LOL, well since it was my comment you're responding to, I feel I should respond back. Your rant now clearly shows what you're made of. Are you that much of a poor salesman that all you get is the low-life customers who it clearly shows have brought you down to their level?
Virtually every person in the biz that posts here has shared their stories of both bad and good customers. It goes with the territory. Guys like Mack, Moo, Joel, Isell, and others have grown thick skin and don't let the bad ones bring them down.
Let's hear just ONE positive funny story from the front lines from you.
I was at a local Best Buy last week and they had a lot of them. If you're willing to pay for shipping, I can buy it locally and send it to you. I'm in Sacramento.
As luck would have it, I need to go to Best Buy tomorrow anyway.
Craig, Your son would be pleased to know that my 8 year old has been a big supporter of Nintendo products. First the Nintendo DS and now the Wii. I would hate to know how much we Santa Claus has invested in the Nintendo products floating around this house. Mrs. Claus tells me were adding a Xbox or some other contraption to our gaming collection this year. :surprise:
Btw, it is jip that's looking for one this year. I'm the sucker who had to drive 80 miles round trip down a deer filled two lane road late one night to keep everyone happy on Christmas morning last year. I was glad to find one at any price.
But, yeah... those Kirby's were awesome. Fire the thing up and it sounded like a jet plane getting ready to take off.. oh, the sweet unadulterated power of the thing. Always kind of regret selling it.
We bought a used one back in the late '80s and still use it for the rec room and the car interiors. Everything else is handled by a new Miele(I've thoroughly corrupted my wife; not only do her cars have to be German, but the appliances as well-cooktop, double oven, dishwasher...).
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
Son's: 2018 330i xDrive
Nice system! I went with a HSU sub as well- a VTF-3R. I bought my surround and center channel speakers(Klipsch Reference Series) from a "boutique" audio store that gave me great discounts. Ditto for my Denon 2808. I used BJC speaker cables/terminations and AR interconnects. Tripp Lite handles the surge suppression. I also did the install and setup myself- I love Audyssey MultEQ XT!!! I'm very happy with the sound. I'm going to pull the trigger on a 52" LCD and a Panasonic BD-35K in the next couple of weeks, then I'll be finished. For a while anyway...
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
Son's: 2018 330i xDrive
BTW, I believe that most car salespeople that post here are not much different just that they aren't so vocal about it. Right Greenpea?
I am not much different than Alerjo..... But I never could be a vacuum salesperson.... At least in car sales the customer comes to us.... I eould feel rude going to someones house and pushing a product on them..... Believe me I tried.
2 hours from arrival to departure at the most? $100 / 2 hours = $50 per hour. I WISH I MADE $50 PER HOUR!!!
Your not takeing into account everything that happens after the sale..... Ussualy about 1.5 - 3 hours of work after the fact..... The other thing is a typical deal even when the customer knows the price up front can still take at least 3 hours from the time they get here till they leave because of many reasons... papaer work stuff.
So a typical deal can take up to 5 hours of work easily.
More than one? Would that be two? Three? Even if it were a truly random sample, which it most definitely is not, the error bars would be at least plus or minus 30% with as many as 10 "respondents." Your data and conclusions are simply invalid. How many customers did not say that?
Every market is different... he is in a huge market with a lot of competition. Until you have walked in these shoes don't judge.
I emailed the dealer asking for a quote on the exact truck that I wanted, and he emailed me back with the price of $19,015 without the 2.9 percent financing and $19,515 with the 2.9 percent financing.
Not only the 5 hours of work....Also, the cost of the dealership to function....electric, maintenance, cost of the other type of workers, and don't forget...most of the new super duper dealerships now even offer free coffee and donuts. It all adds up.
Not to mention if it was a prospect you had been working for several days who has been requesting email quotes and faxed quotes on several different cars.
I have worked prospects for 6 months before. Communicating with some of them on a weekly basis :sick: But as long as in the end it results in a sale then its all good.
Nahhhh. I for one enjoy the rant stories more than the sugar coated delights. Maybe I can relate to some of the negative emotions.
I agree that if alejandron is feeling so negative towards EVERY customer he may be getting burned out. He has a right to FEEL any way he wants but if it starts effecting his job performance it might be time to take a break.
I myself will withhold judgment and hope that we get some good stories that don't involve household appliances.
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
joel.....KUDOS to you. Now, I consider you a person who takes the time to "know" the customer and who thinks "outside the box" to close a deal. As you mentioned, if you've got a "low baller" on your hands, you look for aged stock that may have extra incentives to close the deal. I would imagine some of the "vets" here would do the same.
As opposed to railing against the customer for trying to get a "skinny" deal. There's a reason that some of the "old timers" who post here have been around awhile. They look for different ways to make a "looker" into a "customer".
roadburner...The HSU VTF 3 is the exact sub I've got. Great piece! I went for the black "industrial look" version. If I still had a spouse, that would have been a non-starter because of its size and "finish". As it stands, I've got it tucked to the side of one of my front seating positions....almost like an end table.
Did all of my cabling as a DIY project. Bought a huge spool of 12 gauge "esoteric" speaker wire (at a big discount) from a boutique AV store that was going out of business. Did the terminators myself (banana plugs...gold over brass fittings) and ran it through the walls and ceiling before the sheet rock went up. Stiff and hard to work with, but very "heavy duty". I was stuck between the Denon and Pioneer Elite. All good stuff. Final choice came down to having the Pioneer plasma display, so may as well get some of the small advantage of interoperability by going with Pioneer.
Aside from some minor trim finishing work (mainly hiding the connections coming out of the wall with faceplates), I'm finished, too.
If you really want that Panasonic Blu Ray BD 35, I was in Costco last night. They had them for $80 off (or $199). That makes it one of the best stand alone blu ray players for about the cheapest price you'll find. I'm thinking of scoring one of those today, and relegating my PS3 to strictly gaming (I'm not a gamer, but my son is).
As a caveat, I had a friend buy one of those "black Friday" no name, blu ray player specials (I think he paid $150 for it). It's already broke. Might want to stay away from those.
I do like those Sony LCDs.....very, very nice. I just wanted to go "bigger". Largest one Sony had was a 52". That's the only reason I didn't pull the trigger on it.
I was at a local Best Buy last week and they had a lot of them. If you're willing to pay for shipping, I can buy it locally and send it to you. I'm in Sacramento.
You guys are gonna make me cry. Another very kind gesture, verdugo. Thanks for the offer. But, I'll try the stores around here for a week or so. If nothing comes up, then I'll throw up an S.O.S. My son already has a Playstation 2 and Gameboy DS... but the Wii looks like something we all could enjoy.
I tried five stores last week for the Wii with no luck. I found it on line at Best Buy. It came in just three days. I also purchased four games with it. Two of the games were on sale for $23.95 but I had to pay $49.95 regular price for the other two. The Wii is not for us. It's for my nephew's two boys. We're a small family and they are the only children in our little clan. We enjoy spoiling them.
BTW, I am disappointed to read here that a couple of our regular sales posters don't want us consumers on this site. They have always been really nice up until now. In fact, one of them who I thought was a friend has been ignoring me. I don't know what has happened to change their minds, unless their true colors are just now coming out of the closet. I feel that if the Hosts didn't want us here, they would let us know. Oh well, that's life. I'm like Driver; I don't have to place myself in a negative environment. Besides, there are other salesmen here who don't seem to mind our posts.
Costco will usually let you go on a waiting list. Also, Target (around here) gets stock in on Saturday and Tuesday morning. This fall, when the wii fit was in high demand I gave the clerk my cell phone number and a $20 on saturday monring. When they came in he called and I went to pick it up.
We purchased a Miele vacuum last year. It is the best one we have had in 40 years. I balked at the price when my wife wanted it, but now I realize that it was worth it. That vacuum really cleans a house. Our dealer also will repair it for free if anything goes wrong with it. Some products are still quality made.
BTW, I am disappointed to read here that a couple of our regular sales posters don't want us consumers on this site.
If there were no consumers on the forum it would really be pretty boring wouldn't it? I put my tales up for the benefit of the folks not in the car biz, not those who are. For every story ever told here any one who has 5+ years in the biz has seen some type of the same thing happen.
A grinders a grinder
A lay down is a lay down
A squirrel is a squirrel.
BTW can I make this my new signature??
Ford Motor Co. CEO Alan Mulally said his company doesn't immediately need loans but is supporting GM and Chrysler to prevent a failure and the consequential collapse of the domestic parts supply base
My wife won a Wii from her work about 2 years ago right when they first came out. We should have sold it as they were super hot back then, instead we had it sitting in the box for about 6 months as we were busy planning our wedding.
Poll:
I just picked up a few boxes of Christmas cards to mail out to my customers. Just curious... do you other sales guy do that, or birthday card even?
How about the non car sales staff..do you ever receive any greeting cards from your car salespeople?
Would you find it nice or creepy if your salesperson called you on your birthday?
Our attorney and our insurance agent send us Christmas cards. Our insurance agent always calls on our birthdays. We've never had a Christmas card from a car salesman. I think that it is a nice thing for you to do.
Looks like I'll have to play hardball and turn it up a notch. Wallyworld out and Target out this late morning. They are also out of stock online ... as well as Best Buy. I'll try hitting the stores when they open first thing in the morning.
Richard- Try not to worry about it. Could be just a bad month selling, with the economy and all.
boom- A Nissan saleslady has been sending me Christmas cards for the last 4 years, and I only chatted with her briefly during a new car show. Now that's a go-geter. If I ever decide to get an Altima... she'll get first call.
Couldn't help but think of our "SFTSF" discussion here on Edmunds while at Walgreens a bit ago. A sweet little sold lady was talking to an assistant manager about this giant snowflake decoration ($20). I didn't overhear why she wasn't buying, but the manager suggested she buy now, as "I can't promise they'll still be here when you get back... a lot of people will be decorating this weekend". There were 3 left. Personally don't think there will be a rush on giant snowflake decorations. She just smiled and said "o.k... well... that's alright". Think this assistant manager ever sold any cars?
"...Would you find it nice or creepy if your salesperson called you on your birthday?..."
I would find it creepy if ANYONE called me on my birthday as I am trying to forget how old I am.
For the record, the only contact I have had with my salesman since I bought last January was when I called him to ask if I was going to get a CSI so I could give him a perfect score.
On the last used car I bought I never heard from the salesman and then the dealership went out of business. The used car before that I did get a follow-up call from the salesman but since I had to go over his head to the SM to get the price I wanted I was not anxious to chit chat with him.
Beyond that I have never heard from any dealer after the sale. Maybe that's just a New Yorker kind of thing.
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
The only way I was able to get a Wii last year was I made a list of all the stores within 30 minutes of me that carried them. Every morning I would call every store on my list and ask if any came in last night. I had about 18 stores on my list and on the 8th or 9th day a Game Stop store had one. The guy said, cool I have been waiting for you to call, hurry up and get down here.
Isn't it amazing what price point will do for a product. A Wii at $250 is impossible to get while a PS# at $399/$499 are a dime a dozen.
How about the non car sales staff..do you ever receive any greeting cards from your car salespeople?
Nope, but I still get cards and calenders from the real estate agent that we used when we sold our old house 7 years ago. I am sure we will use her again when we sell this house (if she is still working then).
2011 Hyundai Sonata, 2014 BMW 428i convertible, 2015 Honda CTX700D
Did all of my cabling as a DIY project. Bought a huge spool of 12 gauge "esoteric" speaker wire (at a big discount) from a boutique AV store that was going out of business. Did the terminators myself (banana plugs...gold over brass fittings) and ran it through the walls and ceiling before the sheet rock went up. Stiff and hard to work with, but very "heavy duty".
My shop sold me a big spool of Monster in-wall THX-certified cable when I installed my first system. When we remodeled the family room and kitchen I rotated the system ninety degrees and went from 6.1 to 7.1. I had electricians fish the BJC cable but I finished out everything else.
If you really want that Panasonic Blu Ray BD 35, I was in Costco last night. They had them for $80 off (or $199). That makes it one of the best stand alone blu ray players for about the cheapest price you'll find.
Thanks! I'm going to check that out.
I do like those Sony LCDs.....very, very nice. I just wanted to go "bigger". Largest one Sony had was a 52". That's the only reason I didn't pull the trigger on it.
My viewing distance will be @8' so a 52" will be just big enough; I'm leaning towards an XBR6. I'd go with a 50" Kuro but my room has too many windows- I need a matte screen...
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
Son's: 2018 330i xDrive
We purchased a Miele vacuum last year. It is the best one we have had in 40 years. I balked at the price when my wife wanted it, but now I realize that it was worth it.
When we were remodeling the kitchen my wife wanted a double convection oven. I asked for some recommendations on another site and a couple of guys tried to tell me that we really didn't "need" a double oven. My response?
"SWMBO doesn't ask why I'm looking for a 300+ hp 155 mph car to drive to work, and I'm not asking her why she needs a double oven. Hell, I don't care if she gets a triple oven."
She ended up with a Miele, by the way...
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
Son's: 2018 330i xDrive
I do like those Sony LCDs.....very, very nice. I just wanted to go "bigger". Largest one Sony had was a 52". That's the only reason I didn't pull the trigger on it.
I have a friend that has something like this
Being projected on a 96" screen. It is simply amazing, just love watching movies at his place.
2011 Hyundai Sonata, 2014 BMW 428i convertible, 2015 Honda CTX700D
It wasn't a judgement. I simply questioned the validity of making broad generalizations based on what "one or two" anonymous customers may have said. The fact that it was in a huge market with lots of competition only reinforces the idea that "one or two" is grossly inadequate for reasonable or even plausible inference.
"...and I'm not asking her why she needs a double oven."
I can tell that you can't boil water. :P If you cooked, you would know the value of a double oven. We wouldn't be without them. Think of it this way: A two seater car vs. a four seater car.
I just picked up a few boxes of Christmas cards to mail out to my customers. Just curious... do you other sales guy do that, or birthday card even? How about the non car sales staff..do you ever receive any greeting cards from your car salespeople? Would you find it nice or creepy if your salesperson called you on your birthday?
Our Jeep salesman sends birthday cards to my wife and me. Quarterly we receive a newsletter from him. On one side, its a folksy newsletter about what is happening in his life. "Tree limb fell on the garage, fighting fire ants all over the yard, went to the classic car meet, we need rain, etc." The other side is car related. He lists his customer's names, what they bought, and the date of sale. Repeat customers are in bold. There's usually a section about upcoming arrivals. "We got our first Challenger today. The new Ram is in and boy, she's hot!" etc. We might get a Christmas card but I can't recall. I think we also get a "happy anniversary" call on the date of purchase of the Jeep. The postage is run through the dealership postage meter so I don't know if he reimburses them for postage or if the dealer picks up the tab.
I don't mind it at all. I actually enjoy receiving the newsletter -- then again, I hang out on Edmunds, so anything car related intrigues me. Occasionally I will recognize a familiar name. I'm not a diehard fan of any particular brand, but if a CDJ was on the list I would seek him out first. I would recommend him to friends if they expressed interest in a CDJ. I think it is a nice way to keep yourself in front of your customers.
Of all the cars that I have bought, no one has ever followed up like him, therefore, I couldn't tell you their names today if a million bucks was on the line. Even if I liked them, I wouldn't know who to return to.
EDIT: the realestate lady sends cards and tokens out constantly. I think we got a "happy fall season" card a month or so ago.
The other side is car related. He lists his customer's names, what they bought, and the date of sale.
Not sure I would want him sending to all his customers what I bought and when I bought it. Seems to me that would be a bit on the unethical side unless the customer agrees with it.
2011 Hyundai Sonata, 2014 BMW 428i convertible, 2015 Honda CTX700D
I don't know if ethics come into play in it. Some may say identity issues may come up but by the letter of the law it is no problem because he is not sharing any information that can't be found by public record.
I think it is a fantastic idea and if I was to ever go back into sales would considered doing it myself. My sister does something like it in her Realty biz. I used to take a picture of myself with the customer infront of there new car and had the album on my desk for people to look through. If they were local they always found some one they new.
If one wants they can go to there county clerk and get a list of name,adress, and VIN # of every car registered in there county. Thats where you get all the junk mail about AM warranties all the time.
Part of our paper work states we can use your name and likeness in advertising.
I had a newsletter that I sent out to my Honda customers as well. I am working on on making it quarterly too. It used to be called (Boomchek's) Honda News, but now since I don't sell Hondas I'll just call it (Boomchek's) Auto News.
I don't think listing names of recent customers who bought is a bad idea, as long as there's no last name involved. It would read something like this:
Congrats to these new customers on their purchases: Bob and Lucy: 2008 Jeep Liberty John and Cathy: 2009 Dodge Caliber Joe and Mary Jane: 1999 Dodge Neon
etc...
My newsletter is a mix of my personal life info and car news. Last thing I need to do is bore my customers to death (especially who just bought) with current offers and boring auto talk that they might not care about.
I also had cheapo fridge magnets with my name on them (basically a fridge magnet version of my business card. Good idea because most of the times people keep fridge magnets for ever, so your face stays in your customer's kitchen for many years.
When time permits I'll get back to doing some more personal promotions. It's fun and easy and the costs are a tax writeoff for me anyways.
Thanks for everyone's input about the Christmas and Birthday cards. My wife thought it might be creepy if I call my customers on their birthday since I'm not really their friends.....
Not sure I would want him sending to all his customers what I bought and when I bought it. Seems to me that would be a bit on the unethical side unless the customer agrees with it.
I guess no one has ever complained. I didn't mind it. As far a that goes, my county puts many records online. If you knew my real name, you could look up and see how much I borrowed to buy my house in 2005. You could also see how much my home equity line of credit is, tax value of the property, exact amount of property tax paid, plat, deed, etc. Another section will show you how much the taxes were on my vehicles. Judgments, mechanics leins, federal & state tax leins, claim & delivery (?) and lis pendens (?) are all there too.
All in all, not much privacy. If you want to know the poop on your neighbors and friends, this is the place to go. Of course, if you want to do it the hard way you can go to the courthouse too.
Thanks for everyone's input about the Christmas and Birthday cards. My wife thought it might be creepy if I call my customers on their birthday since I'm not really their friends.....
Most people like getting mail and a birthday card would be appreciated by most people....not my wife though, she wouldn't like it - the fact someone was checking out her birthdate...that's a bit creepy. Maybe just male customers, er on second thought maybe that's creepier :sick:
I think a card on the anniversary date of buying the car might be nice, just a reminder of the salesmans name...maybe a "I hope you are enjoying your __________".
Once I bought a car and he took my picture and put it on a wall with all these other pictures of people with their new cars. Might cause a problem if you leave that dealership or if your walls are small. Guess it isn't done too much any more.
My sister does something like it in her Realty biz.
You just mentioned a woman in the Realty biz, ‘snake’ did and so did ‘traindriver’. Are there any guys still in that biz? We’re on our fourth house and other than the first and third ones that we had built, all the sales and purchases have been by the ladies.
Mrs. jmonroe brings home the realty booklets all the time and when she points out a house, I can’t remember the last time I saw a guys picture in those sales booklets. She says she’s ‘just looking’, (I know you guys in the biz don’t like those words but they scare the hell out of me) and she better be right, cause I ain’t goin no where. And the ladies have the gall to talk about the price of men’s toys.
Topic thing: I don’t know what these tough times in the realty biz have done to all of those experienced saleswomen but the ones I’ve dealt with always seemed to be driving upscale cars. So much so that Mrs. jmonroe used to say I was in the wrong business. I shrugged that off by saying, “that’s women’s work just like kitchen duty and carpet sweeping”. :surprise: I’m going to take a guess and say they are (were) probably some of your best customers. At least it looked that way in my area.
jmonroe
'15 Genesis V8 with Ultimate Package and '18 Legacy Limited 6 cyl
rogeliov wrote; " That's why I wait until after 4pm on black friday. The crowds have thinned out and I usually find what I'm looking for anyway. I just bought the first three seasons of HBO's "Entourage" for $9.99 per season. Well, season three is a two set DVD set so all total was $40.00 bucks plus tax. That guy Ari now drives a Ferrari. Previous episodes he had a Lexus LS460, and before that a BMW 7 series. It's a great show, lots of comedy, action, and lots of BEAUTIFUL California girls! Schwing! " Which begs the current Wall St black humor in the difference between a hedge fund manager and a pigeon . The pigeon can still make a deposit on a Ferrari. Beautiful California Girls will endure but perhaps HGTV might entitle their series flop that house!
richard 64 wrote: " That's how I read your post, too. So much for being thoughtful, right? I hope your father enjoys his new truck. Though it was a terrible Toyota dealer and salesman that brought me to this forum, your experience goes to show that not all dealers and salesmen are alike. That's what I learned by coming here. People like Mack, Joel, greenpea, and others showed me this. " Aye sir, they wear their heart on their sleeve and give a damn about their customers, Currently we face a situation where rhetoric may win over common sense. It's easy to say about the "three " they made their own bed. But did we allow them an out on the UAW or acknowedge that yes Japanese/ German equivalents are superior and if you had $2,000 extra to put toward luxury wouldn't you be as well ( GM health care benefit deficit) But cost: benefit analysis says that 2.5-3 milion on the unemployment rolls is not a wise decision nor is the loss of 8000 manufacturers/ suppliers/distributors and the subsequent replacement of chinese auto parts and the question of did they use real brake parts in my brake job or was cardboard cheaper this week ?
On one hand, I do understand where alej is coming from. My business is a wholesale business selling to retailers. But, about 10 times a year we allow the public in. 80% of the people are wonderful, but that other 20% should not be allowed out in public. Completely ignorant, and though they are a minority they are the one's that make the biggest impression. MEY!
I hadn't thought about that part of the car sales business before, but now I do have some sympathy for youz guys. I thought it was basically kind of a fun business, people coming in and buying something they want and enjoy....what could be more fun than that. I even considered it as a little job to keep me occupied when retired. Based on the crusty stories I am not so sure. Maybe used cars where the dealer isn't pushy and needs every dollar. I could not prostitute myself to work at alej's Toyota dealership.......that would make me pretty nasty too. I drove taxi cabs when I was going to university.....there you see a lot of losers all day too...80% are too drunk to drive home, welfare people picking up their check, people who need a carton of cigarettes at 3 am etc., if you do it for too long or because you need to to live it will ruin you eventually. alej, get out while you still can, there is hope if you do it before you get too bitter.
Here is the Driver simple rescue plan for the Big 3.
Since Ford planned ahead and showed some smarts they get to continue. GM and Chrysler go bankrupt. Ford gets to buy their successful lines, Caddie, Chev, Jeep, and a few trucks. (By the way, it is interesting that though Ford F150 is best selling vehicle in the world, if you add up the Chevy and GMC twins they actually sell more - tells you something about duplicate lines). This will keep the most people working, will filter out the poor performing vehicle lines, and manufactures that didn't plan well. The Big 3 are blaming the recession for their problems but the truth is it would have happened eventually any way, just would have taken longer. Cost for the taxpayers and government should be less. Work can continue on the Volt or other cars and they will be brought to market. GM and Chryco get some shares in Ford and hope they can get Ford turned around. America is still in the automobile business and people can still buy American if they wish. New contracts can be made with UAW etc.and close plants that aren't productive.
Comments
Virtually every person in the biz that posts here has shared their stories of both bad and good customers. It goes with the territory. Guys like Mack, Moo, Joel, Isell, and others have grown thick skin and don't let the bad ones bring them down.
Let's hear just ONE positive funny story from the front lines from you.
Don't look for a discount. Not everything has to be discounted to sell.
I'm glad I have him to teach me how to work ours!
Thse things are INCREDIBLE!
I was the Charter Member here!
As luck would have it, I need to go to Best Buy tomorrow anyway.
Your son would be pleased to know that my 8 year old has been a big supporter of Nintendo products. First the Nintendo DS and now the Wii. I would hate to know how much
weSanta Claus has invested in the Nintendo products floating around this house. Mrs. Claus tells me were adding a Xbox or some other contraption to our gaming collection this year. :surprise:Btw, it is jip that's looking for one this year. I'm the sucker who had to drive 80 miles round trip down a deer filled two lane road late one night to keep everyone happy on Christmas morning last year. I was glad to find one at any price.
We bought a used one back in the late '80s and still use it for the rec room and the car interiors. Everything else is handled by a new Miele(I've thoroughly corrupted my wife; not only do her cars have to be German, but the appliances as well-cooktop, double oven, dishwasher...).
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
Son's: 2018 330i xDrive
For a while anyway...
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
Son's: 2018 330i xDrive
I am not much different than Alerjo..... But I never could be a vacuum salesperson.... At least in car sales the customer comes to us.... I eould feel rude going to someones house and pushing a product on them..... Believe me I tried.
GP
Your not takeing into account everything that happens after the sale..... Ussualy about 1.5 - 3 hours of work after the fact..... The other thing is a typical deal even when the customer knows the price up front can still take at least 3 hours from the time they get here till they leave because of many reasons... papaer work stuff.
So a typical deal can take up to 5 hours of work easily.
GP
Every market is different... he is in a huge market with a lot of competition. Until you have walked in these shoes don't judge.
GP
Where did you get your deal?....... Boch or Ira?
nortsr
I have worked prospects for 6 months before. Communicating with some of them on a weekly basis :sick: But as long as in the end it results in a sale then its all good.
Don't forget the button which says "Who wants to sell me a car today?".
2011 Hyundai Sonata, 2014 BMW 428i convertible, 2015 Honda CTX700D
2011 Hyundai Sonata, 2014 BMW 428i convertible, 2015 Honda CTX700D
Nahhhh. I for one enjoy the rant stories more than the sugar coated delights. Maybe I can relate to some of the negative emotions.
I agree that if alejandron is feeling so negative towards EVERY customer he may be getting burned out. He has a right to FEEL any way he wants but if it starts effecting his job performance it might be time to take a break.
I myself will withhold judgment and hope that we get some good stories that don't involve household appliances.
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
Gee, last time I bought I had to raid the SM office to find any coffee. No donuts though, his desk was locked. I'll bring a crowbar next time.
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
As opposed to railing against the customer for trying to get a "skinny" deal. There's a reason that some of the "old timers" who post here have been around awhile. They look for different ways to make a "looker" into a "customer".
roadburner...The HSU VTF 3 is the exact sub I've got. Great piece! I went for the black "industrial look" version. If I still had a spouse, that would have been a non-starter because of its size and "finish". As it stands, I've got it tucked to the side of one of my front seating positions....almost like an end table.
Did all of my cabling as a DIY project. Bought a huge spool of 12 gauge "esoteric" speaker wire (at a big discount) from a boutique AV store that was going out of business. Did the terminators myself (banana plugs...gold over brass fittings) and ran it through the walls and ceiling before the sheet rock went up. Stiff and hard to work with, but very "heavy duty". I was stuck between the Denon and Pioneer Elite. All good stuff. Final choice came down to having the Pioneer plasma display, so may as well get some of the small advantage of interoperability by going with Pioneer.
Aside from some minor trim finishing work (mainly hiding the connections coming out of the wall with faceplates), I'm finished, too.
If you really want that Panasonic Blu Ray BD 35, I was in Costco last night. They had them for $80 off (or $199). That makes it one of the best stand alone blu ray players for about the cheapest price you'll find. I'm thinking of scoring one of those today, and relegating my PS3 to strictly gaming (I'm not a gamer, but my son is).
As a caveat, I had a friend buy one of those "black Friday" no name, blu ray player specials (I think he paid $150 for it). It's already broke. Might want to stay away from those.
I do like those Sony LCDs.....very, very nice. I just wanted to go "bigger". Largest one Sony had was a 52". That's the only reason I didn't pull the trigger on it.
You guys are gonna make me cry. Another very kind gesture, verdugo. Thanks for the offer. But, I'll try the stores around here for a week or so. If nothing comes up, then I'll throw up an S.O.S. My son already has a Playstation 2 and Gameboy DS... but the Wii looks like something we all could enjoy.
BTW, I am disappointed to read here that a couple of our regular sales posters don't want us consumers on this site. They have always been really nice up until now. In fact, one of them who I thought was a friend has been ignoring me. I don't know what has happened to change their minds, unless their true colors are just now coming out of the closet. I feel that if the Hosts didn't want us here, they would let us know. Oh well, that's life. I'm like Driver; I don't have to place myself in a negative environment. Besides, there are other salesmen here who don't seem to mind our posts.
Richard
Costco will usually let you go on a waiting list. Also, Target (around here) gets stock in on Saturday and Tuesday morning. This fall, when the wii fit was in high demand I gave the clerk my cell phone number and a $20 on saturday monring. When they came in he called and I went to pick it up.
good luck..
Richard
If there were no consumers on the forum it would really be pretty boring wouldn't it? I put my tales up for the benefit of the folks not in the car biz, not those who are. For every story ever told here any one who has 5+ years in the biz has seen some type of the same thing happen.
A grinders a grinder
A lay down is a lay down
A squirrel is a squirrel.
BTW can I make this my new signature??
Ford Motor Co. CEO Alan Mulally said his company doesn't immediately need loans but is supporting GM and Chrysler to prevent a failure and the consequential collapse of the domestic parts supply base
Poll:
I just picked up a few boxes of Christmas cards to mail out to my customers. Just curious... do you other sales guy do that, or birthday card even?
How about the non car sales staff..do you ever receive any greeting cards from your car salespeople?
Would you find it nice or creepy if your salesperson called you on your birthday?
Curious to know :surprise:
2016 Audi A7 3.0T S Line, 2021 Subaru WRX
Richard
Richard
Looks like I'll have to play hardball and turn it up a notch. Wallyworld out and Target out this late morning. They are also out of stock online ... as well as Best Buy. I'll try hitting the stores when they open first thing in the morning.
Richard- Try not to worry about it. Could be just a bad month selling, with the economy and all.
boom- A Nissan saleslady has been sending me Christmas cards for the last 4 years, and I only chatted with her briefly during a new car show. Now that's a go-geter. If I ever decide to get an Altima... she'll get first call.
Couldn't help but think of our "SFTSF" discussion here on Edmunds while at Walgreens a bit ago. A sweet little sold lady was talking to an assistant manager about this giant snowflake decoration ($20). I didn't overhear why she wasn't buying, but the manager suggested she buy now, as "I can't promise they'll still be here when you get back... a lot of people will be decorating this weekend". There were 3 left. Personally don't think there will be a rush on giant snowflake decorations. She just smiled and said "o.k... well... that's alright". Think this assistant manager ever sold any cars?
I would find it creepy if ANYONE called me on my birthday as I am trying to forget how old I am.
For the record, the only contact I have had with my salesman since I bought last January was when I called him to ask if I was going to get a CSI so I could give him a perfect score.
On the last used car I bought I never heard from the salesman and then the dealership went out of business. The used car before that I did get a follow-up call from the salesman but since I had to go over his head to the SM to get the price I wanted I was not anxious to chit chat with him.
Beyond that I have never heard from any dealer after the sale. Maybe that's just a New Yorker kind of thing.
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
Isn't it amazing what price point will do for a product. A Wii at $250 is impossible to get while a PS# at $399/$499 are a dime a dozen.
Nope, but I still get cards and calenders from the real estate agent that we used when we sold our old house 7 years ago. I am sure we will use her again when we sell this house (if she is still working then).
2011 Hyundai Sonata, 2014 BMW 428i convertible, 2015 Honda CTX700D
My shop sold me a big spool of Monster in-wall THX-certified cable when I installed my first system. When we remodeled the family room and kitchen I rotated the system ninety degrees and went from 6.1 to 7.1. I had electricians fish the BJC cable but I finished out everything else.
If you really want that Panasonic Blu Ray BD 35, I was in Costco last night. They had them for $80 off (or $199). That makes it one of the best stand alone blu ray players for about the cheapest price you'll find.
Thanks! I'm going to check that out.
I do like those Sony LCDs.....very, very nice. I just wanted to go "bigger". Largest one Sony had was a 52". That's the only reason I didn't pull the trigger on it.
My viewing distance will be @8' so a 52" will be just big enough; I'm leaning towards an XBR6. I'd go with a 50" Kuro but my room has too many windows- I need a matte screen...
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
Son's: 2018 330i xDrive
When we were remodeling the kitchen my wife wanted a double convection oven. I asked for some recommendations on another site and a couple of guys tried to tell me that we really didn't "need" a double oven. My response?
"SWMBO doesn't ask why I'm looking for a 300+ hp 155 mph car to drive
to work, and I'm not asking her why she needs a double oven. Hell, I
don't care if she gets a triple oven."
She ended up with a Miele, by the way...
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
Son's: 2018 330i xDrive
I have a friend that has something like this
Being projected on a 96" screen. It is simply amazing, just love watching movies at his place.
2011 Hyundai Sonata, 2014 BMW 428i convertible, 2015 Honda CTX700D
It wasn't a judgement. I simply questioned the validity of making broad generalizations based on what "one or two" anonymous customers may have said. The fact that it was in a huge market with lots of competition only reinforces the idea that "one or two" is grossly inadequate for reasonable or even plausible inference.
tidester, host
SUVs and Smart Shopper
Don't mind me I am little testy today.... only had 3.5 hours sleep :sick:
GP
Your dealship has gone to 20.5 hour shift? Now that's what I call a tough place to work.
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
I can tell that you can't boil water. :P If you cooked, you would know the value of a double oven. We wouldn't be without them. Think of it this way: A two seater car vs. a four seater car.
Richard
How about the non car sales staff..do you ever receive any greeting cards from your car salespeople?
Would you find it nice or creepy if your salesperson called you on your birthday?
Our Jeep salesman sends birthday cards to my wife and me. Quarterly we receive a newsletter from him. On one side, its a folksy newsletter about what is happening in his life. "Tree limb fell on the garage, fighting fire ants all over the yard, went to the classic car meet, we need rain, etc." The other side is car related. He lists his customer's names, what they bought, and the date of sale. Repeat customers are in bold. There's usually a section about upcoming arrivals. "We got our first Challenger today. The new Ram is in and boy, she's hot!" etc.
We might get a Christmas card but I can't recall. I think we also get a "happy anniversary" call on the date of purchase of the Jeep. The postage is run through the dealership postage meter so I don't know if he reimburses them for postage or if the dealer picks up the tab.
I don't mind it at all. I actually enjoy receiving the newsletter -- then again, I hang out on Edmunds, so anything car related intrigues me. Occasionally I will recognize a familiar name. I'm not a diehard fan of any particular brand, but if a CDJ was on the list I would seek him out first. I would recommend him to friends if they expressed interest in a CDJ. I think it is a nice way to keep yourself in front of your customers.
Of all the cars that I have bought, no one has ever followed up like him, therefore, I couldn't tell you their names today if a million bucks was on the line. Even if I liked them, I wouldn't know who to return to.
EDIT: the realestate lady sends cards and tokens out constantly. I think we got a "happy fall season" card a month or so ago.
Not sure I would want him sending to all his customers what I bought and when I bought it. Seems to me that would be a bit on the unethical side unless the customer agrees with it.
2011 Hyundai Sonata, 2014 BMW 428i convertible, 2015 Honda CTX700D
I've had a lot going on lately and I haven't spoken up much in these forums.
I think it is a fantastic idea and if I was to ever go back into sales would considered doing it myself. My sister does something like it in her Realty biz. I used to take a picture of myself with the customer infront of there new car and had the album on my desk for people to look through. If they were local they always found some one they new.
If one wants they can go to there county clerk and get a list of name,adress, and VIN # of every car registered in there county. Thats where you get all the junk mail about AM warranties all the time.
Part of our paper work states we can use your name and likeness in advertising.
I don't think listing names of recent customers who bought is a bad idea, as long as there's no last name involved. It would read something like this:
Congrats to these new customers on their purchases:
Bob and Lucy: 2008 Jeep Liberty
John and Cathy: 2009 Dodge Caliber
Joe and Mary Jane: 1999 Dodge Neon
etc...
My newsletter is a mix of my personal life info and car news. Last thing I need to do is bore my customers to death (especially who just bought) with current offers and boring auto talk that they might not care about.
I also had cheapo fridge magnets with my name on them (basically a fridge magnet version of my business card. Good idea because most of the times people keep fridge magnets for ever, so your face stays in your customer's kitchen for many years.
When time permits I'll get back to doing some more personal promotions. It's fun and easy and the costs are a tax writeoff for me anyways.
Thanks for everyone's input about the Christmas and Birthday cards. My wife thought it might be creepy if I call my customers on their birthday since I'm not really their friends.....
2016 Audi A7 3.0T S Line, 2021 Subaru WRX
I guess no one has ever complained. I didn't mind it. As far a that goes, my county puts many records online. If you knew my real name, you could look up and see how much I borrowed to buy my house in 2005. You could also see how much my home equity line of credit is, tax value of the property, exact amount of property tax paid, plat, deed, etc. Another section will show you how much the taxes were on my vehicles. Judgments, mechanics leins, federal & state tax leins, claim & delivery (?) and lis pendens (?) are all there too.
All in all, not much privacy. If you want to know the poop on your neighbors and friends, this is the place to go. Of course, if you want to do it the hard way you can go to the courthouse too.
Most people like getting mail and a birthday card would be appreciated by most people....not my wife though, she wouldn't like it - the fact someone was checking out her birthdate...that's a bit creepy. Maybe just male customers, er on second thought maybe that's creepier :sick:
I think a card on the anniversary date of buying the car might be nice, just a reminder of the salesmans name...maybe a "I hope you are enjoying your __________".
Once I bought a car and he took my picture and put it on a wall with all these other pictures of people with their new cars. Might cause a problem if you leave that dealership or if your walls are small. Guess it isn't done too much any more.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
You just mentioned a woman in the Realty biz, ‘snake’ did and so did ‘traindriver’. Are there any guys still in that biz? We’re on our fourth house and other than the first and third ones that we had built, all the sales and purchases have been by the ladies.
Mrs. jmonroe brings home the realty booklets all the time and when she points out a house, I can’t remember the last time I saw a guys picture in those sales booklets. She says she’s ‘just looking’, (I know you guys in the biz don’t like those words but they scare the hell out of me) and she better be right, cause I ain’t goin no where. And the ladies have the gall to talk about the price of men’s toys.
Topic thing: I don’t know what these tough times in the realty biz have done to all of those experienced saleswomen but the ones I’ve dealt with always seemed to be driving upscale cars. So much so that Mrs. jmonroe used to say I was in the wrong business. I shrugged that off by saying, “that’s women’s work just like kitchen duty and carpet sweeping”. :surprise: I’m going to take a guess and say they are (were) probably some of your best customers. At least it looked that way in my area.
jmonroe
'15 Genesis V8 with Ultimate Package and '18 Legacy Limited 6 cyl
" That's why I wait until after 4pm on black friday. The crowds have thinned out and I usually find what I'm looking for anyway. I just bought the first three seasons of HBO's "Entourage" for $9.99 per season. Well, season three is a two set DVD set so all total was $40.00 bucks plus tax. That guy Ari now drives a Ferrari. Previous episodes he had a Lexus LS460, and before that a BMW 7 series. It's a great show, lots of comedy, action, and lots of BEAUTIFUL California girls! Schwing! "
Which begs the current Wall St black humor in the difference between a hedge fund manager and a pigeon . The pigeon can still make a deposit on a Ferrari. Beautiful California Girls will endure but perhaps HGTV might entitle their series flop that house!
" That's how I read your post, too. So much for being thoughtful, right? I hope your father enjoys his new truck. Though it was a terrible Toyota dealer and salesman that brought me to this forum, your experience goes to show that not all dealers and salesmen are alike. That's what I learned by coming here. People like Mack, Joel, greenpea, and others showed me this. "
Aye sir, they wear their heart on their sleeve and give a damn about their customers, Currently we face a situation where rhetoric may win over common sense. It's easy to say about the "three " they made their own bed.
But did we allow them an out on the UAW or acknowedge that yes Japanese/ German equivalents are superior and if you had $2,000 extra to put toward luxury wouldn't you be as well ( GM health care benefit deficit) But cost: benefit analysis says that 2.5-3 milion on the unemployment rolls is not a wise decision nor is the loss of 8000 manufacturers/ suppliers/distributors and the subsequent replacement of chinese auto parts and the question of did they use real brake parts in my brake job or was cardboard cheaper this week ?
I hadn't thought about that part of the car sales business before, but now I do have some sympathy for youz guys. I thought it was basically kind of a fun business, people coming in and buying something they want and enjoy....what could be more fun than that. I even considered it as a little job to keep me occupied when retired. Based on the crusty stories I am not so sure. Maybe used cars where the dealer isn't pushy and needs every dollar. I could not prostitute myself to work at alej's Toyota dealership.......that would make me pretty nasty too. I drove taxi cabs when I was going to university.....there you see a lot of losers all day too...80% are too drunk to drive home, welfare people picking up their check, people who need a carton of cigarettes at 3 am etc., if you do it for too long or because you need to to live it will ruin you eventually. alej, get out while you still can, there is hope if you do it before you get too bitter.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
Since Ford planned ahead and showed some smarts they get to continue. GM and Chrysler go bankrupt. Ford gets to buy their successful lines, Caddie, Chev, Jeep, and a few trucks. (By the way, it is interesting that though Ford F150 is best selling vehicle in the world, if you add up the Chevy and GMC twins they actually sell more - tells you something about duplicate lines). This will keep the most people working, will filter out the poor performing vehicle lines, and manufactures that didn't plan well. The Big 3 are blaming the recession for their problems but the truth is it would have happened eventually any way, just would have taken longer.
Cost for the taxpayers and government should be less. Work can continue on the Volt or other cars and they will be brought to market. GM and Chryco get some shares in Ford and hope they can get Ford turned around. America is still in the automobile business and people can still buy American if they wish. New contracts can be made with UAW etc.and close plants that aren't productive.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250