Stories from the Sales Frontlines

carhag2000

Do you sales folks have any special techniques for closing a deal when some old guy comes in with his "niece". I would think these types would be real laydowns as they don't want to look cheap in front of their "niece

Have never heard the "niece" moniker before but have seen lots of "special friends" The typical M.O. is usually sugar daddy comes in to "help" his special friend. Years ago I had a very irate wife and daughter come to my dealership and raise quite a big stink about sugar daddys recent purchase of an Accord. I claimed privacy laws and excused myself from the situation and left my SM hanging out to dry. According to dealership lore, he lied through his teeth then threw the wife out.

fezo

I've done the job of ehlping out one coworker who was just divorced and nervous about the car buying and another coworker who just wanted backup.

The one salesman referred to me as the curbside lawyer. All in fun. Both transactions went very smoothly with everyone liking each other at the end.

saablcp

Steely Dan.....and heres one for you to answer : where does the name "Steely Dan" come from?

jipster

Well, she and her sister just bought a house... so what credit crunch would that be?

This is getting fun though. I've gone into "Jip" mode... everything is becoming focused and razor sharp. E-mailed for a price quote, got the standard nothing specific reply... e-mailed back that I was buying today and would $250 under invoice be acceptable. The guy emailed back saying come on in and they would do it. Told him we already had a 1 oclock apt at another store, with no price set, and if things didnt work out we would be over around 3. He wrote back saying he understood and would like to do business if things didn't work out. I may have cut myself a bit with $250 under instead of $500 though... no doc. fee today.

jkinzel

I know this answer, but can I post it?

Dil....

laurasdada

Yeah, the Dilbert comic. That must be it...

I, too, know the answer but shall not elaborate (as you didn't). I suppose one could also ask how the Doobie Brothers got their name...

imidazol97

I love this discussion lately. It's a lot like when my wife has The View on the TV while I'm on the computer. The talk hosts on The View jump from topic to topic!!!

laurasdada

Really, if she's not going to go the rebate route, 0%! I mean, it's 0%! No interest for 5 years vs. 2.9% (still reasonable, but not FREE!) for 6 years? Lower payments, much higher gross. That adds insult to injury...

Now, if she could find 2.9% or less elsewhere and grab the $2500 rebate...

jkinzel

What about "10 cc" Explain that to the kids. :surprise:

iwant1too

I don't know how much discounting is possible with Kia, but in my area the Hyundai Elantra GLS can be had for $900+ under invoice, before rebate. My guess is you can do much better than $250 under invoice. Good luck!

dino001

I'm always skeptical on those "tripple net minus" stories. I don't say it can't happen, but I bet in many cases reported the buyer "forgot" to mention that the trade was stolen, interest rate was 15.5%, he/she bought boatload of mop&glo and the junk fees were $599.

iwant1too

In the case of the Elantra, the pricing is from personal experience shopping for a friend. Fairfax Hyundai, in VA, which has a good reputation over on the Hyundai board, sells about $1500 under invoice. There must be some good factory to dealer kickback once a certain quota is met to enable these kinds of prices.

greanpea68

Now, if she could find 2.9% or less elsewhere and grab the $2500 rebate...


I agree with Lauras Dad.... it is always better to pay the car down first.

GP

graphicguy

ohhhhh Mack....caught you. Black Magic Woman was not penned by Mick Fleetwood. It was first performed by Fleetwood Mack, but penned by their "then" guitarist, Peter Green (when Fleetwood Mack was a blues band).

Here's a "gimme" since it's in the same time frame...

"When I talked to God I knew he'd understand
He said sit by me and I'll be your God in hand
Don't ask me what I think of you
I might not give the answer that you want me to"

Just give me the title....

Back to car shopping, I absolutely hate when someone asks me to help them shop for a car. But, relatives and friends seem to have tagged me as "the car guy", I always get roped in.

If I'm lucky, everything goes smoothly and the car buyer is happy. But inevitably, someone tells the car buyer they could have done better than I did.

My reply is always the same....."where were you when it came time to make a deal?".

Their reply is always the same...."I wasn't asked".

My reply? "there must be a good reason for that!"

Probably a year or so ago, I posted my first new car buying experience....a Datsun "Z" car. Bought it from a former girlfriend/sales person who fleeced me for MSRP+. Like Mack, that's when I "smarted myself up" when it came to shop for a new car.

My guess is all of us seasoned new car buyers were "fleeced" at least once. Then, we took it upon ourselves never to let it happen again.

obyone

My guess is all of us seasoned new car buyers were "fleeced" at least once. Then, we took it upon ourselves never to let it happen again.

Then again some of us are just laydowns.

chikoo

But, relatives and friends seem to have tagged me as "the car guy", I always get roped in.

Me too.

But I distance myself by giving them the Invoice prices, available discounts, etc and then let them fight the battle. I never accompany them.

saablcp

"Oh Well"...and it's Fleetwood Mac by the way ,as in Mick FLEET wood and John McVie(MAC)

madmanmoo

GG, that story about your ex-GF selling you a car was awesome. The followup to the sale was even funnier.

You should retell that for the new folks.

-moo

kyfdx

I stepped upon the platform,
the man gave me the news,
He said "You must be joking son, where did you get those shoes."


I know I'm late on this one, but I had to answer anyway...

Pretzel Logic.. might be the best song I've ever heard live in concert.... ever..

houdini1

Yep. Whenever I go car buying I always wear my round heel shoes.

laurasdada

My wife still believes that she got a great deal years ago from her Chevy salesman. The salesman who, a week before she bought the car, was her boyfriend. But, she dumped him. He was visibly upset she tells me. Then she decides to buy a car from him. What a nice guy he must have been to give her a great deal!

I don't think I've ever been fleeced (probably have, just don't realize it yet). The most I've ever paid for a new car was MSRP and that was back in '85 for a new Mitsu Mirage Turbo (first new car and did talk 'em down from the ADM in the window at least). Voluntary Japanese import restrictions (I believe that the were indeed, "voluntary" Mack. Under threat from our Gov't of imposing some not-so-voluntary import restrictions) those days made almost all Japanese cars MSRP. I've never purchased any rust/dust, mop/glo, pinstripes, vinyl fake convertible roofs, extended warranty/credit life insurance or fuzzy dice from a dealer. That was the only time I"ve paid MSRP, too.

My downfall has been trading in, though. There's the clubbing, actually. Ouch.

dino001

I was clubbed on my first purchase. It was a 10-year-old VW. I had been in the country for just two months and obviously needed a car. Rented a Geo Metro, drove it around dealerships, found that nice-looking Fox. VW has high-quality reputation in Europe (go figure) and I had no clue how negotiate anything. Was worth probably about 2.5 grand in retail or so and that BEFORE grinding. I got it for $4K (four grand) plus junk fees (another $500+).

Saving grace was zero interest for 2 years, which I thought was great deal as I had a pristine credit record (I mean clean with nothing on it). They promised to make some additional repairs, but of course they never did, so I ended up sinking another $800 into new brakes and muffler. Year later fuel pump gave in (it was noisy from day one) - $400 or so. I had a few more smaller repairs. Other than that the car was allright if one could let go a few stupid integrity issues (plastics in the interior falling apart here and there, horn going off when pressing steering wheel, etc.).

Replaced it for 3-yo Escort after two years - got decent, but not exciting deal. Three years later got a brand new WRX at invoice plus retail on accessories with preferred financing and "book" trade-in. Have it until now (over 5 years). Will see on my next purchase...

sterlingdog

Come on Mack. You're 3 and 0---looking good. Let's have the balance of the Jim Gridell story.

Richard64
president, Scroll Keeper

sterlingdog

Yes, jmonroe should get the blame. He can be a problem at times. :P You get stuck with bedroom furniture, and poor Mrs. jmonroe doesn't have her dining room furniture yet. :sick:

Richard

sterlingdog

Thanks. Take care of that knee.

Richard

sterlingdog

So much for hard times in the financial market. In 1960, my sister wanted a new Corvair (big mistake!!!) to do her student teaching and begin her career. She couldn't just walk in and buy a new car. Mom and Dad signed for her. Can jipster's niece make a purchase like this on her own? Will jipster have to sign for her? He's a nice guy who will probably do it for her.

As for my sister's Corvair, it was a disaster. She landed her first job in the D.C. area. The Corvair would just suddenly come to a stop on the freeway. Then at night, the headlights would just suddenly go out on her. On cold mornings, it wouldn't crank---even with a new battery. The little engine was in the back. Finally, it happened. It cut off on her on the freeway at 60mph, and she got rear ended. She then got a Chevy II convertible and enjoyed it very much. It was a cute car---black with red interior and a red top. Then she married a doctor and he bought her a Caddy. They gave me the little convertible. Oh hell yes, I totaled it---showing off in front of my friends. Don't know how I made it over "Fool's Hill". :surprise:

A 250K house with no down payment and a returned deposit?! What IS the world coming to? Imagine what the house payment must be! :sick:

Richard

mackabee

Thanks, brother. I had my first round earlier today, It seems to be affecting my motoring skills. Wife had todrive back as I feel as if I am drunk. My stomach is upset, I got a headache, I'm dizzy, and can't think straight. Nothing a goood nap won't takke care of. I'll see you guys and rurls in a while.
Mcak

mackabee

On the contrary, these are the guys we refer to as second baseman, thirdbasemen, homeplate couch, etc.t.cv The only way to get these folks to shup up is to look them directly in the eye and say./ "Excuse Mr. Jipper, are you going to be making the payments on this vehicle or is your niece the only one?" this usuallly suhts the jippiers up and the deal moves on.
")

mackabee

10 cc was a group from the 80's IIRC.

Steely Dan was the name giving to lady's massage instrument that can also be used as a flute when playing it in certain parts of the body. It's from the Edward Burrough's novel "Naked Lunch."

Ok, folks gather round here's a doozy:

I'm a book keepers son,
I don't want to hurt no one,
Yes, I shot my old man down
in Oregon, don't take me alive

And another for 1 big Chiplote burrito of your choice with extra guacamole at my cousin's Chip's Chiplote Gourmet girl

They sent a carrier out from Norfolk
And picked the Yankees up for free
They said that Queens could stay
And blew the Bronx away
And sank Manhattan out at sea

ps.s the carrier had the flight deck filled with Ford F-150'S from the local ford playnty

mackabee

1 Chipotle brurito combo for the first one that gets this one:

Oleanders growing outside her door
Soon they're gonna be in bloom
Up in Annandale
I cant stand her
Doing what she did before
Living like a gypsy queen
In a fairy tale
Well I hear the whistle but I cant go
I'm gonna take her down to Mexico
She said oh no
Guadalajara wont do

:shades:

car_rm

mackabee

wINNER WINNER!!! oNE cHIPOTLE BURRITO! cONTACT ME TO COLLECT.
mACK.

mackabee

Richt Artiste but no cigar I mean burrito!
It's Billy Joel's Miami 2017 (seen the lights go out on Broadway)

:shades:

But don't give up! here's another chance to reediiem yourself.

Well you know I was always the first to arrive at the party,

Oh…and the last to leave the scene of the crime.

Well it started with a couple of beers,

And it went I don’t know how many years,

Like a run away train heading for the end of the line.

car_rm

Realized after I posted. Hence the blank edit.

On a car buying subject, my family and I are going to brave the devalued dollar in Europe at the end of the month as we pick up our new car through ED. The salesman will have earned top marks for the CSI.

How about The Eagles "One Day at a Time"

tedebear

1 Chipotle brurito combo for the first one that gets this one

My Old School - Steely Dan

boomchek

Take care of yourself Mack, everything will be a-ok.

jmonroe

You get stuck with bedroom furniture, and poor Mrs. jmonroe doesn't have her dining room furniture yet.

She has/gets plenty; no need for furniture that isn't needed. Just came home from taking her out for "her" anniversary. Will be taking her on a lavish beach vacation starting on Friday with a new pair of sandals that can get "beat up" then thrown away when we get back. How much can you provide someone before they're spoiled rotten? :confuse:

I'm giving odds that she'll forget my birthday while we're vacationing next week. :mad:

Topic thing: I'll be doing all the driving because she's not "comfortable" driving at internet speeds. :surprise:

jmonroe

kiawah

Going to the Outer Banks?

isellhondas

Oh, and we all know that invoice is not what the dealer actually pays for the car.

Total BS unless there is an incentive.

I didn't know about the 2500.00 incentive so now his post makes more sense.

I know it's a Kia. No thanks.

mackabee

That's correct. It was written by Joe Walsh and performed by him with the Eagles. You know what I mean, he's an Eagle too. I'm feeling much better. I see where I mangled the english language in my prior posts. I think I'm going to retire early. I have to sign my will in the morning. Plus my pride and joy is coming to visit for the rest of the week!! Whooo Hooo! My three sons and I are going to the midnight premiere of "The Dark Knight" at the VA Museum for the fine arts in IMAX

Here's a link to the Joe Walsh song/ link title

eNJOY, GREAT SONG.!!!

Playing a Carvin made in USA guitar. :shades:

laurasdada

One of my old favorite Steely Dan songs, "My Old School."

William and Mary won't do, either...

duke23

Gm up a point and a half, beleagured airlines as well.What oil inventories up ? Surprize.

And I'm never going back to my old school
Oh no !, William & Mary won't do.

Btw, How come three years ago no one knew wth a chipotle was?
Now they're on everything.

hah, with out seeing LD's post, as Maxwell Smart would say, missed it by "that" much. Gotta be quick around here.

jmonroe

Going to the Outer Banks?

No, Myrtle Beach S.C. We're going with Son #1, DIL and 3 grandsons. We can't all fit comfortably in his new T&C so I'll be driving the GREAT 05' HYUNDAI XG350. That car is actually a pretty good cruising machine.

I hope the weather is good. Mrs. jmonroe has been tracking the weather on the internet but so far it looks like overcast and mid 80's. It's nicer than that here in the Burgh.

I hope this doesn't turn into a shopping vacation, everyone can do that here.

jmonroe

duke23

If they played the entire pretzel logic album ( warning, dated term)
then they just played one hit after another.
To but it back on the auto track, ahem.

Is there gas in the car? Yes the gas in the Caar! Short but good enough for sd aficionado's,

duke23

Here's your ticket pack your bag: time for jumpin' overboard
The transportation is here
Close enough but not too far, maybe you know where you are
Fightin' fire with fire

"Duke, that's not a song! Just a little poem you wrote for Mackabee, right! "

No sir, tis lyrics indeed. Strange but not a stranger. The second band popularized it, the first artist had me shaking my head. A little club in the village cbgb.
Where is gen x when you want them?

duke23

"Old Blue Eyes. Fly me to the moon? " Winner MMM.
Sadly I was too caught up in R&R to realize what a great talent he was. As I grew older I realized the "chairman of the board " was cool defined.

Now onto those car stories two each please Mack & Jip.

duke23

God talked to me today. Fleetwood Mac. But don't stop thinking about tomorrow ,Rhiannon, Actually Landslide by stevie probably my favorite. The radio stations tend to over play Fleetwood and Phil Collins . There fault not the artists.

mackabee

Correctamundo!! tedebear! Winner!
:shades:

Richard I hope you're keeping track of the CHIPOTLE burrito winner's. Otherwise I'm going to be broke at the end of the month!
:shades:

mackabee

What was the price on the santa fe and what trim level? 07 OR 08? :shades:
Mack :shades:

dino001

Marketing allowance... That cracks me up. It's like Best Buy charging you an extra fee for their commercials on TV. But it was their prerogative to want whatever they want. All you could do is buy a Hyundai, which I would have done anyway...