Stories from the Sales Frontlines

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Comments

  • imidazol97imidazol97 Member Posts: 27,711
    >parent should be required to drive the bus for 1 day.

    That would be a hoot to watch the parents that have all the answers actually work for a day. That's a job I couldn't handle.

    I'd always thought I'd like sell cars. I realized that I couldn't do that job either.

    2014 Malibu 2LT, 2015 Cruze 2LT,

  • dhamiltondhamilton Member Posts: 878
    been having the worst month around here. 18'th of the month and not 1 unit out, Then.............

    to be continued
  • dhamiltondhamilton Member Posts: 878
    Allright, that's my tribute to Mack.

    Now, nothing out all month, then , RS4, and an S6 back, to back.

    That pulls me out of my slump real quick. I was sweating the RS4 because it was a younger client and he was paying cash. I thought his financial adviser would poo poo it because of the economy. But he showed up bright and early this morning with a check. One of the most pleasant, and easiest sales I've ever had. I wish all customers were that easy going....

    Now I just need about 8 more this month.
  • carhag2000carhag2000 Member Posts: 207
    been having the worst month around here.

    Thats funny, I am in SE Ohio and have been on fire all month. 11 burning gas and 2 more that should flop in a day or two. I have told all of my friends and family not to talk to me this month becasue they WILL buy a car if they do. I'm stronger than a Pepsi [non-permissible content removed] right now!
  • jmonroejmonroe Member Posts: 8,989
    Maby..you know me..

    Your rite…

    I do have alot…


    Oh boy, another one. You ain’t gonna make it with righting like that but don’t worry our grammar/writing cop just showed up, again. You’ll be getting a correcting post any time now. :D

    …good stories but most of them consist of cry baby customers…

    Since it’s the slow season, a couple “cry baby” stories will tide us over. Whenever you’re ready we’re all ears.

    jmonroe

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

  • mackabeemackabee Member Posts: 4,709
    Hey, at least he didn't "roll the kids under the bus"
    ;):) :shades:
  • greanpea68greanpea68 Member Posts: 1,996
    Oh boy, another one. You ain’t gonna make it with righting like that but don’t worry our grammar/writing cop just showed up, again. You’ll be getting a correcting post any time now.

    Maybe we or edmunds since they are hiring could Rich a full time job. He could read all posts before they post and edit them Win win for everyone. Everyone can understand someones post and Richard's wife isn't yelling at him for doing nothing ;)

    When your ready Cash give us a story. How about the one were you got a ticket in NY for not wearing a seatbelt... :cry:

    GP
  • oldfarmer50oldfarmer50 Member Posts: 24,343
    "...Three kids were sitting ON TOP of the bus and two were sitting on the hood. The rest were shouting obscenities..."

    Were you following me on my run today? Some day when they create a "Stories From the Bus Frontlines" I'll tell you all my tales. :cry:

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

  • mackabeemackabee Member Posts: 4,709
    I started my last cycle of chemo today. Finish on Friday. Scan on wednesday next week and follow up with my doc on April 1st to discuss the next plan of action. Must be my mind playing tricks on me but I feel really sick today.
    Mack
  • oldfarmer50oldfarmer50 Member Posts: 24,343
    Here's one that will put a smile on Joel's face:

    TAMPA---The Ford Fusion's reinforced steel construction probably saved the lives of the 18-year old driver and his 16-year old passenger. But Roberts said it gave his Hillsborough County Fire Rescue crew fits as they tried to free them last November.
    Because hydraulic cutters couldn't shear the roof posts, rescue workers had to turn to heavy-duty electric saws, replacing blade after blade as they dulled on the rugged material.
    "It was just beating the snot out of the tools," adding minutes and delaying medical treatment, Roberts said.

    I'm sure Ford can expect a flood of lawsuits from people who were late for their golf games because it took so long to cut them out of their cars. ;)

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

  • sterlingdogsterlingdog Member Posts: 6,984
    Hello young fella. In my absence, I learned that you and Moo are young enough to be my grand children. I've missed you guys, but I have been keeping up with you. All of you regulars have been doing well in my absence---good stories and not too many errors. I'm proud of you.

    It warmed my heart that Joel became a grandfather and that Mack is moving forward in his recovery.

    Be a good student and take the "d's" out of "pendmendship" and change your "e" in "men" to an "a". ;) You know that I HAD to make a correction. Thanks for the job offer with Edmunds, but I'll pass on that one. If I tried to edit all of the posts, it would take the flavor out of the casserole. :)
  • sterlingdogsterlingdog Member Posts: 6,984
    I can understand the judge in Kentucky. I used to sit in on a few cases between teachers and students---assault, theft, threats,etc. I was amazed at the things the poor judges had to hear. I was also proud of those judges who gave swift justice to bad students.
  • sterlingdogsterlingdog Member Posts: 6,984
    Cash,
    Don't let greenpea and jmonroe scare you. You just go ahead and tell your stories. I won't be hard on you. Even though you said, "Your rite" instead of "You're right", we can still tell what you mean. It's nice to see fresh faces here.

    Richard
  • sterlingdogsterlingdog Member Posts: 6,984
    You need to put your bus stories into book form. I'll help you get it edited and published by a friend of mine in Florida. We'll make tons of money from the book because it will be a best seller. Then, we'll have enough money to buy cars from Joel, Mack, greenpea, Moo, British Rover, Isellhondas, etc. Still, we'll demand $1,000 below invoice and Mop & Glow, Rust & Dust, GAP, etc. will be free of charge. :)
  • chikoochikoo Member Posts: 3,008
    it would take the flavor out of the casserole

    well said Richard!

    I also stopped pointing out these "errors" since I found it boring, mundane and not to mention the fact that it made me look like I had nothing better to do ;)
  • sterlingdogsterlingdog Member Posts: 6,984
    You do realize that you have progressed this far because of your positive attitude. Even with the support of family and friends, it has been your determination and frame of mind that places you where you are today. We are very proud of you. There is a light at the end of this tunnel. :)

    Richard
  • sterlingdogsterlingdog Member Posts: 6,984
    Amen to that! Even though I still work part time, my wife gets on me when she sees that I am on this site. She says, "Don't you have anything better to do?" :)
  • mackabeemackabee Member Posts: 4,709
    Thank you kind sir.
    :)
  • joel0622joel0622 Member Posts: 3,299
    Would you happen to have link to that story. That is good stuff right there.
  • greanpea68greanpea68 Member Posts: 1,996
    Finish on Friday

    Best of luck. I will say a prayer for you bud!!

    GP
  • greanpea68greanpea68 Member Posts: 1,996
    If I tried to edit all of the posts, it would take the flavor out of the casserole.

    Thanks for the correction Rich... I wasn't sure if I was rite ;)

    GP
  • greanpea68greanpea68 Member Posts: 1,996
    You do realize that you have progressed this far because of your positive attitude. Even with the support of family and friends, it has been your determination and frame of mind that places you where you are today

    I agree with that thinking 100% :shades:

    GP
  • isellhondasisellhondas Member Posts: 20,342
    I continue to be amazed at the lies customers tell me on a daily basis.

    XXX Honda told me they would give me 8000.00 for my trade!

    I was quoted XXX for this impossible to find NAVI V-6 coupe at ABC Honda!

    I usually just lean back, and suggest that they return to the stores that told them that because I can't do those numbers.

    Then I get...

    " Well, how much will YOU give me for my trade in?"

    " Nowhere near 8000.00...I would run back there and do that deal"

    " Will you give me 6000.00?"

    "Well, maybe but why would you take 2000.00 less from me?"

    " Cars like mine are selling in the paper all over for 5000.00!"

    " Really...people are getting that much for 1994 Explorers with 150,000 miles,,,you should just advertise it!"

    Just get's old sometimes...
  • british_roverbritish_rover Member Posts: 8,502
    It was in Newsweek and Jalponik had the link I will find it for you.
  • pernaperna Member Posts: 521
    Since nobody actually posts sales stories here anymore, I figured I would post the story of my new car purchase.

    Let's call it: "The most Boring Car Buy Ever".

    My '03 Maxima had given me many miles and 5 years of flawless service, but it was due for some expensive services and the time felt right for a new car. I started test driving cars in early February, starting with the new Malibu.

    1. Chevy Malibu LTZ.

    I liked this car a lot. It was the one with the detuned CTS engine, and a really sweet interior. I probably would have bought it but it was just a BIT too small. I drive my coworker and I to lunch about 3-4 times a week, and we're both big dudes, and would have sat shoulder to shoulder in this car.

    2. Chevy Impala SS.

    After the Malibu turned out too small, since I was already at the Chevy dealer anyway I thought "well...MAYBE...". This car was fun to drive, with a lot of tire smoking potential, but the interior killed it. Those things ride on GM's ancient W-body platform, so the back seat was incredibly small for the size of the car. My wife hated the car, she said it was an "old man's ride", well I'll be 34 next week and it sure didn't feel that way to me! :P

    Still, this car ended up being the third place finisher. Maybe next time, GM.

    3. Dodge Charger R/T

    The only positive things I can say about this car is that it was honking fast and it handled well for such a large car. The interior was a complete piece of crap, the visibility was similar to an M-1 Abrams, and the wind noise past 75 mph was completely unbearable.

    I noticed looking at the other cars on the lot (it was a full line Chrysler dealer), that Chrysler's interiors today are worse than any car GM or Ford has ever made in the entire history of the two companies. Words can't do justice how awful modern Chrysler interiors are. You can take every description thrown around about past bad car interiors such as "made by Fisher Price" and throw those out the window on these cars. I sat down in an Avenger and I've seen nicer interiors in golf carts.

    4. Nissan Maxima

    THIS is more like it. Coming from the "old school" Maxima it was a bit of a surprise how much larger the car has gotten, but it was very nice regardless. My wife and I went to the Nissan dealer directly after driving the horrendous Charger, which I'm sure made the Maxima all the more appealing. The seats were plush and sporty, the car handled nicely, and GOOD ENOUGH ALREADY, I was almost ready to buy. I told the salesdude that I'd "be back" when I've had time to mull it over (i.e. get my pricing and financing figured out minus pressure).

    I found myself back at the Nissan dealership the following week. I had called in advance and told them what I wanted to pay and I'd come in at lunch to work the details out. I was pretty excited, the car was completely 100% loaded to the gills. Nav, everything, and it was the same awesome smoke color my '03 Maxima was. I really like the color.

    I manage to free myself from work long enough to make it over to the dealership to spend my lunch hour going over my deal and making sure everything is in order. I step foot into the Nissan dealer, and hellooooooooooooooo beautiful!

    The dealership's detailer is JUST finishing up one of the new Altimas. Not just any Altima, but a smoke colored one with black leather interior. I sat down in it after the detailer was finished, and I felt like I was at home. The one thing that bothered me about the Maxima, the size, disappeared when I sat down in the Altima.

    My salesman finishes up and comes over, smiling. "Have you driven one of these guys yet? I know you like the Maxima, but you should really give one of these a shot first".

    Does anyone remember that Maxima commercial from 2000, the now often-imitated one with the Max blowing across the desert with the Who's "Won't Get Fooled Again" blasting in the background? As soon as Daltrey unleashes his scream, the Max breaks into this sweet powerslide kicking up a giant cloud of sand. Well, that's what driving that Altima felt like. I don't know if it's a lighter car than the Maxima, but it was the difference between nice acceleration and lifting my butt up off the seat.

    The handling was incredible as well. I wonder if Infiniti dealers are upset that the Altima handles uncomfortably close to the G35?

    The car was loaded minus Nav, but I was ok with that. I came back from my test drive, told the salesdude that I had to get back to work but give me a call when they have a number to throw at me. He called about an hour later, we had to correct a bit on the price of my trade and the financing rate, and I did have them throw in the iPod cable. :P

    A few faxes back and forth between the insurance company, myself, and the dealership later, I picked my new car up about 4 hours later when I got out of work.

    It is amazing, even though the Altima stickered for the same price as my '03 Maxima, how much more car you get for the money today. Besides the juiced up engine and handling (the handling was really what sold the car), the whole package is a rolling monument to consumer electronics.

    So, this story was boring, and probably typical of 95% of car sales. It was certainly an exciting day for me though! :shades:

    Now, if we could just talk one or two of you salesdudes to type up a story where the transaction wasn't quite so smooth... :D
  • isellhondasisellhondas Member Posts: 20,342
    Oh, we have lots of stories like that but when we tell them we get pounced on like it's our fault, like we created the problem.

    I have always liked Nissan products and I always wonder why they don't sell better than they do compared to Honda and Toyota.

    They get hurt later in reslae values but not bad, not like domestics, the luxury cars and worse of all, the Koreans.

    to me, the Altimas and the Maximas are so much alike in size and looks that I know new altimas must be cannalblizing sales away from Maximas as they did in your case.

    Sounds like you bought a car that you liked better than your first choice and saved money in the process!
  • snakeweaselsnakeweasel Member Posts: 19,592
    XXX Honda told me they would give me 8000.00 for my trade!

    There was a Ford dealer here that had ran an ad where he said he gave $2,000 trade in on a car that had a book value of $700. I laughed when I heard that. Maybe he saw an ad like that.

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

  • jipsterjipster Member Posts: 6,299
    Since nobody actually posts sales stories here anymore

    I've suggested a new discussion called, "The Salesmen's/Jipster's Lounge". Maybe, when this discussion hits 50k posts, they'll close it down and open up the lounge... where almost nothing can be off topic. :shades:

    That is a good "Altima" story perma... congrats on your new car. I'm leaning heavily towards the Altima as well, for a future purchase. Will probably opt for the 4 banger though. How do you like the CVT transmission?
    2021 Honda Passport EX-L, 2020 Honda Accord EX-L, 2011 Hyundai Veracruz, 2010 Mercury Milan Premiere.
  • isellhondasisellhondas Member Posts: 20,342
    I just get weary sometimes. It's like they think I'm stupid.

    A couple of things...

    If you are concealing your trade-in only to spring it on us later, we can smell it coming. hiding it won't increase it's value!

    Your worn out "all freeway miles" 140,000 Dodge mini van is worth exactly what a wholesaler will pay us for it IF we can even get one to take it. It is probably NOT worth what the various guides tell you it is worth! You don't wan't it anymore and neither does anyone else!

    If you have derog credit, PLEASE tell us upfront that you may have a problem. Don't make us find out for ourselves after four test drives and a two hour grind session.

    Yes, it DOES matter that you had a BK four years ago and took down a bank and a credit union in the process. They don't like that!

    1. Be friendly
    2. Get a babysitter if at all possible
    3. It's OK if you want to haggle for two hours but whe they call you to give me a survey, don't say..." the process took way too long"

    4. Your sloppy old clothes are just fine but please take a shower!

    5, Ask our family and friends for a referral.

    6. Have fun!
  • greanpea68greanpea68 Member Posts: 1,996
    So, this story was boring, and probably typical of 95% of car sales. It was certainly an exciting day for me though!

    I thought this was a great story :shades:

    I think every customer should have the same outcome as you and end up in a New Altima ;)

    GP
  • carhag2000carhag2000 Member Posts: 207
    7) And remember, this is just a car purchase, we are not insulting your family. Good manners get good deals. I dont want to be shouted at because we disagree on the value of your trade.
  • fezofezo Member Posts: 10,386
    I agree. Good story. I love a happy ending.

    Altima will be on the shop around list when we get to matters, but right now the old 00 Accord EX is at 150K and going just fine. I have to believe that there's not that much difference between it's value as a trade in now and pushing it off a cliff (though I'd have to drive a couple of hours to get to a cliff) in a few years.
    2015 Mazda 6 Grand Touring, 2014 Mazda 3 Sport Hatchback, 1999 Mazda Miata 2004 Toyota Camry LE, 1999.
  • thenebeanthenebean Member Posts: 1,124
    isell,

    you would think this stuff is common sense...but i heard a saying once about common sense not being so common...

    people who know what they want, know what is a reasonable price to pay, and come in friendly and non-confrontational usually have the best buying experiences. we're all people, no one needs to treat anyone else like dog poo.

    -thene :-)
  • snakeweaselsnakeweasel Member Posts: 19,592
    Basically what I am saying is that there are some places that play these games (I for one wouldn't buy a stick of gum from this one place) and make it difficult for everyone else. Unfortunately there are more than just a few.

    If you are concealing your trade-in only to spring it on us later, we can smell it coming. hiding it won't increase it's value!

    I am one of those who will have some plan for the car I am getting rid of. That may be a private party sale, a carmax quote or (more likely as I will drive my current car into the ground) the junk yard). Now I will keep it off the table at first and "spring" it on you later, but if you can't meet what I already have its not part of the equation.

    Yes, it DOES matter that you had a BK four years ago and took down a bank and a credit union in the process. They don't like that!

    That depends of what you have done in that four years. With proper use of credit and keeping your nose clean then it really shouldn't matter. Have a large balance of your credit cards and have late payments and such then yes it will matter. FWIW I know people 4 years out of a BK with Beacon scores well over 700.

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

  • roadburnerroadburner Member Posts: 18,418
    The interior was a complete piece of crap, the visibility was similar to an M-1 Abrams

    Funny thing; I looked at a SRT-8 and made the same observation on another forum. A friend who was a Sergeant Major stationed at Fort Knox allowed myself and another friend to play around in the M1 driving and gunnery simulators as well as a real M1A1. At least with the M1 you won't care if you back into or cut off another vehicle... :P

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

  • pernaperna Member Posts: 521
    Oh, we have lots of stories like that but when we tell them we get pounced on like it's our fault, like we created the problem.

    Not to open a can of worms here, but honestly you guys have GOT to ignore the attacks. So you're going to have one or two idiots reply to a story, but what you may not realize are the hundreds, if not thousands of people get a lot of pleasure from reading your story.

    I have always liked Nissan products and I always wonder why they don't sell better than they do compared to Honda and Toyota.

    Even though it is insulting to the cars on some level, I've always kind of thought of Nissans as Japanese Pontiacs. They have a pretty distinctive look that doesn't appeal to everyone, where Honda and Toyota products are fairly vanilla by comparison. They also aren't cheap because Nissan generally doesn't use cheap components in their cars, but since they don't have the universal appeal of Honda/Toyota products the resale isn't as good.

    Insurance on Nissans is also, for some reason, very expensive.
  • pernaperna Member Posts: 521
    That is a good "Altima" story perma... congrats on your new car. I'm leaning heavily towards the Altima as well, for a future purchase. Will probably opt for the 4 banger though. How do you like the CVT transmission?

    Thanks, and the CVT is really nice. The auto in my old Maxima was very smooth, but you can't duplicate the relentless flow of power that a CVT gives you with a normal slushbox.

    I've read anecdotes where people claim that the Altima's 4 banger feels nearly as powerful as the V6 in the old Maximas (prior to the 3.5L) because the CVT is so efficient. My parents had a '96 Altima with a 4 banger that was actually quite snappy, so I'm inclined to believe these people.

    The Altima's interior has a lot of nice touches that I've come to appreciate like the leather padded armrests and gigantic (as in REALLY HUGE) glovebox. The push button ignition is something else too, I think it will take me another month or so to get out of the habit of reaching for my keys when I go out to the car!
  • pernaperna Member Posts: 521
    I think every customer should have the same outcome as you and end up in a New Altima

    I take a world-class amount of guff from my family and friends because not only do I live in Michigan, but my wife's family are either current or ex GM and Ford employees.

    I like Nissan products that much though, to endure the garbage and pay the extra money. If I ever get into car sales, my conscience wouldn't let me sell anything else! :D
  • pernaperna Member Posts: 521
    I am one of those who will have some plan for the car I am getting rid of. That may be a private party sale, a carmax quote or (more likely as I will drive my current car into the ground) the junk yard). Now I will keep it off the table at first and "spring" it on you later, but if you can't meet what I already have its not part of the equation.

    Well, how are you going to know if you don't let them just appraise it?

    I value my time too much to spend it jerking a car dealership around. I'm there to buy a car, not to play games.

    If I like the OTD price of the car with the trade, I'll do that deal. If not, I'll sell it myself. Not a lot of hard science involved in that maneuver.
  • pernaperna Member Posts: 521
    My first reaction when I went to back the Charger out of the space was, "you've got to be jerking my chain". I've driven all kinds of cars, and not even my buddy's Fiat with the etched and tinted windows had visibility quite that bad.
  • snakeweaselsnakeweasel Member Posts: 19,592
    Well, how are you going to know if you don't let them just appraise it?

    Never said that I wouldn't have them appraise it just that it would not be a given that I will trade it in. I will have an alternate way of getting rid of it and would see if the dealership can match it. If yes then fine if no then its not part of the deal. Its that simple.

    I value my time too much to spend it jerking a car dealership around.

    Who said that I am doing that? I work out a deal to buy a car. Once thats done I try to work out a deal to sell my car. No games being played.

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

  • isellhondasisellhondas Member Posts: 20,342
    We had a person trade one in because of the visability problem.

    Even worse are Toyota's FJ Cruisers (sorry Mack)

    We had a guy trade one in after nearly causinc a couple of accidents while he was changing lanes.

    Cool looking though!
  • british_roverbritish_rover Member Posts: 8,502
    We have taken a couple of hummers and a couple of FJs in for the same reason.
  • greanpea68greanpea68 Member Posts: 1,996
    but what you may not realize are the hundreds, if not thousands of people

    Great now I am going to have stage fright. :sick:

    GP
  • [Deleted User][Deleted User] ColoradoPosts: 0
    nah...just think of us all in our undies ;)
  • snakeweaselsnakeweasel Member Posts: 19,592
    :surprise: There is not enough booze in the world to erase that image from my mine.

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

  • oldfarmer50oldfarmer50 Member Posts: 24,343
    "...Would you happen to have a link..."

    BR beat me to it. I saw it in my local paper.

    There's another sales guy on another board that says most new cars will be junk within 10 years. I should show him that story. :)

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

  • oldfarmer50oldfarmer50 Member Posts: 24,343
    "...I've seen nicer interiors in golf carts..."

    The best interior I've seen outside of a super expensive luxury car is in the new Honda Accord. I felt unworthy to even sit in it. The salesman felt the same way. :cry:

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

  • oldfarmer50oldfarmer50 Member Posts: 24,343
    "...Your sloppy clothes are just fine but please take a shower..."

    I took a shower and put on my second best clothes (the best I save for weddings, funerals and tractor pulls). The Honda salesman still acted like he smelled something bad when he looked my way. Needless to say I didn't buy a Honda.

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

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