Stories from the Sales Frontlines

14684694714734742003

Comments

  • rockyleerockylee Member Posts: 14,017
    Why I got in the car buiz is I grew up in a UAW-GM family my whole life thus I've loved automobiles ever since I was a very small child. GM/Delphi- Father and Grandfather are responsible for my car passion !!! :blush:

    -Rocky
  • rockyleerockylee Member Posts: 14,017
    Rocky, Take ups listen to your managers and trusted senior guys and DONT get discouraged. You will hear no a lot more than you will hear yes in this business. Its a lot like moo trying to round up a prom date!

    LOL !!!! I and my boss who is my sales manager seem to have hit it off so far. I feel we will have a good relationship. Moo, appears like one who didn't have a problem getting a prom date. ;)

    -Rocky
  • rockyleerockylee Member Posts: 14,017
    Let's be honest. I was turning them down as they came to ME. I learned to deal with rejection as a chiild when my parent's told me I couldn't have a BB gun.

    Well they probably didn't want you shooting your eye out !!! :P

    -Rocky
  • rockyleerockylee Member Posts: 14,017
    I've been waiting for the credit suckers er I mean buyers to get out of the showrooms.
    Now that they have, I'm thinking more electric hybrid or plug in as soon as a real screamer comes out in electric. Kind of like Tesla only affordable. Volt is showing promise. But what will we do with all the gas only vehicles?


    Well in GM's case we are going to celluosic E85 ;) You can make it out of tires, garbage, etc. ;) We also at GM, are coming out with diesel engines. The 2.9 V6 diesel made over in Europe will see action over here according to what I've read. imidazol97's and I's GM buddy 62vetteefp has posted this information before it was publicly released. I tease him and call him Bob Lutz, because he's always giving us inside info. :)

    ps I'm glad we now have a Chevy Guy here. (Rocky) I still think a base Vette is the best buy in the market today

    I am a GM, guy but the best buy on the market might be that 2009
    CTS-V :shades:

    -Rocky
  • greanpea68greanpea68 Member Posts: 1,996
    What is "ups" ?

    Up's are people or prospects that walk through the door.

    So in other words take as many customers as you can. That way you get right into it. The more people you deal with the more you learn.

    GP
  • kyfdxkyfdx Moderator Posts: 268,819
    I'd like to buy a Cayman.. I have this sweeeet collection of Beanie Babies.. I was going to use it to pay for my kid's college education, but what the hey!! He's a smart kid, he'll figure it out...

    I've got this 1995 price guide that says the collection is worth about $55K.. I know that's a little higher than your asking price, but you can just keep the extra as a tip...

    You don't mind if they come C.O.D., do you?

    Edmunds Price Checker
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  • nyccarguynyccarguy Member Posts: 17,620
    The latest victim of our friendly neighborhood commodities traders as of late seem to be lead. Can I pay you for one of those Porsche Excecutive driven Caymans you wee talking about last week with a few thousand pounds of sheet lead? If lead doesn't work, how about Copper? LOL!

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

  • rockyleerockylee Member Posts: 14,017
    Up's are people or prospects that walk through the door.

    So in other words take as many customers as you can. That way you get right into it. The more people you deal with the more you learn.


    Well I don't want to tick off all my co-workers either being the new guy by being greedy. ;)

    -Rocky
  • obyoneobyone Member Posts: 7,841
    Ups are like cards dealt out to you one at a time in an orderly fashion... :shades:
  • jipsterjipster Member Posts: 6,299
    I start tomorrow at 8:30 in the morning. Got some training video's I need to complete and might be selling cars by tomorrow evening.

    Oh Gosh, you've become one of them. What sinister unforeseen circumstances led you to give into the dark side? ;)

    Good luck!
    2021 Honda Passport EX-L, 2020 Honda Accord EX-L, 2011 Hyundai Veracruz, 2010 Mercury Milan Premiere.
  • joel0622joel0622 Member Posts: 3,299
    My best advice I can give you is:

    Listen to those who can help you and ignore those who can't.
  • joel0622joel0622 Member Posts: 3,299
    Ok I just read your other post and I have two pieces of advice for you.

    My work history looks like this.......

    American Income Life
    Grand Rapids, MI
    Insurance Agent


    Bankers Life and Casualty Company
    Grand Rapids, MI
    Insurance Agent


    BWXT-Pantex
    Amarillo, TX
    Security Police Officer II

    Burns International Security Services
    Covert, MI (Palisades Nuclear Plant)
    Armed Security Officer

    Johnson Controls, Inc.
    Holland, MI
    GMT-Process

    Perrigo Company
    Allegan, MI
    Job Setter

    Lily Products of Michigan
    Grand Rapids, MI
    Truck Driver/Industrial Chemical Maker

    Country Fresh, Inc.
    Grand Rapids, MI
    Dairy Product Manufacturer

    Preferred Market
    Pullman, MI
    Store Clerk/Stocker

    McDonald's
    South Haven, MI
    Cook

    Carousel Custom Creations
    Pullman, MI
    Machine Operator


    Screw ups, get on the phone now. Call everyone you ever sold a policy to and let them know where you are at. They obviously liked you enough to buy insurance from you, why not a car?

    Some one said earlier that new guys always seem to sell allot of cars. That is true because they don't know crap and listen to the MGR's. It is after 90 days when they think they have it all figured out that they start to tank.

    They start thinking for the customer.

    They start mentally appraising there own trades and think the UCM is screwing them

    They start quoting payments with out asking the desk

    They quit going on test drives

    They start going from a greet to the close and forget about the other 8 steps.

    The 90-180 day period will make or break a new sales person. If you make it to day 181 chances are you will make it to day 7300. That is if you plan on doing it for 20 years.
  • sterlingdogsterlingdog Member Posts: 6,984
    Since you are new to the "con" trap of all occupations, allow me to give you some advice from the consumer side:

    1. Be genuinely nice to all customers.

    2. Don't come on too strong---it's not real.

    3. Be honest---one lie will just lead to another.

    4. Always be sure that you, the SM, and the F&I guy are on the same page.

    5. Don't nag or talk too much on the test drive---let us get the feel for the car.

    6. Take Old Timers advice with a grain of salt---they can get stale and bitter.

    7. If the sale fails, still be nice. The customer may come back.

    8. Call two weeks after the sale to see if they are still happy.

    9. Always keep your shoes polished---a sign that one cares about details.

    10. Try to picture yourself in the customer's shoes---be sensitive to needs.

    11. Be a team player---not the one who thinks that they know it all.

    12. Don't depend on training manuals---it's an individual talent that you have.

    I wish for you the best. Remember, making others happy will make you happy.

    Richard
  • sterlingdogsterlingdog Member Posts: 6,984
    "...I do need to start using spell check..."

    Now you don't need my help, do you? :P
  • sterlingdogsterlingdog Member Posts: 6,984
    "...Crossover, crossunder, cross-dresser..."

    How about "Double Cross?" ;)
  • sterlingdogsterlingdog Member Posts: 6,984
    I believe that his wife was the lady who wanted to send me $3 million left to her by the King of Sudan. I would hold the money for her and then get a percentage when she arrived in America. Of course, she needed for me to send her $10,000 of travel money to get here and then she would forward the $3 million to me. :D
  • sterlingdogsterlingdog Member Posts: 6,984
    "Up's" are those customers who become "downers" when you finish with them! :P
  • lemkolemko Member Posts: 15,261
    ...I didn't know you were in the car business. I thought you went the insurance route instead. Too bad you don't sell Caddies or Buicks. I might've made a special trip out to Michigan just to buy a car from you! Since you're now a Chevy guy, is it true there will be a RWD V-8 Impala? If so, when?
  • sterlingdogsterlingdog Member Posts: 6,984
    You may have to wait on some of those consumers to spend. As of this morning, one in every six houses in this country is now in foreclosure. Michigan is a good example. I'm now wondering how many cars are being repossessed. You guys might want to consider putting a bit more into your savings. The next 24-36 months could be rough.
  • sterlingdogsterlingdog Member Posts: 6,984
    You're not getting trades because the parents are giving the new cars to the kids and the trades are for the parents to drive. ;)
  • qbrozenqbrozen Member Posts: 33,793
    As of this morning, one in every six houses in this country is now in foreclosure.

    OK, this isn't the place, but I have to ask where the heck that stat came from. I find it pretty much impossible to believe given the large number of seniors in this country who own their homes outright.

    You sure there isn't more to that stat? Like maybe 1 of every 6 houses bought in the past 10 years, or something like that?

    '11 GMC Sierra 1500; '98 Alfa 156 2.0TS; '08 Maser QP; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '11 Mini Cooper S

  • madmanmoomadmanmoo Member Posts: 2,039
    Well,

    I certainly appreciate the offer. Unfortunately, I'm going to need you to sell those beanie babies first. :blush: Then we can talk.

    Ahh, what the heck. I'll make an exception and take 'em. Due to USC 1376, I no longer want to deny your sovereign right.

    1 Cayman = SOLD!

    ;)

    -moo
  • madmanmoomadmanmoo Member Posts: 2,039
    I'm feeling magnanimous. Kydfx and nyccarguy are both proud new owners of Caymans.

    Accounting is going to KILL me though. :shades:

    -moo
  • madmanmoomadmanmoo Member Posts: 2,039
    Indeed, that stat seems WAY too high.

    Let's all be honest. We're in an election year. Isn't this about the time where a stink is made about everything?

    Global warming, droughts, and recessions. Let's get on with it. There are fearmongers everywhere. If we don't spend, we WILL slip into a recession. (I am no economist.) My basic understanding of economics is that spending helps. So do it!

    -moo
  • mcdawggmcdawgg Member Posts: 1,722
    My basic understanding of economics is that spending helps. So do it!
    Only if you have the money to spend!! ;) Don't go into more debt!
  • joel0622joel0622 Member Posts: 3,299
    Historically though the year after an election is always good because people have a false sense of security that a new Administration will actually make a difference. Then after a year it goes down a touch when people figure out it really does not matter, but is usually the beginning of a pretty good 7 year cycle.
  • mackabeemackabee Member Posts: 4,709
    The NFL network had a replay of Sunday's Giants/Cowboys game. I watched it in hopes the outcome would be different but it was the same. :cry:
    MACK :shades:
  • mackabeemackabee Member Posts: 4,709
    Another piece of advice: Stay away from negative Bill. Every store has one or more negative Bills. They complain about the weather, they complain about the internet, they complain about whose getting the house deals, they complain about why the product you're selling is not offered with a V10, etc. etc. These types want to drag you down so you don't sell any cars. Consequently they don't either or just barely get by. They can ruin your attitude if you let them.
    Mack
  • psorterpsorter Member Posts: 89
    "Indeed, that stat seems WAY too high. "

    CNN web site reports 1 out of 128 mortages are in foreclosure up from one 1 out of 300 a year ago (which equated to 1 out of every 1200 houses)
  • imidazol97imidazol97 Member Posts: 27,725
    In other words avoid the lounge lizards. Get your coffee, soda, whatever and take it somewhere else to meditate when the "gang" is there. Don't be standoffish, but don't patronize. They'll stab you in the back because you'll be their gripe when you're not there.

    Note the positive ones. They'll say something that didn't go or work right and tell a positive on how to fix it and be done. New topic. Those can help.

    Talk with individuals who will share and care about your future. Ask how their kids are, their spouse, etc. Keep a memory of details just like you will for customers. Ask the supervisor what you need to do or do better.

    These ideas work for most workplaces (unless you're the boss).

    2014 Malibu 2LT, 2015 Cruze 2LT,

  • laurasdadalaurasdada Member Posts: 5,227
    Copied and Pasted for Salesfolks comment:

    As a salesman myself, I always look for agreeable salespeople when I shop for anything. In my attempts to get pricing for the TL, I was amazed at how low the dealers are going and how fast they do it. I guess that's the market, but in my business, I don't just give up the profit right away. Anyway, I'm also leery of car salesmen and the games some of them can play and was looking for someone who would take me serious and not play any games. I learned early on about vin etching and those sort of thing and didn't to get into that, I just wanted to buy the car. I emailed with several dealers and all were very polite and disclosed the "Pro-Packs" upfront like I asked. When it came down to crunch time, it got sour. I asked every dealer I was in contact with why I should buy from them. The response I got from Acura 101 West was sad and unfortunate especially since I live in Woodland Hills. Here's the thread and you guys can judge for yourself:

    ME: Well you've been very helpful so far. I'm stuck between you and Sierra Acura right now. All the other dealers around here have agreed to match or beat your price, and they've all disclosed their extras so now I can really get this deal anywhere. Is there anything you can offer that would help me decide to buy from your dealership? I want to do this Wednesday night after work.

    101: Nick why would you drive all the way to sierra you live on woodland hills! Iim sure I was the very first to answer your email. I'm selling you the car for nothing ,just trying to keep our customers ,making no money at all on this deal!!

    101 AGAIN: Nick if you do the deal today I will beat it buy $100.00 ,if Wed will match Sierra deal!

    ME: I asked you to sell yourself and the dealership and all you did was knock off $100. That's insulting. At this point it's not about money anymore or the distance. Quite frankly, it never was. I've been in sales for over 20 years and I'm looking for someone to sell me on why I should buy from them. You all gave out better pricing than I expected so I'll take it, but you're not selling here, you're just discounting. And if you'd like a piece of advice form a seasoned sales vet, you and every Acura dealer I've been in contact with over the last week or so are undercharging for your product. I'd never willingly sell my product for less than what I paid. Just something to think about. Probably lost me on this one, maybe next time. Best of luck to you,

    Now here's where it get's ugly...

    101: Nick that sound so stupid -you were looking for the cheapest price you could get!! And then you still wanted something else for free. Thats the biggest bunch of crap !!! I don't want your businees or need your business -Take your long drive to buy that car

    I read these forums during my research and I'm sure many of you may disagree with my point of view on selling price and that's fine. What I'm trying to point out in this post is you don't ever want to treat a luxury buyer like that and that kind of attitude doesn't help this industry. I wish the best for this salesperson, but frankly I wouldn't buy there, won't even service my car there now. I'll have to go to Keyes for service. I'll probably do something this weekend and I still don't know where I'll give the business but I wanted to vent this frustration somewhere and knew this forum would understand. Thanks for hearing me out.

    '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...)

  • joel0622joel0622 Member Posts: 3,299
    I may have been a bit more tactful about it then 101 was but I don't blame him for the stance he took.

    Nobody wants to first get a mini deal then on top of that get told that they under sell there product and get told how to do there job.

    just trying to keep our customers

    Did this mean you had been a previous customer at the dealer?
  • qbrozenqbrozen Member Posts: 33,793
    I'm not a salesperson, but ...

    on one hand, I think the salesperson overreacted in the end. However, I would also have told the buyer to take a walk (just more politely). I mean, what the heck was he looking for? A hand job? I don't get it. He said they were nice, polite, met his number, and he was ready to buy .... but the salesperson didn't say some sort of secret word or do the secret handshake correctly. Ya know what, buyer? Get bent!

    Where did you find that, anyway?

    I'm kind of curious what answer would have satisfied this person.
    "I'll be your best friend"
    "Because I've got the snazziest shirt"
    "We'll give you free coffee upon service visits"
    "You say jump and we'll ask how high"

    '11 GMC Sierra 1500; '98 Alfa 156 2.0TS; '08 Maser QP; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '11 Mini Cooper S

  • qbrozenqbrozen Member Posts: 33,793
    Well, there we go. Thanks for posting that.
    We KNEW it couldn't be 1 in 6.

    '11 GMC Sierra 1500; '98 Alfa 156 2.0TS; '08 Maser QP; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '11 Mini Cooper S

  • jescuejescue Member Posts: 521
    Sounds like that salesperson said what we have all thought at one time or another. :D That was not a proper response, but I can understand. And what exactly did the salesperson lose? $100? It would not be worth it in this case.
  • laurasdadalaurasdada Member Posts: 5,227
    The post came from the Acura TL "Prices Paid..." forum. I'm not the buyer, just thought it an interesting he said/she said review of a deal.

    As a buyer, I want to buy from the dealer that gives me a fair price, spends the amount of time with me that I require and with the least amount of extraneous salesmanship. I was ready to buy, wanted to buy, feel bad about not buying, my TL from the dealer that I did all the legwork with, but my trade just wasn't worth enough to the UCM. Went to another dealer, staying in contact with the original, but original dealer obviously to me had made their final offer. Dealer 2 offered me 50% more for my trade, so SOLD! Now, three years later, Dealer 1 has been sold... No hard feelings, I recommended my salesman (if he's still there?!) and Dealer 1 to folks.

    Evil wife and I can't be blamed for any recession. 16 years of marriage: Two houses, 6 cars, two kids, a dog and everything required to furnish/dress/keep running/bejewel all of the above have been purchased by us! We just keep spending... :surprise:

    '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...)

  • jlawrence01jlawrence01 Member Posts: 1,757
    I agree with the salesman. You ARE shopping price and when he tries to give it, you pull the rug out from underneathe him.

    Personally, I think that you are the one playing the games. I would have told you to walk too.
  • qbrozenqbrozen Member Posts: 33,793
    Again, though, let's be careful with wording. Laurasdada was NOT the buyer in that story.

    I realized that, Laurasdada, which is why I asked where you found it (hoping to clear it up for some other folks).

    '11 GMC Sierra 1500; '98 Alfa 156 2.0TS; '08 Maser QP; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '11 Mini Cooper S

  • michaellnomichaellno Member Posts: 4,120
    When I lived in CA, I passed that dealer whenever I had to drive into LA. It was one of the first "glitzy" dealerships to be built, IIRC (this was in the early 90's, not long after Acura was established).

    I always got the impression that they were a 'volume' dealership, even though they sold a 'premium' brand.

    The story above seems to confirm that fact. Acuras now seem to be more of a commodity (like Honda).

    I guess I am taking the side of the consumer here. He was looking for something beyond just the best price .. his original question from the "prices paid" forum was something along the lines of "why should I buy from your dealer" - he wasn't looking to get any more $$$ off the selling price, he was looking for that intangible 'extra mile' that good salesman will go to not only complete the transaction, but to build a working relationship that can last for years (see isellhondas for an example of that - most of his business, by his own admission, is repeat and referral in nature).

    The salesman in the story seemed to have missed that entirely - he kept responding with bluster about not making any money on the deal.

    Having said that, I do admit that the buyer in this case was wrong to take the business away from 101 West because they were selling their product below cost.

    As has been noted hundreds of times in these forums, we (the buyers) shouldn't care about the cost, as long as we feel we are getting a price we are comfortable with.

    My own .02, FWIW.
  • greanpea68greanpea68 Member Posts: 1,996
    Some one said earlier that new guys always seem to sell allot of cars. That is true because they don't know crap and listen to the MGR's. It is after 90 days when they think they have it all figured out that they start to tank.


    LOL

    I was going to get into that, but figured he would learn as he goes. :blush:

    I guess the best advice is "stay green Pony Boy"..." stay green "

    So many time I have seen a new guy come in and take the board in his first month than running from customers in 3 months ready to find another job.

    But stay positive and good luck!

    GP
  • greanpea68greanpea68 Member Posts: 1,996
    8. Call two weeks after the sale to see if they are still happy.

    Call the next day, 3 days and also in 2 weeks. Too many things can happen in two weeks.

    GP
  • stickguystickguy Member Posts: 53,748
    I thought newbie sales guys start out hot because they sell cars to all of their friends and family? By 90 days, everyone that needs one has one, so they are depending on selling to strangers to make a living!

    FOr the Acura guy, I bet the salesdude really thought he had answered the question (or price is the best), and got frustrated for being hounded on it. He probably never saw a customer ask for a reason to buy that wasn't price!

    Certainly a poorly worded response, but also an odd question.

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

  • jmonroejmonroe Member Posts: 8,989
    The NFL network had a replay of Sunday's Giants/Cowboys game. I watched it in hopes the outcome would be different but it was the same.

    You're just the guy I've been looking for. I have a well traveled toll bridge for sale. Nice location, well maintained, even has water under it. A sharp guy like you will figure out how to build a lock so you can catch the boat traffic too. Whadda ya say? :D

    jmonroe

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

  • snakeweaselsnakeweasel Member Posts: 19,593
    Listen to those who can help you and ignore those who can't.

    Ah but how do you tell the difference?

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

  • snakeweaselsnakeweasel Member Posts: 19,593
    9. Always keep your shoes polished---a sign that one cares about details.

    10. Try to picture yourself in the customer's shoes---be sensitive to needs.


    Ah, what if the customers shoes aren't polished? :blush:

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

  • snakeweaselsnakeweasel Member Posts: 19,593
    As of this morning, one in every six houses in this country is now in foreclosure.

    Whats your source, that seems rather high.

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

  • snakeweaselsnakeweasel Member Posts: 19,593
    You sure there isn't more to that stat?

    I think maybe its a misleading stat, like one in six houses the mortgage is in arrears (i.e. at least one day past the grace period for the loan). While technically it is defaulting on the loan it is a far cry from being in foreclosure.

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

  • chikoochikoo Member Posts: 3,008
    Ah, what if the customers shoes aren't polished?

    Means that you can sneak in add-ons and he will not even notice. After all he does not care about details :D
  • joel0622joel0622 Member Posts: 3,299
    Easy, the guy pencils your deals can help ya. The guy that says he will show your customer how the Nav system works for 1/2 a deal can't.
  • madmanmoomadmanmoo Member Posts: 2,039
    This buyer is an idiot. He's a bottom feeder and condescends. Who needs it?

    -moo
This discussion has been closed.

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