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You got the "credit" for that sale but someone else got the commission.
It works the other way too. I have had people come through my internet looking for a price. I know they have spent HOURS at a different store driving cars and gathering information. When it's time to buy, they don't care about any of that, it's all PRICE! I really don't feel good about those sales and these usually aren't fun customers to deal with either.
"What's his name?" he asks. "I really don't know him that well, Mike or Richard, something like that." I reply.
He then goes into salesman mode and starts doing the interrogation. "Are you going to be trading anything in?" he continues. "Yeah, I got a 93 Camry I'm thinking of trading. How much would you give me for it?" (I'm sounding just like a customer!
"It's probably worth about $500.00 dollars." "500 DOLLARS?" I respond acting insulted.
So it's Thursday afternoon and I'm scheduled at 2:00pm. I go in at noon since I have a customer coming in to do a touch up on her vehicle. Around 1:50 I'm at the computer writing on this forum when my phone rings... "HELLOMOTO" :shades: I have Frank's number on my caller ID along with his picture so I know it's him and stay in my Johnny Russo character. "Hello?",,.."Johnny, this Frank Reynolds. I'm on my way to the dealership. I'm about 5 to 10 minutes away." he says. "I'm right here at the dealership waiting for you." I respond. "You are? Do me a favor. Go to the receptionist station and stand right there until I walk in the door. You can't miss me. I'm about 6'2" 220 lbs and have gray hair." he says. "Ok, I'll be right here." and I go back to my story.
About 10 minutes later Frank walks in the door and looks to the receptionist station and there is no one there but the receptionst. He starts to canvass the showroom and looks confused. :confuse: He walks past me as I'm sitting down behind the terminal and I see him stop and get his phone out. I figure he's going to call Johnny. I get up and start walking towards him as he puts the phone to his ear. I'm about two steps behind him as my phone goes off and I open it up. He looks right at me and says. "Mr. Russo." and I look at him and say on the phone: "Frank." and I start laughing my butt off! :mad: He looks at me and says "You SOB! You made me come in on my day off!" .. I look at him and say.. "Oh dang Frank! I'm sorry. I thought you were off on Tuesdays."..
He did stay and sold a used Chevy S-10. Delivered it today and when he was backing it up to the delivery pad almost ran into the showroom window!
Mackabee
To be continued
Just kidding
Last night a customer came in late, it was my early night so I was not here. My partner submitted the deal to several banks.
Today was his day off so I got a hold of the deal and made a few calls and could not get it done. 527 beacon with a mom co-signing who had a 607. They were $8K out of equity.
So we call them and tell them that at this time we can not find a bank willing to accept the loan as submitted, the only thing that may change it is a sizeable down payment, blah, blah, blah.
The lady tells me that one of our competitors said to come on in that they could get them done. I said thats great I hope you enjoy your new car. Case closed, so I thought.
An hour later she calls me again and ask what banks did I try, I tell her and then ask what do you care, you are approved at ABC Ford.
She says "Well I think that it is funny that they have us approved and you don't, I think you are a Racist." I said what did you say? She repeated it "You are a Racist"
I said, Ma'am I am not even going to recognize that comment with a response, and I hung up on her.
Told the receptionist that I was not accepting calls from the women and if she wants to complain call the GM. I then told him the story.
A little while later the receptionist brings me a message from the lady that says
I think it is strange that you will sell cars to a bunch of mexicans but not a black lady, you are a racist and I am going to do something about it.
Ok, this is so stupid it is funny, I wouldn't know this lady from adam if she walked in the door right now, and I could care les if you are black, blue, green, or yellow. We are here to sell cars.
It is the first time i have ever had the race card pulled on me
2011 Hyundai Sonata, 2014 BMW 428i convertible, 2015 Honda CTX700D
I had a woman with horrendous credit that kept coming by look at different vehicles. I tried twice to get her worked out. Blew her out. She keeps coming back. The third time I saw her, I was dumbfounded. Each time she came by, she would act like she didn't know who I was.
I greeted her and she told me that she wanted to look at another different vehicle. I said, "Ma'am, what are you doing? We've been over this numerous times. You can't buy a car from us. Maybe somewhere else. But not here."
I got a very disgusted look and heard her muttering comments about racism as she left. I just shook my head. Crazy bogues.
-Moo
I would feel GREAT about that!!!! and so should you.
You have it all wrong. You are assuming there is no VALUE and COST associated with actually USING the car!
When you do the math its a pretty good deal.
What kind of ANY car new or used can you drive for FIVE years for $166.00 a month????
IF I could drive a %25,000 car for $166 a month I certainly would.
If I bought a Used car for $10,000 and drove it for five years it still would cost me over $166 a month when you consider any repairs that may be made.
People have to understand and come up with a cost of driving per month. NOT payments but actual costs which will be higher then the payments if you put money down.
Even those who pay cash for $5000 cars have a cost per month.
Mackabee
While I totally agree with you, do you think it's possible that they may have gotten the impression when they talked price with you the first time that you were not in the same ballpark and the gap could not be closed or that they didn't want to further insult you with another offer that they deemed you would not meet?
I have to admit though your posts are the ones most likely to make me laugh out loud in my cube. I get stared at for that you know!
1) From an engineer (I googled the people who responded):
"Is it still available? Would like to see the car. Please contact me or provide contact phone numbers." I responded same day, "Hi, Name--yes, the car is still available. I can be reached tomorrow during the day at 111-555-1212. I look forward to hearing from you--thanks for your interest." Never heard from him again.
2) From a lawyer:
"Still for sale?" Immediate response: "Hi, Name--yes, the car's still for sale. Would you like to arrange a time to see it?" Never heard from her again.
3) From a real estate agent (note: subject line of "Your Car!"):
"A little more than I wanted to spend, but looks like a really nice car. Still available for a look see and test drive?
John Doe
222-555-1212" Immediate response: "Hi, Name. Yes, it's still available--when would you like to see it? Thanks!"
At this point, I thought maybe there was something weird going on with my email, so I called him at the number he provided. I left him a message, gave him my number, noted that the suburb where he works is very near where I work so it would be easy to show him the car, left my number again. No call. At EOD, I sent one more message: "Name, I'm getting ready to take off for the day, so I wanted to give you some better numbers to reach me at outside of work:
222-555-1212 home
111-555-1212 cell
Thanks--I look forward to talking with you!" Never heard from him.
So, how the heck do you handle this stuff? These are professional people who should have a legitimate interest in the car. I've responded quickly, in a professional and friendly manner, and absolutely no one has replied yet. If I'm missing something, please let me know. If it's just that people are far more inconsiderate that I could have imagined, please let me know that, as well! :mad:
Edmunds claims to get REAL sales reports. Now whats not accurate about that in certain zip codes?
"We really can't sell your car" because of this and that same was SOLD NEW because of the SAME things,,,Car sales people speak from teo mouths. One when selling, another when buying,
There is always a reason one's trade is not worth anything and the new car is worth MSRP. There ARE dealerships that pay low book for cars. Mostly used car dealerships, Even Carmax will offer "good" low book on a clean "good" condition used car. I have used their written offers to get trade prices from New car places.
The sad fact is that many people who have experienced racial discrimination become racists themselves.
Did the KKK give her the bad FICO score?
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
Anyway you cut it, with some exceptions, new cars are more expensive vs late model counterparts. They are more fun, less headache, safer, etc. You could certainly price those intangibles - which a lot of people do (including yours trully), hence new car sales are still pretty high when conside to real wealth of people.
Using purely monetary criteria, late model used car, especially domestic or Korean, would be a way to go if one wants to spend less (used Malibu or Impala cost 5-8 grand less than used Camry; you could put new engine and tranny for that money and still be ahead). Not that I would do it - just making a point that buying new is not the least expensive way to obtain transportation.
2018 430i Gran Coupe
"Hi, this is Rworrell. Just wanted to check in with you and see how the car shopping is going. Are you still interested in my awesome new BMW? Please give me a courtesy call and let me know."
Don't stop. Call every day on the hour and you'll get a buyer or someone telling you they are out of the market. Persistence. It's not personal, it's just business.
Keep us posted!
-Moo
My work here is complete.
I'm just trying to convey the hilarity that goes on here. Always a good story.
-Moo
If they don't respond back to me after that many attempts then I am not going to chase them down. I would hope someone would have more respect for my time then that.
For example...
A few weeks ago I had this guy come in and I thought he looked familiar. We start talking and it turns out he is on the board of a VERY large corporation and that is why I know him. I have sold cars to people on that board including the CEO Of the company.
He is looking to buy a Sport and his people have told him he qualifies for a special program Land Rover has going for board members of major corporations and other influential people. It allows them to buy the car at a substantial discount down close to Ford A Plan.
He is trying to get this done and can't seem to get any head way on it through the channels that is his people are telling him to use. I tell him no problem I will get it worked out and call him Monday. I find all the numbers I need make some phone calls Monday morning and a couple hours later I am on the phone with the head guy at Land Rover who runs this program along with several others. Directory of specialty marketing or some such title. I give him all the info and he tells me that yup no problem he will take care of it. This is a new program and they have been having trouble getting it off the ground because of communication issues.
"Give your customer my number and have him or his people call me directly I will get it handled."
First thing that morning I had called my customer to let him know I was just waiting for the west coast Land Rover offices to open and then we should be all set. I left him a message.
That afternoon I call him and leave another message asking him to call me back I have everything set.
He never calls me back so that evening I call him one more time and leave another message with all of the information he needs. The guy at Land Rover's name, phone number, title etc.
Tuesday:
Still no call from him so that afternoon I call him again and leave him another message.
He never calls me back.
The next day is my day off so I think maybe he will call me while I am out. These kind of people are very busy and sometimes have time management issues because of all the demands on their time.
Thursday:
No calls from him.
I call him one more time that morning and leave a message telling him that if he is still interested in a car to please call me back but I won't leave him any other messages.
Of course he never calls back.
:confuse:
This guy is worth several million dollars but can't give someone the common courtesy of returning a phone call. He doesn't even need to do it himself he has people that can return his phone calls. Just call up one of his assistants and tell them to give me a call.
As the Internet Manager of the largest car delaership in our state, I have to ferret through dozens of these on a daily basis.
You have to know that upscale cars like BMW's attract strokes like a magnet. It's like these people have nothing else to do.
For the Real Estate Agent, you should have aked him/her. " Why would you want to see and drive a car that isn't in your price range?"
Another problem with cars like BMW's, if and when you do find a serious shopper, they will insist on taking it for an inspection. Without fail, some botique BMW shop will compile a long list of "needed" repairs. " Klaus" or "Bruno" will suggest a lot of work be done.
Hang in there!
Is the car still for sale?
:P
Welcome to the car biz
We do provide guidance to dealership personnel who have questions about our new Dealer Ratings & Reviews system.
Over on the Accidents and Insurance board they were advocating gun violence for someone who did that. Moo, do you wear Kevlar?
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
I'm not wearing Kevlar.
-Moo
I'm looking at a road test of a 1982 Mustang GT, taken from the September 1981 issue of Motor Trend. Another reason I remember the GT is that I graduated from the University of KY in 1982. One of my dad's friends was the Fleet Sales Manager at a local Ford dealer, and I asked him about the GT. He said he could probably get one for me, but that they were selling almost as soon as they hit the lot. The GTs were hot from the get go.
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
Son's: 2018 330i xDrive
Our local Ford dealer does not have a dropoff box for the service department. When we went back the next day to drop off the truck :mad: we noticed it looked like a doctors office (you know, all the color coded manila folders) behind the service writers.....they have just gotten computers and still have not converted the customer files :surprise:
Better money, less hours. I'm just going to miss my compadres here. Actually, just my SM and finance manager.
Slightly nervous, but maybe I can get a signing bonus to cover my lack of product knowledge in the first month.
-Moo
I know I wouldn't.
Isell, your customers are the ones I could not deal with. Internet leads drive me crazy. I absolutely have to talk with someone.
Also, thanks for the wellwishes.
-Moo
Touch base with jescue, that is one of the flavors he sells at his dealership. He could probably give ya some good info on it.
What is your 330i a ZHP with a 6-speed? What color is it? How many miles?
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2025 Camry SE AWD
Today sure helped too. I think there maybe a full moon or something. I'm going to make it real brief.
A previous customer comes in and doesn't ask for me. Buys through the internet. /shrug
A customer bought a Frontier at another dealership and tells me this. I say congrats. He asks me how to work a part of the truck. I tell him he should probably talk to his salesman.
My appointment lied about the value of his trade. I can't put his deal together.
It's 110 degrees on our new blacktop.
I actually have people kicking tires today.
A customer poops their pants and leaves their dirty drawers in our trash can.
I'm not sure if I can top that last one. This was not a great day today. LOL!!!
-moo
When I sold my old Toyota pick-up for $200 all the loons flew in. This truck was absolute junk but it was worth at least $200. I had people doing whole routines about the damn thing.
Tire kicker: "Gee, it doesn't have AC."
Me: "See that hole rusted through the door? That's you AC"
Gear head: "How fast will she do 0-60?"
Me: "Don't know since it probably won't do 60."
Grinder: "I don't think I can afford $200, will you take less?
Me: "Why don't you wait until grandma kicks off and then come back with your inheritance?"
No wonder salespeople have such a poor opinion of customers. :mad:
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
Getting paid to learn about Porsche! How much better does it get?
Congrats and good luck.
Mack
A couple with a 4 year old kid dropped in this evening to look at it. It was about an hour before closing time so a lot of the sales staff had "sneaked" out and left.
I had just finished a deal on a locate unit when I see the woman walking the lot and nobody going after her. I walk out and see the "huddle" of salespersons waiting for the clock to strike seven so they can go home. "Anyone talk to that lady?" I ask to no one in particular. I don't get a response so I start walking towards her. I notice her husband in the car as the little girl is asleep in the car seat. I also notice the car is a Bimmer 528i with personalized plates. It has his name and her name on it.
I catch up to the girl and ask if I can be of assistance. "Where's the 99 BMW you have on your website?" she asks. "Did you happen to write down the stock number?" I answer with a question. "No, my husband is actually the one that saw it so he wanted to take a look. He said it's listed for $12,000" she says. "That must be him in the blue BMW up front, you must be Joy." I comment. "Yes, you saw the license plates"
"I don't see the car on the front line so if we do have it it's probably in the back with the other trades." I look at my used car sheet and find the car. "Here it is. It should be in the back lot. How much did you say it was?" I ask her. "12.9, can we drive back there?" she asks. "Sure. Just follow me as there's a lot of cars new and used back there and it's hard to navigate the lot if you're not familiar with it."
They follow me in their car and the 99 Bimmer is right at the entrance of the overflow lot. It's a nice trade, leather, moonroof, alloys, the usual Bimmer stuff. It has not been shopped so I tell them that it's a little dirty but it will be detailed if they decide to purchase. She asks me if she can drive it around the lot and I tell her no problem. She does a quick drive and comes back and starts picking the car apart. "It's roomy inside but I didn't like the way it drove. It feels a little rough."
After a few more minutes of small talk she asks if we would take their car on trade. "Sure. We take trade ins all the time." I tell her. I begin to wonder why they want to trade their car. At first I thought that it would be a second car so the husband would drive it. Their Bimmer is a 97 with 126xxx miles on her. The car looks well kept for its age although there is a minor scrape on the driver's side fender and the bumper does not meet up to the fender. I walk over and run my hand over it and say nothing. "I don't know how that happened." she says. I had asked her earlier if the car had been in an accident to which she replied "NO". :confuse:
I tell them to drive back to the showroom so that I can get their car appraised and they can test drive ours on the street and expressway.
Back inside the showroom I do an appraisal sheet while they are putting the car seat on the 99 BMW. Joy comes in and I ask her for the keys to their car. "How much are you looking to get for your car?" I ask. "10K." she replies. "Is there a payoff on it or do you have the title to it.?" I continue. "I have the registration. We haven't gotten the title yet." she responds.
She digs in her purse and gives me the registration. I notice it's a temporary one like the ones we issue that show all the info on the car except a title number. "Did you just buy this car recently?" I ask. "Yeah, a couple of months ago." she responds. "How much did you pay for it?" I ask. "11k" she responds.
I put my dealer tag on the back of our car and send them on the test drive. "We close at 7pm tonight or when the last customer leaves." I tell them. "You want a copy of my driver's license?" she asks."Yes, please."
I make a copy and give her the license back..........
TO BE CONTINUED
:shades:
Mackabee
TO BE CONTINUED
Mack
:shades:
Mack
Nice guy, but I have to be honest that I don't have a great feeling about it. He said nothing but positive things, said it was the cleanest private party car he had ever seen and how wonderful it was. Oddly enough, he didn't drive it :confuse: (sounds like a stroke to me!)--said he already knew what it would be like because they have a 330i convertible. He said they were going to look at a 5-series at the local Mazda dealer and would call me later today. His girlfriend wasn't happy that it doesn't have a ski pass-through (it has heated seats, but not CWP), but that was the only negative comment they had for me. There's been no call yet--I think I'll call him around noon tomorrow if I haven't heard.
Will he call? Will he buy? Tune in tomorrow (or Monday, or Tuesday) for the next chapter in "Bimmer Be-backs" or "rworrell walks a mile in a dealer's moccasins."
Hey, we set up a movie topic just for you guys. Go discuss it over here: The Best Movies... Ever! :P
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