Sometimes people come in and look for something specific, but end up buying something totally different.
A few years ago a lady came in looking for an import hatchback for about $10k.
She ended up buying a Ford Escape for about $16k.
And before anyone jumps on this I have to stress it is not something I forced her to do or buy or talk her into.
In the process of showing cars, I pointed out a Escape we had on the lot. All I said was "how about something like this"
Guess what, she looked it over, drove it, and fell in love with it because the car worked for her. It was a cash deal for her and I guess she didn't mind spending more than she wanted to get a vehicle she really loved.
We as salespeople have to keep many possibilities open, and ask many questions. Some buyers might get irked at that ("I told you I don't want anything other than XX), and some will have an open mind.
Besides, how often as salespeople have we heard when following up with unsold costumers that they bought something completely different than what they were looking at originally.
You hit the nail on the head - and it has worked both ways - sometimes they buy smaller than they initially came in to look at. Selling is basically finding what is important to a customer (i.e. need) and satisfying that need.
As a customer, I wouldn't mind that at all - of course, if I really do know what I want, I very much want them to ease off once I politely indicate that I'm confident with what I'm interested in. When they won't take no for an answer, it becomes a real pain. I remember with my first (overly innocent) student car purchase, a salesman literally wouldn't show me the car I was interested in (it was the cheapo Geo Metro I think) - he kept steering me to much bigger (and more expensive) cars (with all sorts of dealer installed extras I recall ), no matter how much I asked to just see the Metro. I left with an armful of car brochures for everything *but* the Metro, and ended up with a Civic!
On the other hand, last year I was contemplating a new Acura TL, and the salesguy (who I had dealt with before) to his immense credit steered me to the less expensive TSX after asking me some questions. I also just remembered that he had previously suggested I go with the Acura RSX Premium a few years earlier (over the more expensive Type S) as he didn't think it was worth the extra $$ - in that case, I ended up with the Type S (and am very happy), but sure did appreciate the help and honesty. If I buy another Acura, it will be from him.
Great story and a good point. There is a statistic on internet inquiries that relates to this point. Something like 50% of all original inquiries on a vehicle end up buying something completely different or a used vehicle.
I wish I could remember the original statistic, but that is the reason why we ask questions. Boomchek hit the nail on the head when he talked about that. I guess a bunch of people have run into salesmen who don't ask those questions in the right manner.
Something like 50% of all original inquiries on a vehicle end up buying something completely different or a used vehicle.
Interesting statistic. I went internet on the car I bought today. I knew what I wanted and used auto trader and cars.com to find the specific cars. Made the initial inquiry with the internet person at the dealerships. Drove the different cars and decided on which ones I though best suited my needs (price and condition). Waited a couple of weeks for the weekend ad. Internet sales person called me to let me know about the ad price. Overall a painless experience and seemed to work better than watching the paper. I'm definitely one of those buyers who does his research and knows what he wants before making an internet inquiry.
OMG after my subbie got wrecked I had several demos back to back...
I thought I was going to get a nice Passat 4Motion as a new demo but the day I picked it up the check engine light came on and it started running rough. :sick: Poor VW.
So while they are finding me something else I am driving a 2003 Liberty and wow it is junk. I had a 1990 Jeep cherokee and it was better in everyway then this POS.
The cherokee drove better overall. Handled better, accelerated better, was quieter, got better gas mileage, and had a much better interior. I mean I know the interior in my cherokee was mostly plastic and rubber but it didn't look like it was plastic and rubber.
I have to shoot a video of the poor quality of this interior.
The only positive thing I can think of was that the visiblity is good, except out of the back because of the spare tire, and the turning radius is good.
"That's the answer, have the board of regents raise the tuition and pay you professors big bucks so those students have to drive used cars like they're supposed to."
I wish it worked that way. Actually, it's high natural gas and oil prices that are helping the bottom line (state revenues) here in OK. That probably isn't making too many other folks on this forum happy, though. Two oil men who graduated from here have just poured $165 million and $20 million respectively--into athletics! That's where the real high-rollers are in "academic" these days. The car salesman should really look for anyone who coaches anything because they are the proverbial golden goose.
The spread between the haves and have-nots is getting more and more evident amongst my students. Some just have EVERYTHING and then some, but the vast majority are working two or three jobs, have mountains of loans or other financial aid and little or no parental assistance--except perhaps to help buy a newer car that the student can't afford to insure, gas or pay off.
"I guess I can't see spending 10%-20% of my monthly income for a car. I'd rather take that 20% that some are paying towards a depreciating asset (car/truck) and put it into an investment that appreciates."
But, graphicguy, you are one of those rapidly decreasing sensible individuals who are becoming just plain, un-American.
We sold our house last year to a gentleman who paid cash for the house (and it wasn't cheap). It was, however, near campus and in very good condition despite being 75 years old. Many, many houses near campus are bought and sold by investors and parents with money, who see a potential revenue stream and aren't worried about recouping their investment. Junior is living there with two friends who pay rent and the father will likely hold onto the house until another child attends or turn around and sell in a few years when this one graduates or he may just continue to rent it.
Just down the street a young woman moved into a rent house. She or her folks are likely spending $400-$700 month for her rent plus utilities. At the time she moved in her parents bought/leased her a brand new Mercedes ML500 SUV. It had the paper tag for a while so I know it was brand new.
I'm assuming that if her folks could swing a Mercedes SUV they probably had enough to put a down payment on a house in the area and let daughter drive a beater for a couple of years.
Having money sure doesn't equal having sense or fiscal responsibility. Then again, maybe she's like my two students and came into an insurance settlement.
That 5th wheel on the back of the Liberty is good for one thing. A few years ago a shiny black Jeep Liberty decides to come to a complete stop at the end of an entrance ramp (there were no cars coming, so we don't know why). My Dad couldn't stop in time and ended up rear-ending the Liberty in his Infiniti QX4. To make a long story short, nobody was hurt. Damage to the Liberty was a scratch to the 5th wheel on the back. My Dad's QX4 had over $12,000 in damage ($13,500 after they found a plactic clip that held the Xenon headlight casing in place on the other side was broken and the whole assembly had to be replaced).
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2025 Camry SE AWD
A man walks into the showroom floor this morning and wanders the vehicles. He's a bit unkempt. Untucked shirt, uncombed hair. He stops in front of one of the EX Civic Sedans.
A salesman greets him and the customer asks where the 4 door Civics are.
The salesman pauses for a moment and then points to the vehicle directly in front of the customer. The dishevelled man seems unfazed.
He asks a few questions that seem to have no correlation to anything. He looks at a couple of different vehicles on the floor (Pilot, Accord, Ridgeline) and continues to ask disjointed questions.
Finally, the salesman thanks him for coming by and offers him a business card. The customer refuses it.
The salesman says that he's sorry if he's invading his privacy. The customer splutters a little bit but still doesn't take the card. Then he leaves.
The cold brings out some strange folks. Funny to watch though.
Montgomery County: Dayton area guy is automating the sales process for car dealers with "three-dimensional" (wonder if he knows what that means) sales avatar to guide you through the steps. I tried the demo which is keyed to a local Toyota dealership. I see lots of flaws.
The chance to add on fees will be missing if the deal is consummated in advance of picking up the car. The customer needs to be wary because the tax, title, and license seems to hold 200$ in extra fees and the Additional Stick next to the Mulhroney Sticker doesn't seem to be clearly separated. I saw $1900 addons last summer when I visited that dealer along with $900 addons.
This was in our morning business section (don't know why) so i thought I'd pass it along for digestion here.
Eliminate salesmen. Pick the avatar with whom you wish to work from the choices. Have at it.
Note this is really a demo that does go through the steps. I do not allow installations of programs on my computer and just went to the next step instead of allowing the happlayer.exe to be loaded. It seemed to work but I was missing the avatar... :P
moo....interesting. I don't see many dealerships outside of suburban locales, so I don't know that many "aimless wanderers" would make it to the ones in SW OH. But, I could see that happening in a downtown dealership, though. I frequesnt Chicago a lot. There's a very high end dealership right in the city (Rolls, Bentleys, Ferraris, Lotus, etc). I see "dischevelled" folks wander into that showrroom when the weather gets cold. I see them wander out just as quickly (usually with a man in a suit sccompanying them out).
Shifting gears......I mentioned that I'm a fan of a TV show called "Appraise my Car". There were actually a couple they showed that I'd actually lay down some money for.
One was a pristine, rotisserie restoration on an early '70s Oldsmobile 4-4-2. I don't even know if the TV show did it justice, but it was drop dead perfect with a perfect paint job. They estimated the value at $35K. Owner wanted $33K. '60s and '70s were Oldsmobile's hey day. The 4-4-2 (4 bbl V8, 4-speed tranny, 2 (dual) exhausts) was the hottest one they made. Don't know if it sold at auction, or what it sold for, but I definitely would have bid on it if I could have been there. Reason being.....Olds is no longer being made. Hottest Olds around (at the time). Absolutely stunning restoration....also totally original. Relatively affordable. Would probably appreciate in value. Yep, I'd love to have that one in the garage.
Another one, a '40s chopped and channeled Ford hot rod. Not original, but nicely done. It was appraised at $8K, sold for $5K. Again, another nicely done car that for $5K would have been a lot of fun.
I just heard a 'screamer' ad for a dealership here that makes a special mention of "Scoremax Software" that is supposed to get everyone approved, but is only dealer group in ohio that is 'authorized' to use it. What is this Scoremax?
Pretty interesting, this virtual reality car buying. But you still need to go to the dealerships, there's no other way around it, to TEST DRIVE the car.
Online browsing might be nice but many people still need to touch and feel the product they're buying. I'll check out the system when I have more time.
There's a very high end dealership right in the city (Rolls, Bentleys, Ferraris, Lotus, etc). I see "dischevelled" folks wander into that showrroom when the weather gets cold.
If the average "Joe" walks into THAT dealership - well-dressed, you may be walked out. I know i have been ...
j.....I've gone into the high end Chicago dealership in jeans and a sweater. I just tell them I'm browsing and they leave me alone, for the most part.
Boom....it's hard to tell how they transact business there. They usually have 2-3 high end cars, on the street, in front of the dealership that are for sale....even more in the showroom. I've seen salespeople at regular desks and cubicals there...no big fancy "closing room" that I'm aware of.
Outside of it being a very nice showroom, in the middle of downtown Chicago, it could be they handle business just like any other regular dealership. I would imagine someone who's going to drop $100,000-$250,000 for a car would probably make an appointment and expect a little better treatment than "Joe Blow...the Camry buyer".
That said, they're much more accessible than the Ferrari dealership at the Venetian in Vegas (where they charge you admission just to walk into the showroom).
In Las Vegas, the Porsche dealership at the Wynn charges admission unless you are an invited guest ... or so I was told by some of the people exiting that dealership.
The super upscale dealership in Chicago's River North tends to dislike "lookey loos" and generally meets you at the door immediately. Personally, I don't care that much as I am not in the market for a $100k sled.
I can see that for a Ferrari (well, not really but okay) but I can't see that for a Porsche. The car just isn't that expensive. I could swing a Boxster or Cayman if I changed my priorities.
Took the day off on MLK day, since my son was also off school..
We were on our way to a movie, and running about 45 minutes early, so we drove by the Porsche dealership (Porsche only, no Audi). Saw two Caymans sitting out front, so we pulled in to look, even though it was raining lightly..
Salesperson came out... told them to stay inside, we were just window shopping.. She insisted we come in, as she had a Cayman in the showroom that we could look at, and stay dry..
I'm wearing jeans/sweatshirt.. my son looked like your typical 13 yr old punk.. and, I'm driving an old Honda that hasn't a bath in 3 months..
She proceeded to give us a full demo of the Cayman, opened up a used 911 Turbo, so that my son could sit in the driver's seat, etc, etc... It was obvious I wasn't in the market (especially since I said so), but she was still gracious..
Believe me... if I can scrape up $50K, she will be the first person that I call..
I had a similar experience at a Porsche dealer a few years ago when the new 987 Boxster was introduced. I was killing time before meeting somebody for dinner after work. I pulled into the Porsche Dealership just to poke around. I work at a plumbing supply house in The Bronx. I was probably 28 at the time. I wear Old Navy Painter Jeans (complete with key ring wwith 10 keys attached) and a hooded sweatshirt (those are the top layers). I handle a lot of oily pipes & dirty boxes throughout the day and look like a mess. The salesman greeted me and gave me a whole presentation of the new Boxster. He was very professional. With the recent arrival of nyccarguy jr. (4 months old), a Porsche is a pipe dream for now.
I also had a completely opposite reaction from someone at another dealership. My Mom was looking at a base Cayenne a few years ago (Thank G-D she went for the BMW 530i). My parents are less than thrilled with VW/Audi products and my Mom asked the salesman about the Cayenne's VW content. I knew the chassis and body were co-developed and the V6 was pretty much supplied by VW. The guy gave us this look like we just slayed his first born and then launched into a tyraid. "Listen, Volkswagen had absolutely NOTHING to do with this SUV! Porsche developed the vehicle on its own and builds them for Volkswagen!" At that point we thanked the gentelman for his time as we literally backed out of the door!
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2025 Camry SE AWD
I read somewhere a reporter dressed as homeless was going to different dealerships. He was mostly kicked out, politely or not, verbally and physically assaulted at times, until a Volvo salesman gave him a full presentation including colors, upholstery options. When asked why he reportedly said "Sir, today you are in misfortune, but should your fate change, I hope you'll find you way to our store".
I used to work in a factory where the owner was hands on working on the floor. He was skinny, sunken faces and pretty much looked like the druggist in the alternate reality in the movie "Its a wonderful life". This guy could have bought the dealership with cash.
2011 Hyundai Sonata, 2014 BMW 428i convertible, 2015 Honda CTX700D
kyfdx....I've wandered into that dealership a few times, myself. I've been a "kick the tires" kind of person and told them I wasn't in the market. But, have looked at Boxters as a possibility. No matter....they were always willing to shoot the breeze with me and even offer test drives, even though they knew I wasn't buying.
I wonder how they'd react if I asked them to test drive a 911 Turbo?
They've treated me the same way. I can tell you during my off hours, I'm dressed in the most casual stuff I can find in my closet.
They always were very welcoming (Josephs).
I'm kind of surprised they've kept that Porsche dealership there, since they moved to Audi portion of it to a new, upscale location. The location the Porsche store is in, has been there for a long while....surounded by very middle class neighborhoods. They've never updated the physical property, either. Still, it's clean and inviting, as are their people.
Yeah.. I don't think she was practicing her sales technique.... I'm more of the idea: You never know, he might be a customer some day... (I could be.. just a matter of priorities).
It was definitely slow.... late on a Monday afternoon, and rainy..
I am surprised that they've never updated that place.. but, with Audi gone, they now have plenty of room.. Porsche guys really don't need Starbucks lattes while they wait.
I've been received fairly well over at the dealer on Beechmont.. they seem more intent on divining your true intentions, though..
And the birthday present? HA!.. Have you been talking to my son?
Just saw the latest, astonishing, King of Cars episode (season 2 has started), and was interested in the reaction from those here who are actually in car sales.
This place sounds like a nightmare - the owner took his two best sales teams, pit them head to head on a daily sales contest (no big deal in itself), but.... then incentivized (sp?) them by subjecting the losing team leader with abject humiliation (having to oil wrestle an obese person on TV). He also humiliated one of his "green peas", by choosing them as the obese person to wrestle. There didn't seem to be any positive incentive - just humiliation for the losers. This also wasn't the first time he'd done it either.
What kind of place incentivizes employees (let alone sales!) by threatening humiliation - and not just token humiliation?? In the (non-car) places I've worked, sales is incentized by (sometimes huge) carrots - bonuses, perks, etc. Here, the sales guys were terrified of losing, for all the wrong reasons. How can you keep good people that way? If they're truly good, surely they will just pack it up and go somewhere else eventually?? Why also do it to your apparently best teams??
I was also amazed at the hours - they started in the morning, and the store closed at 11:30pm. They then went on to tape the wrestling after midnight, and all the staff were expected to stay around. That makes for a very long day.
Tell me this place is an anomaly! Yikes! :surprise:
There is a very high end place around where I live. They sell everything, if its rare or exotic or exclusive or even all three then they will sell it. They have always been very nice to me when I go in there to window shop, I will not be in the market for what they sell for another 5-7 years and yet they will not care. they always treat me like a serious buyer, and I'm grateful for that. Same with the porsche dealer here too, maybe that is just universal for Porsche dealers?
I remember a season last year where the team leader on the losing team had to dress up like a fairy princess... which is perfectly legitimate, in that the only person you are degrading is yourself. But, to degrade fat people everywhere by portraying obesity as a joke, is stepping across the line.
I'm wondering if isell or moo have ever subjected themselves to a contest in which the loser had to oil wrestle midgets or put on a tutu?
But, this is television. The more foolish you can make people look the better the ratings.
What kind of place incentivizes employees (let alone sales!) by threatening humiliation - and not just token humiliation??
... from Glengarry Glen Ross:
Blake: We're adding a little something to this month's sales contest. As you all know, first prize is a Cadillac Eldorado. Anybody want to see second prize? [Holds up prize] Second prize is a set of steak knives. Third prize is you're fired.
Agreed that it's TV - but I can't understand how that's going to help you succeed as a business - if these guys are truly good at what they do, I'd think they'd be gone in a second to someplace that rewards their success, not humiliates them because I came in second on a single days' sales.... I wouldn't last a minute there.
It was just a little competition. Though, I agree it wasn't the smartest thing to do. It was more humiliating to the fat guy than to the sales teams. But that's not the only way Chop gets his guys going. He was on Sirius this morning and said he often hands out cash incentives to his sales staff. He said he sometimes will give the big seller a grand or two ON TOP OF his commission. :surprise: That's why those guys don't leave.
He seems like a nice guy, but it's pretty obvious that his dealership is a high pressure (on the sales staff) shop. He will demote someone in a heartbeat. He said this morning that he had to demote a manager because he screwed up. The guy didn't leave, but rather became a top producing salesman (or was it the top producer?). I guess he's trying to earn that manager spot back. Chop is just as willing to promote as demote.
I remember watching Episode 1. I thought, "Man! This guy is a sleeze! He lives up to the typical used car salesman stereotype." After watching a few more episodes, I changed my view. He's actually a fun-loving, kind-hearted and giving guy (with two great sons, a "fat crib", and probably a hot wife). [Hmm... Did my font just turn green all of a sudden?]
I'm not so sure he's a "fun-loving, kind-hearted and giving guy" etc. That is very clearly the impression he wants to give everyone - in fact the show seems focused on making that appearance. I suspect the reality is a little (or maybe very) different. I'd wait for the tell-all book in a few years (e.g. "Working for the Chop: My Life in the Fast Lane of Car Sales"), before getting green with envy...
The extra bonus makes sense - as you mention, he must be making it worth their while to put up with this nonsense.
A new season? Finally!! When did that air? My DVR has been grabbing a slew of episodes lately, but all the old ones, so I keep deleting them. I was hoping they were showing them to get us ready for new ones.
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '98 Alfa 156 2.0TS; '08 Maser QP; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '11 Mini Cooper S
It is an anomaly in that not every dealership has a TV series made about it. I've always thought that a sit-com about a dealership would be a can't miss prospect. Every dealership has characters and weird happenings. i think Towbin Dodge is a little more out there than most stores to begin with, the TV series just amps up the volume.
Guys.....this is television. Those guys probably made more as actors that day than they did in commissions. Think the blue genie has some name recognition?
Comments
Sometimes people come in and look for something specific, but end up buying something totally different.
A few years ago a lady came in looking for an import hatchback for about $10k.
She ended up buying a Ford Escape for about $16k.
And before anyone jumps on this
In the process of showing cars, I pointed out a Escape we had on the lot. All I said was "how about something like this"
Guess what, she looked it over, drove it, and fell in love with it because the car worked for her. It was a cash deal for her and I guess she didn't mind spending more than she wanted to get a vehicle she really loved.
We as salespeople have to keep many possibilities open, and ask many questions. Some buyers might get irked at that ("I told you I don't want anything other than XX), and some will have an open mind.
Besides, how often as salespeople have we heard when following up with unsold costumers that they bought something completely different than what they were looking at originally.
2016 Audi A7 3.0T S Line, 2021 Subaru WRX
On the other hand, last year I was contemplating a new Acura TL, and the salesguy (who I had dealt with before) to his immense credit steered me to the less expensive TSX after asking me some questions. I also just remembered that he had previously suggested I go with the Acura RSX Premium a few years earlier (over the more expensive Type S) as he didn't think it was worth the extra $$ - in that case, I ended up with the Type S (and am very happy), but sure did appreciate the help and honesty. If I buy another Acura, it will be from him.
Mike
I wish I could remember the original statistic, but that is the reason why we ask questions. Boomchek hit the nail on the head when he talked about that. I guess a bunch of people have run into salesmen who don't ask those questions in the right manner.
It's all in the presentation.
-Moo
(Good day, got 3.)
2. A Dodge Nitro is a reskinned Liberty. Yes if you change the frame, style, engine, length and suspension.
Interesting statistic. I went internet on the car I bought today. I knew what I wanted and used auto trader and cars.com to find the specific cars. Made the initial inquiry with the internet person at the dealerships. Drove the different cars and decided on which ones I though best suited my needs (price and condition). Waited a couple of weeks for the weekend ad. Internet sales person called me to let me know about the ad price. Overall a painless experience and seemed to work better than watching the paper. I'm definitely one of those buyers who does his research and knows what he wants before making an internet inquiry.
I thought I was going to get a nice Passat 4Motion as a new demo but the day I picked it up the check engine light came on and it started running rough. :sick: Poor VW.
So while they are finding me something else I am driving a 2003 Liberty and wow it is junk. I had a 1990 Jeep cherokee and it was better in everyway then this POS.
The cherokee drove better overall. Handled better, accelerated better, was quieter, got better gas mileage, and had a much better interior. I mean I know the interior in my cherokee was mostly plastic and rubber but it didn't look like it was plastic and rubber.
I have to shoot a video of the poor quality of this interior.
The only positive thing I can think of was that the visiblity is good, except out of the back because of the spare tire, and the turning radius is good.
I wish it worked that way. Actually, it's high natural gas and oil prices that are helping the bottom line (state revenues) here in OK. That probably isn't making too many other folks on this forum happy, though. Two oil men who graduated from here have just poured $165 million and $20 million respectively--into athletics! That's where the real high-rollers are in "academic" these days. The car salesman should really look for anyone who coaches anything because they are the proverbial golden goose.
The spread between the haves and have-nots is getting more and more evident amongst my students. Some just have EVERYTHING and then some, but the vast majority are working two or three jobs, have mountains of loans or other financial aid and little or no parental assistance--except perhaps to help buy a newer car that the student can't afford to insure, gas or pay off.
Gogiboy
I was supposed to sell a range rover sport to a local high school football coach but his wife didn't like me for some reason so they bought a ML500.
But, graphicguy, you are one of those rapidly decreasing sensible individuals who are becoming just plain, un-American.
We sold our house last year to a gentleman who paid cash for the house (and it wasn't cheap). It was, however, near campus and in very good condition despite being 75 years old. Many, many houses near campus are bought and sold by investors and parents with money, who see a potential revenue stream and aren't worried about recouping their investment. Junior is living there with two friends who pay rent and the father will likely hold onto the house until another child attends or turn around and sell in a few years when this one graduates or he may just continue to rent it.
Just down the street a young woman moved into a rent house. She or her folks are likely spending $400-$700 month for her rent plus utilities. At the time she moved in her parents bought/leased her a brand new Mercedes ML500 SUV. It had the paper tag for a while so I know it was brand new.
I'm assuming that if her folks could swing a Mercedes SUV they probably had enough to put a down payment on a house in the area and let daughter drive a beater for a couple of years.
Having money sure doesn't equal having sense or fiscal responsibility. Then again, maybe she's like my two students and came into an insurance settlement.
Gogiboy
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2025 Camry SE AWD
If they had just moved the tire to the right or left then they could make a aysmetrical rear window and get a little better visibility.
That of course would cost a lot more money so it is not going to happen.
Ok I uploaded a video to youtube as I can't use the video feature of carspace for some reason. It always crashes.
A salesman greets him and the customer asks where the 4 door Civics are.
The salesman pauses for a moment and then points to the vehicle directly in front of the customer. The dishevelled man seems unfazed.
He asks a few questions that seem to have no correlation to anything. He looks at a couple of different vehicles on the floor (Pilot, Accord, Ridgeline) and continues to ask disjointed questions.
Finally, the salesman thanks him for coming by and offers him a business card. The customer refuses it.
The salesman says that he's sorry if he's invading his privacy. The customer splutters a little bit but still doesn't take the card. Then he leaves.
The cold brings out some strange folks. Funny to watch though.
-Moo
Montgomery County: Dayton area guy is automating the sales process for car dealers with "three-dimensional" (wonder if he knows what that means) sales avatar to guide you through the steps. I tried the demo which is keyed to a local Toyota dealership. I see lots of flaws.
The chance to add on fees will be missing if the deal is consummated in advance of picking up the car. The customer needs to be wary because the tax, title, and license seems to hold 200$ in extra fees and the Additional Stick next to the Mulhroney Sticker doesn't seem to be clearly separated. I saw $1900 addons last summer when I visited that dealer along with $900 addons.
This was in our morning business section (don't know why) so i thought I'd pass it along for digestion here.
Eliminate salesmen. Pick the avatar with whom you wish to work from the choices. Have at it.
Note this is really a demo that does go through the steps. I do not allow installations of programs on my computer and just went to the next step instead of allowing the happlayer.exe to be loaded. It seemed to work but I was missing the avatar... :P
2014 Malibu 2LT, 2015 Cruze 2LT,
Shifting gears......I mentioned that I'm a fan of a TV show called "Appraise my Car". There were actually a couple they showed that I'd actually lay down some money for.
One was a pristine, rotisserie restoration on an early '70s Oldsmobile 4-4-2. I don't even know if the TV show did it justice, but it was drop dead perfect with a perfect paint job. They estimated the value at $35K. Owner wanted $33K. '60s and '70s were Oldsmobile's hey day. The 4-4-2 (4 bbl V8, 4-speed tranny, 2 (dual) exhausts) was the hottest one they made. Don't know if it sold at auction, or what it sold for, but I definitely would have bid on it if I could have been there. Reason being.....Olds is no longer being made. Hottest Olds around (at the time). Absolutely stunning restoration....also totally original. Relatively affordable. Would probably appreciate in value. Yep, I'd love to have that one in the garage.
Another one, a '40s chopped and channeled Ford hot rod. Not original, but nicely done. It was appraised at $8K, sold for $5K. Again, another nicely done car that for $5K would have been a lot of fun.
Online browsing might be nice but many people still need to touch and feel the product they're buying. I'll check out the system when I have more time.
2016 Audi A7 3.0T S Line, 2021 Subaru WRX
If the average "Joe" walks into THAT dealership - well-dressed, you may be walked out. I know i have been ...
I know for some high end places you probably need an appointment to look at cars.
2016 Audi A7 3.0T S Line, 2021 Subaru WRX
Boom....it's hard to tell how they transact business there. They usually have 2-3 high end cars, on the street, in front of the dealership that are for sale....even more in the showroom. I've seen salespeople at regular desks and cubicals there...no big fancy "closing room" that I'm aware of.
Outside of it being a very nice showroom, in the middle of downtown Chicago, it could be they handle business just like any other regular dealership. I would imagine someone who's going to drop $100,000-$250,000 for a car would probably make an appointment and expect a little better treatment than "Joe Blow...the Camry buyer".
That said, they're much more accessible than the Ferrari dealership at the Venetian in Vegas (where they charge you admission just to walk into the showroom).
Reminds me that several years ago I bought a car at a dealership that had once been a bank.
The final paperwork was prepared & signed in the old walk-in vault.
Interesting experience.
A bit claustrophobic.
- Ray
Glad to have walked back out...
The super upscale dealership in Chicago's River North tends to dislike "lookey loos" and generally meets you at the door immediately. Personally, I don't care that much as I am not in the market for a $100k sled.
We were on our way to a movie, and running about 45 minutes early, so we drove by the Porsche dealership (Porsche only, no Audi). Saw two Caymans sitting out front, so we pulled in to look, even though it was raining lightly..
Salesperson came out... told them to stay inside, we were just window shopping.. She insisted we come in, as she had a Cayman in the showroom that we could look at, and stay dry..
I'm wearing jeans/sweatshirt.. my son looked like your typical 13 yr old punk.. and, I'm driving an old Honda that hasn't a bath in 3 months..
She proceeded to give us a full demo of the Cayman, opened up a used 911 Turbo, so that my son could sit in the driver's seat, etc, etc... It was obvious I wasn't in the market (especially since I said so), but she was still gracious..
Believe me... if I can scrape up $50K, she will be the first person that I call..
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2016 Audi A7 3.0T S Line, 2021 Subaru WRX
Start saving now and in three years you'll have enough to buy your son a birthday present he'll never forget.
C'mon I know you can do it.
jmonroe
'15 Genesis V8 with Ultimate Package and '18 Legacy Limited 6 cyl
I also had a completely opposite reaction from someone at another dealership. My Mom was looking at a base Cayenne a few years ago (Thank G-D she went for the BMW 530i). My parents are less than thrilled with VW/Audi products and my Mom asked the salesman about the Cayenne's VW content. I knew the chassis and body were co-developed and the V6 was pretty much supplied by VW. The guy gave us this look like we just slayed his first born and then launched into a tyraid. "Listen, Volkswagen had absolutely NOTHING to do with this SUV! Porsche developed the vehicle on its own and builds them for Volkswagen!" At that point we thanked the gentelman for his time as we literally backed out of the door!
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2025 Camry SE AWD
2011 Hyundai Sonata, 2014 BMW 428i convertible, 2015 Honda CTX700D
2018 430i Gran Coupe
2011 Hyundai Sonata, 2014 BMW 428i convertible, 2015 Honda CTX700D
I wonder how they'd react if I asked them to test drive a 911 Turbo?
They've treated me the same way. I can tell you during my off hours, I'm dressed in the most casual stuff I can find in my closet.
They always were very welcoming (Josephs).
I'm kind of surprised they've kept that Porsche dealership there, since they moved to Audi portion of it to a new, upscale location. The location the Porsche store is in, has been there for a long while....surounded by very middle class neighborhoods. They've never updated the physical property, either. Still, it's clean and inviting, as are their people.
It was definitely slow.... late on a Monday afternoon, and rainy..
I am surprised that they've never updated that place.. but, with Audi gone, they now have plenty of room.. Porsche guys really don't need Starbucks lattes while they wait.
I've been received fairly well over at the dealer on Beechmont.. they seem more intent on divining your true intentions, though..
And the birthday present? HA!.. Have you been talking to my son?
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This place sounds like a nightmare - the owner took his two best sales teams, pit them head to head on a daily sales contest (no big deal in itself), but.... then incentivized (sp?) them by subjecting the losing team leader with abject humiliation (having to oil wrestle an obese person on TV). He also humiliated one of his "green peas", by choosing them as the obese person to wrestle. There didn't seem to be any positive incentive - just humiliation for the losers. This also wasn't the first time he'd done it either.
What kind of place incentivizes employees (let alone sales!) by threatening humiliation - and not just token humiliation?? In the (non-car) places I've worked, sales is incentized by (sometimes huge) carrots - bonuses, perks, etc. Here, the sales guys were terrified of losing, for all the wrong reasons. How can you keep good people that way? If they're truly good, surely they will just pack it up and go somewhere else eventually?? Why also do it to your apparently best teams??
I was also amazed at the hours - they started in the morning, and the store closed at 11:30pm. They then went on to tape the wrestling after midnight, and all the staff were expected to stay around. That makes for a very long day.
Tell me this place is an anomaly! Yikes! :surprise:
Mike
by portraying obesity as a joke, is stepping across the line.
I'm wondering if isell or moo have ever subjected themselves to a contest in which the loser had to oil wrestle midgets or put on a tutu?
But, this is television. The more foolish you can make people look the better the ratings.
... from Glengarry Glen Ross:
Blake: We're adding a little something to this month's sales contest. As you all know, first prize is a Cadillac Eldorado. Anybody want to see second prize?
[Holds up prize]
Second prize is a set of steak knives. Third prize is you're fired.
He seems like a nice guy, but it's pretty obvious that his dealership is a high pressure (on the sales staff) shop. He will demote someone in a heartbeat. He said this morning that he had to demote a manager because he screwed up. The guy didn't leave, but rather became a top producing salesman (or was it the top producer?). I guess he's trying to earn that manager spot back. Chop is just as willing to promote as demote.
I remember watching Episode 1. I thought, "Man! This guy is a sleeze! He lives up to the typical used car salesman stereotype." After watching a few more episodes, I changed my view. He's actually a fun-loving, kind-hearted and giving guy (with two great sons, a "fat crib", and probably a hot wife). [Hmm... Did my font just turn green all of a sudden?]
The extra bonus makes sense - as you mention, he must be making it worth their while to put up with this nonsense.
When did that air?
My DVR has been grabbing a slew of episodes lately, but all the old ones, so I keep deleting them. I was hoping they were showing them to get us ready for new ones.
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '98 Alfa 156 2.0TS; '08 Maser QP; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '11 Mini Cooper S
I've always thought that a sit-com about a dealership would be a can't miss prospect.
Every dealership has characters and weird happenings.
i think Towbin Dodge is a little more out there than most stores to begin with, the TV series just amps up the volume.
;b
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '98 Alfa 156 2.0TS; '08 Maser QP; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '11 Mini Cooper S