driver....I thought the same thing "they've got Sprint in the outback of Africa?" Maybe it's an emerging market for Sprint. They aren't doing too well here in the states. The other thing that I've always noticed on shows, how come there always seems to be a signal in the remotest locales for cell phones? Yet, when I get 2 miles from home, my calls get dropped.
I'm not familiar with the location of that Ford plant in Brazil. But, I have spent time working with people in the tech industry in Sao Paulo. People there are very hard workers, and very friendly (at least to me). From what the video stated, that plant is 6 years old. Now, maybe 6 years ago the UAW wouldn't let Ford build a plant like that in the U.S. I bet they'd be willing to sing a different tune today. My guess is, it's too little, too late to have that happen, though.
I've been in the local Ford transmission plant, the Corvette plant in Georgetown, KY, and the Honda plant in Marysville, OH. All of them are very clean...surprisingly so. I have yet to see the type of pride in their jobs that the people at the Corvette plant show, though. If there's a template for how a U.S. automotive plant should run, it would be there.
I've been in the local Ford transmission plant, the Corvette plant in Georgetown, KY, and the Honda plant in Marysville, OH. All of them are very clean...surprisingly so. I have yet to see the type of pride in their jobs that the people at the Corvette plant show, though. If there's a template for how a U.S. automotive plant should run, it would be there.
The BMW Manufacturing plant in Greer, SC is pretty impressive as well.
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
Son's: 2018 330i xDrive
roadburner....wouldn't mind seeing that BMW plant. Another one I'd like to visit is the Jeep Toledo plant...old but supposedly totally revamped.
While it's not an assembly plant, I have been to Toyota's NA HQ down near where kyfdx lives (where's he been? haven't seen him around the boards for a while). They do some impressive R&D there.
That would be the "Jipst Method" of car buying... not the "Jipster method". :mad:
The Jipster method would be to go into a dealership wearing loose shorts, tell the sales team you have a bad case of explosive diarrhea from eating out of date prunes, and would like to have their best price asap. I do not recommend the "Jipster Method", as it is only for seasoned professionals like myself. You ama-toors should stay with the "Jipst Method", or the much weaker version, the "Bobst Method", if you're really a wiennie. :P
Had a couple deals tube due to credit...not good. Actually one had approvable credit but expectations were pretty high (car wise).
Since we deal a lot with credit challenged we do things slightly backwards sometimes from your local prime credit only dealer.
For example we do pre approvals and financing first, before we land on the exact options of a car.
This way we can try and get the best rate and then show cars that fit into the approval, instead of getting someone hopeful on a unit, and then finding out they're only approved for something half the price, or at a high interest rate.
Some customers don't have patience, but I'm trying to help them before we even get a deposit (many don't even have $500 for deposits), and it's not my fault that they made bad choices in life that resulted in crappy credit.
What can I say............. even our banks are getting stricted now in light of what's happening in the US.
I'm a used car salesmen at a very large Toyota dealership in Chicago. The dealership I'm employed at consistently sells over 400 new and used Toyotas a month.
Just to give you a point of reference....during this economic downturn salesmen are still able to talk to 3-4 "ups" a day and have opportunities to sell. Business is down but there are still customer s walking through the door looking to buy new or used Toyotas.
But I gotta tell yeah...I think I'm at the end of my rope when it comes to selling cars. This is a job that I used to find very easy to make money at. But lately, it seems like every deal I make is like pulling teeth with the customer.
I realize that when you're dealing with the general public you have to deal with a lot of brain damage. But the level of idiotic questions and bizarre offers that that these people come up with is just another non-buyer that I'm wasting my time with.
Overall, I think the amount of time that I have to spend with people who are not really serious about buying anything is something that I'm absolutely losing patience with.
Just the other day I had a guy offer me $17,500 on a Sienna that goes for $24K.
Why on god's green earth would anyone bother to drive a vehicle, let alone bother a salesmen to show him the van, if you are going to act like a clown and make a ridiculous offer?
And if I run into one more single male who is looking for a car without his wife I think I might lose it. I've never met a bigger bunch of strokes then the single males looking for a car. They never have the intestinal fortitude to pull the trigger on a car purchase without"cehcking" in with their wife.
So the question is....why bother going through the whole dog and pony show if you have to check in with the warden?
Hombre, I'm sorry it's bad out there, and I know a lot of people are having trouble right now - especially in sales. People get grumpy about anything involving money when the economy is bad.
BUT... the "warden" thing and wondering why someone would check with their spouse before making a major purchase really isnt a mystery if you've been married. When I was, I used to go house shopping by myself, then I'd bring my spouse back to look at any house that I thought had potential. Maybe the guys' wives aren't interested in being involved before it's final decision time. Not every couple goes on initial shopping trips joined at the hip.
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
"Just to give you a point of reference....during this economic downturn salesmen are still able to talk to 3-4 "ups" a day and have opportunities to sell."
3-4 "UPS" a day! My friend you should consider yourself blessed! I stopped by the local Toyota dealer in my town to look at the new Venza and these guys are lucky if they talk to one "up" a day. And you're complaining about 3-4? with the average closing ratio being 20 to 25% I think you skills are lacking my friend. Maybe it is time for you to find another line of work. Only in America. :mad:
I think you skills are lacking my friend. Maybe it is time for you to find another line of work. Only in America.
It has nothing to do with sales skills. Overall gross on units sold is down, on average, by 33%.
When you take the gross out of the equation, cars sales starts to become a very tiresome and tedious process. Long hours, boorish customers, and A LOT of patience for a sale that may bring you only a $100.
The other day I had a couple who walked in and wanted to know what their interest rate would be. I sat them down and asked them what kind of car they were interested in. They didn't know. I urged them to go outside with me and take a look at our selection to see if we could pick out a car for them.
Nah. It was to cold for them to do that. They just wanted to know what kind of interest rate they would get....
So I brought out the sheet for Toyota's rates on all their cars. Of course, I couldn't compete with the 0% for 72 months that Mitsubishi has....
I tried to explain the difference between a Mitsubishi and a Toyota but they had their mind made up that they were more interested in buying an interest rate then a quality car.
It has nothing to do with sales skills when you are dealing with rote stupidity on such an epic level.
And this lesson in interest rates, that the customer could have researched on the internet, lasted a good hour. While I was dealing with people who wouldn't take a car if it was free, the rest of the sales staff were making deals.
LOL, nice story. I went through that feeling too when I worked in an automall environment. Had people come in for mainly test drives (We're getting feel for the market), and then buy locally close to their home. :mad:
That's just the nature of the job though. If you can sort through the non buyers, and find that one good deal, the reward can be huge.
Maybe you need to change dealerships or brands or locations. Every brand or dealer has a different selling process, and some people are better at one than the other.
I also have a feeling you guys get a lot of flats, otherwise if pay would be decent, you wouldn't be writing this...
BUT... the "warden" thing and wondering why someone would check with their spouse before making a major purchase really isnt a mystery if you've been married.
I get that. I really do.
What I don't understand is when a guy is out shopping for HIS car and he can't make a decision without checking in with his wife. You wouldn't believe the amount of men who are to afraid to make a decision on a car purchase without their wife signing off on it.
I can understand if it's a family car that the wife is going to drive too. But if the car is for me then I'm the one who is going to pick it out and decide on what payments I can handle.
80% of the questions I answer and deal with on a daily basis can be found on the internet. Why people don't utilize this tool and feel the need to come into a dealership to tell a salesmen that they are a year away from buying is beyond me.
....I thought the same thing "they've got Sprint in the outback of Africa?" Maybe it's an emerging market for Sprint. They aren't doing too well here in the states. The other thing that I've always noticed on shows, how come there always seems to be a signal in the remotest locales for cell phones? Yet, when I get 2 miles from home, my calls get dropped
That's why I dropped Sprint several years ago. I guess they were spending money building out their network in Africa instead of Memphis. I don't care about making calls in Africa, but when I can't get a connection in Memphis or even E. Arkansas because the network does not cover or drops the call, time to change. I think they were spending too much money merging with Nextel and advertising to keep up with customer needs. Doubt I will ever go back to Sprint.
Oh...and I stopped taking single male "ups" about 6 months ago and it has worked wonders.
I'll take a single woman over a single guy any day.
If you sell the woman she will bring the husband back to buy. If you sell the guy you still have to get through the wife for a sale. And most guys don't have the "intestinal fortuitude" to stand up to the wife for something they want so it's usually a waste of time.
I also double as a clinical psycologist as well as a used car salesman.
Oh...and I stopped taking single male "ups" about 6 months ago and it has worked wonders.
I enjoy your emails and your upfront attitude alej but I agree with the HOST. I buy the car I want and I may make some preliminary evaluating, but I need my wife's input for several reasons; *She has to feel comfortable driving my car as well as hers, in case we need to switch, *She sits in the passenger side enough that it has to be comfortable for her *She got the 4 door so I could get the hardtop convertibe, but she has to help decide which one, and in this case she wanted them the same make so that we could drive them interchangeably without too much thinking - and she was right as usual. *She took a chance and chose a color I wouldn't have - came out great. *Car is a major purchase and I wouldn't just go out and buy a car.....come home and say I am home dear, look what I bought for myself today.....I do have to live with her.
You obviously aren't married or you would know this. If you don't agree then I advise you never to get married. By the way after 2 test drives of 20 to 30 minutes we sat down and bought in about 15 minutes if you subtract the time the salesman goofed around on the computer.
One more thing....if you do want to make it in that business or any business in sales. You have to accept that you will get one sale for every 10 or 20 people you talk to. So, if they walk out say good, now just another 19 to go before I make a sale. Sales can be very discouraging, but the only thing that separates the real successful ones is that the successful one just keeps on trying. If it was easy we'd all be out there selling cars.
And, regardless of who is actually paying for it, a vehicle is a major purchase that can affect overall household finances. I've never lived in a world where I'd be so inconsiderate as to NOT consult my significant other about major expenditures, even if I'm footing the bill.
What if I buy & finance a car and become unemployed? What if repairs end up being so costly that I can't kick in my 1/2 of next year's family vacation?
Apart from that, I would generally respect my S.O. enough to value his opinion and input. A second opinion on a major purchase is rarely a bad idea, and where better to get that advice than from someone you (allegedly) trust?
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
*She took a chance and chose a color I wouldn't have - came out great.
She chose the color of your car? Yikes.
I'm not going to get in a feud with anyone over their buying habits. I do that enough at work.
But I bought my girlfriend of 8 years a car without her being there or without her driving it. As a matter of fact I didn't even drive it.
I know I'm in the car business so that makes it A LOT easier to buy a car because I have access to alomost every make and model and can drive them at will. But it took me about 10 minutes to decide on which car I would buy for my girlfriend.
She knew she needed a 4 door, under $300 a month with no money down.
It was a Honda SE (I worked at Honda before Toyota) 36 month lease for $258 a month with no money out of pocket. She wanted grey but my dealership at the time only had black. So I bought it, picked her up at home, drove her to work, and she drove off in it. She's never had a problem with it.
Same thing happened when I bought my car....
I KNEW WHAT I WANTED before I started looking. Under $300 a month, 4 door, Honda Accord. I picked out a car, drove it around the lot, and bought it 10 minutes later. I didn't like the color but it was the right payment, right mileage, and it has a 7 year CPO warranty.
Picking out a car is actually quite simple it you let it be.
I had a guy last month tell me that he was going to configure a spreadsheet for the purchase of his next car. He was in 5 times and drove 7 different vehicles before I finally sold him an Avalon for a $100 mini-deal.
That's a good point Kirstie, and I never take offence to someone who needs to consult with their partners about a major purchase. In fact I'd rather make sure that my customers (both bf/gf/hubby/wife) are 100% satisfied instead of coming back a day later wanting to exchange or retunr it as it's nearly impossible to do so.
In these causes I sometimes take a deposit to hold the car "subject to wife's approval, or don't go into negotiatiing until all decision makers are present.
If you ask the right questions up front, you will spare yourself the frustration that Alejandre is going through
Alejandro... I used to sell Hondas in an automall environment and used to get frustrated like you because I had many ups, average amount of deals, but mostly all minis.
Move to a different dealership with different payplan, maybe even try domestics, It might make a night and day difference.
Some of my lowest volume months at Chrysler pay the same or more as the highest volume months I had at Honda.
If you ask the right questions up front, you will spare yourself the frustration that Alejandre is going through
You only regurgitate these types of rote one-liners if you are in the car business.
I've always considered the car business a rest stop on life's highway on my way to another career. I'll be the first to admit it.
Even though I don't take the business as seriously as other salesmen, treating car sales like some sort of cultish following, I still try and maximize every opportunity I have to make money.
I'm not the world's best car salesman but I did mange to eek out 72K in take home last year. This year is probably going to be a different story but I should crack 60K.
Whenever a salesmen complains, everyone, including those outside of the business, always point the finger at the salesman and says, "it's the salesmans fault for not doing xyz".
All I'm saying is that it's not always the salesman's fault. A lot of the time the dopey customers sitting across the table have a lot to do with the frustration and the ignorance that goes into buying a car.
Every one knows that the "I got to check with my wife" is true about 50% of the time. The funny ones are when the wife comes back and says "I don't care its your truck" The other 50% is a reason to leave. I don't fault any one for it I have done it myself.
Just the other day I had a guy offer me $17,500 on a Sienna that goes for $24K.
Haven’t you ever “asked” 24K for a used car that wholesales for $17.5K?
The key word is asked. You start at a higher number and negotiate down from there. It is sales 101. You do it, and customers do it. It works both ways.
In addition, in today’s market people just don’t know what the bottom is on new cars with all the factory to dealer incentives and bonuses. For example, 09 Hyundai Sonata GLS: MSRP $20,595, Invoice $19,651, Rebate $2000; can be purchased for $15000 including all the junk fees. Where did the additional $2651 come from, I don’t know; but when you see numbers like this it makes you wonder.
You guys would have loved selling me 3 years ago. I was on the road from Pittsburgh to Virginia in a 2003 4Runner. Saw a Toyota sign and drove 9 miles off the interstate to Elkins West Virginia. Got out of the 4Runner and said to the salesman, my back is killing me. Vehicle is good, but the seats suck. Can you find me something comfortable? He said have you driven a Solara?
I looked at it, nice pearl white with light leather and heated seats. Drove it about 4 miles and said lets do it. Price was on the windshield tag about 3,500 off MSRP. All we needed was a decent trade and we're off. Number is put in front of me. I said shave 1k off the difference and we're done. GM comes to the desk and asks "if we make the price difference $3450 you'll buy right now"? I said yes. He said "write it up" to the salesman.
My trade was still under warranty. My tank was nearing Empty. I had the title in my carry bag as I anticipated trading when the seat finally made it too painful to drive. I gave him my debit card and signed the Certificate of Origin. Tank was already full. All I wanted was the dealer decal removed and the clock set. 30 minutes total. Trunk junk transferred, temp tags put on and I was on my way. Drove beautiful, good mileage. Back is feeling great. I still have the car even though the warranty is out (except the 5/50 powertrain) and it has a whopping 25k on the odo. The only problem ever was when my buddys 27 year old son saw it and said "nice chick car, Dave" I'm 57 and I don't care who the car was marketed to, I like it.
I don't see why so many people make a big production out of buying a car. Know what you want, agree to the price and happy motoring. Details will give you a weak heart. Enjoying your decision...priceless.
I KNEW WHAT I WANTED before I started looking. Under $300 a month, 4 door, Honda Accord. I picked out a car, drove it around the lot, and bought it 10 minutes later. I didn't like the color but it was the right payment, right mileage, and it has a 7 year CPO warranty.
Interesting way to buy a car. Payment plan is more important than car or overall cost. I have never bought anything that way. I first decide on the car, then the full price, then see what the payments come to (if not paying cash). Am I in the minority....or is this part of the reason the economy is so messed up!
I am in the car biz, but I learned the hard way too what works and what doesn't.
Yeah, there will be frustrating customers in every business and every career. If it would be so easy, and if every customer wouldn't be asking questions, stupid or not, then they wouldn't need salespeople. Then they might as well order a car online and get it delivered by UPS.
If you can learn to foresee the objections and adjust accordingly, then selling should be a breeze. I complain about frustrating customers too. I get buyers with unrealistic expectations. Can I do anything about it? Other than changing careers no, not really. That's just what happens when you're in customer service business.
I actually had a guy tell me that he dropped his wife off at the mall and had an hour to kill so he thought he would come by and drive a Highlander. No intentions of buying.
I love the..."I don't want to waste your time" line that these people belch out right before they go on to waste your time.
If I could say "no" to these people I would. Unfortunately, I don't have that choice.
I aslo like the people who get offended when you ask for the sale. After driving 5 cars and asking a million stupid questions they get in a huff when you ask for the sale.
I don't see why so many people make a big production out of buying a car. Know what you want, agree to the price and happy motoring. Details will give you a weak heart. Enjoying your decision...priceless.
Thank you.
A customer that gets it.
These people that agonize over a car purchase and pull their hair out trying to run spreadsheets are absolutely insane.
"But I bought my girlfriend of 8 years a car without her being there or without her driving it. As a matter of fact I didn't even drive it. "
...I just want to add something here. I have been married 10 years to a girl I dated for about 4 years. There were many things I did in the dating years that were considered cute, me being me, and oddly romantic. Somehow, after that day in the church - those same things I used to do, now have me sleeping on the couch.
I don't care if you have been dating since the 3rd grade. If you ever try and pull off one of those Lexus "december to remembers" on your wife - you better be damn well sure it is the color, make, model, and have that stupid option she craves - or you will hear about "it's shortcomings" not only during the entire repayment period but 20 years down the road when you just happen to glance at a dealership....
I do understand your frustration - over ignorant buyers, but don't be a single guy and try to rationalize the plight of us married men...
What a contemptible lie. Had a neighbor many years ago had the exhaust system drop 3 miles from the dealership the day they bought it. Currently the neighbor across the street has had his accord in for warranty work like clock work. I saw him yesterday and asked if he went back to the dealership this month. He said nope but there are still days left in the month.
2011 Hyundai Sonata, 2014 BMW 428i convertible, 2015 Honda CTX700D
Motor Trend magazine reports that as of August 1, General Motors had 6,776 dealers that sold 1,822,575 vehicles (269 vehicles per dealer) while Toyota had 1,234 dealers that sold 1,437,509 vehicles (1,165 vehicles per dealer).
With the average domestic dealership selling 22 new cars a month or 5 new cars a week (and sales getting worse), there are obviously too many dealers. But does the typical dealership employ too many salespeople? Even with used car sales, are there just too many sales folks competing for the available buyers?
What a contemptible lie. Had a neighbor many years ago had the exhaust system drop 3 miles from the dealership the day they bought it. Currently the neighbor across the street has had his accord in for warranty work like clock work. I saw him yesterday and asked if he went back to the dealership this month. He said nope but there are still days left in the month.
2011 Hyundai Sonata, 2014 BMW 428i convertible, 2015 Honda CTX700D
Isn't that a bit strong just because you knew of a guy who had some oddball thing happen like an exhaust system falling off and a neighbor has had problems under warranty?
No car is ever perfect but show me another make with relaibility stats like Honda.
You know, when I read your first post, I felt for you -times are tough for everybody. But after reading more - I realize that your attitude is your problem. You think you got it tough - try selling luxury cars, or domestic, you will see tough. You get 4 ups a day and you complain?!? There is no reason in the world you cannot close one of them, that's 25 cars a month, mini or not. No one said a customer has to buy a car at the first visit, so deal with it, follow up, make friends, send cards. Do you do all that? I doubt it.
Well, Alejandro - I'm a single guy. I just bought a new car a week ago. Of course took some effort on parts of mine and theirs, but it could be done... I know several other single guys, who also bought cars or will buy cars. Very strange way of doing business - just cutting off large segment of the market rather than learning its traites.
BTW, married guys buying car. Most states have common household laws, which makes all obligations acquired during marriage responsibility of both spouses - that alone is a good reason to involve wife into transaction that will significantly affect household credit for years to come. BTW, who you think you are to tell people how to drop $20K+. It's their money, if they have to involve their extended family to it, so be it. Just make sure your showroom has coloring pictures for kids and soda for adults. If they have to ask their priest, it's also their choice. Until they sign papers, it's their money and they have sacred right to involve anybody they wish. BTW, if they just have to think about it, they have to think about it. All you can do is say "here is my offer, I think it's good, the product is good, take all time you need, the car may or may not be here, but we can find something else, too".
Tell you something - acknowledging that BEFORE all papers are signed, it's actually my money not yours, and the buying decision is a serious one (and MINE not yours), goes very long way in the world that everybody wants to sell you a car "today" (as tomorrow the car may still be here, but they may already be gone). I bought my Subaru on Saturday - first visit was on Tuesday. Everything was transparent, all offers exerted with grace, there was a little hammering about the trade, but the compromise was reached, partially to my own coming to understanding the market better and the deal was done, all tens in the CSI. Can you do that? Come to customer's workplace with a car, let him drive, come with numbers couple of days later and sign paperwork two days afterwards? Or "not buying today" is just not your style?
I love the..."I don't want to waste your time" line that these people belch out right before they go on to waste your time.
I occasionally pop into dealerships to look around. I tell them right off the bat that I am just looking and will not be buying in the near future. I am upfront and honest about it and I would rather be alone looking at the cars. Now if you waste time with me don't blame me for it.
2011 Hyundai Sonata, 2014 BMW 428i convertible, 2015 Honda CTX700D
These people that agonize over a car purchase and pull their hair out trying to run spread sheets are absolutely insane.
I wouldn't say that, creating a list that allows you to cross reference cars and what they offer can help in the car buying process. Especially if your not one of those "I have to have a [insert favorite car here]". For those of us who want certain things in a car and are not to concerned with the name on it doing something like a spreadsheet helps out a lot.
2011 Hyundai Sonata, 2014 BMW 428i convertible, 2015 Honda CTX700D
LOL. That sounds about right, raiding the kid's piggy bank to finance the down payment. Probably lots of folks who are using junior's money now to keep up their lifestyle. :sick:
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
or you will hear about "it's shortcomings" not only during the entire repayment period but 20 years down the road when you just happen to glance at a dealership....
And the Lords people said "AMEN",
2011 Hyundai Sonata, 2014 BMW 428i convertible, 2015 Honda CTX700D
"...if you are going to act like a clown and make a ridiculous offer?..."
Because if you don't ask, you don't get.
"...a bigger bunch of strokes than single males looking for a car..."
When I bought my new car I came without the wife, and bought. I did use the "wife won't let me" with the F&I girl so as to not hurt her feelings about turning down the mop & glo.
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
Sorry when I first posted it the browser seemed to be hung up so I retried posting it.
Isn't that a bit strong
No, not really the original poster stated that you can't go wrong with one. I was just pointing out that you very well can go wrong with them. I know you sell them but the fact is they are not as bullet proof as some make them out to be.
No car is ever perfect but show me another make with reliability stats like Honda.
Statistically there is little if any difference these days between most major brands.
2011 Hyundai Sonata, 2014 BMW 428i convertible, 2015 Honda CTX700D
Comments
I'm not familiar with the location of that Ford plant in Brazil. But, I have spent time working with people in the tech industry in Sao Paulo. People there are very hard workers, and very friendly (at least to me). From what the video stated, that plant is 6 years old. Now, maybe 6 years ago the UAW wouldn't let Ford build a plant like that in the U.S. I bet they'd be willing to sing a different tune today. My guess is, it's too little, too late to have that happen, though.
I've been in the local Ford transmission plant, the Corvette plant in Georgetown, KY, and the Honda plant in Marysville, OH. All of them are very clean...surprisingly so. I have yet to see the type of pride in their jobs that the people at the Corvette plant show, though. If there's a template for how a U.S. automotive plant should run, it would be there.
The BMW Manufacturing plant in Greer, SC is pretty impressive as well.
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
Son's: 2018 330i xDrive
This is the South, people are for the most part are very respectful.
While it's not an assembly plant, I have been to Toyota's NA HQ down near where kyfdx lives (where's he been? haven't seen him around the boards for a while). They do some impressive R&D there.
That would be the "Jipst Method" of car buying... not the "Jipster method". :mad:
The Jipster method would be to go into a dealership wearing loose shorts, tell the sales team you have a bad case of explosive diarrhea from eating out of date prunes, and would like to have their best price asap. I do not recommend the "Jipster Method", as it is only for seasoned professionals like myself. You ama-toors should stay with the "Jipst Method", or the much weaker version, the "Bobst Method", if you're really a wiennie. :P
Had a couple deals tube due to credit...not good. Actually one had approvable credit but expectations were pretty high (car wise).
Since we deal a lot with credit challenged we do things slightly backwards sometimes from your local prime credit only dealer.
For example we do pre approvals and financing first, before we land on the exact options of a car.
This way we can try and get the best rate and then show cars that fit into the approval, instead of getting someone hopeful on a unit, and then finding out they're only approved for something half the price, or at a high interest rate.
Some customers don't have patience, but I'm trying to help them before we even get a deposit (many don't even have $500 for deposits), and it's not my fault that they made bad choices in life that resulted in crappy credit.
What can I say............. even our banks are getting stricted now in light of what's happening in the US.
2016 Audi A7 3.0T S Line, 2021 Subaru WRX
Just to give you a point of reference....during this economic downturn salesmen are still able to talk to 3-4 "ups" a day and have opportunities to sell. Business is down but there are still customer s walking through the door looking to buy new or used Toyotas.
But I gotta tell yeah...I think I'm at the end of my rope when it comes to selling cars. This is a job that I used to find very easy to make money at. But lately, it seems like every deal I make is like pulling teeth with the customer.
I realize that when you're dealing with the general public you have to deal with a lot of brain damage. But the level of idiotic questions and bizarre offers that that these people come up with is just another non-buyer that I'm wasting my time with.
Overall, I think the amount of time that I have to spend with people who are not really serious about buying anything is something that I'm absolutely losing patience with.
Just the other day I had a guy offer me $17,500 on a Sienna that goes for $24K.
Why on god's green earth would anyone bother to drive a vehicle, let alone bother a salesmen to show him the van, if you are going to act like a clown and make a ridiculous offer?
And if I run into one more single male who is looking for a car without his wife I think I might lose it. I've never met a bigger bunch of strokes then the single males looking for a car. They never have the intestinal fortitude to pull the trigger on a car purchase without"cehcking" in with their wife.
So the question is....why bother going through the whole dog and pony show if you have to check in with the warden?
Yeah...I think this might be my last week.
Alejandro.
Ford plant Brazil
Not as amazing as this:
The trucks build themselves and the workers just stand around:
BUT... the "warden" thing and wondering why someone would check with their spouse before making a major purchase really isnt a mystery if you've been married. When I was, I used to go house shopping by myself, then I'd bring my spouse back to look at any house that I thought had potential. Maybe the guys' wives aren't interested in being involved before it's final decision time. Not every couple goes on initial shopping trips joined at the hip.
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2015 Kia Soul, 2021 Subaru Forester (kirstie_h), 2024 GMC Sierra 1500 (mr. kirstie_h)
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3-4 "UPS" a day! My friend you should consider yourself blessed! I stopped by the local Toyota dealer in my town to look at the new Venza and these guys are lucky if they talk to one "up" a day. And you're complaining about 3-4? with the average closing ratio being 20 to 25% I think you skills are lacking my friend. Maybe it is time for you to find another line of work. Only in America. :mad:
It has nothing to do with sales skills. Overall gross on units sold is down, on average, by 33%.
When you take the gross out of the equation, cars sales starts to become a very tiresome and tedious process. Long hours, boorish customers, and A LOT of patience for a sale that may bring you only a $100.
The other day I had a couple who walked in and wanted to know what their interest rate would be. I sat them down and asked them what kind of car they were interested in. They didn't know. I urged them to go outside with me and take a look at our selection to see if we could pick out a car for them.
Nah. It was to cold for them to do that. They just wanted to know what kind of interest rate they would get....
So I brought out the sheet for Toyota's rates on all their cars. Of course, I couldn't compete with the 0% for 72 months that Mitsubishi has....
I tried to explain the difference between a Mitsubishi and a Toyota but they had their mind made up that they were more interested in buying an interest rate then a quality car.
It has nothing to do with sales skills when you are dealing with rote stupidity on such an epic level.
And this lesson in interest rates, that the customer could have researched on the internet, lasted a good hour. While I was dealing with people who wouldn't take a car if it was free, the rest of the sales staff were making deals.
That's what makes car sales tedious.
That's just the nature of the job though. If you can sort through the non buyers, and find that one good deal, the reward can be huge.
Maybe you need to change dealerships or brands or locations. Every brand or dealer has a different selling process, and some people are better at one than the other.
I also have a feeling you guys get a lot of flats, otherwise if pay would be decent, you wouldn't be writing this...
2016 Audi A7 3.0T S Line, 2021 Subaru WRX
I get that. I really do.
What I don't understand is when a guy is out shopping for HIS car and he can't make a decision without checking in with his wife. You wouldn't believe the amount of men who are to afraid to make a decision on a car purchase without their wife signing off on it.
I can understand if it's a family car that the wife is going to drive too. But if the car is for me then I'm the one who is going to pick it out and decide on what payments I can handle.
80% of the questions I answer and deal with on a daily basis can be found on the internet. Why people don't utilize this tool and feel the need to come into a dealership to tell a salesmen that they are a year away from buying is beyond me.
That's why I dropped Sprint several years ago. I guess they were spending money building out their network in Africa instead of Memphis. I don't care about making calls in Africa, but when I can't get a connection in Memphis or even E. Arkansas because the network does not cover or drops the call, time to change. I think they were spending too much money merging with Nextel and advertising to keep up with customer needs. Doubt I will ever go back to Sprint.
I'll take a single woman over a single guy any day.
If you sell the woman she will bring the husband back to buy. If you sell the guy you still have to get through the wife for a sale. And most guys don't have the "intestinal fortuitude" to stand up to the wife for something they want so it's usually a waste of time.
I also double as a clinical psycologist as well as a used car salesman.
The trucks build themselves and the workers just stand around:
BUt what are all those worker guys doing? Or is that the UAW?
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
I enjoy your emails and your upfront attitude alej but I agree with the HOST. I buy the car I want and I may make some preliminary evaluating, but I need my wife's input for several reasons;
*She has to feel comfortable driving my car as well as hers, in case we need to switch,
*She sits in the passenger side enough that it has to be comfortable for her
*She got the 4 door so I could get the hardtop convertibe, but she has to help decide which one, and in this case she wanted them the same make so that we could drive them interchangeably without too much thinking - and she was right as usual.
*She took a chance and chose a color I wouldn't have - came out great.
*Car is a major purchase and I wouldn't just go out and buy a car.....come home and say I am home dear, look what I bought for myself today.....I do have to live with her.
You obviously aren't married or you would know this. If you don't agree then I advise you never to get married. By the way after 2 test drives of 20 to 30 minutes we sat down and bought in about 15 minutes if you subtract the time the salesman goofed around on the computer.
One more thing....if you do want to make it in that business or any business in sales. You have to accept that you will get one sale for every 10 or 20 people you talk to. So, if they walk out say good, now just another 19 to go before I make a sale. Sales can be very discouraging, but the only thing that separates the real successful ones is that the successful one just keeps on trying. If it was easy we'd all be out there selling cars.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
What if I buy & finance a car and become unemployed?
What if repairs end up being so costly that I can't kick in my 1/2 of next year's family vacation?
Apart from that, I would generally respect my S.O. enough to value his opinion and input. A second opinion on a major purchase is rarely a bad idea, and where better to get that advice than from someone you (allegedly) trust?
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2015 Kia Soul, 2021 Subaru Forester (kirstie_h), 2024 GMC Sierra 1500 (mr. kirstie_h)
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She chose the color of your car? Yikes.
I'm not going to get in a feud with anyone over their buying habits. I do that enough at work.
But I bought my girlfriend of 8 years a car without her being there or without her driving it. As a matter of fact I didn't even drive it.
I know I'm in the car business so that makes it A LOT easier to buy a car because I have access to alomost every make and model and can drive them at will. But it took me about 10 minutes to decide on which car I would buy for my girlfriend.
She knew she needed a 4 door, under $300 a month with no money down.
It was a Honda SE (I worked at Honda before Toyota) 36 month lease for $258 a month with no money out of pocket. She wanted grey but my dealership at the time only had black. So I bought it, picked her up at home, drove her to work, and she drove off in it. She's never had a problem with it.
Same thing happened when I bought my car....
I KNEW WHAT I WANTED before I started looking. Under $300 a month, 4 door, Honda Accord. I picked out a car, drove it around the lot, and bought it 10 minutes later. I didn't like the color but it was the right payment, right mileage, and it has a 7 year CPO warranty.
Picking out a car is actually quite simple it you let it be.
I had a guy last month tell me that he was going to configure a spreadsheet for the purchase of his next car. He was in 5 times and drove 7 different vehicles before I finally sold him an Avalon for a $100 mini-deal.
So not worth it.
In these causes I sometimes take a deposit to hold the car "subject to wife's approval, or don't go into negotiatiing until all decision makers are present.
If you ask the right questions up front, you will spare yourself the frustration that Alejandre is going through
2016 Audi A7 3.0T S Line, 2021 Subaru WRX
Move to a different dealership with different payplan, maybe even try domestics, It might make a night and day difference.
Some of my lowest volume months at Chrysler pay the same or more as the highest volume months I had at Honda.
2016 Audi A7 3.0T S Line, 2021 Subaru WRX
You only regurgitate these types of rote one-liners if you are in the car business.
I've always considered the car business a rest stop on life's highway on my way to another career. I'll be the first to admit it.
Even though I don't take the business as seriously as other salesmen, treating car sales like some sort of cultish following, I still try and maximize every opportunity I have to make money.
I'm not the world's best car salesman but I did mange to eek out 72K in take home last year. This year is probably going to be a different story but I should crack 60K.
Whenever a salesmen complains, everyone, including those outside of the business, always point the finger at the salesman and says, "it's the salesmans fault for not doing xyz".
All I'm saying is that it's not always the salesman's fault. A lot of the time the dopey customers sitting across the table have a lot to do with the frustration and the ignorance that goes into buying a car.
Must be a cultural thing. Here in the U.S a married man gets a "beat down" if he doesn't check with his wife on a major purchase. :sick:
Haven’t you ever “asked” 24K for a used car that wholesales for $17.5K?
The key word is asked. You start at a higher number and negotiate down from there. It is sales 101. You do it, and customers do it. It works both ways.
In addition, in today’s market people just don’t know what the bottom is on new cars with all the factory to dealer incentives and bonuses. For example, 09 Hyundai Sonata GLS: MSRP $20,595, Invoice $19,651, Rebate $2000; can be purchased for $15000 including all the junk fees. Where did the additional $2651 come from, I don’t know; but when you see numbers like this it makes you wonder.
Saw a Toyota sign and drove 9 miles off the interstate to Elkins West Virginia. Got out of the 4Runner and said to the salesman, my back is killing me. Vehicle is good, but the seats suck. Can you find me something comfortable? He said have you driven a Solara?
I looked at it, nice pearl white with light leather and heated seats. Drove it about 4 miles and said lets do it. Price was on the windshield tag about 3,500 off MSRP. All we needed was a decent trade and we're off. Number is put in front of me. I said shave 1k off the difference and we're done. GM comes to the desk and asks "if we make the price difference $3450 you'll buy right now"? I said yes. He said "write it up" to the salesman.
My trade was still under warranty. My tank was nearing Empty. I had the title in my carry bag as I anticipated trading when the seat finally made it too painful to drive. I gave him my debit card and signed the Certificate of Origin. Tank was already full. All I wanted was the dealer decal removed and the clock set. 30 minutes total. Trunk junk transferred, temp tags put on and I was on my way. Drove beautiful, good mileage. Back is feeling great. I still have the car even though the warranty is out (except the 5/50 powertrain) and it has a whopping 25k on the odo. The only problem ever was when my buddys 27 year old son saw it and said "nice chick car, Dave" I'm 57 and I don't care who the car was marketed to, I like it.
I don't see why so many people make a big production out of buying a car. Know what you want, agree to the price and happy motoring. Details will give you a weak heart. Enjoying your decision...priceless.
2013 Mustang GT, 2001 GMC Yukon Denali
Interesting way to buy a car. Payment plan is more important than car or overall cost.
I have never bought anything that way. I first decide on the car, then the full price, then see what the payments come to (if not paying cash). Am I in the minority....or is this part of the reason the economy is so messed up!
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
Yeah, there will be frustrating customers in every business and every career. If it would be so easy, and if every customer wouldn't be asking questions, stupid or not, then they wouldn't need salespeople. Then they might as well order a car online and get it delivered by UPS.
If you can learn to foresee the objections and adjust accordingly, then selling should be a breeze. I complain about frustrating customers too. I get buyers with unrealistic expectations. Can I do anything about it? Other than changing careers no, not really. That's just what happens when you're in customer service business.
2016 Audi A7 3.0T S Line, 2021 Subaru WRX
I love the..."I don't want to waste your time" line that these people belch out right before they go on to waste your time.
If I could say "no" to these people I would. Unfortunately, I don't have that choice.
I aslo like the people who get offended when you ask for the sale. After driving 5 cars and asking a million stupid questions they get in a huff when you ask for the sale.
Classic.
If monthly payment was the only concern I would have bought a Kia or a Chevy Aveo.
1) You can't go wrong with an Accord
2) Paymetn fits budget
3) Car has low miles
4) Car has 7 year CPO warranty
5) Car has 4 doors.
All of this information can be gleaned from a 10 minute cursory search of the internet for those of you NOT in the business.
Drive it, you like it, it fits payment wise, and you buy it.
Very easy.
Thank you.
A customer that gets it.
These people that agonize over a car purchase and pull their hair out trying to run spreadsheets are absolutely insane.
...I just want to add something here. I have been married 10 years to a girl I dated for about 4 years. There were many things I did in the dating years that were considered cute, me being me, and oddly romantic. Somehow, after that day in the church - those same things I used to do, now have me sleeping on the couch.
I don't care if you have been dating since the 3rd grade. If you ever try and pull off one of those Lexus "december to remembers" on your wife - you better be damn well sure it is the color, make, model, and have that stupid option she craves - or you will hear about "it's shortcomings" not only during the entire repayment period but 20 years down the road when you just happen to glance at a dealership....
I do understand your frustration - over ignorant buyers, but don't be a single guy and try to rationalize the plight of us married men...
Some leave and do other things.
Some stay and are constantly miserable.
Some try to tune out the things that bother them and hope for better times.
This isn't an easy business and I know I wouldn't have lasted at all were I younger when I started.
What a contemptible lie. Had a neighbor many years ago had the exhaust system drop 3 miles from the dealership the day they bought it. Currently the neighbor across the street has had his accord in for warranty work like clock work. I saw him yesterday and asked if he went back to the dealership this month. He said nope but there are still days left in the month.
2011 Hyundai Sonata, 2014 BMW 428i convertible, 2015 Honda CTX700D
With the average domestic dealership selling 22 new cars a month or 5 new cars a week (and sales getting worse), there are obviously too many dealers. But does the typical dealership employ too many salespeople? Even with used car sales, are there just too many sales folks competing for the available buyers?
What a contemptible lie. Had a neighbor many years ago had the exhaust system drop 3 miles from the dealership the day they bought it. Currently the neighbor across the street has had his accord in for warranty work like clock work. I saw him yesterday and asked if he went back to the dealership this month. He said nope but there are still days left in the month.
2011 Hyundai Sonata, 2014 BMW 428i convertible, 2015 Honda CTX700D
A "contemptible lie"?
Isn't that a bit strong just because you knew of a guy who had some oddball thing happen like an exhaust system falling off and a neighbor has had problems under warranty?
No car is ever perfect but show me another make with relaibility stats like Honda.
You think you got it tough - try selling luxury cars, or domestic, you will see tough. You get 4 ups a day and you complain?!? There is no reason in the world you cannot close one of them, that's 25 cars a month, mini or not.
No one said a customer has to buy a car at the first visit, so deal with it, follow up, make friends, send cards. Do you do all that? I doubt it.
BTW, married guys buying car. Most states have common household laws, which makes all obligations acquired during marriage responsibility of both spouses - that alone is a good reason to involve wife into transaction that will significantly affect household credit for years to come. BTW, who you think you are to tell people how to drop $20K+. It's their money, if they have to involve their extended family to it, so be it. Just make sure your showroom has coloring pictures for kids and soda for adults. If they have to ask their priest, it's also their choice. Until they sign papers, it's their money and they have sacred right to involve anybody they wish. BTW, if they just have to think about it, they have to think about it. All you can do is say "here is my offer, I think it's good, the product is good, take all time you need, the car may or may not be here, but we can find something else, too".
Tell you something - acknowledging that BEFORE all papers are signed, it's actually my money not yours, and the buying decision is a serious one (and MINE not yours), goes very long way in the world that everybody wants to sell you a car "today" (as tomorrow the car may still be here, but they may already be gone). I bought my Subaru on Saturday - first visit was on Tuesday. Everything was transparent, all offers exerted with grace, there was a little hammering about the trade, but the compromise was reached, partially to my own coming to understanding the market better and the deal was done, all tens in the CSI. Can you do that? Come to customer's workplace with a car, let him drive, come with numbers couple of days later and sign paperwork two days afterwards? Or "not buying today" is just not your style?
2018 430i Gran Coupe
I occasionally pop into dealerships to look around. I tell them right off the bat that I am just looking and will not be buying in the near future. I am upfront and honest about it and I would rather be alone looking at the cars. Now if you waste time with me don't blame me for it.
2011 Hyundai Sonata, 2014 BMW 428i convertible, 2015 Honda CTX700D
I've seen a lot of people come and go in the 13 years I have been here.
He's probably not long for the business unless he can shake the negitives off.
This business has a lot of highs and lows. More lows than highs for the most part and not everyone can deal with this.
Hint: Put the drain plug back in and that won't happen.
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
I wouldn't say that, creating a list that allows you to cross reference cars and what they offer can help in the car buying process. Especially if your not one of those "I have to have a [insert favorite car here]". For those of us who want certain things in a car and are not to concerned with the name on it doing something like a spreadsheet helps out a lot.
2011 Hyundai Sonata, 2014 BMW 428i convertible, 2015 Honda CTX700D
LOL. That sounds about right, raiding the kid's piggy bank to finance the down payment. Probably lots of folks who are using junior's money now to keep up their lifestyle. :sick:
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
And the Lords people said "AMEN",
2011 Hyundai Sonata, 2014 BMW 428i convertible, 2015 Honda CTX700D
Because if you don't ask, you don't get.
"...a bigger bunch of strokes than single males looking for a car..."
When I bought my new car I came without the wife, and bought. I did use the "wife won't let me" with the F&I girl so as to not hurt her feelings about turning down the mop & glo.
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
Sorry when I first posted it the browser seemed to be hung up so I retried posting it.
Isn't that a bit strong
No, not really the original poster stated that you can't go wrong with one. I was just pointing out that you very well can go wrong with them. I know you sell them but the fact is they are not as bullet proof as some make them out to be.
No car is ever perfect but show me another make with reliability stats like Honda.
Statistically there is little if any difference these days between most major brands.
2011 Hyundai Sonata, 2014 BMW 428i convertible, 2015 Honda CTX700D