:confuse: You confused me. If he would had said that to me that's how I would have responded. And if he walked away making one of those hand gestures I would have said "Have a nice day too. Don't let the door hit you in the [non-permissible content removed]." I guess I wouldn't last much in car sales huh?
Maybe Lexus guy has done a little research and has a reasonable guesstimate of what Alejandro's car should be priced at.... unless Alejandro wants to provide us with the model, price and miles there is no way to tell who is off base.
In that case he should have said: "Based on my reasearch a car like this should sell for $xxxx.xx Yours is overpriced in mho." and go from there. Alex could have come back with: "I might be able to lower the price provided the car meets your expectations and you will consider buying it."
You may want to post this one on the "Should we the big 3 get a loan" forum and the "UAW workers". Some poster by the name of dallasdude and gargrice seem to think out loud that Hondas and Toyotas don't last that long and the ones that do people are making it up. I swear I stopped posting over there since those two think they own those forums.
In that case he should have said: "Based on my research a car like this should sell for $xxxx.xx Yours is overpriced in mho." and go from there. Alex could have come back with: "I might be able to lower the price provided the car meets your expectations and you will consider buying it."
It could very well have been priced so high that the customer might have thought that he could not have negotiated a reasonable price. Until we get more information on the car and its price we can't say for sure.
A few years ago when Suzuki came out with the SX4 someone was on one of these boards praising the car. So I thought I would drop by the local Suzuki dealership to get a look at the car since we were discussing it. Believe it or not on a $16K Suzuki they had a $4K ADM on it. If I were interested in the car I would have looked at that and walked away. Just way to much difference between what I would have paid for the car and what they were asking. Why go into a negotiation that I knew had little chance of resulting in a deal? This could have been a situation like that.
2011 Hyundai Sonata, 2014 BMW 428i convertible, 2015 Honda CTX700D
ADM or "sucker stickers" are just that. If you let that get in the way of doing business than you have no business buying a car. I'll digress. I looked at a hot car one time and they had a "sucker sticker" on it. Not only did I tell the salesperson I was not paying the ADM price or the factory sticker price. You should have seen how quickly the price came down. Don't assume things are the way they appear to be.
I looked at a hot car one time and they had a "sucker sticker" on it. Not only did I tell the salesperson I was not paying the ADM price or the factory sticker price. You should have seen how quickly the price came down.
If the price came down THAT quickly, I'd guess that car wasn't that hot to begin with. A good example would be a 2009 ZR-1 Corvette which has a MSRP of $103K. IF you can find one you could tell the salesperson that you won't pay ADM in which case they could really careless if you bought it or not as someone will. Similarly with a Nissan GT-R.
It is one thing to have an ADM on a hot car like the ones obyone had mentioned. Its another thing to do so on a run of the mil car that everyone else was selling at sticker or below. Why in the world should I sit across from someone who is starting at $20K when I can drive a few miles and sit across from someone who would start at $16K?
2011 Hyundai Sonata, 2014 BMW 428i convertible, 2015 Honda CTX700D
hand gestures I would have said "Have a nice day too. Don't let the door hit you in the [non-permissible content removed]." I guess I wouldn't last much in car sales huh?
OK no problem, I thought you were critisizing my openning pick up line. Actually your line might work. I once managed a catalogue showroom store where people wrote their orders on a piece of paper, then waited for 20 minutes to be told the product was out of stock. I think some people enjoy being abused and actually like being treated like crap, so you might have something there Rogey.
Was watching NBC evening news Sunday and just before there was an ad for GM Impalas at employee cost less $3000. You could get a new Impala regular $23,000 for $14,000!!!!!!! The next commercial was for Ford and you could get a new Ford for employee pricing less $1500 gets you a Ford F150 for undr $24,000>
In that case he should have said: "Based on my reasearch a car like this should sell for $xxxx.xx Yours is overpriced in mho."
If only people were intelligent enough to express their thoughts in a straight forward honest manner a lot more could be accomplished. It's like when someone cuts me off and I lean on the horn mainly to teach him not to do it next time. And my family therapist wife tells me that won't solve the problem, it will only escalate and you don't know who you are dealing with.
Was watching NBC evening news Sunday and just before there was an ad for GM Impalas at employee cost less $3000. You could get a new Impala regular $23,000 for $14,000!!!!!!!
You sure about that? Does the car come with an engine... that price seems about $3,000 too low.
If I can get a new Impala for $14,000 I'll start shopping this afternoon. :shades:
You could get a new Impala regular $23,000 for $14,000!!!!!!!
I am positive because I almost fell out of my chair. I think it was a local ad from Buffalo though. I'll see if I can find anything on the net. Don't know about hidden costs either....
Also, are you sure you want an Impala. My brother just rented one for the weekend and he thinks it is pretty lame....a box with wheels. I guess for $14,000 though it wouldn't be bad.
Also, are you sure you want an Impala. My brother just rented one for the weekend and he thinks it is pretty lame....a box with wheels.
Can't say I've taken a really good look at a Impala in awhile. The Impala has always gotten pretty good reviews with the newest generation, good reliability scores. I would look at it as well as the Malibu...as well as about 5 others (Fusion, LaCrosse, Altima, Mazda 6, maybe a Corolla, Civic or Sonata).
Someone posted about a week ago that Ford Fusions were going for around $15,500, but that was with a sticker of around $20,000. But, with tuition, new house, summer cruise and a bunch of other stuff my wife wants to buy... the new car may have to wait.
You could get a new Impala regular $23,000 for $14,000!!!!!!!
Sorry Jip, can't find anything on the web. They did say MSRP was $23,000 and with employee discount less $3000 you could actuaqlly get an Impala for under $14,000. The numbers would be right but I don't see those 2 extras being added in. Unless it isn't on the net yet or there was fine print aI couldn't see on the 50 inch screen.
I didn't believe it when I saw it...but I'll try to check the commercial before the news today.
jipster....spied some new impalas in the local paper. Not $14K, but at $15K and change. Same for the Malibu. If those prices had been in place this past summer, my Accord purchase could have been "null".
Regarding ADM stickers.....on the consumer's side, right from the get go, those tell me I'm going to be in for a drawn out "[non-permissible content removed]-for-tat" negotiating session because the price is starting higher. The other thing that would come immediately to mind was this particular dealer wants to play games with me. Something I'm not willing to do.
Overall, I would doubt we'd even get inside the dealership if I pulled up and saw ADM stickers on their cars.
The problem with "funny" ADMs (the ones put on cars that are definitely not hot) is they show the mindset and attitude of the place. It's like putting a screaming ad "Hey, we think our customers are idiots and we are about to treat you as such". Why would anybody subject themselves to that if they have a choice of somebody else who may have an attitude "we know you are busy and so are we - let's just get the thing done now and move on".
Just a rebuttal to the post you made about Hondas having so many problems.
I walked around this Accord and looked inside. The seats were still firm, the paint looked better than it should have looked and it actually ran quite well/ My guess would be that somone will figure out a way to fix it and it'll keep on going. Amazing cars!
Waving someone off with your hand is rude. I don't know how you guys were raised but I was always taught that you don't summon or dismiss people with hand gestures.
Here is the deal with the Lexus.
It's a 2006 400h with 39,000 miles and we are selling it for $31,991. The customer didn't know that it was a hybrid. Of course, when he dismissed me with his hand gesture I wasn't about to go chase him down and reveal that information to him. He was one of those guys that you are better off letting go.
He was the classic case of an old guy whose wife kicked him out of the house the day after Thanksgiving. He was with his son and he had no where else to go...so he thought he would head down to the car dealer and annoy everyone down there.
This is the type of guy who drags his son along so he can show him how to really shop for a car.
"Watch me bully these car salesmen and show you how it's done Junior...."
Hey, if a a certain dealer in town believes he can put out ADMs on cars that are not in demand then more power to him. Don't fault them for taking advantage of a segment of customers who have not done their own research. You have every right to see the lunacy and move on, just don't get offended over capitalism.
The way I look at it, if it weren't for people overpaying, it would be alot harder for the "educated consumer" to get great deals. I can get quotes from contractors for the same job that span 5-10K swings. I don't get angry, I just compare the line items and tell them no-thanks.
The problem is the customer he loses because of that ADM. Don't get me wrong - it's a free country and everybody can do what they please - I'm just not following their logic that "it works". In scientific terms their "data sample" is not representative - as they only see those customers who bought and do not see those who turned around and went elsewhere.
And, BTW I don't get angry at ADMs, either. Amused sometimes.
This may be an unfair broad generalization but, based on some salesmen's comments over the years, I sometimes get the feeling that a customer can't win in the eyes of the salesman unless they pay sticker price right then, right there on whatever is first out on the lot -- no time to consider other things, no time to price check, to time to fact check --just pick something out for me and fill in the signed check for whatever you want!
That's not true at all. This guy didn't even know it was a hybrid Lexus 400h but that's besides the point. He was such an a-hole that I wouldn't want to try and bridge the gap with him and get him interested in it. Some customers ain't worth it.
I am OVER THE TOP courteous to people in retail or service oriented fields. Almost to the point that I think it's to much.
I'm not playing this up or going overboard on this response but this is how I would have done it:
"Hey, I don't want to waste you time today...my son and I are out kicking tires and I was just wondering if you could give some info on that Lexus over there?"
At that point I know what I'm dealing with and I can help this guy out and get him on his way.
I don't mind helping people out and letting them drive cars to help them make an informed decision. But it's the 90% of the people out there who have absolutely no regard for what you do for a living.
I don't mind if you don't buy form me but when I call you 5 times and refuse to answer cause you don't have the common courtesy to tell a car salesman that you bought somewhere else it gets frustrating. Why are people so afraid of telling a salesman that they bought something else?
Sometimes when I know the customer is dodging me I use another salesman's cell phone to call the customer. And when they answer right away and I nail them it always makes for a good laugh....for me.....not them.
And what's the deal with these people who come in and use 5 different salesmen to drive 10 different cars?
Does anyone have any loyalty these days? Does anyone have any common courtesy?
You really see how the retail world is evolving. They demand the best but they don't want to pay for it.
Let me tell you how our pricing is set up on our used car lot.
We overprice our vehicles by 3-4K on EVERY SINGLE UNIT. Of course, when no one cracks the door on our vehicle for 45 days we reduce the hell out of it but that's beside the point...
Then we see if we can rope some dope into buying it at that price. It's up to the customer to try and get a price that makes sense. We nail some people on the sticker prices, especially if it's a CPO and we can justify it with the warranty. But the point is that the prices on the windows are for the people who come in blind and want to buy now.
We even print out these corny Kelly Blue Books from the 90210 area code to present a false market price that is more in line with what we want to get for the car.
Let me tell you how our pricing is set up on our used car lot.
We overprice our vehicles by 3-4K on EVERY SINGLE UNIT. Of course, when no one cracks the door on our vehicle for 45 days we reduce the hell out of it but that's beside the point...
Then we see if we can rope some dope into buying it at that price. It's up to the customer to try and get a price that makes sense. We nail some people on the sticker prices, especially if it's a CPO and we can justify it with the warranty. But the point is that the prices on the windows are for the people who come in blind and want to buy now.
We even print out these corny Kelly Blue Books from the 90210 area code to present a false market price that is more in line with what we want to get for the car.
I.....ummmm.....I....ummmm....WOW! I really don't know how to respond to that. Well, yes I do, but I'll keep it to myself.
"...I was always taught that you don't summon or dismiss people with hand gestures."
You are absolutely correct. It is the worst form of body language and one of the worst insulting techniques. Waving me off with your hand is just as bad as giving me the finger. Neither one elicits a positive response.
We even print out these corny Kelly Blue Books from the 90210 area code to present a false market price that is more in line with what we want to get for the car.
Is it something you are proud of? Wow... Now I really know I would not shop in your place. Putting high stickers is one thing (everybody does that - customers too, when they want to trade their car - all harm in too high asking price is that nobody will buy it), but false reports? :confuse: :sick: If I caught a store doing that, even twenty thosand dollar discount would not help. Once a liar...
It's not a false report. It's the value of the car in the 90210 zip code. The thing is...it does not say what zip code is being used on the KBB report.
So if you print one out using a 90210 zip code the value of the car will be higher then if you printed it our with a local Chicago zip code. Tricks of the trade.
They also use a Manhattan zip code to see if the KBB value is higher there then Beverly Hills.
Shady huh?
And no, I'm not proud of it.
It's not my sandbox...I'm just playing in it.
I would rather price our cars with a 2K mark-up and sell them without any hassle. We mark-up cars at least 3-4K over what they should be.
To give you an example we were asking $17,900 for a 2006 Camry LE with 41,000 miles. I think it's an outrageous price. I could probably pick up a similar car for about $13,900. But we put that $17.900 out there to try and reel in a whale.
"...We overprice our vehicles by 3-4K on every single unit..."
That is also what most of the dealers in my area do. They usually price 2K over KBB retail and as much as 3K over Edmunds TMV.
I can see why no one touches them. What I don't understand is that "home run" mentality. Do you sell enough at that inflated price to make up for the heavy discounts you have to give later? I just can't believe that there are that many people with "hot pants" who run out and buy a car without any research.
As to your comment about old farts just out to annoy everyone, be careful, they're the only people with any money left.
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
Now don't get me wrong....I like to make money just as much as the next guy. And when these people sign the paperwork they are grown adults making a personal decision.
But there was this one customer who I kinda feel bad for.
They bought a 2005 Chrysler T+C fully loaded from me for $11,991 plus 3K in negative equity. After they got out of the finance office they owed $25,250 on their loan. They bought everything in the back end including life insurance.
Now these people can't get out of their Chrysler for the next 7 years.
I probably could have sold this customer and his family (wife bought a car from me, son bought a car from and his sister in law bought a car from me) a couple more cars but they are so buried in the ones they bought that they can't trade them in.
We went so far over the top that they can't buy anything else. That is bad business in my opinion.
I just can't believe that there are that many people with "hot pants" who run out and buy a car without any research.
How does this surprise you? Most people have no idea who the current vice president is? You also forget, there is a "large" segment of people who are payment buyers. They couldn't tell you the cost of the car or the interest rate - all they know is they bought that car for $275 per month (and probably 72 months - but they don't realize that). I don't blame anyone for this....it's just how people are.
Funny post. And very familiar to me. I stopped by the local GMC dealer on my way home Wednesday. I was in the market for a smaller truck to replace my full sized Ram and they had a 4dr Canyon I was interested in. Did the test drive, liked the truck, but told my salesman that I did not have time for them to appraise the Dodge that day as I had to get home and prep some things for T-Giving dinner the next day, plus the "boss" was not with me. The salesman was an older guy and knew his product and was very low pressure. When I dropped the line about needing to bring back my wife, he just smiled and said " I understand".
Flash forward to Friday, we show up I find my salesman and we swap keys. Take another test drive while the Dodge is appraised and that is waiting on us when we get back. After a few questions, his assistant is back with an offer (my guy was in the middle of another deal when we showed). I bumped them by a grand on the trade and 200 on the already red tagged price of the GMC and boom! We have a deal.
Arrived at the dealer at 11:30 and was eating a burger at the McDonalds up the road from the dealership by 1, with a new truck in the parking lot.
See! It can be done quickly and painlessly if both sides are eager and prepared and lay off the gamesmanship.
BTW...My guy had a really good day. In addition to mine, he moved a used Yukon appeared to be close to closing a couple on a Vibe.
2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee L Limited Velvet Red over Wicker Beige
2024 Audi Q5 Premium Plus Daytona Gray over Beige
2017 BMW X1 Jet Black over Mocha
>Was watching NBC evening news Sunday and just before there was an ad for GM Impalas at employee cost less $3000. You could get a new Impala regular $23,000 for $14,000!!!!!!!
We even print out these corny Kelly Blue Books from the 90210 area code to present a false market price that is more in line with what we want to get for the car.
Does your advertised price specifically state this is from the 90210 zip code, either in the big or fine print? If so, then I see nothing wrong with it.
But if it doesn't then that is clearly wrong and you have confirmed to us that some dealers still have a long way to go until some of us here will view them as "respectable businesses".
And I'm being nice. If I really said what I thought, the post would get deleted by our gracious hosts and I may get kicked out of here.
I was with a friend who just bought an Infiniti G35. We drove by a Nissan dealership and there happened to be a GT-R parked out front of the showroom. We decided to stop to take a look. Here's what happened: The General Manager of the store himself came out to talk to us. He first asked my friend why he didn't look at a Maxima. My friend told him what he paid for the G35 and the Nissan GM agreed he couldn't have touched that price on a similarly equipped Max. Talk then turned to the GT-R. "Why is this one available?" my friend asked. "It was sold but the customer backed out." GM replied. "hmm. How much are you selling it for?" my friend asked. "20k over MSRP. These cars are hot." GM replied. Hmm. "However, if you are interested I can let it go for MSRP." hmm, again. "No thanks, I'm happy with my G." my friend replied. I just laughed and shook my head.
Someone posted about a week ago that Ford Fusions were going for around $15,500, but that was with a sticker of around $20,000. But, with tuition, new house, summer cruise and a bunch of other stuff my wife wants to buy... the new car may have to wait.
That was Joel who did some research for me. It's nothing to scoff at. $15.5K for a Fusion is pretty darn good. I priced out the next level up Fusion SE 4 cylinder with the moonroof package and I can buy one locally for around 17k plus taxes and fees. Not bad for a car that stickers around $22.5k if you ask me.
"And, BTW I don't get angry at ADMs, either. Amused sometimes."
It's not against the law to post ADM's on their vehicles. If you read the fine print in the brochures and even on the window stickers it says "Dealer is free to set their own price" or words to that effect. So if they can get ADM, more power to them. It's called capitalism.
Of course - I know that. If they can sell that Taurus for $200K, who am I to tell them they can't. All I want is laws allowing sufficient competition and requiring sufficient disclosure during transactions. Everything else is up for grabs. Just don't get angry at people offering $15K on $25K Siennas - it's just the flip side of $3K ADM on Suzuki.
Now don't get me wrong....I like to make money just as much as the next guy. And when these people sign the paperwork they are grown adults making a personal decision.
But there was this one customer who I kinda feel bad for.
They bought a 2005 Chrysler T+C fully loaded from me for $11,991 plus 3K in negative equity. After they got out of the finance office they owed $25,250 on their loan. They bought everything in the back end including life insurance.
Now these people can't get out of their Chrysler for the next 7 years.
I probably could have sold this customer and his family (wife bought a car from me, son bought a car from and his sister in law bought a car from me) a couple more cars but they are so buried in the ones they bought that they can't trade them in.
We went so far over the top that they can't buy anything else. That is bad business in my opinion.
Wow! and you seem proud of this? Mack is rolling in his grave right now.
driver & gg, may be an omen to buy, but I just got this months issue of Consumer Reports. They rate 3 of the midsize family sedans I'm interested in... the Hyundai Sonata, Malibu, and the Mazda 6.The 4 cyl Sonata rated 6th (tied with Camry) and the Malibu was 10th. The reviews were pretty good. Nice comfort, safty, reliability, roomy interior, good mpg...Malibu handles better. Throw out the 6 as not much of a discount, I'd be looking at the Sonata, Malibu or the Fusion.
I'm in flip-flop mode right now, so not sure what will happen. The new car auto show is in January or Feb, if prices get better with 0% financing, I will be left with no choice... BUY!
Comments
I once had a Bantam made in Butler, Pa near Pittsburgh in 33.
I no longer live near Pittsburgh, but still watch Football on Sunday...every Sunday. When I'm not looking to buy a car.
2013 Mustang GT, 2001 GMC Yukon Denali
Richard
(I know those numbers don't add up but it is the best I could do without wracking my brain)
2013 LX 570 2016 LS 460
In that case he should have said: "Based on my reasearch a car like this should sell for $xxxx.xx Yours is overpriced in mho." and go from there. Alex could have come back with: "I might be able to lower the price provided the car meets your expectations and you will consider buying it."
2011 Hyundai Sonata, 2014 BMW 428i convertible, 2015 Honda CTX700D
It could very well have been priced so high that the customer might have thought that he could not have negotiated a reasonable price. Until we get more information on the car and its price we can't say for sure.
A few years ago when Suzuki came out with the SX4 someone was on one of these boards praising the car. So I thought I would drop by the local Suzuki dealership to get a look at the car since we were discussing it. Believe it or not on a $16K Suzuki they had a $4K ADM on it. If I were interested in the car I would have looked at that and walked away. Just way to much difference between what I would have paid for the car and what they were asking. Why go into a negotiation that I knew had little chance of resulting in a deal? This could have been a situation like that.
2011 Hyundai Sonata, 2014 BMW 428i convertible, 2015 Honda CTX700D
Don't assume things are the way they appear to be.
If the price came down THAT quickly, I'd guess that car wasn't that hot to begin with. A good example would be a 2009 ZR-1 Corvette which has a MSRP of $103K. IF you can find one you could tell the salesperson that you won't pay ADM in which case they could really careless if you bought it or not as someone will. Similarly with a Nissan GT-R.
2011 Hyundai Sonata, 2014 BMW 428i convertible, 2015 Honda CTX700D
OK no problem, I thought you were critisizing my openning pick up line. Actually your line might work. I once managed a catalogue showroom store where people wrote their orders on a piece of paper, then waited for 20 minutes to be told the product was out of stock. I think some people enjoy being abused and actually like being treated like crap, so you might have something there Rogey.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
The next commercial was for Ford and you could get a new Ford for employee pricing less $1500 gets you a Ford F150 for undr $24,000>
When do they start giving them away?
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
If only people were intelligent enough to express their thoughts in a straight forward honest manner a lot more could be accomplished. It's like when someone cuts me off and I lean on the horn mainly to teach him not to do it next time. And my family therapist wife tells me that won't solve the problem, it will only escalate and you don't know who you are dealing with.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
You sure about that? Does the car come with an engine... that price seems about
$3,000 too low.
If I can get a new Impala for $14,000 I'll start shopping this afternoon. :shades:
I am positive because I almost fell out of my chair. I think it was a local ad from Buffalo though. I'll see if I can find anything on the net. Don't know about hidden costs either....
Also, are you sure you want an Impala. My brother just rented one for the weekend and he thinks it is pretty lame....a box with wheels. I guess for $14,000 though it wouldn't be bad.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
Can't say I've taken a really good look at a Impala in awhile. The Impala has always gotten pretty good reviews with the newest generation, good reliability scores. I would look at it as well as the Malibu...as well as about 5 others (Fusion, LaCrosse, Altima, Mazda 6, maybe a Corolla, Civic or Sonata).
Someone posted about a week ago that Ford Fusions were going for around $15,500, but that was with a sticker of around $20,000. But, with tuition, new house, summer cruise and a bunch of other stuff my wife wants to buy... the new car may have to wait.
Sorry Jip, can't find anything on the web. They did say MSRP was $23,000 and with employee discount less $3000 you could actuaqlly get an Impala for under $14,000.
The numbers would be right but I don't see those 2 extras being added in. Unless it isn't on the net yet or there was fine print aI couldn't see on the 50 inch screen.
I didn't believe it when I saw it...but I'll try to check the commercial before the news today.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
Regarding ADM stickers.....on the consumer's side, right from the get go, those tell me I'm going to be in for a drawn out "[non-permissible content removed]-for-tat" negotiating session because the price is starting higher. The other thing that would come immediately to mind was this particular dealer wants to play games with me. Something I'm not willing to do.
Overall, I would doubt we'd even get inside the dealership if I pulled up and saw ADM stickers on their cars.
2018 430i Gran Coupe
I walked around this Accord and looked inside. The seats were still firm, the paint looked better than it should have looked and it actually ran quite well/ My guess would be that somone will figure out a way to fix it and it'll keep on going. Amazing cars!
Here is the deal with the Lexus.
It's a 2006 400h with 39,000 miles and we are selling it for $31,991. The customer didn't know that it was a hybrid. Of course, when he dismissed me with his hand gesture I wasn't about to go chase him down and reveal that information to him. He was one of those guys that you are better off letting go.
He was the classic case of an old guy whose wife kicked him out of the house the day after Thanksgiving. He was with his son and he had no where else to go...so he thought he would head down to the car dealer and annoy everyone down there.
This is the type of guy who drags his son along so he can show him how to really shop for a car.
"Watch me bully these car salesmen and show you how it's done Junior...."
Whatever.
I've tried all of the cheesy greetings that they have you do when they find a new sales DVD they want you to watch.
"Whose the lucky one...?"
"Are you here for the big sale today?" Yadda yadda yadda.
Really really corny stuff.
I've found that "How can I assist you today" is simple, to the point, and usually elicits a positive response.
If I ask..."How can I help you"....what is the customer going to say?
Either...."No" or "I'm just looking". I'm sure Edmunds and of the other car buying outlets out there for customers teaches the customer to say that.
The way I look at it, if it weren't for people overpaying, it would be alot harder for the "educated consumer" to get great deals. I can get quotes from contractors for the same job that span 5-10K swings. I don't get angry, I just compare the line items and tell them no-thanks.
And, BTW I don't get angry at ADMs, either. Amused sometimes.
2018 430i Gran Coupe
That's not true at all. This guy didn't even know it was a hybrid Lexus 400h but that's besides the point. He was such an a-hole that I wouldn't want to try and bridge the gap with him and get him interested in it. Some customers ain't worth it.
I am OVER THE TOP courteous to people in retail or service oriented fields. Almost to the point that I think it's to much.
I'm not playing this up or going overboard on this response but this is how I would have done it:
"Hey, I don't want to waste you time today...my son and I are out kicking tires and I was just wondering if you could give some info on that Lexus over there?"
At that point I know what I'm dealing with and I can help this guy out and get him on his way.
I don't mind helping people out and letting them drive cars to help them make an informed decision. But it's the 90% of the people out there who have absolutely no regard for what you do for a living.
I don't mind if you don't buy form me but when I call you 5 times and refuse to answer cause you don't have the common courtesy to tell a car salesman that you bought somewhere else it gets frustrating. Why are people so afraid of telling a salesman that they bought something else?
Sometimes when I know the customer is dodging me I use another salesman's cell phone to call the customer. And when they answer right away and I nail them it always makes for a good laugh....for me.....not them.
And what's the deal with these people who come in and use 5 different salesmen to drive 10 different cars?
Does anyone have any loyalty these days? Does anyone have any common courtesy?
You really see how the retail world is evolving. They demand the best but they don't want to pay for it.
We overprice our vehicles by 3-4K on EVERY SINGLE UNIT. Of course, when no one cracks the door on our vehicle for 45 days we reduce the hell out of it but that's beside the point...
Then we see if we can rope some dope into buying it at that price. It's up to the customer to try and get a price that makes sense. We nail some people on the sticker prices, especially if it's a CPO and we can justify it with the warranty. But the point is that the prices on the windows are for the people who come in blind and want to buy now.
We even print out these corny Kelly Blue Books from the 90210 area code to present a false market price that is more in line with what we want to get for the car.
We overprice our vehicles by 3-4K on EVERY SINGLE UNIT. Of course, when no one cracks the door on our vehicle for 45 days we reduce the hell out of it but that's beside the point...
Then we see if we can rope some dope into buying it at that price. It's up to the customer to try and get a price that makes sense. We nail some people on the sticker prices, especially if it's a CPO and we can justify it with the warranty. But the point is that the prices on the windows are for the people who come in blind and want to buy now.
We even print out these corny Kelly Blue Books from the 90210 area code to present a false market price that is more in line with what we want to get for the car.
I.....ummmm.....I....ummmm....WOW! I really don't know how to respond to that. Well, yes I do, but I'll keep it to myself.
You are absolutely correct. It is the worst form of body language and one of the worst insulting techniques. Waving me off with your hand is just as bad as giving me the finger. Neither one elicits a positive response.
Richard
Is it something you are proud of? Wow... Now I really know I would not shop in your place. Putting high stickers is one thing (everybody does that - customers too, when they want to trade their car - all harm in too high asking price is that nobody will buy it), but false reports? :confuse: :sick: If I caught a store doing that, even twenty thosand dollar discount would not help. Once a liar...
2018 430i Gran Coupe
It's not a false report. It's the value of the car in the 90210 zip code. The thing is...it does not say what zip code is being used on the KBB report.
So if you print one out using a 90210 zip code the value of the car will be higher then if you printed it our with a local Chicago zip code. Tricks of the trade.
They also use a Manhattan zip code to see if the KBB value is higher there then Beverly Hills.
Shady huh?
And no, I'm not proud of it.
It's not my sandbox...I'm just playing in it.
I would rather price our cars with a 2K mark-up and sell them without any hassle. We mark-up cars at least 3-4K over what they should be.
To give you an example we were asking $17,900 for a 2006 Camry LE with 41,000 miles. I think it's an outrageous price. I could probably pick up a similar car for about $13,900. But we put that $17.900 out there to try and reel in a whale.
That is also what most of the dealers in my area do. They usually price 2K over KBB retail and as much as 3K over Edmunds TMV.
I can see why no one touches them. What I don't understand is that "home run" mentality. Do you sell enough at that inflated price to make up for the heavy discounts you have to give later? I just can't believe that there are that many people with "hot pants" who run out and buy a car without any research.
As to your comment about old farts just out to annoy everyone, be careful, they're the only people with any money left.
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
And they post on this site. :shades:
Richard
But there was this one customer who I kinda feel bad for.
They bought a 2005 Chrysler T+C fully loaded from me for $11,991 plus 3K in negative equity. After they got out of the finance office they owed $25,250 on their loan. They bought everything in the back end including life insurance.
Now these people can't get out of their Chrysler for the next 7 years.
I probably could have sold this customer and his family (wife bought a car from me, son bought a car from and his sister in law bought a car from me) a couple more cars but they are so buried in the ones they bought that they can't trade them in.
We went so far over the top that they can't buy anything else. That is bad business in my opinion.
How does this surprise you? Most people have no idea who the current vice president is? You also forget, there is a "large" segment of people who are payment buyers. They couldn't tell you the cost of the car or the interest rate - all they know is they bought that car for $275 per month (and probably 72 months - but they don't realize that). I don't blame anyone for this....it's just how people are.
Flash forward to Friday, we show up I find my salesman and we swap keys. Take another test drive while the Dodge is appraised and that is waiting on us when we get back. After a few questions, his assistant is back with an offer (my guy was in the middle of another deal when we showed). I bumped them by a grand on the trade and 200 on the already red tagged price of the GMC and boom! We have a deal.
Arrived at the dealer at 11:30 and was eating a burger at the McDonalds up the road from the dealership by 1, with a new truck in the parking lot.
See! It can be done quickly and painlessly if both sides are eager and prepared and lay off the gamesmanship.
BTW...My guy had a really good day. In addition to mine, he moved a used Yukon appeared to be close to closing a couple on a Vibe.
2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee L Limited Velvet Red over Wicker Beige
2024 Audi Q5 Premium Plus Daytona Gray over Beige
2017 BMW X1 Jet Black over Mocha
O yea' Baby....
bring out the whip and handcuffs
maybe there was a fine print?
* after $3000 down or trade-in value
Does your advertised price specifically state this is from the 90210 zip code, either in the big or fine print? If so, then I see nothing wrong with it.
But if it doesn't then that is clearly wrong and you have confirmed to us that some dealers still have a long way to go until some of us here will view them as "respectable businesses".
And I'm being nice. If I really said what I thought, the post would get deleted by our gracious hosts and I may get kicked out of here.
The General Manager of the store himself came out to talk to us. He first asked my friend why he didn't look at a Maxima. My friend told him what he paid for the G35 and the Nissan GM agreed he couldn't have touched that price on a similarly equipped Max. Talk then turned to the GT-R. "Why is this one available?" my friend asked. "It was sold but the customer backed out." GM replied. "hmm. How much are you selling it for?" my friend asked. "20k over MSRP. These cars are hot." GM replied. Hmm. "However, if you are interested I can let it go for MSRP." hmm, again. "No thanks, I'm happy with my G." my friend replied. I just laughed and shook my head.
That was Joel who did some research for me. It's nothing to scoff at. $15.5K for a Fusion is pretty darn good. I priced out the next level up Fusion SE 4 cylinder with the moonroof package and I can buy one locally for around 17k plus taxes and fees. Not bad for a car that stickers around $22.5k if you ask me.
Actually there's a car buying course put out by the Dale Carnegie institute and the first thing they teach students is to say "Just looking!"
It's not against the law to post ADM's on their vehicles. If you read the fine print in the brochures and even on the window stickers it says "Dealer is free to set their own price" or words to that effect. So if they can get ADM, more power to them. It's called capitalism.
2018 430i Gran Coupe
But there was this one customer who I kinda feel bad for.
They bought a 2005 Chrysler T+C fully loaded from me for $11,991 plus 3K in negative equity. After they got out of the finance office they owed $25,250 on their loan. They bought everything in the back end including life insurance.
Now these people can't get out of their Chrysler for the next 7 years.
I probably could have sold this customer and his family (wife bought a car from me, son bought a car from and his sister in law bought a car from me) a couple more cars but they are so buried in the ones they bought that they can't trade them in.
We went so far over the top that they can't buy anything else. That is bad business in my opinion.
Wow! and you seem proud of this? Mack is rolling in his grave right now.
I'm in flip-flop mode right now, so not sure what will happen. The new car auto show is in January or Feb, if prices get better with 0% financing, I will be left with no choice... BUY!
2013 LX 570 2016 LS 460
Sorry to hear that. Mack was a good guy.