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.
Could it be that they make decision of that magnitude (money-wise) as a couple? I know we certainly do.
"...I tried to explain the difference between a Mitsubishi and a Toyota..."
You had to go say that just when I was starting to like you
Looks like you "accidently" forgot quoting the part about how the buyer should want a quality car... and not a Mitsubishi. Ouch! But, hey, at least you Mitsu guys still got Kia and Suzuki beat.
I think alejandrom is just wanting to blow off a little job related steam. All you sales dudes have done the same thing at one time or another... well, we all do.
Exactly - the worst a salesperson can to is berate a product I'm considering. If I tell salesperson that after all research I had done, I consider X, Y and Z and they come with "X is a piece of garbage and Y is total rip-off", I it's one of the greatest insults to me. Because if I even think about them after all my research, I must be a total moron, illiterate and what else. I had my reasons to think those might be for me, they don't need to be somebody else's reasons.
All I want from a salesperson is to tell me how great and inexpensive their product is (which in itself already implies superiority). If it's more expensive than Y & Z, tell me why it's a value. Saying you think X is better is OK, but belitlling competition is not a good idea - never. Makes you look weak and insecure about your own product - in extreme case, just an arrogant jerk.
Boomchek wrote : "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. "
Reverse engineering is very smart, Why build expectations that can't be met ? In a few days I think I'll post some stats as to how bad it's been but I'll not be educating any salesmen. To use the Texas colloquialism, hunker down. We all know '09 will bite, but it will pass. Stay positive in attitude and avoid as much news as possible lest the negativism program you. I think we all feel, " Why should I pay for their mistakes, they bought more house than they could afford ".They put no money down, they paid interest only, they were renting from the bank. When the home value went down, they walked. The banks ate it and having erred on the foolish side they want to extend credit to no one and hoard their cash against future write-off's. This of course earns them no income since they only earn when they lend. But it's the fear dominating now. This will abate. Alexandrom , if you are not prepared for at least 12 more months of this, you might be well advised to abandon ship and be happy. It will not be as long as most predict but it will bite the big one . Another Texanism me thinks. In the tough times, put up with the abuse. No one ever said life was fair. It's a numbers game as I'm sure you've heard before.
Back to car sales as all know is my primary intent. Trivia not lackey! My primary worry with the big, ok not so big three is that the auto parts manufacturers/ suppliers /distributors fail in a bankruptcy and we are left dependent on Chinese auto parts. And foreign or domestic we ask ourselves? Did they put real brake pads in my last brake job ? Or was cardboard cheaper that week ?
Could it be that they make decision of that magnitude (money-wise) as a couple? I know we certainly do.
I made that mistake last year when I bought the Mazdaspeed3. I wasn't 100% sure about it but my wife and kid encouraged me to go ahead get it so I could "try something different" (my last four track rats were all the same make). Well, after just 27000 miles, only one HPDE, one strut failure, and one turbo failure, guess what? They now think-along with me-that the Mazda purchase probably wasn't such a great idea. Of course, it's lost @$10K in value so now I'm stuck with it :mad: Which is why I didn't ask for any advice or permission before I bought a 2002 on eBay last month... :P
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
Son's: 2018 330i xDrive
Exactly - the worst a salesperson can to is berate a product I'm considering. If I tell salesperson that after all research I had done, I consider X, Y and Z and they come with "X is a piece of garbage and Y is total rip-off", I it's one of the greatest insults to me. Because if I even think about them after all my research, I must be a total moron, illiterate and what else. I had my reasons to think those might be for me, they don't need to be somebody else's reasons.
I posted this a while back, but it still applies:
Back in the late '80s I was looking for a mid-to-high end CD player. I had it narrowed down to units from Adcom, Denon, Phillips, and Rotel. I had about decided on the Phillips but when I went to look at it the sales guy asked me what other models I was considering. When I answered he proceeded to tell me what pieces of %#$% they all were. I ended up buying the Rotel from an authorized dealer who happened to run his business out of the first floor of his Mc Mansion(which is another story altogether...)
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
Son's: 2018 330i xDrive
Statistically there is little if any difference these days between most major brands.
no car is perfect. Reliability-wise, I don't know of any new car out there whose powertrain won't last 100,000 miles plus, Japanese, European, American, Korean...
To me the difference is how well the car is designed, how well it is screwed together, & how well it drives once the cars pass the 100K mark... You can't dispute how amazingly well Honda does this.
My 2001 Prelude (puchased new in April of '02) is on its way to 105,000 miles has not been babied in any sense of the word. It still drives like it is one solid block of steel. No squeaks, no rattles, no trim pieces wearing. The paint still gleams after I get the car washed (which is I'm almost embarrased to say is only once every 4-6 weeks).
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2025 Camry SE AWD
I'm with you. I always look at what I like. Research the price as I would want it equipped. If the MSRP is within reach then I know I can buy it because I will be buying it way below MSRP. I paid MSRP for a car once, a long, long time ago in a galaxy far far away and it ain't happening anymore.
Of course there's too many sales people. It costs the dealerships next to nothing to employ them as most are on straight commission so if they don't sell they don't get paid. So you have the superstars that sell 15-30 cars a month and the poor saps selling 1-5, so guess who won't be there next month? and if you apply the 80/20 rule; 20% of the sales people sell 80 % of the product.
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.
Until the day I die I will never understand the people who walk onto a car lot to look around if they aren't buying anything. To me that is the social equivalent of nails on a chalk board.
If I'm not on the golf course then I'm doing something...anything....other then walking around car lots to see what they have. And that's not a slight against you but I just don't understand that mentality. If I ain't buying jewelry then you won't find me at the jewelry store. If I ain't buying groceries you won't find me at the grocery store.
Like I said before, I could walk onto just about any import car lot at and find a vehicle in 15 minutes or less and be comfortable with my choice for the next 5 years. Low miles, right payment, good warranty....sold.
For all you guys that have to "check in" with the wife....I get it. Really. I do.
But here's a little tip for the next time you find yourself looking for a car. It might go a little something like this:
Husband: "Hey honey....I'm thinking about getting a new car today. I was thinking about a X, Y, or Z. I'm leaning towards a 4 door, in black or grey, and a monthly payment around $350 a month."
Wifey: "Oh really"
Husband: "Yeah...I'm going to do a little leg work and if I find the car I like I'm probably going to pull the trigger on it....wanna come with?"
Wifey; "Nah...I trust your choice....I mean we've only been married for 15 years so I trust you to do the right thing".
Husband: "Sounds good babe. Wish me luck. Check yeh later".
Did I mention I was a marriage counselor?
How hard is that?
Seriously?
If you been with a woman for more then a decade I can't believe that she wouldn't trust your choice when it comes to 4 wheels and a seat.
And what's with the guys who have a "buddy" who works at the auction and can get a 2007 Camry for $4500 but they still come to the dealership to see if you have anything close to that?
Good lord...
And what's with the people who have a mechanic in the family so they think that they deserve a 50% discount because they won't need the warranty?
"Cousin Eddy fixes all my cars so I could care less about that warranty....I'll give you $10,500 for that $20,000 car.....out the door of course."
Good grief....heaven help me.
And I know I've mentioned the interest rate warriors before but those people really take the cake. Are they going to be sucked into some interest rate black hole if they pay over 5.9 percent on a used car?
Clueless Customer: "Why are Toyotas so expensive and why don't you guys have 0% on used cars?"
Me: "Because we don't have to....and why would a company that makes in demand vehicles want to take on a risk of loaning money and not make a profit on it?"
Clueless Customer: "But I can get 0% on any car I want through my credit union"
Me: "Great...are you ready to buy anything?"
Clueless Customer: "No"
Me: "Thanks for sharing that info about your credit union with me...keep in touch".
Interest rates....the bane of my existence. Why oh why do people think that a company should loan out thousands of dollars and not make a profit on it?
I guess to some people a car that rides nice and doesn't hurt your back is a "chick" car.
As a fellow "chick car" driver Just remember this, If young women like your car there is a better chance you can get them to take a ride with you.
When I'm driving my Eclipse I constantly see young girls turning to look. Of course when they see who's driving it they quickly turn away. Oh well, I'm a stud muffin again for a few seconds.
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
"...at least you Mitsu guys still got Kia and Suzuki beat..."
And all of us can still look down on Hyundai, right?
"...I think alejandrom is just wanting to blow off a little steam..."
I agree. So how about you people cut him a little slack? Don't chase him off like you usually do or we'll be back to posts from jmonroe and jipster debating the best way to trim nose hair.
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
Until the day I die I will never understand the people who walk onto a car lot to look around if they aren't buying anything
You think of cars as 4 wheels and a steering wheel so you aren't the guy who dreams about buying the car he probably can't afford. Some people go to the mall to look at clothes, jewellery, sports gear, audio and video equipment, it is a leisure time activity for some people....and some people like to dream.
If you been with a woman for more then a decade I can't believe that she wouldn't trust your choice when it comes to 4 wheels and a seat.
It's called "respect" for your partner. It's a major purchase, probably includes wife's salary to some degree, she is going to ride in it and it would be best if she enjoys it too, I prefer her input in major decisions, it's part of the enjoyment of having a life partner. If you go on a trip with your partner you enjoy it more because you are sharing the experience with someone (I don't think it would be as much fun on your own), and same with the car....it is a shared experience and is more fun to pick it out together. It's different than bringing home a light bulb where there is no emotional attachment.
Another thing is my wife and I work better as a team in these matters. I might remember an option or notice something in the agreement when she buys a car...and visa versa. We also review the information together and come up with better decisions.
Aleej, you have no passion for what you are selling....it is just 4 wheels and a steering wheel and costs $X a month. Obviously you don't understand the dreamer who walks in and just wants to sit in the car. I bet with some friendly talk a few of those could be persuaded to buy. Someone who loves cars and has good potential to buy will be turned off when told well it's got 4 wheels and a steering wheel...let's see if the payments come in your budget.
If you can make $60 - $70,000 a year with that attitude you would probably double it if you were more positive and understanding.
no car is perfect. Reliability-wise, I don't know of any new car out there whose powertrain won't last 100,000 miles plus, Japanese, European, American, Korean...
I would say that if the car is decently maintained 150-200K + is no problem for any car today.
My 2001 Prelude (purchased new in April of '02) is on its way to 105,000 miles has not been babied in any sense of the word. It still drives like it is one solid block of steel.
Very good, with the exception of my Mustang (due to someone making a left turn infront of me way to late) and my Caravan (which the wife wanted gone a few years after we "just had to have it") I have put over 150K trouble free miles on each car I had. With the exception of my current drive they have all been domestics.
Currently I am driving a 2000 Elantra wagon with just under 157K miles. Trust me next to me you have babied your car, I have a few thousand miles running hard on dirt and gravel country roads across more farm fields than I can remember and forded a river a couple of times. So far only routine maintence on the car and it runs fine, yeah its showing some age (can't drive to far down gravel roads without getting some dings) but its still solid.
My wife can say the same about her 2002 Accent (except the more extreme driving conditions) at 120K miles, My daughters Elantra at 140K is still running great.
The car I was driving when I got married was a Chevy Corsica and I got rid of that after about 150K miles trouble free. The day I sold it to got about 125K or so more miles before he accidently put it in reverse at 50MPH.
My sisters Malibu has around 125K trouble miles and looks and drives like new.
My niece had a Caviler that was doing well at near 150K miles until she spun out on ice,
I have a buddy who has 1.) a Dodge van with over 200K miles on it that runs great and 2.) a Chevy Pick up that is closing in on 200K with no problems.
The the ultimate is my buddy who was given a used Volvo wagon from his uncle. He drove that for just over 20 years when it finaly gave up the ghost at 475K miles.
To be honest I don't see where Honda has much on anyone except in the area of perception.
2011 Hyundai Sonata, 2014 BMW 428i convertible, 2015 Honda CTX700D
50% discount because they won't need the warranty? Why are Toyotas so expensive and why don't you guys have 0% on used cars?" Are they going to be sucked into some interest rate black hole if they pay over 5.9 percent on a used car? But I can get 0% on any car I want through my credit union
Very amusing. My dad always said...well if work was so much fun they wouldn't pay you for it. That's why you are making big bucks, to put up with this.
You probably won't stay in the business too long, especially if something else comes along, but the knowledge you are gaining is probably more important than the salary, and you are learning what you don't want to do for ever.
Like Oldfarmer said, don't want to scare you away, enjoy reading your thoughts, brings new insight into the car selling game.
Until the day I die I will never understand the people who walk onto a car lot to look around if they aren't buying anything.
So every time you have walked into a store you have bought something?
Hey I am somewhat of a car nut, not totally but somewhat, and I like to see whats out there.
Secondly I like to keep an ideal of what might replace my current ride as both my and my wifes cars are high mileage. We don't plan on replacing them soon but circumstances may force our hand sooner than expected.
Like I said before, I could walk onto just about any import car lot at and find a vehicle in 15 minutes or less and be comfortable with my choice for the next 5 years.
Thats fine by you but like I said i want to know whats out there that can fill my desires (and I don't desire any brand name). Sure I can go into any car lot, import or domestic, and find a car that I like quickly, but then a while later when I sit in a friends car I might wonder why I didn't check that one out too. I will be driving my next car hopefully 10-15 years, I want it to be right. 20 grand is to much money to spend with just 15 minutes of looking around.
If you been with a woman for more then a decade I can't believe that she wouldn't trust your choice when it comes to 4 wheels and a seat.
You must never have been married. One of the biggest issue that hurt marriages is finances, because of this both parties should have input in big ticket purchases. Also remember as someone once said if you make the tiniest little mistake in this it will come back to haunt you.
2011 Hyundai Sonata, 2014 BMW 428i convertible, 2015 Honda CTX700D
Until the day I die I will never understand the people who walk onto a car lot to look around if they aren't buying anything. To me that is the social equivalent of nails on a chalk board.
If I'm not on the golf course then I'm doing something...anything....other then walking around car lots to see what they have. And that's not a slight against you but I just don't understand that mentality. If I ain't buying jewelry then you won't find me at the jewelry store. If I ain't buying groceries you won't find me at the grocery store.
Interest rates....the bane of my existence. Why oh why do people think that a company should loan out thousands of dollars and not make a profit on it?
Crazy huh?
After 9/11, when the auto industry effectively introduced the 0% for 60 months (and perhaps longer) It brought my out to buy an american car. I remember hitting each lot and the sales guy telling me that this 0% is a "once in a life-time" event. Had they truly stuck to that..it would have made things far more realistic.
I agree with you, it makes 0 sense. However, it has been a staple in the market place for 8 years now, and the average consumer just expects this. We live in the entitlement generation. To me, the idea of 0%, 72/84 month loan is just a poor short sighted business model, and unfortunately many of you must deal with the repercussions.
>die I will never understand the people who walk onto a car lot to look around if they aren't buying anything.
I disagree with the other hypotheses about shopping also. In fact, lookers become buyers. My wife kept looking at jewelry stores and when it was time to buy a new three-stone ring to replace the modest one she's worn for years, she knew exactly what look she wanted and at which jewelry store she wanted to get it. The same is true for me with used and new cars. I cruise through a lot, hop out, look, and leave. IF a salesman approaches me, I tell them I'm looking but not planning to buy today, this week, etc. If it's a pushy salesperson at a local foreign brand store known for pushy and arrogance, I leave before a salesman can get to me.
But I'm shopping. If our second car got hit or died tomorrow, I'd have a replacement negotiated on by late afternoon.
Golic is correct. Never in my life would have ever thought I would have customers telling me that 3.9% is ridiculous and they will just wait for 0%. The manufactures give us no credibility because the consumer is right. If they wait long enough it will come around.
Now the Family Plan and 0% are so common that it is really not even a big deal anymore.
I remember when I first joined this board all the import people here told me that they would NEVER resort to such a thing because of what it would do there future biz and trade values. Heard "Saved by Zero" on the TV lately. The only Major player who stood by there guns so far is Honda.
Thanks for the link. Unfortunately, it only showed $3,500 cash for my zip code. Joel is checking on it for me. I was hoping for employee pricing plus a rebate, say $7k or $8k total. We'll see how things play out. Thanks again.
When I searched for it allot of the headlines read, "Ford Tops Safest Car List, (with help from Volvo)"
I found it funny that no matter what we do the media still has to turn the knife a little bit.
I'd like to know the number of cars each manufacturer produces compared to winners on the list. For example, I believe every Suburu passes every safety test made so 100% of their cars pass the test. What percentage of Fords cars made the list? When you take out GM and Chrysler which haven't had R&D money to work on safety - Ford has probably got the most models.
Not to take anything away from Ford, it is a great accomplishment and wonderful to see Ford is actually working on issues such as "safety". But, it isn't much fun if we can't turn the knife a bit..........
Obviously, if alejandrom is indeed a car salesman, he picked the wrong line of work. Sales is a wide open field. They are needed everywhere. So why in the world would you choose to sell something you have no passion for?
'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
kirstie....from the male's perspective, my experience was no different than yours.
When I was married, my "former spouse" would tell me to find her a car.
"What do you want?"
"Something with 4 doors, plenty of room, rides nice....Oh yeah....I want something in a dark shade of blue".
Not much to go on, but I'd peruse the car lots. Found a few that met her "criteria". But, before I made my offer, I took her to the dealership to make sure it was something she liked. From what I'm reading, that makes me a stroke. But, there's no way I'd take her with me during the "research" part of car shopping. As antsy as I got when I accompanied her to the local designer clothing boutique, it paled in comparison to the (few) times I took her to shop for a car.
Better to get the leg work done up front, before I presented her with the car she gave me instructions to shop for.
Conversely, when we bought a house, I let her do the leg work. Get me in this neighborhood, with these many bedrooms, with this amount of Sq ft. Then (and only then), bring me in to take a look at it.
roadburner.....after having just gone through with rebuilding and replacing my home theater, I noticed that many pieces of gear are being sold out of people's homes. Surprising to me. But, some of the "boutique brands" of AV gear are not selling out of a store front. But, are being represented by individuals, who have "quasi-showrooms" in their homes.
Interesting marketing technique. Low overhead. But, that means you have strangers traipsing in and out of your home to sell your goods.
I'm a lurker here who rarely posts. I too felt that way after working in the car business for 8 years. It just got to the point where I didn't have the enthusiasm to treat people like that with any respect. Or when you get people in with the "Consumer Reports" method of purchasing which to me makes no sense whatsoever. I got out of the car business in June of this year & now work a regular 9-5 job. I can honestly say though that I miss the "fun" aspects of being a car salesperson. Not that I'm going back, but I wish I could just work a deal once and a while for the thrill.
Ok - I posted as I was catching up on the posts from yesterday & I'm seeing this thread & getting more and more annoyed. Originally I felt sympathetic toward the poster, but now I think you've just chosen the wrong field. If you're letting someone come in & drive 7 different vehicles before "selling" them something, then you're not doing your job. For a while I worked like that & let the customer lead me around until they found the right vehicle but then I realized I was not really "selling" anything. Your job as a salesperson is to talk to the customer (before test driving) & figure out what the wants and needs are. YOU then choose the right vehicle for them & sell how that particular vehicle fits their wants and needs. Once you start actually selling, you'll see how much easier the job can be. Again, I'm out of the business now for 6 months, but over the past eight years, my lowest closing ratio was about 23%... and that was as an Internet Sales consultant where the ratio is usually lower. For the host that said 10-20 people = 1 sale... If were talking about "ups" in the traditional sense, it should equal 10 people should = 2-3 sales. If we're talking about "ups" and service customers (prospecting), referal phone calls (more prospecting) and follow ups, then the 20-1 ratio is close to being correct.
I miss the car business the more I think about it.
Your job as a salesperson is to talk to the customer (before test driving) & figure out what the wants and needs are. YOU then choose the right vehicle for them & sell how that particular vehicle fits their wants and needs.
Maybe he should work at Volkwagon. They have a computer in the showroom, according to the ad, you plug in what your needs are and it tells you which model you should buy. Wonder if it spits out "Accord".
dt, Seems the car sales biz is a love/hate relationship. There is lots to dislike about the business (ranging from customers, to owners, to product you have to work with) but maybe you do like the thrill of the chase, the one on one sparring, the adrenelin rush from closing the sale.
I go to circuit city to waste time, but I don't bother th salespeople. I once test drove the "new" for F-150 (back in 2005 or so when the new frame was introduced) because of an article I'd read that toted the amazing ride quality & quiet interior. I asked the sales manager for the keys & a tag & said I was in the business & just curious of the improvements. He gave me the tag & keys & said "no problem"... didn't waste a salespersons opportunity. I'm currently researching my next motorcycle at the dealership I've already purchased from. My salesperson (who has been there for ages) knows I'm not buying for a few years, but he knows I'm buying from HIM when the time comes.
I tend to browse the lots when I have the vehicles in for service. There are several lots within walking distance of where I go for service. Once in awhile one of the sales persons will bother me. Telling him I'm "just looking" does no good. But hey, if he wants to waste his time, then that's his choice.
Just to clarify, I got out of the car business because I had a son & wanted to spend my nights & weekends at home with my family. I still love the car business - I know it's a tough time for those in it right now, but it will pass. I lurk & read the posts here almost daily (for years) and continue to even out of the business. Every now and then I think car salespeople need a break from some of the customers so they can get enthusiastic about what they do again & why they chose to do it. For me, I do like the "thrill of the hunt" when you negotiate, but more than that was the fact that (the majority) of my customers appreciated my knowledge & negotiation styles. I never did anything underhanded, but I did ask for profit. I'd even sold cars at MSRP to people who got lower pricing from other dealerships. They bought from me because they wanted to & what "I" brought to the experience was worth the extra "$XX". I have referal letters stating that my offer was beat by over $1000 and they still chose to buy from me because of how I treated them. That was what made my experience in the car business rewarding.
They bought from me because they wanted to & what "I" brought to the experience was worth the extra "$XX
If you love what you do it usually shows up, other people can see it too. I like buying my tennis or running shoes, tennis racket, etc. from the local independent guy. I might pay a bit more but he loves what he is doing and his advice is well worth the extra cost. I could buy it at Wallymart and get the kid with the rings in his head who couldn't care less what I bought or why, but it is well worth the extra cost to get pleasant worthwhile information when buying anything.
Edmunds and few other car related websites are the only internet access that we have at work. After two years at my current dealership I finally found something to do on the internet during the day.
But let's put it in perspective here.....
When you guys say that it's the salesman's choice if he wants to waste his time with you while you peruse the lot....well....that's not completely accurate.
The real culprits in generating the "annoying and pushy salesmen" are the sales managers and the GSM. These local hereos set the tone of the dealership.
At my place it's a high pressure, highly annoying sales approach. You are told to wear the customer down, tell them how uneducated they are for NOT buying your product, and are basically told to pester the hell out of anyone walking on the lot.
The SM's eyes are always on you.
And when times get slow...they start to play games.
It's a dealership that still holds onto those "old school" techniques from the 70's and 80's. They don't throw the trade in keys on the roof but they won't let you go until you are thoroughly annoyed and frustrated. And my "favorite" thing is that they still use the antiquated "turn over" system.
If I talk to you as a customer that means I have to bring you inside, get your information, and have a manager talk to you before you leave.
It's so annoying. Even if someone is driving through the lot I'm supposed to drag them out of their car and get them inside. Insane? Yep....totally.
I was curious, many of you have mentioned the decline in "ups" with the current economic conditions - are you at least seeing more "serious" buyers walk in? Or are you getting the same %'s of lookers, people who can't afford..etc?
Ok - dumb question......I know the economy is in the tank..and no one is buying anything and even those that want to buy something can't get credit.
I was just curios- if the people who are walking in these days are at least more quality people who are at least serious about buying. As in, did the drop in foot traffic at least remove the time wasters?? OK --I can't explain this question....its dumb, i withdraw!!!
It's a dealership that still holds onto those "old school" techniques from the 70's and 80's.
I am with you on this part alej. It sounds like you are not compatible with this dealers methods. I always say I can't sell something I wouldn't buy myself. The 2nd part of that is I have to be able to sell it my own way, truthfully and honestly. I make the best case iIcan for my product that I believe in...then let the chips fall where thay may.
I have worked for companies that were a throw back to the 1930s. Can't do it. These dinosaur companies probably won't survive that way and in fact the last 2 I worked for are out of business.
Sounds like you need to find a dealer that is compatible with your sales philosophy.
Comments
You had to go say that just when I was starting to like you. :mad:
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
2011 Hyundai Sonata, 2014 BMW 428i convertible, 2015 Honda CTX700D
Could it be that they make decision of that magnitude (money-wise) as a couple? I know we certainly do.
btw richard, found 5k again:
employee pricing
select GM, See Offers, click on 'Buy' tab.
Damn, why didn't I think of that?
How long do you suppose it will last when I do it that way? :surprise:
jmonroe
'15 Genesis V8 with Ultimate Package and '18 Legacy Limited 6 cyl
If you believe my service department, ONLY 3 months
You had to go say that just when I was starting to like you
Looks like you "accidently" forgot quoting the part about how the buyer should want a quality car... and not a Mitsubishi. Ouch! But, hey, at least you Mitsu guys still got Kia and Suzuki beat.
I think alejandrom is just wanting to blow off a little job related steam. All you sales dudes have done the same thing at one time or another... well, we all do.
All I want from a salesperson is to tell me how great and inexpensive their product is (which in itself already implies superiority). If it's more expensive than Y & Z, tell me why it's a value. Saying you think X is better is OK, but belitlling competition is not a good idea - never. Makes you look weak and insecure about your own product - in extreme case, just an arrogant jerk.
2018 430i Gran Coupe
"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. "
Reverse engineering is very smart, Why build expectations that can't be met ? In a few days I think I'll post some stats as to how bad it's been but I'll not be educating any salesmen. To use the Texas colloquialism, hunker down. We all know '09 will bite, but it will pass. Stay positive in attitude and avoid as much news as possible lest the negativism program you. I think we all feel, " Why should I pay for their mistakes, they bought more house than they could afford ".They put no money down, they paid interest only, they were renting from the bank. When the home value went down, they walked. The banks ate it and having erred on the foolish side they want to extend credit to no one and hoard their cash against future write-off's. This of course earns them no income since they only earn when they lend. But it's the fear dominating now.
This will abate. Alexandrom , if you are not prepared for at least 12 more months of this, you might be well advised to abandon ship and be happy. It will not be as long as most predict but it will bite the big one . Another Texanism me thinks. In the tough times, put up with the abuse. No one ever said life was fair. It's a numbers game as I'm sure you've heard before.
Back to car sales as all know is my primary intent.
I made that mistake last year when I bought the Mazdaspeed3. I wasn't 100% sure about it but my wife and kid encouraged me to go ahead get it so I could "try something different" (my last four track rats were all the same make). Well, after just 27000 miles, only one HPDE, one strut failure, and one turbo failure, guess what? They now think-along with me-that the Mazda purchase probably wasn't such a great idea. Of course, it's lost @$10K in value so now I'm stuck with it :mad: Which is why I didn't ask for any advice or permission before I bought a 2002 on eBay last month... :P
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
Son's: 2018 330i xDrive
I posted this a while back, but it still applies:
Back in the late '80s I was looking for a mid-to-high end CD player. I had it narrowed down to units from Adcom, Denon, Phillips, and Rotel. I had about decided on the Phillips but when I went to look at it the sales guy asked me what other models I was considering. When I answered he proceeded to tell me what pieces of %#$% they all were. I ended up buying the Rotel from an authorized dealer who happened to run his business out of the first floor of his Mc Mansion(which is another story altogether...)
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
Son's: 2018 330i xDrive
no car is perfect. Reliability-wise, I don't know of any new car out there whose powertrain won't last 100,000 miles plus, Japanese, European, American, Korean...
To me the difference is how well the car is designed, how well it is screwed together, & how well it drives once the cars pass the 100K mark... You can't dispute how amazingly well Honda does this.
My 2001 Prelude (puchased new in April of '02) is on its way to 105,000 miles has not been babied in any sense of the word. It still drives like it is one solid block of steel. No squeaks, no rattles, no trim pieces wearing. The paint still gleams after I get the car washed (which is I'm almost embarrased to say is only once every 4-6 weeks).
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2025 Camry SE AWD
You still have a 5/60 power train. That is a nice "chick" car.
Doesn't look like you're doing any good at either one of them.
A Toyota?
Until the day I die I will never understand the people who walk onto a car lot to look around if they aren't buying anything. To me that is the social equivalent of nails on a chalk board.
If I'm not on the golf course then I'm doing something...anything....other then walking around car lots to see what they have. And that's not a slight against you but I just don't understand that mentality. If I ain't buying jewelry then you won't find me at the jewelry store. If I ain't buying groceries you won't find me at the grocery store.
Like I said before, I could walk onto just about any import car lot at and find a vehicle in 15 minutes or less and be comfortable with my choice for the next 5 years. Low miles, right payment, good warranty....sold.
For all you guys that have to "check in" with the wife....I get it. Really. I do.
But here's a little tip for the next time you find yourself looking for a car. It might go a little something like this:
Husband: "Hey honey....I'm thinking about getting a new car today. I was thinking about a X, Y, or Z. I'm leaning towards a 4 door, in black or grey, and a monthly payment around $350 a month."
Wifey: "Oh really"
Husband: "Yeah...I'm going to do a little leg work and if I find the car I like I'm probably going to pull the trigger on it....wanna come with?"
Wifey; "Nah...I trust your choice....I mean we've only been married for 15 years so I trust you to do the right thing".
Husband: "Sounds good babe. Wish me luck. Check yeh later".
Did I mention I was a marriage counselor?
How hard is that?
Seriously?
If you been with a woman for more then a decade I can't believe that she wouldn't trust your choice when it comes to 4 wheels and a seat.
Good lord...
And what's with the people who have a mechanic in the family so they think that they deserve a 50% discount because they won't need the warranty?
"Cousin Eddy fixes all my cars so I could care less about that warranty....I'll give you $10,500 for that $20,000 car.....out the door of course."
Good grief....heaven help me.
And I know I've mentioned the interest rate warriors before but those people really take the cake. Are they going to be sucked into some interest rate black hole if they pay over 5.9 percent on a used car?
Clueless Customer: "Why are Toyotas so expensive and why don't you guys have 0% on used cars?"
Me: "Because we don't have to....and why would a company that makes in demand vehicles want to take on a risk of loaning money and not make a profit on it?"
Clueless Customer: "But I can get 0% on any car I want through my credit union"
Me: "Great...are you ready to buy anything?"
Clueless Customer: "No"
Me: "Thanks for sharing that info about your credit union with me...keep in touch".
Interest rates....the bane of my existence. Why oh why do people think that a company should loan out thousands of dollars and not make a profit on it?
Crazy huh?
Welcome to my world.
I guess to some people a car that rides nice and doesn't hurt your back is a "chick" car.
As a fellow "chick car" driver Just remember this, If young women like your car there is a better chance you can get them to take a ride with you.
When I'm driving my Eclipse I constantly see young girls turning to look. Of course when they see who's driving it they quickly turn away. Oh well, I'm a stud muffin again for a few seconds.
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
And all of us can still look down on Hyundai, right?
"...I think alejandrom is just wanting to blow off a little steam..."
I agree. So how about you people cut him a little slack? Don't chase him off like you usually do or we'll be back to posts from jmonroe and jipster debating the best way to trim nose hair.
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
You think of cars as 4 wheels and a steering wheel so you aren't the guy who dreams about buying the car he probably can't afford. Some people go to the mall to look at clothes, jewellery, sports gear, audio and video equipment, it is a leisure time activity for some people....and some people like to dream.
If you been with a woman for more then a decade I can't believe that she wouldn't trust your choice when it comes to 4 wheels and a seat.
It's called "respect" for your partner. It's a major purchase, probably includes wife's salary to some degree, she is going to ride in it and it would be best if she enjoys it too, I prefer her input in major decisions, it's part of the enjoyment of having a life partner. If you go on a trip with your partner you enjoy it more because you are sharing the experience with someone (I don't think it would be as much fun on your own), and same with the car....it is a shared experience and is more fun to pick it out together. It's different than bringing home a light bulb where there is no emotional attachment.
Another thing is my wife and I work better as a team in these matters. I might remember an option or notice something in the agreement when she buys a car...and visa versa. We also review the information together and come up with better decisions.
Aleej, you have no passion for what you are selling....it is just 4 wheels and a steering wheel and costs $X a month. Obviously you don't understand the dreamer who walks in and just wants to sit in the car. I bet with some friendly talk a few of those could be persuaded to buy. Someone who loves cars and has good potential to buy will be turned off when told well it's got 4 wheels and a steering wheel...let's see if the payments come in your budget.
If you can make $60 - $70,000 a year with that attitude you would probably double it if you were more positive and understanding.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
I would say that if the car is decently maintained 150-200K + is no problem for any car today.
My 2001 Prelude (purchased new in April of '02) is on its way to 105,000 miles has not been babied in any sense of the word. It still drives like it is one solid block of steel.
Very good, with the exception of my Mustang (due to someone making a left turn infront of me way to late) and my Caravan (which the wife wanted gone a few years after we "just had to have it") I have put over 150K trouble free miles on each car I had. With the exception of my current drive they have all been domestics.
Currently I am driving a 2000 Elantra wagon with just under 157K miles. Trust me next to me you have babied your car, I have a few thousand miles running hard on dirt and gravel country roads across more farm fields than I can remember and forded a river a couple of times. So far only routine maintence on the car and it runs fine, yeah its showing some age (can't drive to far down gravel roads without getting some dings) but its still solid.
My wife can say the same about her 2002 Accent (except the more extreme driving conditions) at 120K miles, My daughters Elantra at 140K is still running great.
The car I was driving when I got married was a Chevy Corsica and I got rid of that after about 150K miles trouble free. The day I sold it to got about 125K or so more miles before he accidently put it in reverse at 50MPH.
My sisters Malibu has around 125K trouble miles and looks and drives like new.
My niece had a Caviler that was doing well at near 150K miles until she spun out on ice,
I have a buddy who has 1.) a Dodge van with over 200K miles on it that runs great and 2.) a Chevy Pick up that is closing in on 200K with no problems.
The the ultimate is my buddy who was given a used Volvo wagon from his uncle. He drove that for just over 20 years when it finaly gave up the ghost at 475K miles.
To be honest I don't see where Honda has much on anyone except in the area of perception.
2011 Hyundai Sonata, 2014 BMW 428i convertible, 2015 Honda CTX700D
Why are Toyotas so expensive and why don't you guys have 0% on used cars?"
Are they going to be sucked into some interest rate black hole if they pay over 5.9 percent on a used car?
But I can get 0% on any car I want through my credit union
Very amusing. My dad always said...well if work was so much fun they wouldn't pay you for it. That's why you are making big bucks, to put up with this.
You probably won't stay in the business too long, especially if something else comes along, but the knowledge you are gaining is probably more important than the salary, and you are learning what you don't want to do for ever.
Like Oldfarmer said, don't want to scare you away, enjoy reading your thoughts, brings new insight into the car selling game.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
So every time you have walked into a store you have bought something?
Hey I am somewhat of a car nut, not totally but somewhat, and I like to see whats out there.
Secondly I like to keep an ideal of what might replace my current ride as both my and my wifes cars are high mileage. We don't plan on replacing them soon but circumstances may force our hand sooner than expected.
Like I said before, I could walk onto just about any import car lot at and find a vehicle in 15 minutes or less and be comfortable with my choice for the next 5 years.
Thats fine by you but like I said i want to know whats out there that can fill my desires (and I don't desire any brand name). Sure I can go into any car lot, import or domestic, and find a car that I like quickly, but then a while later when I sit in a friends car I might wonder why I didn't check that one out too. I will be driving my next car hopefully 10-15 years, I want it to be right. 20 grand is to much money to spend with just 15 minutes of looking around.
If you been with a woman for more then a decade I can't believe that she wouldn't trust your choice when it comes to 4 wheels and a seat.
You must never have been married. One of the biggest issue that hurt marriages is finances, because of this both parties should have input in big ticket purchases. Also remember as someone once said if you make the tiniest little mistake in this it will come back to haunt you.
2011 Hyundai Sonata, 2014 BMW 428i convertible, 2015 Honda CTX700D
link title
I found it funny that no matter what we do the media still has to turn the knife a little bit.
When I searched for it allot of the headlines read, "Ford Tops Safest Car List, (with help from Volvo)"
No where did it say "Honda Comes In Second (with help from Acura)"
If I'm not on the golf course then I'm doing something...anything....other then walking around car lots to see what they have. And that's not a slight against you but I just don't understand that mentality. If I ain't buying jewelry then you won't find me at the jewelry store. If I ain't buying groceries you won't find me at the grocery store.
--Yes, but I bet you have gone to a strip club?
Crazy huh?
After 9/11, when the auto industry effectively introduced the 0% for 60 months (and perhaps longer) It brought my out to buy an american car. I remember hitting each lot and the sales guy telling me that this 0% is a "once in a life-time" event. Had they truly stuck to that..it would have made things far more realistic.
I agree with you, it makes 0 sense. However, it has been a staple in the market place for 8 years now, and the average consumer just expects this. We live in the entitlement generation. To me, the idea of 0%, 72/84 month loan is just a poor short sighted business model, and unfortunately many of you must deal with the repercussions.
I disagree with the other hypotheses about shopping also. In fact, lookers become buyers. My wife kept looking at jewelry stores and when it was time to buy a new three-stone ring to replace the modest one she's worn for years, she knew exactly what look she wanted and at which jewelry store she wanted to get it. The same is true for me with used and new cars. I cruise through a lot, hop out, look, and leave. IF a salesman approaches me, I tell them I'm looking but not planning to buy today, this week, etc. If it's a pushy salesperson at a local foreign brand store known for pushy and arrogance, I leave before a salesman can get to me.
But I'm shopping. If our second car got hit or died tomorrow, I'd have a replacement negotiated on by late afternoon.
2014 Malibu 2LT, 2015 Cruze 2LT,
Now the Family Plan and 0% are so common that it is really not even a big deal anymore.
I remember when I first joined this board all the import people here told me that they would NEVER resort to such a thing because of what it would do there future biz and trade values. Heard "Saved by Zero" on the TV lately. The only Major player who stood by there guns so far is Honda.
Crazy huh?
Welcome to my world.
As others have already stated, the problem is your attitude towards the very people that pay you. Grow a thicker skin or find a new line of work.
Why do you keep posting the same condescending stuff at such odd hours of the day?
Sniff Sniff, I smell a troll.
Richard
I found it funny that no matter what we do the media still has to turn the knife a little bit.
I'd like to know the number of cars each manufacturer produces compared to winners on the list. For example, I believe every Suburu passes every safety test made so 100% of their cars pass the test. What percentage of Fords cars made the list? When you take out GM and Chrysler which haven't had R&D money to work on safety - Ford has probably got the most models.
Not to take anything away from Ford, it is a great accomplishment and wonderful to see Ford is actually working on issues such as "safety". But, it isn't much fun if we can't turn the knife a bit..........
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
I don't think I can say it any better.
Obviously, if alejandrom is indeed a car salesman, he picked the wrong line of work. Sales is a wide open field. They are needed everywhere. So why in the world would you choose to sell something you have no passion for?
'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
When I was married, my "former spouse" would tell me to find her a car.
"What do you want?"
"Something with 4 doors, plenty of room, rides nice....Oh yeah....I want something in a dark shade of blue".
Not much to go on, but I'd peruse the car lots. Found a few that met her "criteria". But, before I made my offer, I took her to the dealership to make sure it was something she liked. From what I'm reading, that makes me a stroke. But, there's no way I'd take her with me during the "research" part of car shopping. As antsy as I got when I accompanied her to the local designer clothing boutique, it paled in comparison to the (few) times I took her to shop for a car.
Better to get the leg work done up front, before I presented her with the car she gave me instructions to shop for.
Conversely, when we bought a house, I let her do the leg work. Get me in this neighborhood, with these many bedrooms, with this amount of Sq ft. Then (and only then), bring me in to take a look at it.
roadburner.....after having just gone through with rebuilding and replacing my home theater, I noticed that many pieces of gear are being sold out of people's homes. Surprising to me. But, some of the "boutique brands" of AV gear are not selling out of a store front. But, are being represented by individuals, who have "quasi-showrooms" in their homes.
Interesting marketing technique. Low overhead. But, that means you have strangers traipsing in and out of your home to sell your goods.
And to think that I bragged on you as a paratrooper and auto F&I guy. :P
Richard
I miss the car business the more I think about it.
Maybe he should work at Volkwagon. They have a computer in the showroom, according to the ad, you plug in what your needs are and it tells you which model you should buy. Wonder if it spits out "Accord".
dt, Seems the car sales biz is a love/hate relationship. There is lots to dislike about the business (ranging from customers, to owners, to product you have to work with) but maybe you do like the thrill of the chase, the one on one sparring, the adrenelin rush from closing the sale.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
If you love what you do it usually shows up, other people can see it too. I like buying my tennis or running shoes, tennis racket, etc. from the local independent guy. I might pay a bit more but he loves what he is doing and his advice is well worth the extra cost. I could buy it at Wallymart and get the kid with the rings in his head who couldn't care less what I bought or why, but it is well worth the extra cost to get pleasant worthwhile information when buying anything.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
But let's put it in perspective here.....
When you guys say that it's the salesman's choice if he wants to waste his time with you while you peruse the lot....well....that's not completely accurate.
The real culprits in generating the "annoying and pushy salesmen" are the sales managers and the GSM. These local hereos set the tone of the dealership.
At my place it's a high pressure, highly annoying sales approach. You are told to wear the customer down, tell them how uneducated they are for NOT buying your product, and are basically told to pester the hell out of anyone walking on the lot.
The SM's eyes are always on you.
And when times get slow...they start to play games.
It's a dealership that still holds onto those "old school" techniques from the 70's and 80's. They don't throw the trade in keys on the roof but they won't let you go until you are thoroughly annoyed and frustrated. And my "favorite" thing is that they still use the antiquated "turn over" system.
If I talk to you as a customer that means I have to bring you inside, get your information, and have a manager talk to you before you leave.
It's so annoying. Even if someone is driving through the lot I'm supposed to drag them out of their car and get them inside. Insane? Yep....totally.
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I was just curios- if the people who are walking in these days are at least more quality people who are at least serious about buying. As in, did the drop in foot traffic at least remove the time wasters?? OK --I can't explain this question....its dumb, i withdraw!!!
I am with you on this part alej. It sounds like you are not compatible with this dealers methods. I always say I can't sell something I wouldn't buy myself. The 2nd part of that is I have to be able to sell it my own way, truthfully and honestly. I make the best case iIcan for my product that I believe in...then let the chips fall where thay may.
I have worked for companies that were a throw back to the 1930s. Can't do it. These dinosaur companies probably won't survive that way and in fact the last 2 I worked for are out of business.
Sounds like you need to find a dealer that is compatible with your sales philosophy.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250