Stories from the Sales Frontlines

fezo

Good luck on dumping teams - even though it would be a good idea. The Marlins will be in a new stadium next year with all the commitments that go with that. I'd hate to see the Rays go when they have turned into the model of what a team running in the cheap can do but no one goes to their games and they are in the worst ball park in the majors. Who else could we dump? Hmmmmmm....

I remember an article several years back discussing of all the major sports had maxed out their teams and answer came down to all but baseball and there were two metro areas that could profitably support a team without killing nearby teams - San Bernadino, CA and northern New Jersey. Don't expect either.

driver100

Bud pulled his caper. Bud is as slimy as they come (of course he made his fortune selling used cars....).

Glad you got the car angle in there.

venture

Driver-

875 used cars sold in October.

www.blueknobauto.com

jmonroe

My only problem with the Cards (other than the entirety of the 80s and 2006) is that it's almost as bad as rooting for the Yankees - 11 championships and 18 trips to the Series. Give somebody else a chance....

I'll take that as tongue in cheek comment since we all know that liberals don't run baseball or any other sport. If you want it you grab it by the throat and you don't let go until there is no air left in your opponent. At least that's the way I was taught to play it.

As far as the Cards winning it, I like how they play. I don't have a problem with any team that fights till the end. Especially when you don't give up just because you're one out/one pitch away from going home.

Funny game baseball.

I wouldn't call it funny unless you watch the Pirates play. I don't, not anymore.

jmonroe

ray80

Our little saga continues into its 3rd day. The gas stations (that are open around here) have had a line of 30 vehicles or so all day since sunday (including at least 2 I saw being pushed in the line).

Down to only 684,000 or so without power in CT.

Little interesting to see tree crews waiting in the lot across the street to be dispatched (since yesterday). They were joined today by other crews (waiting), and I see they were joined by a couple flat beds (from MI by the looks) each with 4 brand new wood chippers.

mako1a

Not that I don't want to hear about baseball (I don't), I noticed a problem with my air compressor (pressure leak) yesterday and got to thinking about how many tires I have and keeping them all in spec. Counting every tire with an air valve (bicycles, hand cart, wheelbarrow) and 5 per vehicle, I have 38 pneumatic tires. That may seem like a lot until you count up yours. I think it's time for a new compressor. ps anybody know when tire pressure monitors became standard on vehicles?

ray80

Sept 2007 for light vehicles in the states

mako1a

Well Ray, I'm glad you're back with the power on. I lived in Virginia Beach (area) for 27 years and with all the hurricanes, power outages were a given. We got so used to ten days without power (hard when you're on a well) and going to the dump with a fridge worth of groceries that it became routine.

Now we have a whole house generator with a 1,000 gal propane tank (underground) and don't give a hoot if the power goes out (which it never does) since we installed $15k worth of generator. To me it's one less worry.

mako1a

Hmmm. I have an 07. I wonder if it has one. I'll have to pay attention to the dash lights next time.

ray80

Actually I don't have power (posting from work sshh), will likely be a week or so before I get it back , no water (well) may be worse then no heat.

mako1a

Ah yes, work. I remember taking wash cloth baths with a bucket and water from the hot tub just to get clean enough to put on a white shirt and off to work. The last of my working days hurricane with prolonged power outage was in about 2002 (Irene or Isabel I think) when the next day I went to Rome and gallavanted all over the Archipelligos (working) for 10 days . The day I arrived back in the states,The first question to my wife was "is the power back on"? She said no. When we got to the house I peeked in the garage window and saw my little indicator light. WooHoo power. She said you have the best luck in skating out of all the bad stuff.

tjc78

I noticed a problem with my air compressor (pressure leak) yesterday and got to thinking about how many tires I have and keeping them all in spec

I am thinking about getting a small compressor for the house. I've noticed they have come way down in price, and come in really handy. I have a small pump to top off the tires, but it takes too darn long, plus being able to use air tools would be nice.

mako1a

being able to use air tools would be nice

I recommend an upright with a belt drive motor/compressor.
You can have this horizontal motor/compressor together POS
currently in my garage. Noisy as all get out and the cheap plastic
air filter broke off with only minimal abuse. Never has worked right.

jmonroe

Not that I don't want to hear about baseball (I don't),

When you get your monthly dues statements don’t you read where you have to stay on topic?

I noticed a problem with my air compressor (pressure leak) yesterday

I don’t want to insult you but I have to ask, did you check all the pipe threads including the drain valve and gauges. It’s pretty rare for a tank itself to spring a leak. To be safe I have two compressors really three if you count the 12 volt job that I keep in the trunk.

For a guy that invested in a home power system I’m surprised that you don’t have a backup compressor. I never counted all my schrader valves but I know you have more than I do. All the more reason for a backup.

jmonroe

tjc78

I recommend an upright with a belt drive motor/compressor.

Oh, I was thinking along the lines of a small "Pancake" type. The most I would do is fill up tires, use a small nail gun, and the tool that lets you "blow off" things (like sawdust off your saws).

jmonroe

I recommend an upright with a belt drive motor/compressor.

Darn…this must be my day/week to disagree with you.

When I got my 30 gallon job I decided that it would be used for more than just sitting in the garage on a nice flat surface to blow up tires or use pneumatics tools in the garage. I knew that if I wanted to wheel it into the back yard for work there (nail guns, etc.), I didn’t want to have to stabilize it so that it didn’t fall over when I would inevitably pull on the hose. So, I went with the horizontal type for that reason alone. They’re much more stable. While the vertical types do save some space they are not nearly as stable when placed on surfaces other than flat concrete. Plus, if you opt for the old style gizmo that is belt driven with the motor/compressor on the top, they are even more top heavy and unstable. I point this out just in case ‘tjc’ is interested in getting a larger one at later date to go with his tire filling pancake job that he’s thinking about getting now.

FWIW, my 30 gallon job is the oil-less type and my smaller one (I think its 6 gallons), is the old style oil job they both make a good bit of noise. When I buy tools, while it would be nice if they are quiet and light, they have to do the job for which I bought them. I’m spoiled that way.

jmonroe

tjc78

Thanks guys for all the input.

J, I borrowed my Cousin's Porter Cable "pancake" unit while I was remodeling the kitchen. It had no problem keeping up with stapling the luan underlayment down or shooting 2 1/2" nails for all the trim work. I think he got it plus three nail guns for under $300. That would be all I ever need. I'm sure it wouldn't be powerful enough to run an impact gun or paint sprayer, but I don't need that capabililty.

robr2

I've got that same little PC 6 gallon pancake one. The only drawback with it is that you should release the air after every use to avoid moisture. I find it easier to pop out the little portable 12V one for small jobs.

robr2

Whether it was to save paying a DH it stands that Selig made the move for his own family's profit.

Bull on Milwaukee being a National League city. I know that's what Selig cited but the Braves were there twelve years while the Brewers were in the AL for 23 years before Bud pulled his caper. Bud is as slimy as they come (of course he made his fortune selling used cars....). A pox on him. The Brewers have no right to be in the league where actual baseball is played.

And no, they shouldn't allow the Astros to move to the AL. Are they going to say that Houston has always been an American League town?

Wow - you're mad. I won't bring his name up again.

But just wait until Larry Lucchino is named commissioner. The one eyed bandit will make you long for the days of Selig.

robr2

They need to either expand by two more teams, or drop two teams.. (a vote for the Marlins and the Rays to go away, here.. No one supports them, anyway).

I vote for the Mets. The AAAA ball they play at Citi Field is a joke.

(Running and ducking from fezo throwing things...)

tjc78

I vote for the Mets. The AAAA ball they play at Citi Field is a joke.

Its got to be better than Shea Stadium. That place made the Vet in Philly look good.

robr2

Oh Citi Field is wonderful place to watch a ball game. But you can't really call what the Mets play baseball....

Yeah yeah fezo. I know, Red Sox, historic collapse, yada yada yada.

driver100

I sold my tires on Saturday and I go took the ad off Kijiji (like Craigslist), but then I got this email today;

I would take the tires without the rims for 300 if treadware is at least 9 mm and have a tread design I like. ie Bridgestone Blizzak Tires

Duh, I sold them with rims and totes and the guy paid me the full price!

tjc78

Oh Citi Field is wonderful place to watch a ball game. But you can't really call what the Mets play baseball....

I so read your post wrong. As for the Mets, agree on all counts!

robbieg

Love Blue Knob.

My favorite baseball team is whoever is playing the Yankees.

jmonroe

I vote for the Mets. The AAAA ball they play at Citi Field is a joke.

When the Mets get to 19 straight losing seasons, and still counting, call someone in Pittsburgh and they’ll tell you how they have lived with the Pirates doing it. I’d take the call but there’s a much better chance of the Mets not accomplishing that feat than there is for me not being around to take the call. :sick:

FWIW, we'd gladly take AAAA ball in the Burgh. That's twice as good as the AA we have now. Hell, we'd be thrilled to just have an even chance of fielding a team that looks like they could have a winning season...some day.

jmonroe

jmonroe

Love Blue Knob.

I have a good friend who feels the same way. Of course, he’s originally from Altoona but I trust his judgment anyway.

My favorite baseball team is whoever is playing the Yankees.

I can't argue with that either.

jmonroe

robr2

Take comfort in the fact that the Mets spent $134 million in payroll in 2011 vs. the Pirates $45 million. The Mets spent $1.74 million per win - the Bucs $611K. Who had a better year??

In fact, I'll bet the Pirates are more pofitable than the Mets since they are a receiver team in the revenue sharing scheme.

fezo

Uh oh. He knows cost per win. He's getting serious.....

nyccarguy

Was interesting. I watched and really enjoyed game 7. I carved a flying Superman into one of our pumpkins while watching the game. Don't get me wrong, I had high hopes for THE YANKKES this year. It was such a pleasure to watch a World Series game 7 as a baseball fan & really not caring either way which team won. Usually I watch every pitch of every Yankees' playoff game.

Speaking of, we resigned our ace (Number 52. CC Sabathia. Number 52).

The Mets have announced they'll be moving the fences in & lowering the walls (after Jeff Wilpon said they wouldn't ever consider that). They're not going to resign Reyes. They won't make a move to get any quality free agents either. (COUGH) Pujols (AHEM). They do have Santana coming back. That guy is some pitcher. I called his injury the second he signed the big contract with the New York Metropolitan Baseball Club. How long before he DEMANDS a trade?

LaRussa's retirement changes the dynamic of Pujols. From what I've heard, the 2 of them are very close.

Congrats to kristie & any other Cardnials fan out there!

How long until pitchers & catchers?

jmonroe

Take comfort in the fact that the Mets spent $134 million in payroll in 2011 vs. the Pirates $45 million. The Mets spent $1.74 million per win - the Bucs $611K. Who had a better year??

Are you the Bucs owner but is pretending to be a car guy. :confuse:

In fact, I'll bet the Pirates are more pofitable than the Mets since they are a receiver team in the revenue sharing scheme.

No argument there. The owner only cares about the bottom line and he has always made money. There is nothing wrong with that as long as the stupid fans understand that.

I’m not for throwing money at every ball player to get a championship but when you’re in the big leagues you have to spend enough to be competitive but $45M won't do it.

jmonroe

fezo

There are ways of running a franchise on a very low payroll - see Tampa Bay and until recently Oakland and Minnesota. You need to take your farm system very seriously. You also need a moneyball guy running the show. You can buy championships (see Yankees, though even they have had their problems of late some of which I attribute to the fact that Cahman doesn't understand pitching while Stick Michael did.) but you can outsmart your way into one as well.

What the Mets prove is that you can throw money at the problem and not accomplish a thing. I don't understand a lot of what they were up to. Omar was a genius in his first couple of years really turning the thing around. They had four good but not good enough years from 05 - 08 and then fell off the planet. The new GM Alderson gets it. It will take a couple of years but they'll be back in it. He's got enough clout that Fred told his son tough luck the fences are coming in - and they'll be Mets blue.

I really wish the Wilponzis would sell the team.

fezo

Oh, and you're right about the Pirates. McClatchy (sp?) just takes the luxury tax money and outs it in his pocket. There ought to be a minimum payroll for all teams and if you get luxury tax money that amount should be on top of the minimum payroll. If you can't afford to float the team out of your pocket you have no business being an owner.

robr2

I completely agree that there should be a minimum payroll and the luxury tax money should be spent as well.

John Henry has stated that a number of times.

fezo

Despite what happened this year the post-YawkeySox are an example of how to run a franchise. Does Bill James still work for them?

Funny to me that they don't have a floor for payroll. The union, the strongest in sports, will never allow a ceiling but I don't imagine they object to a floor.

robr2

Bill James still works for the Sox. I wonder how much Theo will have to pay him to come to Chicago?

As for the way to run a franchise, many long time fans think that Henry and Co. have turned the Sox into a fashion item. But the pink hats keep the team rolling in revenue that allows them to put a good product on the field.

jmonroe

Oh, and you're right about the Pirates. McClatchy (sp?) just takes the luxury tax money and outs it in his pocket.

Small correction, Mc Clatchy is not the majority owner anymore. That dubious distinction now belongs to Robert Nutting (West Virginia biz man) who is the new raper of baseball in Pittsburgh. We just can't seem to get it right.

FWIW, I also agree that the "I can't compete in this leauge, so give me some money so I can" handout program should be made manditory that ALL of it goes into the teams payroll/farm system and NONE of it can go to the owners bank account.

jmonroe

[Deleted User]

Well, not really, considering I can't stand the sport. More of a hockey fan, but to each their own and thank goodness for variety in this life.

Anyway, anyone interested in a sales story?

driver100

Anyway, anyone interested in a sales story?

Count me in!

(I am not sure if not commenting on US politics also includes US baseball :P )

mako1a

Great! As long as you're not selling baseballs.

jmonroe

Well, not really, considering I can't stand the sport.

Well, if you were from Pittsburgh I could understand that. So what’s your problem? :confuse:

Anyway, anyone interested in a sales story?

I’m in and let’s make it cars this time so that this forum doesn't undergo a name change and the resulting dues increase because of that. :sick:

jmonroe

driver100

I’m in and let’s make it cars this time so that this forum doesn't undergo a name change

Seems we are a little slow with "car" sales stories. Maybe Mako could bid on a Porche from EBay.

My story is my 535 should be be built by now and should be on it's way to Canada right about now. We can give our customers tracking numbers for UPS to track where their parcel is at any moment. They should give me a tracking number so I can follow the progress of the ship. Even Lattitude and Longtitude numbers would be nice.

We'll pay for the car from the line of credit, which is prime plus 1%. Our financial people said banks should be happy to lend money for prime plus .5%. They said the banks are kind of desparate to lend money to pretty secure borrowers.

We will talk to the bank soon or threaten to leave and go to the bank down the street. Though we like the bank we now have, they gave us money to start the business without a hassle, when others wanted us to jump through all kinds of hoops before they would lend us $10,000. These guys offered $50k, just fill out the forms. And we eventually needed $50k and more!

mako1a

Maybe Mako could bid on a Porche from EBay

Not gonna happen. I can't get into those low slung cars.

It would be so easy to just buy a Corvette (I'm tempted).

I'm 6 ft tall and not as flexible as I was 40 years ago.

driver100

I'm 6 ft tall and not as flexible as I was 40 years ago.

I know what you mean. That's one reason I am trading from the 2 door Cabriolet to a 535. I am OK getting in and out for now, it's part of my exercise program, but I don't know how I will be in a few years....it gets more difficult each year.

When I see a 20 or 25 year old luxury car go by, I can't stop myself from thinking, that guy was probably in real estate or had a business, and 1995 was probably his last good year and that's why he doesn't have a newer car.

If this is my last good year I want a car I can still drive in 20 years from now.

BTW , isn't a Corvette pretty low to the ground and difficult to get in and out of. The last time I was in one was over 20 years ago and I don't remember any car being more uncomfortable. I am sure they are much better, but still...............

fezo

I had a possible sales story going but I'm a bit under the weather today so am not driving a couple of hours to check out Bill's Solara. Maybe tomorrow.

Of course we only had the can I bring in a sales story if we stop taking about baseball? You better pony up or we're likely to revert. Spring training is only a few months away - the week after the Super Bowl...

jwilliams2

I’m in and let’s make it cars this time so that this forum doesn't undergo a name change...........

I'm in as well, or they will change the name to the "Driver" forum. :shades:

driver100

I'm in as well, or they will change the name to the "Driver" forum.

Hey, not a bad idea! :P

jipster

LOL... looks like things haven't changed much. But, baseball??? That is reaching towards the bottom of the barrel. BORRRING. :P

Still have my house up for sale by owner. Several potential buyers act like they love the house. then never hear back. Did receive one offer which was a definite lowballing attempt. As you all know, Jipster don't play lowball. :sick:

Anyway, anyone interested in a sales story?

Sure. But, was that a rhetorical question?

driver100

Still have my house up for sale by owner.

Nice to hear from you. Welcome to the "Driver Forum".

I am wondering how many homes sell from a private sale? I know you will save the real estate fees, but do you really save that much. The buyer will expect to pay less too.

Also, there is all the paperwork and the negotiations. Unless the buyer and seller are very reasonable people you could be in for a lot of problems....such as making sure the paperwork is all done properly. I know 5 or 6% is a big chunk for fees, but it seems to me you will have a better chance of actually getting your home sold, you will go through a lot less hassle, you might actually get a buyer that you would never have found doing it on your own.

What do you think? (not rhetorical)

robr2

Not one person I know that has tried "For Sale by Owner" has been successful. Selling a house is not an easy thing.

IMHO, the 3-4% commission rate the realtor gets is worthwhile.