"I found it funny that no matter what we do the media still has to turn the knife a little bit"
Well of course. It only took Ford how many years to put ESC or VSC or whatever you want to call it in their cars while Toyota has had it in ALL their SUV's for the last two generations. It only took the last generation Tundra to beat the F-150 in the IIHS ratings for frontal crash and side safety before Ford improved the 150. Of course they are not going to say Honda comes in second with help from Acura. Those guys have been light years ahead from you guys in safety.
"More often THAN not, the salesman looks at the customer as more of an annoyance THAN anything."
I beg to differ with you. I have known car salesmen who were too genuine and sincere to view me as an annoyance. Every time that I have my Chrysler convertible serviced, this nice salesman runs up to shake hands and just speak. He knows that I've only had the convertible a year, and will not be trading it for a good while. He doesn't have to be nice; he just is. I want you to try this approach.
You remind me of a salesman that we had on this site from Florida a few months back. Based on your posts, I believe that you still have time to change for the good. The majority of customers are not stupid and they don't mean to act that way. They are simply out of their element. Part of your job is to make them feel comfortable and assist them in purchasing a car. Some do their research and some don't. Regardless of whether they do or not, you should not belittle them behind their backs. If I put you in my college classroom and told you to instruct the students using sustainment and focus strategies, you probably would feel ill at ease, not knowing quite what to do. Perhaps this same feeling comes over some customers in your showroom. Do you get my drift?
When you go back to work Friday, put a smile on your face and think positively in dealing with ups, fellow salesmen, etc. You'll feel better and you'll make others feel better. Give yourself a chance. Take the "clinical" out of psychology and practice being human again. You have the intellect; you just need the self esteem. Welcome to our group. If you listen to the guys and gals here, you'll enjoy the experience and learn quite a bit about bringing a little sunshine into a troubled world. Look up and keep the faith. Times will get better.
When I was in India some years ago, I saw several well kept plants. I also noticed how well mannered the management and the employees were at the time. That, too, makes for an efficient and profitable production scene.
Very well said Mr. Richard. My wife is into motivational, self help stuff and it works for her. She had me buy her a book and cd set called "The Secret". after she got done with the cds she gave them to me to listen to them. These cd's and the author use the same principles that Dr. Dwayne Dyer (not a car salesman or motivational car salesman trainer) but you can apply his theories to every day life. In a nutshell it talks about the the theory of universal attraction. Or simply put the "law of attraction" which simply states that every person attracts what they put out. If you are miserable you will attract miserable people to your life. Ever noticed how a cheerful, enthusiastic, joyful person is always surrounded by cheerful, enthusiastic, joyful people? And miserable people are either with another miserable person or with no one at all. Hence the term "Misery loves company."
Alejandro, you may have to step back and take a look at the people around you. What type of persons are you attracting? You may want to also take a week or two off and refresh your batteries and maybe rethink your line of work. Never underestimate the power of a well rested salesman.
Have you ever walked into a business establishment and everyone greeted you with a smile and welcomed you into their store or restaurant? That's the type of place I like to do business with and keeps me coming back. And if I get the service that goes along with that smile I make it a point to compliment the clerk or waiter or waitress in front of their boss. You should see the smiles on those folks.
On Friday do this with your very first customer and all the ones after that. Give them a big smile and thank them for coming in.Make them feel special I will guarantee you your luck will turn around. People want to do business with someone they like.
Ask and ye shall receive. Granted the stock market is only a prognosticator for the economy but some statistics from 2008.
The bear market losses have only been exceeded by1929/1933 and 1937/1938.The Dow is having the second worst year since 1901.(only 1931 was worse ).This is the S&P's worst year since 1930. 1/3 of the S&P 500 could no longer qualify to be admitted to the S&P 500. Business Week points out that of 11,585 mutual funds covered by Morningstar, 11.584 are down on the year. The one that isn't down is not up but flat for the year. Of the S&P 500 all but ten are down for the year. $200/bbl, lmao. Darn economics being so sensible and all. And darn that consumer confidence. Yes you can . Good night and good luck.
To those that state that it will get better. Yes sir, it couldn't get any worse. Hang tough salesmen. '09 the pits, '10 the gravy . To the consumer, it's a rare opportunity, but fear breeds indecision and by the time you recognize the deal it will be too late. Just my thoughts.
I hear what you are saying rogeliov.... But I also hear what he is saying.... Yes there can be Mini commisions on used.... especialy now in this market.... Our big term these days is "market Share".....
Just because he is selling used cars doesn't mean he is making tons of money and he already admitted he isn't making as much as last year. All I am saying is I hear and understand his frustration.... Everybody can say the stats of 20%.... 25%... but the fact is the market is really tough and I hear his frustration because honestly I feel it too where I am at... I sell new and used.... Consumers feel becasue it is a bad market that they can pay less.... and the fact is everyone is hurting....
"What we have here, is failure to communicate"
The kid is venting and I can understand that. It seems as if everyone is pouncing on him and bsically telling him he is not a salesman... I have to say the kid has responded with respect to everyones opinion and even given back valid responses.... he hasn't tried to start fights or anything so if anything I believe we should give the kid some empathy... he sounds burnt out. That was my initial response and most other sales people gave the same response..... Does he keep going on about his struggles at work? YES.... But this is "stories from the front lines" and everything isn't always peaches and cream.
Did we scare him away becasue he shared some negative experiences I don't know..... But from the way I see it... yes we can say all the statistics of sales and tell him to stop bitching.... but the fact is... that ain't going to change the market.
For once we are getting some actual feeling on this board and it appears everyone is just praying on the weak... so to say.... no offense alerjo or what ever your name is. When I say weak.... I mean every dealer is working from a weakness just trying to get these hard times. I have to agree with him on a lot of stuff. If everyone thinks that every dealership has a positive "attitude".... they have another thing coming.....
The "Rats" are everywhere....
The only thing I suggest is to everyone no matter what kind of industry you are (sales minded) is to hang in there....
I can understand you standing up for the guy. Frankly I think he's a troll. The thing that got my goat is there's thousands of sales people right now that hardly get to speak to one customer a day and he's bragging about everyone at his store talking to 3-4 and yet can't close a barn door. Something ain't right.
‘driver’ asked, “Whatever happened to those ads with the come on down and take a few swings with a sledge hammer to this car?”
Wouldn't that be fun if we can take our frustrations out on an old beater.
Who said it had to be “an old beater”? Why not a top of the line beauty with not a scratch on it? That would attract a ton of people, especially women with shopping carts.
I'm sure it would erase some boredom too.
Now if you really want to get people into the show room, why not tie a salesman to a chair and let the folks have at it. Then when a buyer tells his friends he had to beat a good deal out of the guy, he’d at least be telling the truth about THAT deal.
Happy turkey day every one.
jmonroe
'15 Genesis V8 with Ultimate Package and '18 Legacy Limited 6 cyl
You mean that when I fling open your doors, spread my arms wide and shout "WHO WANTS TO SELL ME A CAR...TODAY?" all the sales people won't flock to me?
Where I sell I often have the same feelings you do about customers. I get 50-100 "ups" a day. It's comforting to know that some of the behavior I see is displayed at every business.
Long ago I decided that I would present my products honestly, answer any questions as best I could and then shut up and let the customer decide. Usually I've found that the unpleasant people are so unhappy in their own lives that they will drag you down with them if you try to play their game. Feel sorry for them and move on.
On rare occasion if I feel sorry for some truly poor soul I'll cut them a deal. I never do that for the type who swagger up and demand a bargain. One of the few perks of being the business owner as well as the salesman is that I can tell the really bad bozos to travel to a much warmer climate.
My motto is: "Retail would be perfect if it weren't for the customers".
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
I have to say the kid has responded with respect to everyones opinion and even given back valid responses....
Extremely good point GP. Alej has taken the time to express himself very clearly and honestly.
I sometimes think of sales videos I have seen and they often tell you to smile and be happy even while on the phone, because the person you are talking to can detect your attitude....and you want to come across as a happy person. I was in on the road selling, and I would try to be dressed nicely, before talking on the phone. It somehow comes across. Once we made a fun training film with the salesman on the phone at home, with empty beer bottles and pizza boxes and womens lingerie all over the desk! Anyway, the point is your attitude shows up even over the phone, so in real life it shows through even more.
He told me that when he had his winter tires put on that the guy in the tire shop told him about an older CRV that he had recently been in his shop that had 430,000 miles.
There goes my office furniture...it's in the up re-configured position again!!! :confuse:
jmonroe
'15 Genesis V8 with Ultimate Package and '18 Legacy Limited 6 cyl
Taking a break here from chopping up veggies. Thought I'd come visit all of you.
To the Scion sales person....some get very nervous when buying a car. Best thing you could have done was to point them in the right direction (new car lot) and tell them that's where they need to be. Scion is a one price store. Should be easy enough. If the customer feels comfortable, and you present the product well, you've got a sale. The rest of it should be easy.
For the person who waited and waited around in the showroom, trying to negotiate, it takes two to play that game. If you don't like what's happening, there are no shackles holding you in the showroom. You can walk at any time.
I'm sure the market for car sales is tough. But, if misery loves company, you are not alone. I have friends who are in banking.....real tough go there. I know one higher up loan officer who took a 50% pay cut after getting the pink slip, just to have benefits at his new plance. Myself, I'm trying to hustle my marketing expertise. This is where the good separate from the pretenders. Fact is, there's very little buying (and obviously selling) going on. People have less money to spend.
The good news is, few of us are starving. We'll all have a nice banquet put on our table today. There are plenty in the world that can't say that.
If I succeed in not chopping off one of my fingers, I'll share laughs with family and friends.
We can whine about the situation, we can wring our hands over it, but the best thing to do is to have a little faith that things will get better. They always do, mainly because we live here, in a very priviledged country where there's plenty to be thankful for.
Thank you for understanding.... I don't think he is a troll because what he is saying makes sense.... Most trolls don't up from down.
I can understand what you are saying about talking to 3 - 4 ups a day.... I don't have that luxury right now myself but if I did I would be happy.
The thing you have to take into consideration is that he does work at a "Toyota store"..... We have a 4 Toyota stores in my group..... they are all experiencing the smae issues this kid is talking about.... His "markets" problem is that he works in Chicago. A very big area filled with plenty of competition. At times like these everyone is just trying to gain market share which means selling at low prices. This job/career we do isn't worth it when you put all hours of work for low pay. That is what he is venting about.
Also just becuase his store is doing 300-350 just means they are selling cars.... at what profit.... probably small but I would bet if the market were different they would be selling 500 and everyone would be happy.
I sometimes think of sales videos I have seen and they often tell you to smile and be happy even while on the phone, because the person you are talking to can detect your attitude....and you want to come across as a happy person.
When I first got into this business a "old timer" gave me a tip that I still used today and also in many cases.
He said when you start walking to a "up".... While looking at them, say to yourself in your head "I love this person"..... The first time I tried it I was like wow... that s some wierd mental crap but it does put you in a positive mood.... It can also be used on the phone or dealing with a angry boss
To the Scion sales person....some get very nervous when buying a car.
Of course some people do get nervous we are talking big money. When all is said and done people might shell out 30 grand or more over up to 6 years. Thats a big hunk of change especially in an economy where many wonder if they will be employed the whole year of 2009.
For the person who waited and waited around in the showroom, trying to negotiate, it takes two to play that game.
We are talking negotiating a car price not the Paris Peace Accords. When negotiate a price if you are not there (or at least really close) in 30 minutes something is wrong.
We can whine about the situation......
One thing to look forward to is pent up demand. As soon as this clears up people will be buying again and for a short time at a higher rate than usual.
2011 Hyundai Sonata, 2014 BMW 428i convertible, 2015 Honda CTX700D
> I saw several well kept plants. I also noticed how well mannered the management and the employees were at the time.
Thank you Richard. But the reality is that the older plants were Unionized, and met the same fate as what GM is looking at - CLOSURE. All due to labor unions exerting their force so much that it forced the management to shut down the plant, take the loss, and relocate the plant elsewhere where workers are willing to work without union contracts. It is those plants that you saw.
The thing you have to take into consideration is that he does work at a "Toyota store"..... We have a 4 Toyota stores in my group..... they are all experiencing the smae issues this kid is talking about....
I had a thought and I just need an answer. Car sales are down 30% in the U.S.A. So, if a guy was making $60000 a year, he should be making $40,000, at least theoretically. If $30,000 then now $20,000.
I am not saying it is easy to cut back expenses. But it shouldn't be the end of the world either. It might be good for us all to cut back to some degree.
While we are on the topic, sales in Canada have been strong up until October (though I am sure it will start to fall this month). And surprisingly GM is still number one, Ford and Chrysler usually battle it out with Toyota bouncing between #2 and #4 spot. Not sure why Big 3 should not be doing better in the U.S. IMHO the UAW should take a limited time cut in pay so cars can be produced cheaper, government should free up money for car loans (not 100%) and maybe people will buy some US made cars. They probably have to sell based on price, more than reliability or engineering. Maybe they can make a profit, get workers back, get some money for R&D.
And to all our American friends "Have a Happy Thanksgiving"
We had our Thanksgiving last month.....so I guess we'll have to keep things moving for the world economy!
GM has announced that they are ending their endorsement deal with Tiger Woods. When asked why, a GM spokesman said, Tiger Woods is successful, competitive, popular....and that's just not us.
We can whine about the situation, we can wring our hands over it, but the best thing to do is to have a little faith that things will get better. They always do, mainly because we live here, in a very priviledged country where there's plenty to be thankful for.
You are so right about that and you ought to know...having lost your job, damn near your life with a ruptured appendix and nearly your house. If you can keep your chin up that should not be a problem for the rest of us.
I'm looking forward to the family coming over in a little while. It's the little things that really count. We in this country are indeed very fortunate.
Thanks for the reminder.
jmonroe
'15 Genesis V8 with Ultimate Package and '18 Legacy Limited 6 cyl
"Of course some people do get nervous we are talking big money. When all is said and done people might shell out 30 grand or more over up to 6 years. Thats a big hunk of change especially in an economy where many wonder if they will be employed the whole year of 2009. "
For a Scion? no one in their right mind is going to pay 30 grand for a Scion.
"The thing you have to take into consideration is that he does work at a "Toyota store"..... We have a 4 Toyota stores in my group..... they are all experiencing the smae issues this kid is talking about...."
That's what bothers me. In my area there's 7 Toyota stores within 15 minutes of each other. And I don't live in a mega city like Chicago. 3-4 UPS a day seems damn good. If they get twice as much when times are good we should all move to Chicago and sell Toyotas. He should be thankful he doesn't work at Longo Toyota here in El Monte CA. They are the largest Toyota dealers in the world! not just the US, THE WORLD! there was a big article in USATODAY on them quite a few years back. They employ something like 150 sales people, speak all languages, Thai, Chinese, Vietnamese, Spanish, and of course English and who knows what else. Back then, I think it was 2000 they sold over 1200 cars a month if I recall. Imagine what they do now.
I don't think you are a troll as others have suggested. I think you are just burned out with this business and are coming here to vent and maybe seek support.
With a few exceptions, you will be treated with disdain in these forums and everything you say will be picked apart.
Inless a person has walked in our shoes they will have NO IDEA what our jobs are like. Give them six months in this business and they would be singing a different tune.
There are tremendous high and lows and unless you are able to deal with this, you are in the wrong business and your bitterness will only get worse.
With a few exceptions, you will be treated with disdain in these forums and everything you say will be picked apart.
I often wonder why any car salesperson would post a story here only to be ragged on by the senior citizens that lurk here with nothing else better to do.
Guess that's why this topic has degraded to what it is now.
I wonder if some customers that come into showrooms just to BS to us, actually realize that we can catch onto their BS within about 5 minutes of listening to them.
I had a guy come in, wouldn't even give me any info about himself, asked me to do this and do that for him, started spitting out how many cars he owns, and he owns the property here (maybe, maybe not, but I learned that people who brag about owning stuff usually don't own anything) and how much he knows......blah blah blah blah............................. asked for a tape measure to find out the measurements in the cargo area of one of our cars, a legit question of course, but since we don't have one and mine went missing, I told him we don't have a tape measure. He insisted I go and page everyone on the overhead and get him a tape measure. :mad: I told you there isn't one in the dealership......
I asked him questions to see what he's looking for in a vehicle, only to be answered with his questions..... basically it looks like he came in to talk to somebody about himself, and not really looking for a vehicle.
I'm thinking to myself, if you want to come in and chat about cars, sure just do it and say it.... but don't come in here thinking I was born yesterday (or started selling cars yesterday) and try to convince me how great you are.
Then he braggerd about more crap before leaving. Later somebody told me that my business card and brochure I gave him were left in the service dept by him....
ahhhh................ I haven't had this type of custy in while.
Happy Thanksgiving all of you south of the border. Be safe out there and enjoy your turkeys!
I often wonder why any car salesperson would post a story here only to be ragged on by the senior citizens that lurk here with nothing else better to do.
Oby, you have over 7500 posts since 2001! Talk about lurking around and having nothing better to do :P
ahhhh................ I haven't had this type of custy in while.
But we need the crusty's or we wouldn't have these great stories to hear about. You car guys are kind of unique. You really do see the good, the bad and the crusty. We can only experience it through your eyes. There isn't too many professions that could make good reading.......think about what a dentist has to come home to talk about.
I once read the great thing about bad experiences is that it gives you a good story to tell.
Happy Thanksgiving all of you south of the border. Be safe out there and enjoy your turkeys!
Thank you. I’m sure all of us Southerners enjoyed our turkeys but that turkey you had to deal with today is not why you got up this morning and went to work.
I don’t know how you guys can put up with stuff like that. I know I never could.
jmonroe
'15 Genesis V8 with Ultimate Package and '18 Legacy Limited 6 cyl
With a few exceptions, you will be treated with disdain in these forums and everything you say will be picked apart.
If you're trying to cheer the guy up, I doubt that's going to do it. :sick:
Personally I'd like to hear more stories about how crappy and stupid customers are, how salesman don't give a damn about their customers, and how obnoxious, underhanded, and demanding salesmanagers and g.m's are. That should cheer everyone up... a little something for everybody. :surprise:
I don't think he's a troll either. I've actually been captivated by his stories from the sales frontlines the last few days. He's one of the only ones staying on topic:)
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2025 Camry SE AWD
nycarrguy wrote: "I don't think he's a troll either. I've actually been captivated by his stories from the sales frontlines the last few days. He's one of the only ones staying on topic:) " Nah I don't think he is a troll either but perhaps burnt out and clueless to the current outlook. Far beyond guns and butter, consumers are evaluating every purchase with a wary eye. Too much so but that is the danger of deflation , the real devil. Consumers delay buying because the expect prices to be cheaper in the future. Manufacturers delay producing because of the same . Acknowledge the fear and sell on. They aren't there to jerk you around, give them direction. They are scared. Posted as one who knows as opposed to they who don't. The lilies of the field.
Don't you love it. That type of clown is easy to spot. It's almost as if they are trying to convince themselves of how important they are. But by the same token they don't consider you important at all.
I've told the story before of how a guy drove onto my farm and came out to the field where I was tending thousands of containers of a particular nursery stock item. Without the least bit of shame he said "I just bought 50 of these at Wal-Mart and I was hoping you could tell me how to grow them".
It was only because of my well-developed sense of self-control that this fellow isn't buried out there. :mad:
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
I'm headed to China for about 2 weeks starting at the beginning of December
Nice to hear from you mooman. Check out all the great cars in China, especially in Beijing. Remember 1500 new cars a day in Beijing! Try to see the terra cotta warriors - will probably be the 8th wonder of the world. Be careful what you eat and don't drink the water unless it is bottled.
This is our second trip over. My wife's brother is getting married. We will be staying in Hong Kong and Shenzhen. We might make a quick sidetrip to Thailand. I'm not sure what all is on the itinerary as my wife is handling all of it.
If you thought Chinese drivers were bad in the States, then you should take a look at them on their roads. It's insanity. The difference there is that they don't go anywhere near as fast as we do. If they get into an accident, the damage won't be too severe. It's a pretty amazing place.
Can you imagine being a used car manager in China and checking for paintwork? Lol, 9/10 vehicles have probably been painted.
Comments
tidester, host
SUVs and Smart Shopper
Well of course. It only took Ford how many years to put ESC or VSC or whatever you want to call it in their cars while Toyota has had it in ALL their SUV's for the last two generations. It only took the last generation Tundra to beat the F-150 in the IIHS ratings for frontal crash and side safety before Ford improved the 150.
Of course they are not going to say Honda comes in second with help from Acura. Those guys have been light years ahead from you guys in safety.
Would you like to cheese with that whine?
I understand that sentiment.
> So what does she pick? A dark brown tile
However, remember that she chose you too
>She about had a fit. "Get that ugly thing off my drive way!"
And you chose her too :shades:
I beg to differ with you. I have known car salesmen who were too genuine and sincere to view me as an annoyance. Every time that I have my Chrysler convertible serviced, this nice salesman runs up to shake hands and just speak. He knows that I've only had the convertible a year, and will not be trading it for a good while. He doesn't have to be nice; he just is. I want you to try this approach.
You remind me of a salesman that we had on this site from Florida a few months back. Based on your posts, I believe that you still have time to change for the good. The majority of customers are not stupid and they don't mean to act that way. They are simply out of their element. Part of your job is to make them feel comfortable and assist them in purchasing a car. Some do their research and some don't. Regardless of whether they do or not, you should not belittle them behind their backs. If I put you in my college classroom and told you to instruct the students using sustainment and focus strategies, you probably would feel ill at ease, not knowing quite what to do. Perhaps this same feeling comes over some customers in your showroom. Do you get my drift?
When you go back to work Friday, put a smile on your face and think positively in dealing with ups, fellow salesmen, etc. You'll feel better and you'll make others feel better. Give yourself a chance. Take the "clinical" out of psychology and practice being human again. You have the intellect; you just need the self esteem. Welcome to our group. If you listen to the guys and gals here, you'll enjoy the experience and learn quite a bit about bringing a little sunshine into a troubled world. Look up and keep the faith. Times will get better.
Richard
Richard
Yeah, but I brighten up her life.
Alejandro, you may have to step back and take a look at the people around you. What type of persons are you attracting? You may want to also take a week or two off and refresh your batteries and maybe rethink your line of work. Never underestimate the power of a well rested salesman.
On Friday do this with your very first customer and all the ones after that. Give them a big smile and thank them for coming in.Make them feel special
I will guarantee you your luck will turn around. People want to do business with someone they like.
The bear market losses have only been exceeded by1929/1933 and 1937/1938.The Dow is having the second worst year since 1901.(only 1931 was worse ).This is the S&P's worst year since 1930. 1/3 of the S&P 500 could no longer qualify to be admitted to the S&P 500. Business Week points out that of 11,585 mutual funds covered by Morningstar, 11.584 are down on the year. The one that isn't down is not up but flat for the year. Of the S&P 500 all but ten are down for the year. $200/bbl, lmao. Darn economics being so sensible and all. And darn that consumer confidence. Yes you can . Good night and good luck.
To those that state that it will get better. Yes sir, it couldn't get any worse. Hang tough salesmen. '09 the pits, '10 the gravy . To the consumer, it's a rare opportunity, but fear breeds indecision and by the time you recognize the deal it will be too late. Just my thoughts.
I hear what you are saying rogeliov.... But I also hear what he is saying.... Yes there can be Mini commisions on used.... especialy now in this market.... Our big term these days is "market Share".....
Just because he is selling used cars doesn't mean he is making tons of money and he already admitted he isn't making as much as last year. All I am saying is I hear and understand his frustration.... Everybody can say the stats of 20%.... 25%... but the fact is the market is really tough and I hear his frustration because honestly I feel it too where I am at... I sell new and used.... Consumers feel becasue it is a bad market that they can pay less.... and the fact is everyone is hurting....
"What we have here, is failure to communicate"
The kid is venting and I can understand that. It seems as if everyone is pouncing on him and bsically telling him he is not a salesman... I have to say the kid has responded with respect to everyones opinion and even given back valid responses.... he hasn't tried to start fights or anything so if anything I believe we should give the kid some empathy... he sounds burnt out. That was my initial response and most other sales people gave the same response..... Does he keep going on about his struggles at work? YES.... But this is "stories from the front lines" and everything isn't always peaches and cream.
Did we scare him away becasue he shared some negative experiences I don't know..... But from the way I see it... yes we can say all the statistics of sales and tell him to stop bitching.... but the fact is... that ain't going to change the market.
For once we are getting some actual feeling on this board and it appears everyone is just praying on the weak... so to say.... no offense alerjo or what ever your name is. When I say weak.... I mean every dealer is working from a weakness just trying to get these hard times. I have to agree with him on a lot of stuff. If everyone thinks that every dealership has a positive "attitude".... they have another thing coming.....
The "Rats" are everywhere....
The only thing I suggest is to everyone no matter what kind of industry you are (sales minded) is to hang in there....
Hoping for the best,
GP
Wouldn't that be fun if we can take our frustrations out on an old beater.
Who said it had to be “an old beater”? Why not a top of the line beauty with not a scratch on it? That would attract a ton of people, especially women with shopping carts.
I'm sure it would erase some boredom too.
Now if you really want to get people into the show room, why not tie a salesman to a chair and let the folks have at it. Then when a buyer tells his friends he had to beat a good deal out of the guy, he’d at least be telling the truth about THAT deal.
Happy turkey day every one.
jmonroe
'15 Genesis V8 with Ultimate Package and '18 Legacy Limited 6 cyl
Wow, and all this time I thought I was a "Bobst" winnie. I'm so proud.
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
You mean that when I fling open your doors, spread my arms wide and shout "WHO WANTS TO SELL ME A CAR...TODAY?" all the sales people won't flock to me?
Where I sell I often have the same feelings you do about customers. I get 50-100 "ups" a day. It's comforting to know that some of the behavior I see is displayed at every business.
Long ago I decided that I would present my products honestly, answer any questions as best I could and then shut up and let the customer decide. Usually I've found that the unpleasant people are so unhappy in their own lives that they will drag you down with them if you try to play their game. Feel sorry for them and move on.
On rare occasion if I feel sorry for some truly poor soul I'll cut them a deal. I never do that for the type who swagger up and demand a bargain. One of the few perks of being the business owner as well as the salesman is that I can tell the really bad bozos to travel to a much warmer climate.
My motto is: "Retail would be perfect if it weren't for the customers".
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
Richard
Do we need to tie you to that chair that jmonroe mentioned? :P
Richard
And mine is "The customer is usually wrong".
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
Extremely good point GP. Alej has taken the time to express himself very clearly and honestly.
I sometimes think of sales videos I have seen and they often tell you to smile and be happy even while on the phone, because the person you are talking to can detect your attitude....and you want to come across as a happy person. I was in on the road selling, and I would try to be dressed nicely, before talking on the phone. It somehow comes across. Once we made a fun training film with the salesman on the phone at home, with empty beer bottles and pizza boxes and womens lingerie all over the desk! Anyway, the point is your attitude shows up even over the phone, so in real life it shows through even more.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
There goes my office furniture...it's in the up re-configured position again!!! :confuse:
jmonroe
'15 Genesis V8 with Ultimate Package and '18 Legacy Limited 6 cyl
Me: Walks away shaking head.
Madmanmoo, a real car salesman, would have offered her some booze to calm her nerves. Lesson learned junior. :P
To the Scion sales person....some get very nervous when buying a car. Best thing you could have done was to point them in the right direction (new car lot) and tell them that's where they need to be. Scion is a one price store. Should be easy enough. If the customer feels comfortable, and you present the product well, you've got a sale. The rest of it should be easy.
For the person who waited and waited around in the showroom, trying to negotiate, it takes two to play that game. If you don't like what's happening, there are no shackles holding you in the showroom. You can walk at any time.
I'm sure the market for car sales is tough. But, if misery loves company, you are not alone. I have friends who are in banking.....real tough go there. I know one higher up loan officer who took a 50% pay cut after getting the pink slip, just to have benefits at his new plance. Myself, I'm trying to hustle my marketing expertise. This is where the good separate from the pretenders. Fact is, there's very little buying (and obviously selling) going on. People have less money to spend.
The good news is, few of us are starving. We'll all have a nice banquet put on our table today. There are plenty in the world that can't say that.
If I succeed in not chopping off one of my fingers, I'll share laughs with family and friends.
We can whine about the situation, we can wring our hands over it, but the best thing to do is to have a little faith that things will get better. They always do, mainly because we live here, in a very priviledged country where there's plenty to be thankful for.
I can understand what you are saying about talking to 3 - 4 ups a day.... I don't have that luxury right now myself but if I did I would be happy.
The thing you have to take into consideration is that he does work at a "Toyota store"..... We have a 4 Toyota stores in my group..... they are all experiencing the smae issues this kid is talking about.... His "markets" problem is that he works in Chicago. A very big area filled with plenty of competition. At times like these everyone is just trying to gain market share which means selling at low prices. This job/career we do isn't worth it when you put all hours of work for low pay. That is what he is venting about.
Also just becuase his store is doing 300-350 just means they are selling cars.... at what profit.... probably small but I would bet if the market were different they would be selling 500 and everyone would be happy.
GP
When I first got into this business a "old timer" gave me a tip that I still used today and also in many cases.
He said when you start walking to a "up".... While looking at them, say to yourself in your head "I love this person"..... The first time I tried it I was like wow... that s some wierd mental crap but it does put you in a positive mood.... It can also be used on the phone or dealing with a angry boss
GP
Of course some people do get nervous we are talking big money. When all is said and done people might shell out 30 grand or more over up to 6 years. Thats a big hunk of change especially in an economy where many wonder if they will be employed the whole year of 2009.
For the person who waited and waited around in the showroom, trying to negotiate, it takes two to play that game.
We are talking negotiating a car price not the Paris Peace Accords. When negotiate a price if you are not there (or at least really close) in 30 minutes something is wrong.
We can whine about the situation......
One thing to look forward to is pent up demand. As soon as this clears up people will be buying again and for a short time at a higher rate than usual.
2011 Hyundai Sonata, 2014 BMW 428i convertible, 2015 Honda CTX700D
Dang....u r right. It was Ferrari...my bad
Thank you Richard. But the reality is that the older plants were Unionized, and met the same fate as what GM is looking at - CLOSURE. All due to labor unions exerting their force so much that it forced the management to shut down the plant, take the loss, and relocate the plant elsewhere where workers are willing to work without union contracts. It is those plants that you saw.
I had a thought and I just need an answer. Car sales are down 30% in the U.S.A. So, if a guy was making $60000 a year, he should be making $40,000, at least theoretically.
If $30,000 then now $20,000.
I am not saying it is easy to cut back expenses. But it shouldn't be the end of the world either. It might be good for us all to cut back to some degree.
While we are on the topic, sales in Canada have been strong up until October (though I am sure it will start to fall this month). And surprisingly GM is still number one, Ford and Chrysler usually battle it out with Toyota bouncing between #2 and #4 spot. Not sure why Big 3 should not be doing better in the U.S. IMHO the UAW should take a limited time cut in pay so cars can be produced cheaper, government should free up money for car loans (not 100%) and maybe people will buy some US made cars. They probably have to sell based on price, more than reliability or engineering. Maybe they can make a profit, get workers back, get some money for R&D.
And to all our American friends "Have a Happy Thanksgiving"
We had our Thanksgiving last month.....so I guess we'll have to keep things moving for the world economy!
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
That Moo is a sly one with the ladies. Didn't he drive 30 miles to jump a female customer once?
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
Speaking of Moo................
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
You are so right about that and you ought to know...having lost your job, damn near your life with a ruptured appendix and nearly your house. If you can keep your chin up that should not be a problem for the rest of us.
I'm looking forward to the family coming over in a little while. It's the little things that really count. We in this country are indeed very fortunate.
Thanks for the reminder.
jmonroe
'15 Genesis V8 with Ultimate Package and '18 Legacy Limited 6 cyl
For a Scion? no one in their right mind is going to pay 30 grand for a Scion.
Hey man! I sell Dodges and things are just peachy
2016 Audi A7 3.0T S Line, 2021 Subaru WRX
That's what bothers me. In my area there's 7 Toyota stores within 15 minutes of each other. And I don't live in a mega city like Chicago. 3-4 UPS a day seems damn good. If they get twice as much when times are good we should all move to Chicago and sell Toyotas. He should be thankful he doesn't work at Longo Toyota here in El Monte CA. They are the largest Toyota dealers in the world! not just the US, THE WORLD! there was a big article in USATODAY on them quite a few years back. They employ something like 150 sales people, speak all languages, Thai, Chinese, Vietnamese, Spanish, and of course English and who knows what else. Back then, I think it was 2000 they sold over 1200 cars a month if I recall. Imagine what they do now.
I don't think you are a troll as others have suggested. I think you are just burned out with this business and are coming here to vent and maybe seek support.
With a few exceptions, you will be treated with disdain in these forums and everything you say will be picked apart.
Inless a person has walked in our shoes they will have NO IDEA what our jobs are like. Give them six months in this business and they would be singing a different tune.
There are tremendous high and lows and unless you are able to deal with this, you are in the wrong business and your bitterness will only get worse.
ROFL
I often wonder why any car salesperson would post a story here only to be ragged on by the senior citizens that lurk here with nothing else better to do.
Guess that's why this topic has degraded to what it is now.
I had a guy come in, wouldn't even give me any info about himself, asked me to do this and do that for him, started spitting out how many cars he owns, and he owns the property here (maybe, maybe not, but I learned that people who brag about owning stuff usually don't own anything) and how much he knows......blah blah blah blah............................. asked for a tape measure to find out the measurements in the cargo area of one of our cars, a legit question of course, but since we don't have one and mine went missing, I told him we don't have a tape measure. He insisted I go and page everyone on the overhead and get him a tape measure. :mad: I told you there isn't one in the dealership......
I asked him questions to see what he's looking for in a vehicle, only to be answered with his questions..... basically it looks like he came in to talk to somebody about himself, and not really looking for a vehicle.
I'm thinking to myself, if you want to come in and chat about cars, sure just do it and say it.... but don't come in here thinking I was born yesterday (or started selling cars yesterday) and try to convince me how great you are.
Then he braggerd about more crap before leaving. Later somebody told me that my business card and brochure I gave him were left in the service dept by him....
ahhhh................ I haven't had this type of custy in while.
Happy Thanksgiving all of you south of the border. Be safe out there and enjoy your turkeys!
2016 Audi A7 3.0T S Line, 2021 Subaru WRX
Oby, you have over 7500 posts since 2001! Talk about lurking around and having nothing better to do :P
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
But we need the crusty's or we wouldn't have these great stories to hear about. You car guys are kind of unique. You really do see the good, the bad and the crusty. We can only experience it through your eyes. There isn't too many professions that could make good reading.......think about what a dentist has to come home to talk about.
I once read the great thing about bad experiences is that it gives you a good story to tell.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
Thank you. I’m sure all of us Southerners enjoyed our turkeys but that turkey you had to deal with today is not why you got up this morning and went to work.
I don’t know how you guys can put up with stuff like that. I know I never could.
jmonroe
'15 Genesis V8 with Ultimate Package and '18 Legacy Limited 6 cyl
If you're trying to cheer the guy up, I doubt that's going to do it. :sick:
Personally I'd like to hear more stories about how crappy and stupid customers are, how salesman don't give a damn about their customers, and how obnoxious, underhanded, and demanding salesmanagers and g.m's are. That should cheer everyone up... a little something for everybody. :surprise:
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2025 Camry SE AWD
"I don't think he's a troll either. I've actually been captivated by his stories from the sales frontlines the last few days. He's one of the only ones staying on topic:) "
Nah I don't think he is a troll either but perhaps burnt out and clueless to the current outlook. Far beyond guns and butter, consumers are evaluating every purchase with a wary eye.
Too much so but that is the danger of deflation , the real devil. Consumers delay buying because the expect prices to be cheaper in the future. Manufacturers delay producing because of the same . Acknowledge the fear and sell on. They aren't there to jerk you around, give them direction. They are scared. Posted as one who knows as opposed to they who don't. The lilies of the field.
Don't you love it. That type of clown is easy to spot. It's almost as if they are trying to convince themselves of how important they are. But by the same token they don't consider you important at all.
I've told the story before of how a guy drove onto my farm and came out to the field where I was tending thousands of containers of a particular nursery stock item. Without the least bit of shame he said "I just bought 50 of these at Wal-Mart and I was hoping you could tell me how to grow them".
It was only because of my well-developed sense of self-control that this fellow isn't buried out there. :mad:
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
Jip's right, I would have offered her my services to calm her nerves. That's just what I do.
I'm headed to China for about 2 weeks starting at the beginning of December so I will be away for a bit. I hope everyone stays out of trouble.
Nice to hear from you mooman. Check out all the great cars in China, especially in Beijing. Remember 1500 new cars a day in Beijing! Try to see the terra cotta warriors - will probably be the 8th wonder of the world. Be careful what you eat and don't drink the water unless it is bottled.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
Richard
If you thought Chinese drivers were bad in the States, then you should take a look at them on their roads. It's insanity. The difference there is that they don't go anywhere near as fast as we do. If they get into an accident, the damage won't be too severe. It's a pretty amazing place.
Can you imagine being a used car manager in China and checking for paintwork?