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Stories from the Sales Frontlines

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  • 28firefighter28firefighter Member Posts: 9,825
    I'm not loyal to anyone. Currently have Travelers because they were the most competitive - ended up with renter's insurance, a personal umbrella, and auto insurance, all through them.

    We pay $1286/year for two drivers, two cars, 500/500/500 coverage on both. We went through an agent at AAA - the difference between going through her and going directly to Travelers (or any other agent) was huge. We were seeing quotes of $1700-$2000/year for less coverage.
    2025 Jetta GLI Autobahn, 2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xE
  • driver100driver100 Member Posts: 32,591
    My family lineage mostly traces to Russians and hillbillies.

    Just curious, but is there a difference between a hillbilly and a redneck?

    My grandfather escaped from Russia during the Russian-Japanese War of 1904.
    He figured it was better to try and escape than to be put in the front line with a shovel or a pitch fork.

    He went through Germany and kept going until he got to Canada.

    Thank goodness, or I'd be doing that Russian dancing, with my legs kicking out, and drinking lots of vodka, and driving a Lada.

    I prefer the 535!

    It's funny how one incident in life can have a huge affect.

    2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250

  • driver100driver100 Member Posts: 32,591
    Currently have Travelers because they were the most competitive

    Everyone has mentioned large insurance companies. Does anyone use an agent in the USA. Agents are supposed to shop around and find the best deal for you, and act on your behalf in case of a problem.

    We get an unusually good rate with a group in Canada, and Allstate was the only company in the US that understands how to sign up a Canadian, so we have to use large companies.

    The question is, couldn't an agent do the work of finding better prices?

    2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250

  • 28firefighter28firefighter Member Posts: 9,825
    I used an agent - AAA was the agent, actually. She shopped us to Travelers, Westfield, Geico, AllState, Safeco, PEMCO and a couple others.
    2025 Jetta GLI Autobahn, 2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xE
  • oldfarmer50oldfarmer50 Member Posts: 24,198
    Heck yeah!

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

  • oldfarmer50oldfarmer50 Member Posts: 24,198
    "...difference between hillbilly and redneck..."

    The terrain.

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

  • robr2robr2 Member Posts: 8,805
    Just curious, but is there a difference between a hillbilly and a redneck?

    Rednecks live in trailers and eat fast food. Hillbillies live in cabins in the woods and eat what they kill and trap.
  • driver100driver100 Member Posts: 32,591
    Rednecks live in trailers and eat fast food. Hillbillies live in cabins in the woods and eat what they kill and trap (OR RUN OVER I PRESUME)

    Thanks, that explains it very well....don't want to make a faux pas (Kirstie will be proud) and get them mixed up.

    2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250

  • Kirstie_HKirstie_H Administrator Posts: 11,242
    Couldn't have said it better.

    Also, a redneck may have a truck that's worth more than his house. A hillbilly's possessions will all be of equal value - a number alarmingly close to $0.

    MODERATOR /ADMINISTRATOR
    Find me at kirstie_h@edmunds.com - or send a private message by clicking on my name.
    2015 Kia Soul, 2021 Subaru Forester (kirstie_h), 2024 GMC Sierra 1500 (mr. kirstie_h)
    Review your vehicle

  • snakeweaselsnakeweasel Member Posts: 19,592
    OR RUN OVER I PRESUME

    I was in Nashville many years ago and saw someone pull off to the side of the road grab some road kill and throw in in his trunk.

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

  • driver100driver100 Member Posts: 32,591
    edited October 2013
    There are quite a few Roadkill restaurants. Her's a sample menu:

    Slab of Lab 2.95 Rack of Raccoon 3.95
    Taste of The Wild Side Pit Bull Pot Pie 1.95 Smear of Deer 4.95
    "Still in The Hide" Cocker Cutlets 3.95 Awesome Possum 1.95
    Shar-Pei Fillet 5.95 Cheap Sheep $ .43
    Chunk of Skunk 1.95 Snippet of Whippet 4.50
    Smidgen Pigeon 1.95
    Road Toad 1.65 Collie Hit By A Trolley 3.95
    Snake 'N' Bake Snake $2.25
    German Shepherd Pie 3.95
    Swirl Squirrel 1.55
    Rigor Mortis Round of Hound 4.25

    Guess That Mess! A Daily Special Treat
    ...If you can guess what it is You Eat It For Free,
    FREE!

    2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250

  • verdugoverdugo Member Posts: 2,288
    "It is a "movie", not a documentary. "

    Except that they wanted to portray it as being factual, when it wasn't. Once people started questioning them, they changed their tune and said "inspired" on historical events.

    if they had said that from the beginning, I would've had no problem.
  • driver100driver100 Member Posts: 32,591
    they changed their tune and said "inspired" on historical events.
    if they had said that from the beginning, I would've had no problem

    You couldn't possibly believe that any mass market movie is factually accurate. I doubt if one has been made and if it were no one would go to see it.....it would be TOO BORING!

    In the book industry we called this type of thing "Faction". It is fiction based on real facts. All the true story movies out now, such as "The 5th Estate" and "Capt. Phillips" may be based on true stories, but are not historically accurate.

    2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250

  • houdini1houdini1 Member Posts: 8,351
    I suspect that most of our ancestors are similar to yours. Mine are English and German of all things. Plus I grew up so far back in the woods and swamps of eastern Arkansas our high school sports teams were called the "fighting Weasels".

    2013 LX 570 2016 LS 460

  • driver100driver100 Member Posts: 32,591
    our high school sports teams were called the "fighting Weasels".

    You probably didn't win any games with a name like that! I have never heard of a professional sports team using that name (with good reason).

    2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250

  • jayriderjayrider Member Posts: 3,602
    "The fighting weasels?" --- sounds like a name my Uncle used to describe his sales staff at the Volvo/Jag/MG dealership he owned back in the 70's.
  • snakeweaselsnakeweasel Member Posts: 19,592
    Well it's better than the name of the Fisher high school team In Illinois which is named the Bunnies

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

  • houdini1houdini1 Member Posts: 8,351
    You have obviously never had to face an enraged weasel !!

    Actually we were the fighting tigers, but weasels sounded so funny I had to use it.

    2013 LX 570 2016 LS 460

  • fezofezo Member Posts: 10,386
    It's better to have 7 $100 cars than one $700 car. You do want to make sure they're the same make and model....
    2015 Mazda 6 Grand Touring, 2014 Mazda 3 Sport Hatchback, 1999 Mazda Miata 2004 Toyota Camry LE, 1999.
  • oldfarmer50oldfarmer50 Member Posts: 24,198
    edited October 2013
    "...grab some road kill..."

    If you wreck your car on a deer around here they have a list of people who they call to harvest it. They are trying to change it so if you kill it, you can eat it.

    Once I found a car hit deer in my driveway with a broken back. I call animal control to put it down and he refused saying he was worried about getting sued if the bullet bounced and hit a house. A passing cop put it down with his service automatic after making a WTF? face at the AC guy. An hour later two guy showed up and took it for the meat.

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

  • oldfarmer50oldfarmer50 Member Posts: 24,198
    This site is still twitchy. Edmunds must have hired the web master who did the Obamacare web site.

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

  • oldfarmer50oldfarmer50 Member Posts: 24,198
    "...once people started questioning them..."

    Next you'll be saying that everything you read on the Internet isn't true.

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

  • stickguystickguy Member Posts: 53,347
    tom, saw your thing on taxes and insurance.

    I just switched car insurance. Had been with Allstate for a while (since my @22 YO got a permit) but they kept going up. So in September, I called AAA (they kept sending solicitations.). Ended up switching for same coverage.

    dropped from ~$3400/yr (6 mo policies, so subject to change). AAA was ~ $2,050, for a 12 month policy. Pretty high limits (100/300/100?). We are in the same (overpriced, thanks to the "name" city). But I have 3 cars (2 full coverage), a 22 YO son and 17 YO daughter all on the policy.

    So you really should be paying less for the 4 cars I would think on 2 drivers (though insurance is funny that way, thinking you can drive 2 at same time!).

    You want a teenage son? That can make your rates jump!

    Now, property taxes? I know you don't want mine!

    2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.

  • driver100driver100 Member Posts: 32,591
    "...once people started questioning them..."
    Next you'll be saying that everything you read on the Internet isn't true.

    lol......someday someone will have to explain Santa Claus and the Easter Bunny to him.

    2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250

  • bwiabwia Member Posts: 2,913
    edited October 2013
    For quite a while now BMW and some other high-end auto makers have been offering at least two years of free maintenance after the sale. Considering the high cost of service for these premium brands, the value of this free maintenance can be substantial and would appear to be a good deal.

    On the other hand free maintenance service on a Chevy is not worth very much over a two-year period. So why would a consumer choose that incentive over zero percent financing or a rebate? Lately, domestic auto makers have been pushing free maintenance to boost sales but isn't that to the detriment of the dealerships? How can a dealer make money selling at or near invoice with free maintenance? The economics of that strategy seems suicidal. Am I missing something?
  • jayriderjayrider Member Posts: 3,602
    First, the dealers don't pay for the "free" maintenance -- the mfr pays them to do it. Second, selling at "invoice" still generates profits through holdbacks,spiffs, and monthly sales performance bonuses. There is hidden money everywhere.
  • tjc78tjc78 Member Posts: 16,951
    I've tried AAA in the past and they weren't any cheaper than Geico. In the next few weeks I'm going to shop again and see where I can get. I'm also going to most likely thin the heard and sell my S10. It literally never moves and needs a lot of front end work, so that should save a few bucks too.

    Funny you mention a teenage son........... I'll be there in about 13 years or so as we are expecting a baby boy!! Between that and being shifted to a different division at work is why I've been scarce in the forums lately.

    I also may have a sales story around January or so, if I can get out of the LaCrosses lease early (with no financial hit) I want to get an SUV. Wife wants an Enclave but unless the lease deals are great that's not going to happen. One thing is sure that market is flooded with choices in the upper 30s low 40s.

    No I certainly don't want your taxes as I'm sure it's five figures. I cry enough with $6000.

    2025 Ram 1500 Laramie 4x4 / 2023 Mercedes EQE 350 4Matic

  • bwiabwia Member Posts: 2,913
    we are expecting a baby boy!!

    Congratulations! and welcome to ranks of fatherhood and saving for college.
  • verdugoverdugo Member Posts: 2,288
    Congratulations. 2013 sure brought a lot of change for you guys, huh?

    Best of luck with the baby and the new job.
  • graphicguygraphicguy Member Posts: 14,120
    bwia...BIG CONGRATZ!!!!
    2024 Kia EV6 GT-Line AWD Long Range
  • tjc78tjc78 Member Posts: 16,951
    "Replying to: tjc78 (Oct 19, 2013 11:55 am)

    Congratulations. 2013 sure brought a lot of change for you guys, huh? "

    Yep! Married last October and now a baby on the way. We are thrilled!

    Thanks, everyone.

    2025 Ram 1500 Laramie 4x4 / 2023 Mercedes EQE 350 4Matic

  • roadburnerroadburner Member Posts: 18,326
    Congrats!!!

    Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
    Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
    Son's: 2018 330i xDrive

  • driver100driver100 Member Posts: 32,591
    Yep! Married last October and now a baby on the way. We are thrilled

    And new job and possibly new car..............quite a year, all the best!

    2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250

  • driver100driver100 Member Posts: 32,591
    Best of luck

    Vedugo buddie, I went to see the movie "Capt. Phillips". They may have taken some liberties but that was one incredible movie. The movie was about 1000X better than Gravity. Even though Gravity had great special affects, CP had these amazing camera shots, and action scenes.

    The acting stretched Tom Hanks beyond what you could imagine an actor could do with a part. And Muse, the Samolian pirate who was an amateur chosen for the part because he was living in the U.S. did a superb acting job.

    WARNING: Lots of tension, this movie is very draining because of the constant emotional strain.

    I imagine there was some poetic license used, but the movie seemed to keep to the facts, and that made it all the more exciting.

    2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250

  • stickguystickguy Member Posts: 53,347
    congratulations. There goes the car budget!

    Just kidding there. sort of... But I sense the SUV your wife wanted coming next.

    2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.

  • tjc78tjc78 Member Posts: 16,951
    Thanks! The job thing is kind of weird. We bought our largest customer and I now work out of that building. Essentially the same work, just learning a new system. The ride in is much better as it's completely against traffic flow.

    2025 Ram 1500 Laramie 4x4 / 2023 Mercedes EQE 350 4Matic

  • tjc78tjc78 Member Posts: 16,951
    Thanks! Well, my car budget is gone! That Grand Marquis better last me as I only want one car payment! An SUV will make things easier, but the LaCrosse is plenty big.

    2025 Ram 1500 Laramie 4x4 / 2023 Mercedes EQE 350 4Matic

  • nyccarguynyccarguy Member Posts: 17,496
    MAZEL-TOV & CONGRATULATIONS! That's such awesome news!

    2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2025 Camry SE AWD

  • 28firefighter28firefighter Member Posts: 9,825
    Mazal Tov on your wonderful news!

    Best wishes,
    28FF
    2025 Jetta GLI Autobahn, 2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xE
  • bwiabwia Member Posts: 2,913
    edited October 2013
    bwia...BIG CONGRATZ!!!!

    Thanks, but it's TJC who deserves the accolades. I am a little too old for the baby making biz.
  • oldfarmer50oldfarmer50 Member Posts: 24,198
    New job, new car, new kid....the hat trick!

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

  • graphicguygraphicguy Member Posts: 14,120
    Ooooopps...sorry bwia (BTW, are you really TOO OLD for children, ever?). I read the wright post and my mind typed the wrong post.

    TJC....let me try this again. BIG CONGRATZ!
    2024 Kia EV6 GT-Line AWD Long Range
  • bwiabwia Member Posts: 2,913
    BTW, are you really TOO OLD for children, ever?

    Perhaps not, but at 61 I would have to have a trophy wife or do it European style with a young mistress or concubine. By the way, is concubine the same as mistress?
  • stickguystickguy Member Posts: 53,347
    Farmer, he is missing the last component. A new house!

    I think he should buy mine. He can have it next June, right after HS graduation. We are in one of the best school districts around here. Sounds like a win-win!

    2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.

  • murphydogmurphydog Member Posts: 735
    Went to the show Friday night. Pretty low energy. Lots of buzz around the CLA, Tesla and new Vette. Other than that seemed pretty dead.

    Wanted to see the new S3/A3 from Audi, and new Genisis, but neither was there
  • isellhondasisellhondas Member Posts: 20,342
    Actually, it's the buyers who pay for this "free" maintenance.

    There is never a free lunch. It is simply rolled into the price of the cars.

    Sounds good though!

    " hidden money everywhere"

    Really? I was never able to find it!
  • isellhondasisellhondas Member Posts: 20,342
    edited October 2013
    I'm waiting for my son to call me to see if we're going to the Seattle show this year. It's only 20 minutes from home.

    We usually go every year but it's kind of ho hum by now.

    I DO NOT miss working the show as I used to do. I was good for the first hour but after that it got old.

    " Why doesn't Honda....."

    " You would THINK Honda would...."

    " Oh, it's got a DONUT for a spare..."

    People really abuse the cars. they slam doors, let their kids jump on the seats, steal whatever they can unscrew.

    One year someone stole the DIPSTICK out of an Odyssey! They must have jammed it up their pants leg!
  • jayriderjayrider Member Posts: 3,602
    edited October 2013
    You never found that hidden dough because it went to the owners. With all the talk about selling at invoice over the last few years, surely you don't think the mfrs haven't taken that into account when pricing their cars. Folks are shopping invoice so why not take advantage of that. I don't blame dealers or mfrs -- they have to make a profit and if the buyer feels they skinned the dealers, so be it.
  • isellhondasisellhondas Member Posts: 20,342
    No, there is no "hidden cash".

    Once in awhile there is some incentive money but the wonderful internet would be quick to ferret out any so called hidden cash.

    Dealers are doing other things now to survive as greedy shoppers try to squeeze every last nickel out of every deal.

    People complain about doc. fees and other charges.

    If shoppers were willing to allow a store to make a decent profit, these charges wouldn't be there.
  • verdugoverdugo Member Posts: 2,288
    > I went to see the movie "Capt. Phillips".

    Glad to hear it was good. I saw a History Channel, National Geographic, or Military Channel program about it, so I think I'll wait to see the movie until it's on TV. I already know how it ends. :-)
This discussion has been closed.