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Stories from the Sales Frontlines

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Comments

  • jipsterjipster Member Posts: 6,296
    All good points. If one is serious about buying, one shouldn't be afraid of raising objections, as the salesman may be able to assist as you suggested.

    I was thinking more along the lines of the customer who is not totally 100% committed to buying today, and may want a little time to think it over. Raising objections that a salesman can easily counter, may be counter productive in getting that time to "sleep on it".

    I think in most cases it's basically a decision of, " I like the car, the price, the options... but do I really want to commit to this and spend $26,000 on a set of wheels". Similar to the thought process ones goes through when getting married. :blush:
    2021 Honda Passport EX-L, 2020 Honda Accord EX-L, 2011 Hyundai Veracruz, 2010 Mercury Milan Premiere.
  • boomchekboomchek Member Posts: 5,516
    I see your point jipster. If one is not ready to make a commitment to buy (first day of research/testdrives) then he or she should say that instead of making up an objection like "the color is not right"

    Marriage, yes. I like the looks, the brains, the attitude. I enjoyed the test drive ;) I think we'll get along quite well for the next 50 years.

    2016 Audi A7 3.0T S Line, 2021 Subaru WRX

  • driver100driver100 Member Posts: 32,593
    Marriage, yes. I like the looks, the brains, the attitude. I enjoyed the test drive I think we'll get along quite well for the next 50 years.

    There's a good sales line for you. "Sir, it isn't like a marriage where you'll be signing up for the rest of your natural life, you can at least trade her in when you're tired of it - the car that is!" ;)

    2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250

  • driver100driver100 Member Posts: 32,593
    Just curious...was any one out looking at cars on election day?

    Should have a big discount if you buy a red or a blue car on election day. :D

    2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250

  • duke23duke23 Member Posts: 488
    driver100 wrote :
    "Just curious...was any one out looking at cars on election day?

    Should have a big discount if you buy a red or a blue car on election day. "
    And posts a straight line. Can I resist ? Oh God the pain. Deep breath. Ok yes. Thanks D. Carry on.
  • duke23duke23 Member Posts: 488
    boomchek wrote:
    "I see your point jipster. If one is not ready to make a commitment to buy (first day of research/testdrives) then he or she should say that instead of making up an objection like "the color is not right"
    And as DeNiro said, you've been bustin my balls for half an hour so what's not to like ?
    What am I a clown? I'm here to amuse you ?
    Mixing movies but back to topic, sleep on it denotes buyer insecurity since it is alot of money. Hello ? , assumptive close ? They like it, they want to buy it, but it's alot of money. Bring value to the equation or step aside. Stand proud honest salesmen.
  • Mr_ShiftrightMr_Shiftright Member Posts: 64,481
    you should have resisted :P
  • driver100driver100 Member Posts: 32,593
    "Just curious...was any one out looking at cars on election day?

    Should have a big discount if you buy a red or a blue car on election day. "


    Or a special deal on a Corvair if you vote for Nader.

    2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250

  • percussionistpercussionist Member Posts: 204
    Or a special deal on a Corvair if you vote for Nader.

    Classic! ;)
  • wlbrown9wlbrown9 Member Posts: 867
    It was kitchenandpantry.com . I looked up the locations and it does not seem to match up with Ferguson Plumbing. But, you never know. Wholesale vs retail and the etailer cutting profit to the bone perhaps.
  • smithedsmithed Member Posts: 444
    Cold case on Sunday was about car salesmen in the early 1980s. Very unflattering.
  • chikoochikoo Member Posts: 3,008
    aww....c'mon Joe

    It wasn't that wrong that you had to delete it....

    Somehow America has been destined to be entwined with those names (and similar) at national and international levels in the last 8 years and 4 more, at least. Last nights results prove exactly that.

    Honestly, keeping your host and politically correct approach aside, as a regular dude, wouldn't you agree with me on that?
  • obyoneobyone Member Posts: 7,841
    Did they really delete that post?

    And they didn't delete you with it?

    Amazing..... :P
  • greanpea68greanpea68 Member Posts: 1,996
    Sorry to hear that but it does explain everything...now.

    ROFLMAO

    :shades:

    GP
  • greanpea68greanpea68 Member Posts: 1,996
    My trouble is that I've never had a salesman agree to my offer. They usually counter off the top of the chart. At least a thousand high. I don't know if they are assuming that this is a dance and I'll come up some or not. At that point I usually tell them thanks for their time but no thanks.

    OK... But Farmer.... That is what a "car salesman" is supposed to do. Why is it a crime to try and say "no" and ask for profit.

    Here's the thing though I would try and negotiate with you a few times but if you said you had to think about it... And I say OK I'll do your numbers. Thats what I don't get. When people walk and have to sleep on it one more night...

    So would you buy the vehicle if they said yes to your offer. I don't mean right after the test drive... i mean like 15 - 20 minutes..... Maybe even 10 minutes...?

    GP
  • driver100driver100 Member Posts: 32,593
    When people walk and have to sleep on it one more night...

    Like I say, I used to do that for any major purchase, whether I needed to or not....just felt like I could make a better choice. These days, once we start talking hard numbers I can decide in 15 minutes whether I want the car - life is too short and it is like multiple choice questions, your first gut instinct is usually best - THERE'S A GREAT SELLING LINE. The only time I would want to sleep on it is if I was undecided about which vehicle I really wanted. Sometimes you don't know until you crunch some numbers.

    2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250

  • chikoochikoo Member Posts: 3,008
    I got enough pull....... ;)

    ha ha......
  • Mr_ShiftrightMr_Shiftright Member Posts: 64,481
    I didn't delete anything. I'm not your host here, I just serve the coffee and cookies. :P

    I think the best slug-fests and political mud-wrestling arenas are in the Yahoo groups, and the best Automotive talk is right here. ;)
  • madmanmoomadmanmoo Member Posts: 2,039
    In all seriousness and at the risk of brownnosing..... I think you're the best guest host we've ever had. You keep things light, steered in the right direction and use a feather hammer to keep people in line.

    Thanks for helping out around here.
  • Mr_ShiftrightMr_Shiftright Member Posts: 64,481
    thanks very much but you're probably confusing me with kirstie and the tidester. I don't host here at all just enjoy listening to some of these stories.... :blush: We don't have a automatic tag for "visiting host" so it's easy to confuse us.

    Carry on!
  • kyfdxkyfdx Moderator Posts: 265,718
    and at the risk of brownnosing.....

    Oh.. that's definitely brownnosing... especially since you didn't pick me! :P

    regards,
    kyfdx
    visiting host-- who will defer to my much older compatriot..

    Edmunds Price Checker
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    Edmunds Moderator

  • nwalbertnwalbert Member Posts: 49
    Hey Folks, some of you provided input so I thought I would update you. I made the drive down to the dealership this morning to meet with the salesperson. Took the 335 for a nice little drive to make sure we were happy while the manager inspected our Acura going in on trade. Came back to dealership where an appraisal paper waited with a number written on it. Then, "sorry, out lot is really full right now so we would not keep this car and can only give wholesale, $16,500. your car is in really good shape though as you described".

    My frustration here lies with the fact that the salesperson asked me to bring my vehicle down so it could be appraised. The vehicle was not driven and if they don't have room on the lot and planned to offer wholesale, why not explain that over the phone.

    Anyway, less learned for me. BTW, there are currently 4 other 2005 TSX's for sale in my area, all retailing over $25K and with more KM's.
  • Mr_ShiftrightMr_Shiftright Member Posts: 64,481
    who you callin' a duffer?.....oh....DEFER.....sorry

    Visiting Host visiting other Host :shades:
  • madmanmoomadmanmoo Member Posts: 2,039
    Ahh well, I figured I would run the risk. Thanks for your help guys. :blush:
  • oldfarmer50oldfarmer50 Member Posts: 24,202
    "...So would you buy the vehicle if they said yes to your offer. I don't mean right after the test drive...i mean like 15-20 minutes...Maybe even 10 minutes...?..."

    When I bought my last car we came in from the test drive, sat down and I said basicly " I want to buy your car, I am willing to pay you X dollars and I want it in Y color." This was about 5 minutes after the test drive.

    It took the dealer about 25 minutes more to arrange a trade for the color I wanted. He came back and said there was an additional $420 ad fee on the trade vehicle. Another 5 minutes of discussion got the difference down to $178. I felt sorry for the salesman and laid down for the slight bump.

    Total time from turning off the engine to buying the car--35 minutes. No yelling or crying involved. :)

    Now, if we were farther apart or if the dealer has said something that I really needed to verify I would have left, rechecked my figures and information and then either made another offer of walked.

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

  • madmanmoomadmanmoo Member Posts: 2,039
    The vehicle was not driven and if they don't have room on the lot and planned to offer wholesale, why not explain that over the phone.

    They will always offer you wholesale. No matter who they are selling the vehicle to, a profit would need to be turned on it. If they pass it on to the wholesalers, then the wholesaler will need to find another dealership or individual to sell to and make a profit off of his bid. If the dealership keeps it, they will need to offer you wholesale pricing because they are going to be refurbishing and putting it back on the lot. If you want retail, then you need to sell it on your own.

    Your vehicle is worth exactly what someone is willing to pay for it. I am assuming that $16,500 was too low for you. I know from recent experience that the market has taken a dive on those vehicles. If it is too little, then sell it on your own.

    Sorry for any confusion that arose from your attempt. The 3 series is pretty sweet.
  • duke23duke23 Member Posts: 488
    Mr. Sr wrote:
    "I think the best slug-fests and political mud-wrestling arenas are in the Yahoo groups, and the best Automotive talk is right here. "
    Granted that I am a relative newbie but having perused a few edmunds forums, I'll go with SR pulling a McGyver out in the desert. Now granted he was massaging carburetors when AT&T was still known as American Smoke Signal, The duke doth make a joke, lame as it may be, your forgiveness please. Anyway, I agree that the real experience is here. Loving Coffee, I'd be glad to accept a cuppa but think I'll delete those cookies.

    Driver re: Corvair ,
    Personally I like helicopter engines. Not that there' s any thing wrong with that. Unsafe but fun no ? Back to AMC and their mean spirited names. Hornet, what adjective comes to mind. Gremlin, if you bought one and had problems, who is to blame ?
  • driver100driver100 Member Posts: 32,593
    Just heard Lamborghini orange county florida went out of business due to the recession. Probably get a good deal if you're willing to drive there. ;)

    2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250

  • driver100driver100 Member Posts: 32,593
    Thanks for keeping us up to date nwalbert. I don't like this dealer. I know Moo is saying they will automatically give you Blue Book price, because they have to recondition and then resell it...or wholesale it out.
    Here is why I would walk;
    *They know you want the new car and they are doing nothing for you.
    *I couldn't find any used 2005 Acura's in New Brunswick (I could be wrong but I think that is where you are).(AutoTrader)(also checked NS and PEI)
    *I found 2005 Acuras in Ontario and B.C. Most were around $21k and went to $25k.
    *The dealer isn't even trying to work with you. As I said before a really sharp dealership works with buyers and can get more for your trade-in.
    You could make a contract on the new one dependent on you selling your car privately (I hate when dealers tell me to do that - they are usually too lazy to do any real work). Selling privately isn't great because you will pay full tax on the new one, but if you traded you would only pay PST/GST/HST taxes on the difference.
    There is a way around this. If the dealer is willing to do something for their huge profit they could treat the trade in as if it was handed in...then they resell to your private buyer.
    If it was me, I would look for another dealer. This one is doing absolutely nothing for you. They are giving you a minimal amount on your trade-in and selling you a new one at mSRP or a small discount. Then they make you drive in and give you book value without even looking at your trade. I think they know you want the new one and they know you have told your friends, neighbors and relatives and family and it is hard to quit now. I would walk away and see what another dealer says - I am a pretty easy going person but I get really mad when I get treated with contempt. :mad: :mad: :mad:
    By the way, a BMW 335 is the best, but I would rather get an Audi A4 (manual only) if the dealer treated me with some respect.

    2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250

  • jmonroejmonroe Member Posts: 8,989
    There is a way around this. If the dealer is willing to do something for their huge profit they could treat the trade in as if it was handed in...then they resell to your private buyer.

    I’ve seen that work.

    In the spring of 97’ when my cousin and his Acura dealer were down to a $700 difference (started at $2100) he walked. He then finds out the very same day that Son #1 has to replace his 91’ Grand Prix (because he killed it doing Rally Racing with it a few years earlier). My cousin calls my son and says if you give me $200 more than the dealers last offer I’ll sell you the car. Son #1 jumps on that deal. He always liked that car (94’ Bonneville SSEI).

    They go to the dealer (I went with them) and they did what they call a “courtesy trade”. Painless; everybody is happy. So, when a dealer really wants to do a deal they will work with you. Of course the circumstances fell into everybody’s lap on that one. Nobody had to wait for anything.

    jmonroe

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

  • nwalbertnwalbert Member Posts: 49
    You are correct, I am in NB and there are very few TSX's for sale right now. You seem to have gotten the same impression that I have, the dealer is really not working very hard to make this work. When I left, the salesperson said they would ask the manager to phone around and see if they could find more for my trade. After about two hours of my wife shopping, I phoned back and inquired. The salesperson seemed surprised to be hearing from me and said that was the best that they could do. I explained if there somehow could be another $1500 we had a deal. The salesperson told me they would check with the manager and get back to me. I have not heard a peep since.

    This again surprised me. There is a $400 Admin fee included in the price currently, they also could have moved the $2300 discount to the trade which would add another $300 that leaves them only about $800 away from my deal and they have over $2000 in profit on the new vehicle. I expected at least an "we will meet you in the middle".

    They seem to be guessing I will purchase the vehicle regardless. I should also note that they currently h ave four of the same vehicle (colors, options, everything) left and none of the other dealers have any 08's remaining.

    I have decided to sell my vehicle privately and then decide how I want to move forward. I am not impressed with the dealer but like the vehicle. My wife really prefers the new A4. At this point I am going to sell mine and they look at my options without a trade in the mix. As always, thanks for the help!
  • houdini1houdini1 Member Posts: 8,351
    For further tips on overcoming objections just watch that Robert Dinero video !! :)

    2013 LX 570 2016 LS 460

  • sterlingdogsterlingdog Member Posts: 6,984
    Well, I know it sounds crazy because we have had these discussions before. I see where the '08 Grand Marquis has a $6,500 rebate. Yes, yes, I know it is the "old man's" car. Still, it drives and rides like a dream. With all of the bells and whistles, I can get it for $21,000 plus $9,000 for my "03 Explorer. This sounds really tempting. I mean we're only looking at $12,000 plus T&T. Yes, I remember. I was going to drive the '03 Explorer until the wheels fell off and I did recondition it last spring for $1,500. I guess that I just have the itch for something new. Growing up with big tanks in the '50's makes me love the last of such cars. They actually have a black one on the lot with those narrow white walls. Funeral home car or not, it is really a sharp automobile. Though I can't quite decide, I still can't get this car out of my mind. Have I finally lost what little mind that I have left? Where is Joel when I need him?

    Richard
  • cdn_tchcdn_tch Member Posts: 194
    Just heard Lamborghini orange county florida went out of business due to the recession. Probably get a good deal if you're willing to drive there. ;)

    The blurb I read had a comment from Lamborghini USA saying that the dealership closed because of their own mistakes, not the economy.
  • qbrozenqbrozen Member Posts: 33,737
    $21k still seems like alot to me.

    My father-in-law buys one of these every few years. He bought an '08 last year for about $17k, I believe. However, he doesn't go for ALL the bells and whistles. power seats, power locks, power windows, but cloth interior and no moonroof. He did have them add the cloth roof and gold accents, though. I call it the "Florida package." ;)

    '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
    solid, safe, dependable and cheap. Of course you should buy it!
  • fezofezo Member Posts: 10,386
    I hate to say that sounds interesting but it does.... Probably the same attraction - the last of cars as they used to be.

    I can't believe it's been a dozen years since GM had a car to compete.
    2015 Mazda 6 Grand Touring, 2014 Mazda 3 Sport Hatchback, 1999 Mazda Miata 2004 Toyota Camry LE, 1999.
  • jipsterjipster Member Posts: 6,296
    Though I can't quite decide, I still can't get this car out of my mind. Have I finally lost what little mind that I have left? Where is Joel when I need him?

    Five demerits for conduct unbecoming of a "Team Jipster" member. Now snap out of it, stop acting like a wiennie, take the advice you gave the old geezer jmonroe, and buy the old people's car. ;)
    2021 Honda Passport EX-L, 2020 Honda Accord EX-L, 2011 Hyundai Veracruz, 2010 Mercury Milan Premiere.
  • michaellnomichaellno Member Posts: 4,120
    Richard,

    You'll get more encouragement for your purchase over in this forum:

    Chronic Car Buyers Anonymous

    I'll give you the same advice I gave jmonroe - sure, pull the trigger. For $12K, you can't really go wrong with the Grand Marquis.
  • qbrozenqbrozen Member Posts: 33,737
    For $12K, you can't really go wrong with the Grand Marquis.

    OH, sure you can! Try to sell one that you bought new. That splash of cold hard depreciation will wake ya right up! ;P

    '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

  • boomchekboomchek Member Posts: 5,516
    Albert,

    So what was the final outcome with numbers? $16500 for your trade and $2000 over invoice for the BMW?

    I know you're a bit frustrated cause you didn't get the numbers you wanted. But bringing the car in for an appraisal is the first step to establishing what a dealer is willing to pay for it. They could have thrown numbers at you over the phone, but that stilll wouldn't mean anything unless you were there in person with the car.

    2016 Audi A7 3.0T S Line, 2021 Subaru WRX

  • armadilloalarmadilloal Member Posts: 10
    They seem to be guessing I will purchase the vehicle regardless. I should also note that they currently h ave four of the same vehicle (colors, options, everything) left and none of the other dealers have any 08's remaining.

    I wonder why the only dealer that still has these cars to sell is the one who seems to be the least willing to move cars...
  • driver100driver100 Member Posts: 32,593
    r further tips on overcoming objections just watch that Robert Dinero video !!

    Perfect, I did watch it and those tips are very helpful! Thanks for the tip.

    2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250

  • driver100driver100 Member Posts: 32,593
    The blurb I read had a comment from Lamborghini USA saying that the dealership closed because of their own mistakes, not the economy.

    There own mistakes? Like what would that be? Not doing a proper inventory on the 10 cars in stock?

    I think I heard there are 600 Lamborghini's sold in the USA each year and they sold 10%. Curious to know what their mistake was ;)

    2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250

  • jipsterjipster Member Posts: 6,296
    Curious to know what their mistake was

    Probably not having a $50,000 rebate offer. :shades:
    2021 Honda Passport EX-L, 2020 Honda Accord EX-L, 2011 Hyundai Veracruz, 2010 Mercury Milan Premiere.
  • driver100driver100 Member Posts: 32,593
    abrozen wrote: He did have them add the cloth roof and gold accents, though. I call it the "Florida package."

    I like that. When we go to Florida for February it is amazing to see all the new Buicks, Cadilacs, Fords, Mercurys...the bigger the better and with the vinyl roof and wire wheels. Some of the more refined get new Jaguars usually in some kind of 2-tone paint jobs.

    Richard, that is a tremendous deal. For about $12000 you will have a fantastic car that will last at least 5 years. Say it is worth $4000 after 5 years, that's like driving a luxury car for about $1500 a year...it doesn't get better than that. It wouldn't be my first choice for a fun car, but it is a big improvement over an 03 Explorer. Some experts say gas will go down to $50 a barrel soon - however I don't believe those guys...but you will probably get at least 25% gas mileage and that has to be considered too. Good luck...hard choice.

    2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250

  • boomchekboomchek Member Posts: 5,516
    A local Chrysler dealer is shutting it's doors too. However they've been blowing new cars away below cost and bleeding money for the past 6 months to a year.

    This is what happens when you undercut everyone to a point where you lose money. Eventually it will catch up with you because you won't be able to make up that money elsewhere.

    And typically those customers who want the rock bottom bargain won't stay loyal to you if they can find a place to service their cars for $1 less, or if their next purchase is cheaper aacross town.

    The next customer that will try to negotiate our holdback from us will get this line from me: "Go put someone else out of business" :lemon:

    2016 Audi A7 3.0T S Line, 2021 Subaru WRX

  • driver100driver100 Member Posts: 32,593
    . I should also note that they currently h ave four of the same vehicle (colors, options, everything) left and none of the other dealers have any 08's remaining.

    One more thing to consider...you might actually come out further ahead buying an 09. Cost could be more, but it hasn't depreciated a full year yet, and there might be better incentives in place. I would get a price from other dealers first...the one you are working with has an attitude problem. Keep us up to date.

    2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250

  • houdini1houdini1 Member Posts: 8,351
    Some experts say gas will go down to $50 a barrel soon - however I don't believe those guys

    Well, it is trading at $60. as we speak (well, as I type) and could very well go lower.

    Richard, buy the darn thing but don't get the black. That black will broil you down in Florida plus you can't keep it clean looking without a lot of work and I know you are lazy. Get old people's white. Both my cars are white. :)

    2013 LX 570 2016 LS 460

  • kyfdxkyfdx Moderator Posts: 265,718
    The best thing about white is that you'll look like a cop car, and everyone will move over, out of your way.. :)

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