Stories from the Sales Frontlines

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Comments

  • oldfarmer50oldfarmer50 Member Posts: 24,373
    "...I mean, what the heck was he looking for? A hand job?..."

    I actually fell on the floor laughing when I read this!!! :):):)

    When you think about it, that's exactly what that customer was looking for. He wanted to totally dominate a number of dealerships and a whole bunch of salespeople to flatter his over-blown ego. The salesman probably picked up on that and responded in-kind. Just what the blow-hard customer deserved.

    If a salesperson was willing to sell me a product for below cost he would have a new best friend. To play stupid mind games with a business after they have done you a favor is just being cruel for the sake of it.

    I have had customers behave in all sorts of strange ways when they buy from me but the only one I ever came close to punching in the face was one who displayed the same behavior.

    I am quite proud of my self control in that I only told him: "I became a farmer so that I wouldn't have to put up with people like you...take a hike!" :mad:

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

  • cdnpinheadcdnpinhead Member Posts: 5,626
    You've demonstrated a lot of passion for American cars on these forums, so I hope that will work to your best advantage in your new endeavour.

    These guys have already given you a number of tips & I'm confident that they'll continue. Stay positive & don't run down the competition.

    All the best, guy. Good luck!!
    '08 Acura TSX, '17 Subaru Forester
  • humblecoderhumblecoder Member Posts: 125
    Let me get this straight...

    The customer wanted "no games". The salesperson gave the customer a low price without any games. Then the customer gets all indignant because the salesperson gave him a low price without games? It sounds like the customer has multiple personality disorder!!
  • nyccarguynyccarguy Member Posts: 17,611
    And of course YOU'LL pay to ship the lead from my store in the Bronx to your dealership...LOL!

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

  • rockyleerockylee Member Posts: 14,017
    ...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?

    Lemko, the insurance deal went south. Worked for 5 weeks for free pal and made co-workers money by setting appointments. Was promised I'dbe makingsome dough inside of 2 weeks and after 5 weeks of not working in my home office and trying to recite verbatim about 2 dozen pages of sales with no help aides was also a discouragement. I believe a marketing major didn't write our sales presentation like they claimed as the sentences did not flow.

    As far as RWD Impala, goes I heard some of that zeta stuff might be canceled with the new 35 mpg rules. I think GM, could do it if they make a 2-mode hybrid 3.6 as the base engine with a mega powered V8 SS. Maybe a diesel like they are going to put in the CTS ??? :shades:

    I do appreciate all of yalls advice and well wishes. I did go through a professional automotive sales training course through TK Worldwide Inc. so I know the basics of what and what not to do. I've been a customer many of times and I promised myself I would not be like the Joe Jurassics that ruin car salesman's reps. ;)

    -Rocky
  • laurasdadalaurasdada Member Posts: 5,226
    Yes, thanks qb. I was not the buyer, just the messenger from the Acura TL Prices Paid...forum.

    When I'm a buyer, I'm a laydown. How much off MSRP? Is pin-striping, rust-proofing, paint protector and fabric sealant extra? Of course, gotta have an extended warranty! Thank you, sir! May I have another?

    I actually do think I'm a good customer. I enjoy cars and the shopping process. I do not waste salesfolks time if I'm just a Lookie-Lou (which I tell 'em). But if they want to talk cars, I will.

    '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...)

  • oldfarmer50oldfarmer50 Member Posts: 24,373
    "...I did go through a professional automotive sales training course..."

    Is that the training where they tell you to control customers like a dog, telling them to "stay", "sit" and at the end "beg"? ;)

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

  • madmanmoomadmanmoo Member Posts: 2,039
    Man, I wish that worked. :blush:

    -moo
  • bigdveedubgirlbigdveedubgirl Member Posts: 402
    Where to begin.......

    This will most likely enrage some people on here but it is what it is.....

    First of all Acura is Honda's luxury division, but not a luxury brand when compared to Benz, BMW, Audi, and Lexus.

    A TRUE Luxury buyer, would buy from who treats them right has the best service and pricing although, important most times not the main decision maker.

    I think the salesperson reacted out of emotion and frustration, and was wrong. But when you are cheapselling a car to someone who said that they would buy from the dealership with the best price, and then asks for more......no matter what the salesperson did he was going to the best price store.

    That customer is just a taste of what we put up with everyday!
  • madmanmoomadmanmoo Member Posts: 2,039
    If price really didn't matter to the guy, but the intagibles of the dealer did, the customer should have presented that first. As it is, he just comes off looking like an idiot.

    -moo
  • sterlingdogsterlingdog Member Posts: 6,984
    I was as surprised as you to hear that figure. It came from a 30 year veteran in real estate who received an alert memo from the national chain headquarters to share with her other agents. I'll try to speak with her again to see if I can get more clarification. As for seniors owning their homes, I don't know if the reverse mortgage concept has had any impact on statistics or not. I'll ask. We all know that you can pretty much make numbers send any message that you like.
  • sterlingdogsterlingdog Member Posts: 6,984
    Why should the customer worry about polishing his shoes? He's not the one trying to sell a car. :P Actually, he should polish his shoes as well. Not only would it indicate that he cares about details, but it would prolong the life of his shoes. :D Also, a good manicure helps. People notice your hands, especially when you are dealing with paper work.
  • [Deleted User][Deleted User] ColoradoPosts: 0
    First of all Acura is Honda's luxury division, but not a luxury brand when compared to Benz, BMW, Audi, and Lexus.

    I can understand MB, BMW & Audi...but isn't Lexus simply Toyota's luxury division just as Infiniti is Nissan's luxury division? Are those two not really considered a luxury brand? Would Saab and Volvo be considered a luxury brand as Edmunds has them classified? Just curious, not enraged :)
  • bigdveedubgirlbigdveedubgirl Member Posts: 402
    In my opinion, which really in the shceme of things means squat....

    I think a luxury brand is what one dreams of driving when they have made it.

    Do you hear people say "Someday when I become successful, I am going to buy that house in the hills and have a SAAB on the driveway"?

    Volvo is a great car, and Saabs are fun cars to drive, but they are not prestige brands, they are somewhere in the middle kind of like VW. ;)
  • qbrozenqbrozen Member Posts: 33,792
    We all know that you can pretty much make numbers send any message that you like.

    Too true.

    In any case, don't go crazy trying to get clarification. I'll rely on the CNN numbers posted instead. ;)

    '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: 33,792
    I actually fell on the floor laughing when I read this!!!

    Glad to bring humor to your day. :)

    the only one I ever came close to punching in the face was one who displayed the same behavior.

    I don't blame you. I don't sell anything, but this story got my blood boiling a bit. What the buyer did was just plain wrong. I would never treat ANYONE like this. My parents raised me better, I guess.

    '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
    Good to hear. She's an idiot. The original poster was "nicky" something. She also said she was in sales and she still treated this person like this.

    Ugh, what an idiot.

    -moo
  • exb0exb0 Member Posts: 539
    That’s nonsense.

    I have never seen anybody salivating over Audi either. Does it mean that Audi isn’t a luxury brand because it ‘s just a luxury division of VW (the maker of Rabbits and Beetles).
  • madmanmoomadmanmoo Member Posts: 2,039
    GP, I thought you might be interested in this. If you haven't seen it already.

    http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do/News/articleId=123564

    I like the part about the top sales executive. The rich just keep getting richer.

    Does this apply to your dealership? Are you getting any?

    -moo
  • bigdveedubgirlbigdveedubgirl Member Posts: 402
    Like I said an opinion!

    And for the record since I WORKED for Audi, yes I had SEVERAL people drool over those cars Have you seen and R8? An A8?

    Volvo, SAAB, and ACURA does not sell $80,000.00 vehicles. They top off in the $50k mark.....
  • madmanmoomadmanmoo Member Posts: 2,039
    Ya, I've seen folks drooling over S4's too. I'm currently drooling over the R8. Wow! That looks awesome.

    There is an exclusivity to luxury in my opinion. Infinti is a luxury brand, but pretty much any Joe could walk into the showroom and lease its vehicles at an affordable price. BMW does the same thing. They had some ridiculous 24 month 7-series lease that was unworldly.

    Compare this to a retailer like Cartier. Want a pen from them? How about a $3,200 dollar writing utensil. That's luxury! :blush: You won't see everyone under the sun scribbling away with those.

    Acura? Not a luxury brand in my opinion. Way too accessible for us average Joes.

    -moo
  • epineyepiney Member Posts: 462
    Man, I wish that worked.

    Which part, the resisting hitting people or telling them to take a hike?

    "I became a Porsche salesman so I wouldn't have to put with people like you. Now shut up and pay full price plus ADM" :blush:
  • madmanmoomadmanmoo Member Posts: 2,039
    :P

    I still get my grinders. Just not in volume anymore.

    -moo
  • sky23213sky23213 Member Posts: 300
    1 in 6 would be about right for the foreclosures of subprime mortgages. When the first numbers came out the sources said it was 14.something.
    The % for the normal market was in the low single digits.
  • jmonroejmonroe Member Posts: 8,989
    Do you hear people say "Someday when I become successful, I am going to buy that house in the hills and have a SAAB on the driveway"?

    Hosts, please stay with me on this since it is a car tale. Just a little explanation first.

    It’s very interesting that you say this, given what happened to me the other night.

    While I was at dinner with Mrs. jmonroe I mentioned that I needed a pair of shoes. Well, being the professional shopper that she is she said, “we aren’t that far from the mall and I know where you can get a nice pair”. Who am I to argue with her so we went to the mall and sure enough I found a nice pair and according to her it was a good price.

    As we are walking out of the mall we walk past a Cayman S that is on display right near the escalator we were about to go down and she floors me by saying, “you’re a car guy now, why don’t you buy one of those. You’re not getting any younger. Do you really want to drive a Hyundai for the rest of your life? :surprise: I said to her, “do you know what one of those cost, although I do have a couple poster buddies that could probably give me a good deal, they are still on the high end” and she says, “go for it, like I said you’re not getting any younger”. Since I know her I said, “yeah, and as soon as I do your going to the nearest Couch Shop and buy a couple of those and she said, “I just bought a couple of those a year or two ago so you know we don’t need any more of those but we do NEED a new dining room set”. I said, “WHAT” and a few shoppers turned around. She said, “we’ve had that set since we were married so don’t you think it’s about time we replaced it”? Of course I said, “NO, it’s still in great shape”. Then out of curiosity I fall for it and say, “how much do they cost now” and she says, “I saw couple nice ones at (she names the furniture store) for around 12 or 13K”. I about fell down the escalator and said, “I ain’t going near one of those cars so forget it”. I could possibly afford the car itself but with the ADM that she’s going to put on it, I’m out.

    The thing that’s got me very concerned is that the real Mrs. jmonroe is going to start posting here trying to get my buddies to side with her just so she can get the dining room set. So, I’m going to ask and if it helps, beg, that you guys not fall for her whining, she’ll get over it, believe me but I won’t. I guess I will be driving a Hyundai for the rest of my life. :cry:

    Thanks,

    jmonroe

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

  • madmanmoomadmanmoo Member Posts: 2,039
    Wow, that is a helluva an ADM.

    Strangely enough, I DO have access to MrsJmonroe, but I am no longer able to use that access. The gods in the sky have declared that particular form of amusement unsavory. :cry:

    Let me know when you're done with Hyundais! We'll get working on a Cayman S soon enough. :)

    -moo
  • stickguystickguy Member Posts: 53,734
    like to play head games. Mine tells me to get whatever expensive car I really want, knowing that I will cheap out at the end, but I can never blame it on her that I drive an Accord!

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

  • jescuejescue Member Posts: 521
    I pledge to beat any deal Moo offers and Nashville is very close to Atlanta. :P
  • joel0622joel0622 Member Posts: 3,299
    I saw a news report that stated 1 in 6 and it was talking about a particular sub division in Florida that all the loans were arranged by the builder.
  • epineyepiney Member Posts: 462
    I pledge to beat any deal Moo offers and Nashville is very close to Atlanta

    Yeah but... "Well you've been very helpful so far. I'm stuck between you and Moo 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.

    :P

    (Sorry, couldn't resist) ;)
  • greanpea68greanpea68 Member Posts: 1,996
    Moo-

    We have been told already that we are getting 3 GT-R's. I haven't heard anything about having one person being the only person to deal with GT-R's but I am sure that is the case. No big deal it just means that They will have to take a on-line test and be certified. But I am sure any one will be able to take the deal.

    We already have 2 deposits on for the incoming Gt-R's with the pricing listed as " Market Value " Meaning we have tols them that they will be paying $10,000 - $15,000 over sticker. The two people that have given the deposits bot state that " they don't care " and they also aren't that picky about color. Strange. We have had a lot of people coming in and asking about them but that is about it.

    Yes we have to pay $25,000 ( the dealer ) just to be a certified dealer as we talked about yesterday. What do you think of this bull [non-permissible content removed]... the managers have even said that they are not planning on paying sales people commission over the sticker price because of the $25,000 that they have to pay to be certified..

    To be honest since we are only getting 3 for the year I am not to worried about selling them. If it happens it happens ya know what I mean.

    I will say this though... I'll bet any money that since someone from the sales floor has to be certified with Nissan that it will be me. Not to toot my horn but I am the guy everyone goes to when their is a question about product knowledge or if they need a test done. I would say mainly the reason for that is that I have been with Nissan longer than anyone in my building besides my GSM.

    There will only be 3... I am more worried about the 200-250 other I cars I plan on selling in the year 2008

    Since this is a long post I'll do spell check for everyone ;) ... no names mentioned

    GP
  • greanpea68greanpea68 Member Posts: 1,996
    Guys I just tried to spell check my last post... Is it possible with all the nice things you have done with the forums can we please update the spell check to make it more user friendly. I went through the whole thing and it still came out wrong.

    Could you send someone to my house to train me on the products of Edmunds :blush:

    Thank you

    GP
  • jescuejescue Member Posts: 521
    You will get my full attention and $150 more off if you buy today. ;)
  • greanpea68greanpea68 Member Posts: 1,996
    You probably know by now but the 2009 Murano's have hit the lots. I was out wed and thur. The vehicles hit Wednesday

    GP
  • greanpea68greanpea68 Member Posts: 1,996
    ”. I about fell down the escalator and said,

    Bursted out laughing...

    Thanks JM

    GP
  • joel0622joel0622 Member Posts: 3,299
    I would prefer the folks at Edmund's to be working on the problem that throws me back 8 pages and tells me there are new post when there are not. So for now use this, its pretty cool. If it could only tell me when to use there instead of their though. :D
    http://www.iespell.com/
  • greanpea68greanpea68 Member Posts: 1,996
    I don't know who gets to vote for #1 answer in the " Answer's and Questions" thing but just to let you know I got best answer for your question... " What are the best cars for $30,000...."

    If you didn't see it my answer was that you were going for the Tri-Fector... ;)

    1) Question
    2) Answer
    3) voted best answer

    Anyway I thougt it was pretty smart of you. Was it you that voted me best answer or someone else?

    No wonder you have such a high score in that thing :surprise:

    Keep up the good work

    GP
  • greanpea68greanpea68 Member Posts: 1,996
    Thanks Joel...

    I'll have to agree with you that I have been have the same problem with that too. It will say there is 38 new posts. You look and it is from 3 days ago and the best part is you have posted something in th middle there. Ya know what I mean.

    Come on edmunds. You told me this was covered under warranty :confuse:

    I guess they will send ame a bill in the mail one of these days for a deductible ;)

    GP
  • sterlingdogsterlingdog Member Posts: 6,984
    Rob, it was too late by the time that I read your post. I did go crazy when I couldn't reach my agent friend. I went on a mission and here is the result:
    Sources---Market Place, Mortgage Bankers Association, and MSN Real Estate
    Statistics---It is currently 1 in every 1,117 houses.
    Exceptions---It is 1 in every 400+ houses in Texas, Florida, California, Georgia, Nevada, Colorado, Michigan, and Arizona.
    Overall---Subprime mortgage foreclosures are higher and depend on locale.
    Note---35% of American homes are owned free and clear.
    Finally---The term foreclosure can be anything between 90 days past due to complete bank ownership.

    When I find my agent friend, I'm going to take her to the ER. She obviously needs serious attention. In order that the Hosts not delete this message, allow me to say that 99% of these homes had one or more cars parked out front. :P
  • greanpea68greanpea68 Member Posts: 1,996
    Just curious... DO you know how to fix the problem with odometer reading display when they go off and on? Sometimes you can hit the dashboards. I nitice it on 2000-2002 model trucks and suv's... Do you know what I am talking about? Is it just a fuse?

    GP
  • sterlingdogsterlingdog Member Posts: 6,984
    If you have had the dining room suite since you were married, it is now an antique. ;) Why not sell it to an antique dealer and let MrsJMonroe buy the new one? She has good taste if she is looking at $12k to purchase one. Bet she likes Craftique. When we bought our second one in 1992, it was $9k.

    As for your car parked at the escalator, was it headed up or down? :D You may as well take the plunge, or do you plan to make the children happy once you are six feet under? :blush:
  • sterlingdogsterlingdog Member Posts: 6,984
    If you have had the dining room suite since you were married, it is now an antique. ;) Why not sell it to an antique dealer and let MrsJMonroe buy the new one? She has good taste if she is looking at $12k to purchase one. Bet she likes Craftique. When we bought our second one in 1992, it was $9k.

    As for your car parked at the escalator, was it headed up or down? :D You may as well take the plunge, or do you plan to make the children happy once you are six feet under? :blush:
  • greanpea68greanpea68 Member Posts: 1,996
    If you have had the dining room suite since you were married, it is now an antique.

    Laugh out loud...

    Who knows "J" you may have equity in it :surprise:

    You should have those people from the antiques show on channel 2 come by and appraise it. You would figure something from the civil war ( Marriage) ;) should be worth something :P

    GP
  • joel0622joel0622 Member Posts: 3,299
    Depends, first thing you need to do is make sure that the odometer is working when the lights are off. If the odometer is working then it is probably a guage cluster fuse.
  • madmanmoomadmanmoo Member Posts: 2,039
    I'm gonna go ahead and let Jescue have this deal. :P

    I cannot believe the way some people act. She is obviously entitled to something!

    -moo
  • madmanmoomadmanmoo Member Posts: 2,039
    Thanks for the reply, GP. I'm glad you guys are getting some. I'm not surprised on the payment schedule either. Greedy SM's! ;)

    I hope you get all 3! When they come in, make sure to take some pictures and post them on the website with you shovelling snow next to one!

    -moo
  • sterlingdogsterlingdog Member Posts: 6,984
    I can tell you the difference, but they will kick me off the air. Wait! Maybe I can sneak it in this way. "They had THEIR car washed over THERE at Joel's dealership." :D
  • madmanmoomadmanmoo Member Posts: 2,039
    Ya, I voted for you. I actually vote for you on every single one of your posts. Simply out of respect! :P

    You actually get -5 points for asking and question and no points for answering your own. So, I wasn't very smart. :(

    I can't keep up with Shifty though. He knows WAY more than I do about stuff. He's a really good contributor. I can only answer a little bit on maintenance. The buying/selling portion I am normally all over though.

    As far as Muranos, I didn't know that, but I'll go take a look at the local dealer next time I'm in for an oil change. Thanks for the update.

    -moo
  • joel0622joel0622 Member Posts: 3,299
    Moo, you owe me a beer Bro. I just spent the better part of 30 minutes clicking these little things on your answersimage in the answers deal. Raised you a good 100+ points :D
  • sterlingdogsterlingdog Member Posts: 6,984
    Give me your address, buy some beer, and I'll be right over with a better product. :blush:
This discussion has been closed.

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