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Stories from the Sales Frontlines
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(Richard64, what is the correct style for song titles? Single quotes? Double quotes? Italics? Underline? Bold?)
This song was one of the first 'Music Videos' I ever saw. Back when MTV was actually Music TeleVision. To me, it is an impressive video. Shot on a roof-top or parking lot, something very empty. The guy sings (I don't remember that it was Mick, did someone else do this song?) and a very beautiful woman dressed in a long trench coat pulls a shotgun from underneath the coat and shoots him multiple times. All in slow motion. Seems like it was even in black and white.
Cold.
Anyone else remember this????
Bolivar
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Edmunds Moderator
Most people I know don't even wear a watch anymore, cell phones are replacing them.
FWIW when I wear a timepiece its a antique pocket watch and never a Swiss made one (and usually a Railroad Watch).
2011 Hyundai Sonata, 2014 BMW 428i convertible, 2015 Honda CTX700D
I try for just the opposite whenever I'm going somewhere and I don't want to be bothered by a pesky salesman. An old T-shirt and shorts pretty much guarantees that no one will distract me if I want to just window shop, especially if I go there alone.
How are you doing? New management taken over yet?
MODERATOR /ADMINISTRATOR
Find me at kirstie_h@edmunds.com - or send a private message by clicking on my name.
2015 Kia Soul, 2021 Subaru Forester (kirstie_h), 2024 GMC Sierra 1500 (mr. kirstie_h)
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tidester, host
SUVs and Smart Shopper
I like listening to it as I'm driving in my automobile. <-------- :P
-moo
MODERATOR /ADMINISTRATOR
Find me at kirstie_h@edmunds.com - or send a private message by clicking on my name.
2015 Kia Soul, 2021 Subaru Forester (kirstie_h), 2024 GMC Sierra 1500 (mr. kirstie_h)
Review your vehicle
Well NOW I know why I was asked to work this coming weekend. YOU cursed me!
'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
I can answer that....
That situation is a whole different story. The proper way would have been to communicate that. But the guy tried to be a punk.... I would have done the same thing Mack did.
Although I would have still tried to write the deal. I don't think I would ( if I was the GM) have sent the customer with Shady back to his dealership :confuse:
As for myself... I work in group that has 15 stores locally. If someone I know wants a Toyota all I do is send to a certain manager and let that dealership handle everything. In most cases i will work out the price for them before they get to the store. Now like wise they will send me a customer when they have someone wanting to buy a Nissan. You are better off because they know how the prduct is and there store is ran.... where I know how things are handles in my store :shades:
It is too much a pain in the [non-permissible content removed] to ask for a referral.... takes way to long. I would rather just get them to get me a coffe or something.... really all I want is my customers taken care of proffesionally.
The thing about all of this is there really is plenty of business out there! There is no need to go into another store and take some elses paycheck.... I am sure most of the guys would agree with me!!! :shades:
Just my 2 cents
GP
Speaking of Porsches.....A casual acquaintance had an '04 Boxter S. He bought it used in '06. Well, his wife ends up pregnant and she says "Boxter's gotta go". The car wasn't in bad shape....56K miles. I drove it. It seemed to drive OK. New tires and battery. But it had several paint chips on the bumpers and hood. No wrecks that I am aware of. Had a crack on the console. The windshield had a crack, too.
He asked me (why, I don't know since I don't know squat about a Boxter's value) what I thought it was worth.. Backed away from his question, but steered him to the two local Porsche dealerships in the area to put a number on it. Best offer he got was $21K. Both dealerships said that if it was pristine, they might go as high as $23K.
Well, he was dismayed at that...figuring somewhere between $26K-$28K would be his target.
I told him to clean it up and sell it himself. He put $1,200 into it for a super duper detail, new windshield, some minor "paintless dent" removal and a new console (sounds high, but hey, it's a Porsche). The downside, the super detail made the paint chips look that more pronounced. He put it in the newspaper for $27K....no sale but he did get some inquiries. I told him to lower his expectations pricewise.
He had the whole car repainted for another $1,200+. I told him that may not have been the smartest thing to do because a new paint job may lead some to believe it had been wrecked.
I don't care how careful you are on a repaint, someone who knows what to look for will find overspray and remnants of a re-paint.
He took it back to the two Posche dealers for a "re-bid". Best they came up with was the original $21K. This set him on tilt. He said the dealers were thieves and liars. I explained to him that there's a big difference in what someone "may" pay you for a car, and what someone "will" pay you for a car.
They spotted the repaint right away (as did I).
He finally sold it to a private seller for $23K. Should have taken the original $21K and saved himself the aggravation.
'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
Mack
Now, 5 years later, I'll tell someone straight up, they're gonna pay for the convenience of trading it in.
Custy:So you want $8k for your ride?
Me: Well it's worth about $3k to our wholesalers.
Custy: I see them going for $8k on Buy and Sell.
Me: Yours has bald tires, needs brakes, body work, and has a cracked windshield. Would you pay $8k for your car if you were shopping for it? The ones you see have half the mileage and are in mint shape. And the $8k is asking price, what they will sell for and if they sell at all is another story.
Custy: Well, whatever.
Me: Why don't you sell it privately. In fact I recommend that you sell it privately. I know you'll get more money if you sell it privately. I'll even make your first 2 payments to give you 2 months to sell it.
Custy: I don't have time to sell it privately. Can't be bothered with people wasting my time.
Me: Well then that's the numbers.
Custy: give me $500 more and we have a deal.
2016 Audi A7 3.0T S Line, 2021 Subaru WRX
:shades:
This other scenario was totally screwed up from the get go. I learned afterwards this guy had a habit of doing this and this time it back fired on him.
Mack :shades:
Mack
Looks like my last post of this morning is also gone. That one had to do with three songs which one of our hosts correctly named. The other two were Boz Scaggs' "What can I say" off the Silk Degrees album, and the other was "Another park, another Sunday" by the Doobie Bros. off the "what were once vices are now habits" Thank you for listening. Oh, the picture of the Joker might have been offensive to some. My apoligies. Go.
I wish you my best with your on going battle.
As you may remember, Jim Gridell was an elderly gentleman who, along with his wife, came in one day to look at the new Sequoias. He had a three year old Sequoia to use for trade. Mack showed Jim and his wife several new Sequoias, and offered Jim a test drive. Mr. Gridell responded by saying that a test drive would not be necessary because he knew how they drove. Mack asked Jim if he would like for Mack to put some numbers together. Jim said that he and his wife had to leave for an appointment, but that they would come back the next day. This is where Mack said, "TO BE CONTINUED".
It is now the next day at the dealership. After lunch, Mack decides to call Jim because he has not heard from him. Jim's wife answers the phone and tells Mack that they were just going out the door to return to the dealership. She says that they should be there in about thirty minutes. Mack proceeds to pull the sheets on two of the Sequoias that seemed to attract Jim the day before. He then runs some numbers on each vehicle. By this time, the Gridells have pulled on to the lot.
Mack greets them cordially and invites them into his office. Coffee and Coke are offered, but neither accepts the refreshment. Mack shows them pictures of the two vehicles seen yesterday, and asks if they would like to see them again on the lot. Jim only wants to see the black one with the tan interior. They proceed to the side lot to take a look. Both Jim and his wife seem pleased with the color, options, etc. Again, Mack offers Jim a test drive. Jim declines. Mack invites them back to the office to discuss the numbers. Jim immediately offers $500 under invoice and Edmunds trade-in value for his trade. Mack explains that because the Sequoia is such a good seller, that he knows the SM will not agree to that figure. Mack offers $500 under MSRP and KBB for the trade. KBB is a little lower on the trade than Edmunds. Jim counters with $1,000 under MSRP and Edmunds figure for the trade.. Mack excuses himself to go and see the SM. When Mack returns, the SM has written a figure which is $750 under MSRP but accepts the Edmunds trade figure. Jim accepts the figures. Mack then asks the Gridells to step into the F&I office to seal the deal.
Jim isn't excited about the F&I lady, but he listens to all of the frills dialogue. He decides to buy nothing that the lady is selling---a costly mistake as you will see. Meanwhile, Mack is having the car cleaned and filled with gas. After about 45 minutes, the Gridells exit with papers in hand. When they reach their new car, Mack offers to show Jim the features, as some are different from their old Sequoia. Jim tells Mack not to bother. Jim says that he knows all about the vehicle. Mack bids the couple a hardy farewell, and says to call if they have any questions or problems.
The couple prepares to exit the dealer lot. As Mack starts toward the dealer entrance, he hears a crash. He turns around to see the Gridells in the middle of the road just beyond the dealership. They have pulled out in front of a transfer truck. Mack rushes to the scene. Jim and his wife exit the Sequoia. They are visibly shaken, but do not seem to be hurt. The truck driver says that he is fine. Mack instructs the lot boys to pull the Sequoia into the dealer lot. The service manager and body shop foreman are summoned at once. After about twenty minutes, the sad news arrives. The Sequoia is totaled. A family friend is called to take the Gridells for a check-up at the hospital and then home. Mack offers to send Jim a loaner car tomorrow until the Gridells can decide what to do. Jim tells Mack that he is grateful for the offer.
Moral of this story: Take the test drive, review the features, and sign up for the extra insurance.
As they used to say in the old movies: THE END
Richard 64
President, Scroll Keeper
Sorry to hear about all the drama, GG. I hope you're feeling better.
-moo
Another Sequoia?
After that ending I'm not surprised why Mack didn't post it. I wouldn't either given the bad karma.
As far as learning the features I wouldn't think there is much variance between vehicles given one pedal is for gas and the other for brake. Did the owner have a confused moment?
It's not the real story. Richard just gave up hope of Mack finishing the story, so he took the liberty of finishing it himself.
Really funny Richard.
For the past couple of years, my hometown, San Pedro, California has a Hot San Pedro Nights event and of course, I had to fly down for it.
Friday night was cruise night! As a teenager, cruising was our big thing. We would cruise up and down Pacific Ave for hours at a time.
Old Chevys wre the preferred ride! We would lower them and add a split manifold and LOUD pipes!
Friday night, for me was like stepping back in time. I stood in a crowd and watched and listened until my ears hurt! A lot of Cholos and bouncers too.
If you "google" Hot Pedro Nights, or maybe it's Hot San Pedro Nights and click on the Fox link, you can watch and hear the action! I was standing right next to the Fox truck! I saw people I hadn't seen in 40 years! It was like a lovefest!
Saturday night, we had a Do-Wop concert in the old Warner theater on sixth street. The Drifters, the Marcels the Countours and a couple other groups were there. The place was PACKED and we danced in the aisles. When it was over, the band started up outside where the street was blocked off! We danced in the street for hours!
If someone has the ability (unlike me) to post that Fox link I think the others might enjoy watching.
Unlike the old days, there were no fights. I never got hugged so many times in my life!
Great time!
Mack.... Ahhh... I mean Rich,
That was a great story. I think I will email you all the facts of my transactions and than you could post my stories....
I would appreciate that since I am not that great of a writer.
Hey Mack you just got skated by Rich :P
Now this is just like the front lines.... if you are not paying attention someone will steal your deal!
GP
Actualy after that ending it should have read "Too be continued"
What happened, was the van totaled? Did the Gridels have internal injuries? Did they sue the truck driver for mental anguish?
Thanks Rich now I am left wondering to the Griddels....
GP
2016 Audi A7 3.0T S Line, 2021 Subaru WRX
Fun? None for me thanks! Being very serious , even attempting to replicate Nixon scowl.
2013 LX 570 2016 LS 460
That is insane.
Zimmerman Add agency?
GP
2018 430i Gran Coupe
my 2000 expedition was hit by a wrong way driver on I95. the left front suspension was knocked off, but i drove it a few hundred yards on 3 wheels to get to an overpass, so my family would not get wet when they got out. it was raining. not only that, i has to wake up one of my kids because they were about to pull it up on the flatbed. they had no clue were had been in an accident. the best part was when they saw it, they said, "dad, you're going to but an excursion, right?". it cost over 10k to fix it, but it was pretty much ok and i took it on some long trips before i traded it in.
there was no damage to the engine/transmission/transfer case because they were all tucked up inside the frame.
Thats a $64,870 loan then add $25K as the down payment? Your kidding right? Thats like twice sticker.
2011 Hyundai Sonata, 2014 BMW 428i convertible, 2015 Honda CTX700D
As for the 340 posts that you missed, I can bring you up to speed quickly: Jmonroe went to the beach for a week; the hosts got tired of all the song lyrics and brought them to a halt; a few grammar issues were discussed; and a few salesmen sold some cars...with most of the emphasis on luxury and sports models. How's that? :P
Richard
Speaking of Jmonroe, I wonder if his vacation was messed up by the hurricane. I understand it dumped a lot of rain in the area before going north, according to the weather service.
To answer obyone's questions: First, the accident happened because Jim Gridell was playing with the car's new features. Second, Mack's dealership allowed Jim Gridell to purchase his old Sequoia at a very good price. Jim's insurance company paid for most of the wrecked Sequoia, but Jim had to come up with the difference. Thus, he should have purchased the extra insurance from the F&I lady.
Richard
Richard
think he meant $2.5K down. Otherwise we would be talking about total price of 90K before interest. Even with $2.5K it's $67.5K OTD after taxes before interest. MSRP is $40K+ for SRT8. $20K+ ADM? For a Dodge? Dunno...
I thought that as well until he later posted that he had read that the Challengers were going 25k over MSRP, that will be the day, buddy
Duke, I do enjoy reading your post. You have a way with the written word that brings life and flair to everything you say. I find it very refreshing.
Note: unless the law of levity is repealed, we shall remain autocentric. Love an inside joke.