Stories from the Sales Frontlines

lrguy44

It is just like having a spat with your wife - the only difference is she will bring it up 25 years from now.

gogiboy

"To prove this next time you are shopping and something comes up $17.32 give the clerk a $20 bill and after they input that into the cash register say "hey I have 7 cents" then watch their face."

Snake--

Am I missing something? Wouldn't you want to give the teller either 3 cents or 8 cents to end up with "silver" change? Isn't that usually the point--or are you just trying to get a befuddled expression? I used to have to give change all the time in my previous life in retail and we only had a cash drawer so it only took a brief time to get fluent at making change.

Speaking of "lost arts" I'm getting a higher and higher percentage of college students who can't do simple measuring. Not only that, they can't find the 1/2" mark let alone 1/4", 1/8" or 1/16" marks on a ruler. Even worse, they don't know that half of 5/8" is 5/16". Does this mean that no one is taking shop or drafting courses in public education anymore? Imagine if these folks worked on the Chunnel. Oh yeah I forgot, a computer will do it for them!

Kind of makes you wonder whether anyone can make sense of car dimensions, especially those all-important interior spaces. At least for me, trunk space (depth) with seats folded is crucial if I'm going to fit my bike(s) or telescope through the hatch and into the rear compartment.

Gogiboy

dino001

If you add 7 cents to 0.32, the change will be three quarters. It really is too sophisticated :P

lrguy44

1. LR has an early lease return going for LR owners. A guy I talked to last summer wants to know if I can do an early return on his Jeep and keep his payment same (bought at invoice and heavily supported lease) he is ready to do a deal.

2. Internet lead - follow up call reveals he wants info on getting a franchise in Mississippi

3. A gal in a 04 Hummer stops in to look at one we have. She tells carchk27 she might want to trade because ours has a sun roof and hers doesn't.

It is going to be one of those days. :shades: :sick:

gogiboy

" I was very fortunate to have done this at 55 although my old employer has bought me out of retirement several times as a consultant but I’m doing my last tour of this now and when it’s no longer fun,..."

J--

"Bought" you out or "Brought" you out? I suspect your employer paid you quite well to "bring" you out of retirement. I can certainly see the retirement issue from a different perspective since my father is retiring this week after 47 years in the same place. There has been no financial incentive for him for more than 20 years--he just loves his job. The only reason he is quitting is that he can't hear well enough anymore to do his job effectively. His job has never prevented him from pursuing other interests nor has it been an issue for my mom.

Gogiboy

imidazol97

> she will bring it up 25 years from now.

Wow. Your wife waits that long?
My wife starts in bringing it up immediately! :sick:

Kirstie_H

I think he means starting now, and also for 25 years into the future (or the end of your life, whichever is longer).

But fear not - as a woman, I will take care to mentally record grievances from these forums for exhumation in years to come. The rest of you, secure in the knowledge that I will store up a list wrong-doings and re-present each of the transgressions at a time most opportune to me, are welcome to forget about them and move on.

-kirstie
(there's a hint in there somewhere about getting back to the subject in the topic title, and if there's not, here it is: let's get back to stories & such)

jmonroe

"Bought" you out or "Brought" you out? I suspect your employer paid you quite well to "bring" you out of retirement. I can certainly see the retirement issue from a different perspective since my father is retiring this week after 47 years in the same place.

First off, let me wish your father all the best. It doesn’t make any difference what he has done for 47 years, he deserves to sit back and relax.

You’re right, that was no typo. I was BOUGHT out of retirement. The first time was immediately after I retired so I kept going for a while. Then I hung it up. Then I got phone calls and I said NO a couple of times after that and I was serious but they just couldn’t let it go. Each time they said, “how about if we do this…”, again I said ‘NO’, then they said, “how about if we… Oh, alright, already but this is the last time”. Well, I said that twice but after this hitch I’m REALLY done.

Whadda ya thinks going on here? Do ya think I want to be compared to, how can I say this gently…to guys that work in the “Male Escort Industry”.

jmonroe

epiney

(there's a hint in there somewhere about getting back to the subject in the topic title, and if there's not, here it is: let's get back to stories & such)

Don't you know by now that things need to be spelled out specifically to men and multiple times at that. Subtle hints go way over our heads.

epiney

Internet lead - follow up call reveals he wants info on getting a franchise in Mississippi

Tell him you will supply him with his first allocation at list plus transport

jmonroe

Firstly, due to the fact that I've calmed down, I do apologize to both Snake and Jmonroe for the nastiness. I can get a temper sometimes. I was getting poked in an area that I don't like getting poked. At any rate, sorry for the abuse guys, it was inappropriate.

Accepted.

Now don’t go off thinking we can’t get a little nasty when the situation presents itself; just not the same way. I’ve taken shots from the best (Mrs. jmonroe) up close and personal. Sooo, a couple long range internet swings ain’t gonna hurt me none.

jmonroe

sky23213

My fellow bean counter was right. On an amount of 17.32 with 20.00 payment the amount due back is 2.68. Now giving the cashier 7 cents you increase the change due to 2.75 (or decrease the amount owed to 17.25).
Sorry if I made it worse.

Even worse, they don't know that half of 5/8" is 5/16". Does this mean that no one is taking shop or drafting courses in public education anymore?

Drafting courses? Isn't that (fractions) covered in 5-6th grade??? :confuse:

mackabee

Looks like Ford is selling Land Rover and Jaguar to Tata Motors of India. That will go real well with shareholders.
So what will they be known as: Land Rover Tatas, or Jaguar Tatas. Announcement to be made at the end of December or early Jan 08.

Mackabee

madmanmoo

:surprise:

Why didn't I see that coming.

-Moo

(Let me guess. That's what she said?)

jipster

That being said our job as a salesperson is to make the most money that we can

No problem... go for it. But, don't be upset when I try to pay the least amount possible.

I don't want to hear the rants of consumers of I cheated a customer or what ever you want to call it.

Depends on what your definition of "cheating" is. Where do you draw the line greenpea?

greanpea68

Depends on what your definition of "cheating" is. Where do you draw the line greenpea?

What I mean is if I said i made $6000 front and back on a deal and I told the customer that was my best deal to get the profit. Yes that is what I am supposed to do. I assumed that the consumers on this board would feel I am " cheating a customer out of a good deal.

GP

lrguy44

Looks like Ford is selling Land Rover and Jaguar to Tata Motors of India

That is not new news - we have been following the saga for over a year. Tata was a late comer, but has a ton of cash even after buying a global steel producer. They also are doing hydrogen cell research with the indian Nuclear program. The other finalist is a private equity firm that Jack Nassar is involved in and we all know what he did at Ford.

It looks like Tata will be the winner. However, all of our new product through 2012 (including a neat baby Sport) are in concrete.

dino001

For me you could "draw your line" at $25K gross. If I happen to think it's too much (for the cars you're selling, I probably would), I just go somewhere else.

As long as you did not hold me at gun point, did not hold my car hostage, did not switch Monroney stickers, told me my real 750 credit score and then proceed to offer 25% APR and I agreed, more power to you. There was no cheating - just plain good salemanship and plain customer stupidity. No hard feelings other than general anger at myself of course .

madmanmoo

Wow!!!

Did you just say it was okay for GP to make $25,000 gross on you? You're exactly the kind of customer that I'm looking for. Please send me your e-mail, cell phone #, your home address and 5 other people who you think might be interested in doing business like you do.

Thanks!

-moo

jipster

What I mean is if I said i made $6000 front and back on a deal and I told the customer that was my best deal to get the profit. Yes that is what I am supposed to do. I assumed that the consumers on this board would feel I am " cheating a customer out of a good deal.

I would assume "most" members here would just consider that salesmenship... or just sales talk. Just part of the game. Cheating to me would be things like taking the rebate, selling a car with a known defective part and lieing about it, throwing in fees or higher interest rates that weren't agreed on, hiding said fees in consumers monthly payment, unethical lieing i.e "your warranty is void if you don't take the slop and glow".

But, you can't expect salespeople to post stories of blatant lieing and cheating and not expect a negative response. Not going to happen on my watch... right Tidester? :P

dino001

I didn't say I'd buy it. I just said you ask whatever you want. I'd like that new Cayman for 30 grand, too. So what...

madmanmoo

I thought I just found my perfect customer. Ahh well, I'll take any of your offers to my manager as well. All he can do is say, "no"!

-moo

dino001

It's LYING, Jip, not lieing.

dino001

Exactly. My point is as long as there is no willful deception or unlawful practice you can your business model is your business model. If you'd rather sell one car at 10K than 100 cars at $100 profit who am I to argue? I just go the the other guy - unless you have something nobody else does and I absolutely have to have it.

joel0622

Ignore the majority GP. I once said here that the perfect up was a retired ford employee driving a Crown Vic with the title in his pocket wanting the identical car 3 years newer.

The group here interpreted that to mean that I like to take advantage of old people. :confuse:

dino001

I didn't. I knew exactly what you meant.

joel0622

I probably painted to broad of stroke on saying the majority.

jipster

It's LYING, Jip, not lieing

You sure? I thought "lying" was like... you be lying next to your wife. So, lie( an untruth) is l-i-e, but lying (stating an untruth) is l-y-i-n-g? I've always had trouble with lay, laying, lie, lieing, lying etc. Thanks.

greanpea68

As long as you did not hold me at gun point, did not hold my car hostage, did not switch Monroney stickers, told me my real 750 credit score and then proceed to offer 25% APR and I agreed, more power to you. There was no cheating - just plain good salemanship and plain customer stupidity. No hard feelings other than general anger at myself of course

Than you would have no problem buying a car from me I am upfront with everything I do by disclosing everything in black and white very easy to read from MSRP to discount, trade value, taxes and fees, to my interest rate ending at a bottom line. I don't hide anything. I need to be up front with people if I expect them to come back.

I still get 3 people a month that are refferals or be- backs. That is something to be said. I am sure if i worked the phones harder I would get more. I don't like to harrass people though.

GP

mackabee

You probably don't have any kids then.
Mack

mackabee

"A rouge, huh? "
I thought it was Rogue, rouge is what the pretty females put on their face.
Mack

mackabee

Been rather slow around here. I think buyers are waiting until the last week of the month to do anything. This Toyotathon Phenomenon is not doing anything for me so far.
We did get the new 08 Sequoia in today and it is a beast! Watch out Expedition, Yukon, and Tahoe.
On another note, I was going home last night and Mrs. Mack calls me to pick up a gallon of milk. No problem. I pull up to the nearest 7-11 and walk in to get the milk. As I'm by the fridge getting my milk I look over to the front door as a blind man with a seeing eye dog walks in.
Everyone in the store looks at him and then the fun begins.
He grabs the leash and double ties it to his hand and then starts swinging the dog over his head! Everyone is flabbergasted and the clerk finally yells out: "Excuse me, can I help you?" and the blind man says "No thanks, I'm just looking around."

deskman

I would not be surprised if people in Naples traveled 300 miles to buy a car

The people of naples drive here to miami to buy everyday.

oldfarmer50

"...the only difference is she will bring it up 25 years from now..."

Man, ain't that the truth!

deskman

This Toyotathon Phenomenon is not doing anything for me so far.

The toyotathon has done alot for me. toyotathone= more sales for deskman!

On serious note deskman went to his doctor today and was told he has cancer again. :sick:

isellhondas

Didn't Rambler have a model called a Rogue many years ago?

oldfarmer50

"...selling ...to Tata Motors of India..."

Just think of the ads: "come on down and see our new Tatas".

isellhondas

If it's a used Honda that has been serviced in our shop, I can walk them out to service and we can look at the service history on a computer.

I think in 13 years I've been asked to do this maybe twice.

Porsche buyers are different and for good reason!

oldfarmer50

"...if I said i made $6000 front and back on a deal and I told the customer that was my best deal..."

If the customer agreed to it I say more power to you. If you said that you would give it to him/her for $6000 less and then changed the deal when they sat down to sign I would say shame on you.

I suspect you are not that kind of salesman though.

snakeweasel

Am I missing something? Wouldn't you want to give the teller either 3 cents or 8 cents to end up with "silver" change?

Yes you are, change for a $20 on a $17.32 sale would be two singles (or one two dollar bill) two quarters a dime a nickel and three pennies. Change for $20.07 on a $17.32 sale would be two singles (or one two dollar bill) and three quarters.

Speaking of "lost arts" I'm getting a higher and higher percentage of college students who can't do simple measuring.

thats because they used calculators from the beginning of their school work. Can't learn to add if a machine is doing it for you. On a related note up until at least 15 years ago most college accounting professors banned calculators from their classes and you couldn't use them to take the CPA exam.

oldfarmer50

"...On a serious note..."

I'm sorry to hear that.

snakeweasel

Well I guess so

deskman

thanks oldfarmer50

i went in to doctor feeling great .Came out feeling drained.I guess being a evil carman has caught up to the old deskman.

I wonder how may of my customers put a curse on me.

My doctor informed me that bladder cancer is easy to overcome with the right treatment.

The cancer news is hitting me hard .I just hope all goes well and that i will live long enough to see my forth coming child mature into adulthood.

greanpea68

I suspect you are not that kind of salesman though.


The only time my number changes is in the interest rate. I use a store average rate of 9%. If they qualify for a better rate the people ussualy know if they have exellent credit. I just tell them that finance will handle that end. I also tell them it doesn't matter to me were they get there money if they don't want to finance with us they can borrow the money from the mafia

But if someone has below average credit than their rate will go up which means my number would change but those people ussually know they have good credit and expect that. But all the discounts, fees, trade allowances stay the same the only thing that might change is the rate.

GP

mako1a

jip, dino both of you guys said you'd go to another dealer if the first one failed to get to your price. A better idea is to NOT BUY for another year. I think one more year of falling sales and these guys will be ready to sell for Edmunds TMV pricing.

A never titled 2006 in a world of 2008s is not New. It is a two year Old car. With or without the Mulroney sticker.

madmanmoo

Deskman,

Sorry to hear about the bad news. Stay positive and don't overwork yourself. My father just beat prostate cancer with a lot of love, positivity and the right treatment.

It was tough on the whole family to hear about. Just the word strikes fear, but it can/will be beaten.

-moo

madmanmoo

the Mulroney sticker.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Monroney_label

A little trivia for ya!

-moo

jmonroe

It is just like having a spat with your wife - the only difference is she will bring it up 25 years from now.

Oh, so you have one of those too, seems like every male has one.

I don't really have a problem when she brings up the 25 year old stuff. I can remember most of those occurrences. Where I have a problem is when she brings up stuff from 40 years ago and earlier, like when we were dating. :surprise:

jmonroe

deskman

i use the same structure when penciling a 660+beacon.sounds like you use P.O.W. worksheet or a 4 square system.I use the ok-deal you win big pencil.

jmonroe

Well I guess so

It's a good thing they stole the name from a now defunk company that can't defend itself. Otherwise they could be liable for copyright infringement.

Then again they could have bought the name from a broker. :confuse:

jmonroe