if I felt it (I did not as my chair is padded Corinthian Leather).

lol But I did sneak up on my wife 10 minutes later as she was on the phone

and shake her chair. She responded by acting as to swing the phone at me.

I think Richard may be closer to Mineral, Va (epicenter).

jmonroe

I guess gogi missed the post where Yellow was

dismissed as a possible Mustang color(colour).

No wonder we were confused.

We took US 77 South while driving through WV on our way to Myrtle Beach last week. As we were passing the Beckley exit I said to my grandsons that I sorta knew a guy that lived around here. Son #1’s youngest (turned 5 while we were at the beach) said, “does he live there” as he pointed to a house near the exit. The know it all 9 year old said, “not too many people live right at the exit, so that probably isn’t his house”. I said, “yeah, your right, and that house doesn't have a Yellow Mustang in the driveway”. I’ll bet it wasn’t 20 seconds after I said that when a Yellow Mustang convertible goes screaming down the interstate passing us. Almost in unison they yelled, “is that him”? I said, “it could be”.

Now what do I tell them? :sick:

jmonroe

oldfarmer50

"...But the "Closer" was trying to move me from a 2012 to a demo..."

Don't feel bad. I once went into a dealer and asked to look at pick-up trucks. The aloof salesman walked me to the far end of the lot and without a word pointed me at a VAN that was twice the price I stated I was looking for. :confuse:

By the time I picked my jaw up off the ground he had walked away without a word and left me standing there. :mad:

Needless to say I didn't go looking for him. That was the rudest treatment I've ever received anywhere.

oldfarmer50

"..."did that just happen"..."

I was sitting in a chair and I thought the cat was leaning against it while scratching his head (it was that mild). When it didn't stop I got up to see what the crazy cat was doing but...no cat. It was then that I saw water in a glass on the counter sloshing back and forth. Then I knew what it was.

driver100

Needless to say I didn't go looking for him. That was the rudest treatment I've ever received anywhere.

One of the most important things about selling is to "listen to the customer".
Your guy didn't do that and my guy sure didn't. If I wanted a demo I wouldn't be asking for a 2012 that isn't even out yet.
Maybe it was a trick, either bpay full MSRP for the new one or get a demo if you want a discount.

Either way, it is a good learning experience...now you know who you don't want to buy from.

kyfdx

RB... there is a '74 Bavaria on CL in Lexington... asking, $4000, IIRC..

jmonroe

Hope you are all safe. Just read about the quake, and hoping property, and mostly lives, are intact.

I work about 35 miles from downtown Pittsbugh and was out in the wharehouse with a friend looking for a piece of test equipment and we didn't feel a thing. Good thing, if something fell from one of those ten foot high shelves, I wouldn't be posting now.

Someone out there, who was about 80 feet away, rushed up to us and said, "did you feel that"? We had no idea what he was talking about. We have to be the only 2 people in this joint that didn't feel it. I guess you can say we had our minds on our work. :confuse:

jmonroe

Kirstie_H

Are you only here to encourage members' bad habits?
"You'll be popular. Everyone will love you. What, are you chicken? You'd do it if you were my friend. It can't hurt you the first time."

I'll let this visit slide, but if I catch you in here peddling drugs, I'll lock you out. (However, come to think of it, some of us might be up for some Metamucil...)

mako1a

We took US 77 South while driving through WV

Beckley is in W Va about 2 1/4 hours from me.

I'm 4 miles from Exit 80 on I-81/I-77 where the 2 roads

merge for about 10 miles. It's called mis-direction or

something like that as I-81 goes North while I-77 goes South

and vice versa.

isellhondas

Please don't put words in my mouth.

Here is what I think.

I think that store is a typical hard core car dealership unlike the store where I worked. These guys think they have one shot at you and they will try any tactic. They rarely see "be-backs". I'm glad you won't go back because some people will. They will put up with unprofessional salespeople and lousy tactics if they think they can spend a few bucks less.

I also think that you would be a difficult customer to deal with.

But, I could be wrong or misinterpeting your postings. I know that.

Most stores work with what is called a Liner-Closer method. The Liner is your best friend. He is on your side all of the way and he will never say anything except what you want to hear. If you think your undesirable 3500.00 trade in is worth 10,000, he will agree. He get's you to sit down.

Then the Closer comes out and the story changes.

We didn't do things that way. The first salesperson you meet is the one who finishes up your sale.

We did have four Team Leaders that were responsible for a team of five or six sales people. I was one of those guys.

We were sent in if the salesperson needed our help or if an impasse was reached. We never used high pressure tactics. If must be working because for the past 30 years my store has been the Number One Honda store in nine states. In my final years, a huge portion of my business was from repeat and referral customers.

The average life of a Liner in a store is probably less than six months.