Stories from the Sales Frontlines

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Comments

  • snakeweaselsnakeweasel Member Posts: 19,611
    Make mine a torpedo!

    You do know that what we call mines were originally called torpedoes? So when Faragot said damn the topedos full speed ahead he was talking about mines.

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

  • jmonroejmonroe Member Posts: 8,989
    Navy... mines... must have served on a mine sweeper, eh?

    Uh, you did mean to say that, right? Right???


    No, actually I was a Navy Airdale, in a transport squadron. As such, we delivered plenty of minds mines especially to Key West FL. during the Cuban Crisis.

    However, my mine mind has blown up a few times right here on this board but everybody knows that.

    As a faithful lurker on this thread, you guys crack me up.

    Hey ‘jipster’, I hope we ain’t still boring you, it doesn’t seem to bother the lurkers (lurk more…post less). :D

    jmonroe

    '15 Genesis V8 with Ultimate Package and '18 Legacy Limited 6 cyl

  • lemkolemko Member Posts: 15,261
    Shoot, I just saw this at Auto Zone yesterday when the guy rang up $11.63 and I gave him a twenty and two ones because I wanted a whole ten and change. The guy behind me had to explain it to the confused clerk.
  • geffengeffen Member Posts: 278
    I must admit i was a be back over the weekend :surprise: however the week / month is not over :)
  • joel0622joel0622 Member Posts: 3,299
    I must admit i was a be back over the weekend

    Did they sprinkle any dust on you before you left? :D
  • jimmy2xjimmy2x Member Posts: 124
    Probably late to the party - also 20 year USN airdale (ACC).
  • nortsr1nortsr1 Member Posts: 1,060
    Don't forget, we went to the "GEEDUNK" stand for ice cream and usually ate it "topside" or "below decks"!!!!!!!
  • jimmy2xjimmy2x Member Posts: 124
    Actually spelled "Gedunk". Also remember waiting for the "Roach Coach" and catching up on the latest "Scuttlebutt". :)
  • jmonroejmonroe Member Posts: 8,989
    Probably late to the party - also 20 year USN airdale (ACC).

    Yes, you were late for 'muster' and you know what's gonna happen now. So, I guess you'll have to go to see the Captain.

    Captain 'lrguy44', you have one coming up, that is, right after I have him swab the breezeway and clean the Captain's ladder so you'll have to excuse his appearance. I recommend that you throw the fully loaded Land Rover at him :( That oughta help your end of month goal. :)

    jmonroe

    '15 Genesis V8 with Ultimate Package and '18 Legacy Limited 6 cyl

  • fezofezo Member Posts: 10,386
    About the most I can contribute here is that I live on Torpedo Rd......

    It's a development with all the street names somehow nautical. Obviously they were getting desperate when they hit us...
    2015 Mazda 6 Grand Touring, 2014 Mazda 3 Sport Hatchback, 1999 Mazda Miata 2004 Toyota Camry LE, 1999.
  • jipsterjipster Member Posts: 6,299
    Hey 'Jipster", I hope we ain't still boring you...

    Well.... you are. I think you ex-military need to report to General Tidester and Corporal Kirstie for latrine duty.

    To get things back on track here, Consumer Reports came out with their latest vacuum cleaner ratings in this months issue. As usual the Kirby dominated. Only a little bit more noise, than norm, from it's powerful jet engines prevented it from getting the blue ribbon. :shades:
    2021 Honda Passport EX-L, 2020 Honda Accord EX-L, 2011 Hyundai Veracruz, 2010 Mercury Milan Premiere.
  • blueiedgodblueiedgod Member Posts: 2,798
    There is a branch of mathematics called "game theory" and I think negotiating the price of a car is an excellent example!

    Yeah, but Game Theory requires Calculus to calculate first and second derrivatives. Do you think that people, who can't figure out what the change should be when they are given $10.03 for a $6.73 item, will be able to calculate a derrivative, or even know what derrivatives are?

    I took that class in my MBA program, it was offered as elective, and think every MBA program should have as a required class (they probably don't require it because a lot of people would fail due to limited calculs knowledge).

    As to the suggestion of having math classes for the new buyers: If this person had no inclanation to learn math through 12 grades of schooling, and at least 4 years of college, what makes one think that they would have the inclanation to learn it before buying a car?

    Besides, Home Depot shows people "how easy it is to do" so that people buy the tools and materials, which benefits Home Depot. If you teach people how to add 2+2 where do you put the point spread on the finance?

    Back into the hiding I go....
  • greanpea68greanpea68 Member Posts: 1,996
    As usual the Kirby dominated. Only a little bit more noise, than norm, from it's powerful jet engines prevented it from getting the blue ribbon.

    Does that mean a Kirby is better than a Dyson?
  • jipsterjipster Member Posts: 6,299
    Does that mean a Kirby is better than a Dyson?

    Yes... that is what it means, thanks for asking.

    The Kirby took 7th out of 43 to the Dyson Absolute Animal's 11th. Both unfairly penalized for excessive sucking noises if you ask me. :sick:
    2021 Honda Passport EX-L, 2020 Honda Accord EX-L, 2011 Hyundai Veracruz, 2010 Mercury Milan Premiere.
  • jmonroejmonroe Member Posts: 8,989
    The Sears Kennmore Progressive with Direct Drive took first. But, where's the prestige, and pride in ownership, in owning a "Kennmore" I ask you? Kinda like owning a Kia or Hyundai... ain't it guys.

    I sure know how to pick em.

    We have a Kennmore sweeper, in fact we have two of them, really, (just like Hyundai, we have 2 of them too). One downstairs and one upstairs. You don't think I'm going to lug a sweeper upstairs, do ya, everytime Mrs. jmonroe says, "and don't forget to do the carpets upstairs too". :mad:

    jmonroe

    '15 Genesis V8 with Ultimate Package and '18 Legacy Limited 6 cyl

  • tidestertidester Member Posts: 10,059
    If you teach people how to add 2+2 where do you put the point spread on the finance?

    You hire Gallup to do a poll asking 1,000 people to add 2 and 2 then perform a statistical analysis on the collected data. ;)

    tidester, host
    SUVs and Smart Shopper
  • tidestertidester Member Posts: 10,059
    I think we've gone a bit overboard with the off topic banter - in case you're wondering where your posting went. :)

    Those affected may be interested in our Off Topic Politics discussions.

    tidester, host
    SUVs and Smart Shopper
  • tallman1tallman1 Member Posts: 1,874
    (lurk more…post less)

    Awww, I was hoping that you wouldn't "mine". I was thinking of posting more. :shades:

    Why should you and jipster have all the fun taking the space from the sales folks??
  • [Deleted User][Deleted User] ColoradoPosts: 0
    My apologies, I'll behave :)

    I had second thoughts about replying, but when they lob one like that at ya... ;)
  • jmonroejmonroe Member Posts: 8,989
    Why should you and jipster have all the fun taking the space from the sales folks??

    I’m going to try to answer this in such a way as to be on topic, here goes:

    Some of us car buying customers continue to try to keep the quiet time here to a minimum. If the guys in the biz would do their part and tell more tales, ‘jip’ and I wouldn’t be forced to carrying this board. To be honest, my back is sore and I’m sure that ‘jip’ ain’t in the best of health either. SOOOO, I implore you guys in the biz to feel free to jump in here anytime you ain’t trying to make a buck by selling cars.

    Remember, to keep your membership here active, you guys in the biz must tell some tales, OK.

    I’m done and I ain't putting no Emotorcons in here, I'm serious. (Maybe this post will make the cut).

    jmonroe

    '15 Genesis V8 with Ultimate Package and '18 Legacy Limited 6 cyl

  • bdc2020bdc2020 Member Posts: 58
    that any of you really don't have any sales stories?

    I can try to bring us back, with a BUYERS story.

    I bought a new Honda two weeks ago. Salesman was great, super nice, took his time, etc. We quickly agreed on a price.

    THEN - I had to wait over an HOUR to see the Business Manager' (aka finance guy). This Honda shop had 2 of them for the whole store. We waited patiently. Got our turn. I went in with a check to write them from a different bank. I was very happy with the rate and this allowed me to not have to watch all of his numbers, double check everything, etc. Instead I could just write the check and be done with it.

    As soon as he saw me pull out the check, his whole attitude changed. He said he could beat the rate, and he did, by .09 %. I said NO. Sorry, but it's not worth my time to have to wait for more paperwork and double check all your numbers. Our loan wasn't for much money and we would pay it off in 2 - 3 years max.

    He flipped thru his binder of banks, and gave me another rate, I said No. He became mad. He tried one more time and again I said No. At that point he said there is a ton of paperwork to fill out if I use that check, and I said "Yes, but it's paperwork you have to do, not me. I just write it out like I'm paying cash, and I have only one number to be concerned with."

    From that point on, he was very mad, and wouldn't say a word. He said "sign here saying you decline all options." I said "Options for what?" and he just pushed the paper across and I saw it was for extended warranties. He knew he wouldn't get anything else out of me beyond the vehicle. When we were all done, I said "Thank You" and went to shake his hand and he looked away and didn't even reply.

    Well needless to say, the Sales Manager was informed of this on my way out. I said how great the salesman was, and how rude the Business Manager was and explained that once he saw I wasn't going to take his financing, his whole demeanor changed.

    When Honda USA called me two days later for the Customer Satisfaction Survey, I rated the salesman all perfect 5's. The Business Manger got 2's. The phone guy was surprised to hear this and I had to give reasons and I could hear him typing away.

    Interesting side note - my friend bought a van from them the day before it turns out. Same Business Manger (finance guy). The guy said to my friend - after spending 30-40 minutes trying to get him to buy an extended warranty and I quote "What kind of idiot wouldn't spend $1,200 to insure a $31,000 vehicle." - my friend said he just barely heard it, as the Finance Manager was looking down and away at some paperwork after my friend gave his final NO on the extended warranty.

    This Business Manager was about 30-35 it looked like, so not like he was in the business for 30 years or something.

    Too bad, as everything else about the store was great.
  • obyoneobyone Member Posts: 7,841
    "Do you think that people, who can't figure out what the change should be when they are given $10.03 for a $6.73 item, will be able to calculate a derrivative, or even know what derrivatives are?"

    If I remember correctly, it's derivative and not derrivatives. Opposite of intergration as taught as undergrad courses. Both being requirements before being allowed to take "Statistical Analysis".

    That was over 30 years ago so things might have changed since then. I'm glad though to finally understand why I had to take those courses since when helping selling fundraising tickets for the local Shriner's chapter we often encounter this from those housewives trying to get rid of their pennies. ;)
  • joel0622joel0622 Member Posts: 3,299
    I sold this car one time to this guy who just got out of the Navy, he was an oil life analyst in the Navy and had just taken a gig selling Vacuum cleaners.

    To be continued :D
  • im_brentwoodim_brentwood Member Posts: 4,883
    Ouch, That wasn't too professional of him at all. OTOH, you ended up burying the salesman with the survey.. it's BS, but it's how they work.
  • jmonroejmonroe Member Posts: 8,989
    I can try to bring us back, with a BUYERS story.

    Thanks, that ought to do it.

    'Business Manager' (aka finance guy).

    We have one of them here but he doesn’t come across as the type to do what you said yours did to you.

    When Honda USA called me two days later for the Customer Satisfaction Survey, I rated the salesman all perfect 5's. The Businness Manger got 2's.

    With all the emphasis that manufactures put on those CSI scores I would think an F&I guy wouldn’t want to blow up all the good work a salesman has done. If this continues I’m sure he won’t last too long.

    This Business Manager was about 30-35 it looked like, so not like he was in the business for 30 years or something.

    Maybe he’ll learn the business before it’s too late.

    jmonroe

    '15 Genesis V8 with Ultimate Package and '18 Legacy Limited 6 cyl

  • jmonroejmonroe Member Posts: 8,989
    If I remember correctly, it's derivative and not derrivatives. Opposite of intergration as taught as undergrad courses. Both being requirements before being allowed to take "Statistical Analysis".

    Ooops, you meant "integration" didn't ya, like in, "oh no, I'm going to have to do a double integral to solve this problem". :(

    Couldn't resist, since I'm a perfect spellar. :)

    jmonroe

    '15 Genesis V8 with Ultimate Package and '18 Legacy Limited 6 cyl

  • jipsterjipster Member Posts: 6,299
    Hey tidester, you didn't do that "Housecleaning" with a Kirby did ya? :blush:

    jmonroe, you're right about me not being in the best of health. Every time my wife catches me on Edmunds she screams out... " I told you not to look at that filth!", then whoops me upside the head with a cast iron skillet.

    But, as our salesmen friends always say... selling is selling. Whether it be a car or a Kirby, many of the same principles apply. I used the time investment principle the same on the Kirby salespeople, as I did the automobile sales guys. And guess what jmonroe... I ripped both their heads off. ;)
    2021 Honda Passport EX-L, 2020 Honda Accord EX-L, 2011 Hyundai Veracruz, 2010 Mercury Milan Premiere.
  • fezofezo Member Posts: 10,386
    That's OK. It's calculus not calculs. I'll bet he got two points off for spelling....

    Of course getting through calculus puts him ahead of me.

    Meanwhile, on the surveys, it's nuts for the manufacturer to not separate out the sales experience from the financing experience. I had just an awful finance experience back in February. Actually once I got in it was fine but I had to wait over two hours for the one woman they had doing finance on a Saturday. I had to wait while she figured out financing on one of those folks who can't figure out change while I cooled my heels with my nice out the door credit rating. Even used special Honda financing that I (but not hey initially) knew was available.

    Just what somebody need to lose me - waste my time and not know your own business. Silly me. I liked the vehicle and put up with it but I won't be a return customer.
    2015 Mazda 6 Grand Touring, 2014 Mazda 3 Sport Hatchback, 1999 Mazda Miata 2004 Toyota Camry LE, 1999.
  • sky23213sky23213 Member Posts: 300
    ...as taught as undergrad courses. Both being requirements before being allowed to take "Statistical Analysis".

    Similar with us. Adv. calculus was in the semester preceding Statistics. Wiped out about 30% of the class. Statistics took care of about half of the remaining survivors. Saved a lot of people a lot of misery.
  • obyoneobyone Member Posts: 7,841
    Ooops, you meant "integration" didn't ya, like in, "oh no, I'm going to have to do a double integral to solve this problem".

    Yes, you're right! What was I thinking.

    Fezo, I didn't think it was required to wait AT the dealership to get into F&I. On my last two vehicles I was told there was a two hour wait so on the first I called a friend who picked me up and went to CompUSA to look for a new puter for him. Dealership called when it was my turn but alas we had a cashier who had a penny problem so was delayed 20 minutes while they straightened it out. Same with my last purchase, told two hour wait...hmmm see a pattern here? Left the dealership to return 5 hours later to wrap up the deal.

    Course the salesman didn't like it but I DID return to purchase the vehicle. Not like some other beback lurkers ;)

    "Wiped out about 30% of the class."

    I remember organic chemistry having the same effect.
  • joel0622joel0622 Member Posts: 3,299
    He was an idiot. Some guys/gals just don't get it. No one in the world runs 100% finance/product penetration. Once you realize that you have allot better out look on you job.

    I am polite and cut up with every one that comes through my office, (that will let me) I often get told by my boss that I laugh to much and to loud, but hey it works. My penetration numbers are usually above group average and I get allot of calls from customers on stuff they should be calling there sales person about but they always seem to remember my name.
  • im_brentwoodim_brentwood Member Posts: 4,883
    Joel's 100% right. OK, you can't convert the guy, that's fine, but how do you know the guy wouldn't have bought something else? I mean, when I did F&I for a short time I had excellent penetration on cash deals, just because the guy's paying cash does not mean that he might not want to buy a warranty or etch or god knows what else. At least offer it to the customer and have him/her make the decision.

    Story Time: We had a deal once where this etch company was giving us $25 spiffs for replacement etch if we hit a certain #, management was fine with $89/99 selling price. It was etch that covered the deductible if stolen up to $1,000 plus $1,000 additional benefit. I was in Jersey then and, well, it was a pretty good deal. I sold several of them to cash buyers, especially SUV buyers!
  • epineyepiney Member Posts: 462
    I must admit i was a be back over the weekend however the week / month is not over

    OK, I'll bite and ask. Just what are you waiting/looking for? Aren't you getting tired of looking? :confuse:
  • jipsterjipster Member Posts: 6,299
    ... that I laugh to much and to loud, but hey it works.

    That's a good strategy joel... unless you're "faking it". The right kind of laughter is contagious... and helps build good customer relations. I'd say if the customer returns a good hardy laugh, they're in your pocket. :D
    2021 Honda Passport EX-L, 2020 Honda Accord EX-L, 2011 Hyundai Veracruz, 2010 Mercury Milan Premiere.
  • joel0622joel0622 Member Posts: 3,299
    If you knew me you would no there is nothing fake about when I get to carrying on and laughing. It is not a sales ploy or a strategy. It is just me. Most people like it some don't.

    I was at a comedy club one night with some friends and we were yucking it up big time. The comedian was this guy called Killer Beez, and he is funny. Anyhow the next morning I get to work and a customer calls and ask me if I was at Zanies last night. I said ya and asked why they didn't stop by the table. She said "I didn't see ya but i sure as hell heard you laughing"
  • jmonroejmonroe Member Posts: 8,989
    We had a deal once where this etch company...

    I never heard of "glass etching" until I came aboard here. I live in the Pittsburgh area and we certainly aren't 'car- theft-free' here.

    In fact, I once had a car stolen myself at about 9 PM while I was in the Burgh visiting. This was many moons ago and fortunately it was recovered the next morning with only a missing radio/tape player, column damage and sitting on milk crates without the tires. At 5:30 AM when the cop called he said, "you gotta give me authorization to get a truck over here NOW, before they come back for more. It still looks like a pretty nice car". It was a nice car, it was the 80' Park Ave. I mentioned awhile back.

    I never had any trouble with it from the theft. Kept it for lots of years after that.

    jmonroe

    '15 Genesis V8 with Ultimate Package and '18 Legacy Limited 6 cyl

  • fezofezo Member Posts: 10,386
    "I was in Jersey then and"

    Then? Have you moved again when I wasn't looking?

    On the insane wait on financing - the salesman kept string us along a few minutes or so at a time. He'd have had much happier customers if he'd said at the outset that it would be a while and let us go shop for an hour or so.

    What ya gonna do?
    2015 Mazda 6 Grand Touring, 2014 Mazda 3 Sport Hatchback, 1999 Mazda Miata 2004 Toyota Camry LE, 1999.
  • im_brentwoodim_brentwood Member Posts: 4,883
    At that time I was in NJ ;)

    Im still here!
  • jipsterjipster Member Posts: 6,299
    It is just me.

    I believe ya. My uncle has a big deep ole laugh. Doesn't matter if what he is saying is funny or not, I can't help from laughing along. These kind of people are usually positive indiviuals who "most" others like to be around.
    2021 Honda Passport EX-L, 2020 Honda Accord EX-L, 2011 Hyundai Veracruz, 2010 Mercury Milan Premiere.
  • fezofezo Member Posts: 10,386
    Ah, OK.

    I'll cancel the Florida flight then...
    2015 Mazda 6 Grand Touring, 2014 Mazda 3 Sport Hatchback, 1999 Mazda Miata 2004 Toyota Camry LE, 1999.
  • geffengeffen Member Posts: 278
    Actually waiting on the best rebates and incentives on left over 07's :D
  • oldfarmer50oldfarmer50 Member Posts: 24,469
    "...or even know what derivatives are?..."

    My god! "Game theory" "calculus" "derivatives". You need that stuff to make changes? I add up dozens and dozens of transactions in my head every day. I don't need anything more that simple addition.

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

  • epineyepiney Member Posts: 462
    What car?
  • im_brentwoodim_brentwood Member Posts: 4,883
    What if I can get you that flight at 1.9% and $200 over tissue? ;) :P
  • snakeweaselsnakeweasel Member Posts: 19,611
    Torpedo...hit

    nice play on words there. :shades:

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

  • roadburnerroadburner Member Posts: 18,526
    THEN - I had to wait over an HOUR to see the Business Manager...

    When I bought my MS3 the dealer had to flatbed in a GT in the color I wanted, so when I arrived at the dealer the car was ready to go. I was also writing a check. The lady handling all the paperwork couldn't have been nicer. No warranty or mop and glow pitches, just a pleasant and professional attitude. It took all of maybe five minutes to print out the contract and title application and then sign them. I think that the entire delivery process lasted no more than twenty minutes from arrival to drive off. I will point out that my salesman and I had already closed the deal over the phone(a five minute conversation) four days earlier.
    And yes, I gave the dealer all Fives on the survey...

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

  • chikoochikoo Member Posts: 3,008
    Integration, not intergration.

    eop.
  • chikoochikoo Member Posts: 3,008
    organic chemistry is hard. but once you break the code, it is darn easy. I still remember in high school, everyone was scared and so was I. I almost failed the first exam, then got my head together and made and easy A in the final.

    Same goes for engineering drawing for those who are engineers out here.
  • jmonroejmonroe Member Posts: 8,989
    nice play on words there.

    Speaking of words…what’s the word from your lawyer sister about that scratch-off thingy at that New Mexico dealership where almost everybody won a $1000 ? IIRC, if the dealer were to make good on the screw-up, it would cost them something like $30 mega bucks. So we know that ain’t gonna happen. Don’t tell us you forgot about this. :(

    Anyone else hear how this was finally resolved.

    jmonroe

    '15 Genesis V8 with Ultimate Package and '18 Legacy Limited 6 cyl

  • cdnpinheadcdnpinhead Member Posts: 5,631
    "Same goes for engineering drawing. . ."

    Well, if you say so. I took a thing (in '66) called Engineering Graphics 141 & considered it therapy that I could do (with considerable pleasure), as I put off the analytical geometry.

    The "weeder" course when I did my BSME thing was a 5-hour (credit) engineering mechanics class, which combined statics & dynamics -- first semester of the scond year. After that, there were more, involving second & third semester calculus & diff eq.

    As most of us who endured this s*** will tell you, that was the last time I saw any of it. I've been working in aerospace almost 40 years, and have yet to use much beyond high school trig.

    Common sense helps. . .a lot. Many of the people I deal with who got through school with higher marks than I did seem to be deficient that way.

    But that's just me.
    '08 Acura TSX, '17 Subaru Forester
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