Stories from the Sales Frontlines

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Comments

  • mfletou1mfletou1 Member Posts: 508
    The circumstances that you name all depend on the consumer.

    I absolutely believe that a salesman can sell a product to a consumer that has not 100% of his or her research. But, I'm #1 never going to accidentally walk anywhere, and #2, I know exactly what the competition offers and have driven the ones that compete by the time I'm ready to buy.

    I figured, dino---but you would think that eventually dealerships would catch on to this little charade. I suppose some have---Fitzgerald doesn't change their price at the end of the month, for instance (though do they give on other parts of the deal? That place almost shouldn't count, anyway...they sold me a Camry Hybrid when they were first out in the summer of '06 for $1000 off MSRP when their competition all had waiting lists on it--this is metro DC. They even let me walk off the lot and go to lunch while I mulled it over, and while I was at lunch three other people tried to buy it. There was a literally a lineup on a busy Saturday to buy that particular car--they only had a couple in stock. And still they held it for me and sold it for less than MSRP even though any one of those people would have paid MSRP for it. Its not like they told me that, either---I personally talked to the other customers and the dealer didn't say a word. But the flip side of that is now that if they sell the brand I want (they don't in this instance), where am I going to shop? Fitzgerald, no question--I know they aren't going to screw me.)

    Anyway, fear motivates a lot of things. But with this economy...a lot of these dealerships might be seeing fear.
  • jmonroejmonroe Member Posts: 8,989
    I would take him out to lunch wherever he wanted to go. Ah, the old days.!

    That’s a pretty cheap ‘bird-dog’ pay back. The run of the mill dealers here in the Pittsburgh area are offering ‘bird-dog’ fees of anywhere from $75/100. Some high end stores may be offering more but what would I know about any of that? :blush:

    As good as we think we are, I guess there is always money left on the table. :surprise:

    jmonroe

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

  • mrsuzukimrsuzuki Member Posts: 58
    I know that I have more than once let a customer think they know more than me, because they want to know more than me. Customer is always right, even when they are not.

    :P
  • sterlingdogsterlingdog Member Posts: 6,984
    Good for you! That's what I call salesmanship.
  • sterlingdogsterlingdog Member Posts: 6,984
    Happy Veterans Day to all here who served our country. You are the reason that we can sit here and express our opinions on this site. You are also the reason that we have the freedom to purchase the car that we want and to negotiate for it. Whether it was WW II, Korean War, Vietnam, Gulf War, or Iraq---there are those of us who remember and who appreciate you and your service.
  • british_roverbritish_rover Member Posts: 8,502
    Here Here Well said.
  • mrsuzukimrsuzuki Member Posts: 58
    Don't forget Operation Enduring Freedom!
  • jmonroejmonroe Member Posts: 8,989
    You are the reason that we can sit here and express our opinions on this site. You are also the reason that we have the freedom to purchase the car that we want and to negotiate for it.

    And you are the reason our keyboard isn't in a different language.

    I know what side my toast is buttered on.

    Thanks again,

    jmonroe

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

  • epineyepiney Member Posts: 462
    I know that I have more than once let a customer think they know more than me, because they want to know more than me. Customer is always right, even when they are not.

    I can see how some customers would be like that, but I prefer the salesperson to know more than me. It's good to learn things about a vehicle. What I don't like is when they make things up or answer questions they don't know or express opinion as fact. The better answer is, "That's a good question, I'll check for you"
  • roadburnerroadburner Member Posts: 18,555
    What I don't like is when they make things up or answer questions they don't know or express opinion as fact. The better answer is, "That's a good question, I'll check for you"

    That's my pet peeve as well. If you don't know, just say so.

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

  • lrguy44lrguy44 Member Posts: 2,197
    I get a kick out of those here who refuse to learn anything from a salesman. True, there are many out there who are not worth talking to, but a good one can add to the most thorough research.
    I would also ask if the company they worked for had a sales force. Would you expect your customers to learn from them. Sales is sales no matter what the product is. And I guarantee there are good and bad in all walks of business.
  • laurasdadalaurasdada Member Posts: 5,276
    No, I don't really believe that has ever been the case with me. As I have noted, I have met knowledgeable sales people, they are usually at the higher line dealerships. But the folks that did not know their product, did not know their product. I always reference the Mazda saleswoman who adamantly noted that "There is no such thing as a turbocharged car with a manual transmission! It can't be done!" Never mind the several 5 speed turbos on her lot...

    '21 Dark Blue/Black Audi A7 PHEV (mine); '22 White/Beige BMW X3 (hers); '20 Estoril Blue/Oyster BMW M240xi 'Vert (Ours, read: hers in 'vert weather; mine during Nor'easters...)

  • greanpea68greanpea68 Member Posts: 1,996
    Ok you got me there, I will take you off the "been sold" list and you over on to the "just a lay down" list.

    LOL :P
  • mako1amako1a Member Posts: 1,855
    True, there are many out there who are not worth talking to,

    Learning from a profit motivated teacher is not a good idea.

    Didn't you used to tell VHS buyers that Beta was better? It was, but who knew it's failure was imminent better than the salesman?

    2013 Mustang GT, 2001 GMC Yukon Denali

  • greanpea68greanpea68 Member Posts: 1,996
    but where is your dealership?

    Just North of Boston... Or as we call it here the North Shore :)
  • laurasdadalaurasdada Member Posts: 5,276
    You mean, "Nahth Shah..."

    '21 Dark Blue/Black Audi A7 PHEV (mine); '22 White/Beige BMW X3 (hers); '20 Estoril Blue/Oyster BMW M240xi 'Vert (Ours, read: hers in 'vert weather; mine during Nor'easters...)

  • greanpea68greanpea68 Member Posts: 1,996
    I have run into consumers that more about a car than me from time to time. But the things they know are ussualy how long is a vehicle, how high is a vehicle, sometimes how many speakers there are in a car, how long is leg room etc...etc...

    But what I do know is what is important to the customer and why it is important and that is how I will sell what we offer.

    The thing you have to remeber is that when you are buying a car you research everything on that one car that is important to you... Now that being said you will remeber it more.

    I do have to agree with the poster who said certain things come in certain pkgs and that must be painful when you that and sales person doesn't like the example in the Sienna posted earlier.

    Anyway happy shopping

    GP
  • greanpea68greanpea68 Member Posts: 1,996
    I have to repeat what Joel said. Who's ever name was on the purchase and sale is the person that sold you the car. You could have went to one dealership and not like how you were treated and left that dealership. Hence that salesperson didn't sell you a car.

    You could have went to a dealership and ran into a "salesperson" Who met your crazy price say $1000 below invoice. But it doesn't matter to that sales person because that sales person is averaging $1500 per car with 12 cars out. So he can afford to loose some money on that car because he is a good salesperson.

    You might not need a sales person to tell you what you need. But you do need a salesperson to make the transaction a pleasant experience!!!! Let's say you got a crazy deal and got what you wanted and delivery didn't go the way you expected it to or something wasn't right somewhere weather the car wasn't ready or the had a ding that didn't get fixed. You would be angry and have a bad experience with that dealer and probably not come back.

    A good sales person will make sure everything is perfect and that you are happy so that you do come back! AS I have said before selling one car is easy. It is when you can sell them there second and third car and get refferals.

    GP
  • lrguy44lrguy44 Member Posts: 2,197
    Learning from a profit motivated teacher is not a good idea.

    Didn't you used to tell VHS buyers that Beta was better? It was, but who knew it's failure was imminent better than the salesman?


    What? That is the weakest analogy I ever heard. And your business area doesn't have sales people? Even if you were a teacher, you are still selling your program to students, if you are job hunting you are selling yourself to an employer. You are also selling ideas to your business associates and friends. What is the difference?
  • greanpea68greanpea68 Member Posts: 1,996
    You mean, "Nahth Shah..."

    Yes that would be the correct pronuciation. :P
  • 604doc604doc Member Posts: 182
    I used to work in Peabody at a certain Chrysler place. ;)
  • epineyepiney Member Posts: 462
    Hey GP, what do you think about Edmunds latest review of the Accord and Altima Coupes? About as one sided as I have ever read in a paid by advertising site like Edmunds. Where's isell... gloating?

    A practical follow-up question. How do you deal with a customer when they bring up the review?
  • mrsuzukimrsuzuki Member Posts: 58
    I just tell people a review is an opinion. Drive it and make your own.

    You know what they say about opinions......

    :surprise: :surprise: :surprise: :surprise: :surprise:
  • greanpea68greanpea68 Member Posts: 1,996
    I used to work in Peabody at a certain Chrysler place

    On route 114?
  • greanpea68greanpea68 Member Posts: 1,996
    A practical follow-up question. How do you deal with a customer when they bring up the review?

    I haven't looked at yet because I don't have speakers on my computer. Now that you mention it I'll have to go to another desk and check it out.

    As for peopel saying " Oh I read or heard this or that is better"

    I simply reply with everyone has different opinions. I don't try fight or over come someones opinion. I ussualy ask which one do you like better because thats what it ussualy comes down too.

    GP
  • epineyepiney Member Posts: 462
    You know what they say about opinions......

    Yeah, but lots of people have many opinions, most people have only one [non-permissible content removed] :P :surprise:
  • mrsuzukimrsuzuki Member Posts: 58
    I think you missed the point, its not about quantity, its about quality.

    :P
  • epineyepiney Member Posts: 462
    Quality of what, the opinion or the...? :P
  • mrsuzukimrsuzuki Member Posts: 58
    ;)
  • nthenthe Member Posts: 414
    i just wanted to tell him that as of next week i will be selling toyotas.
  • greanpea68greanpea68 Member Posts: 1,996
    i will be selling toyotas

    No don't do it!!!! :surprise: Stop while your a head!!! ;)

    GP
  • mako1amako1a Member Posts: 1,855
    OK Better analogy. You want to sell what's on your lot, not necessarily what is best for the customer.
    For example...if the first word on your vehicle is Land, the second word should be Cruiser

    That would benefit the customer the most.

    2013 Mustang GT, 2001 GMC Yukon Denali

  • mrsuzukimrsuzuki Member Posts: 58
    Is anyone selling anything?

    Counting all internet and phone leads, our store has like 20 leads for the whole month. And I know that at least 5 of those are bad internet leads with fake email/phone numbers.

    I have been talking to some friends at different dealerships and some of them are off as much as 75%.

    It might be time to start looking for a differnt kind of job, or a new location to sell cars in.
  • jescuejescue Member Posts: 521
    slow here too. Very slow. :cry:
  • nthenthe Member Posts: 414
    well, i can't really control the dealerships decision to drop hyundai and just expand their toyota store. :surprise:
  • jmonroejmonroe Member Posts: 8,989
    You mean, "Nahth Shah..."

    Yes that would be the correct pronuciation.


    I don’t think I ever mentioned that Mrs. jmonroe was born in Boston. Dorchester if I remember correctly. She said she heard that place is BAD now.

    Her Mother was originally from the Burg and they moved back when she was 8. Her mother never acquired the accent and she said she made sure she lost her’s; what with all the teasing she got at school.

    Now, her Father (born in Boston)…till the day he died, still had his, just as strong as ev va and my kids used to like asking him, “waah did you paaaak the caaaar” ?

    jmonroe

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

  • nthenthe Member Posts: 414
    "Is anyone selling anything? "

    i sold 12 last month (which was about 1/2 of what the dealership sold total) and i have just 1 out this month with another going out today, which will put me in the lead for the month.

    our lot has been dead all month.
  • joel0622joel0622 Member Posts: 3,299
    Hang tough, its November. It is like this every year. This is a business that you work your [non-permissible content removed] off all summer in order to try to survive the winter.
  • nthenthe Member Posts: 414
    yeah, it could be worse, we could have to live in tenn :P
  • jescuejescue Member Posts: 521
    Uh Huh. Welcome to Alabama. Please set your clocks back 12 years. :P
  • joel0622joel0622 Member Posts: 3,299
    You do know the only thing good to come out of Alabama is 65 North don't you? :D
  • epineyepiney Member Posts: 462
    slow here too. Very slow.

    Is that why I'm getting calls from car sales folks? Just got one 10 minutes ago :surprise:
  • brian302505brian302505 Member Posts: 22
    I'm new to the forum and I also sell cars. I'm at 2 for the month, and it's pretty slow! :( Anyways, Hi fellow forum members!
  • british_roverbritish_rover Member Posts: 8,502
    I have five sold for the month with three already over the curb. I was hoping to close up two people today from Saturday but no luck so far. The store did well in October but I didn't do very well. I just couldn't get started and a couple of deals fell through so I only ended up with four for all of October. The store ended up with 19 for October. So far the whole store has 10 cars sold with 7 over the curb.
  • jescuejescue Member Posts: 521
    you are 2 ahead of me. :surprise: Welcome to the forum. Just remember Mack LOVES Fords, and Joel sells Toyotas.
  • dino001dino001 Member Posts: 6,191
    :D:D:D

    2018 430i Gran Coupe

  • jescuejescue Member Posts: 521
    Showoff. :mad:
  • epineyepiney Member Posts: 462
    Just remember Mack LOVES Fords, and Joel sells Toyotas.

    You forgot that isell loves Volvos and Land Rovers and has the patience of a Saint ;)
  • nthenthe Member Posts: 414
    "Uh Huh. Welcome to Alabama. Please set your clocks back 12 years"

    the saying around here is "well, at least we're not in mississippi."
  • greanpea68greanpea68 Member Posts: 1,996
    Mrs. jmonroe was born in Boston. Dorchester if I remember correctly. She said she heard that place is BAD now.


    Yeah Dorchester is a tough part of town. But it still has it nice parts. I was born in Dorchester also. Ask her if she remebers what part of Dorchester ( Feilds Corner, Columbia point, Neponset Circle )?
This discussion has been closed.

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