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Stories from the Sales Frontlines

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  • jipsterjipster Member Posts: 6,299
    We are definatly down but I would hate to be selling a different brand right now

    The Kia Store has been advertising with a half page ad in our local newspaper for the last couple months. Reads, "Go With A Winner!....From 2000 to 2007 Kia sales are up 84%". Guess Kia is calling the rest of you guys losers, or maybe their ads are misleading....NAAAHHHHH!. :P

    Update: Got a couple leads on Wii's. I've been given a shipment arrival time between 10 a.m and 3p.m. at Wallyworld. I guess I'll grab one of their lounge chairs and park it in front of the electronics register. :)
    2021 Honda Passport EX-L, 2020 Honda Accord EX-L, 2011 Hyundai Veracruz, 2010 Mercury Milan Premiere.
  • boomchekboomchek Member Posts: 5,516
    Cool story. We deliver vehicles as well. Sometimes us salespeople would go and sometimes we'd send a lot person or a "transport guy" that we used for really long distance stuff.

    2016 Audi A7 3.0T S Line, 2021 Subaru WRX

  • greanpea68greanpea68 Member Posts: 1,996
    I've had a lot going on lately and I haven't spoken up much in these forums

    Speaking of a lot going on....... I left my wife a month ago :shades: ..... Best decision I ever made.... The hard part is roughing it with friends and family.... That may have been my problem. Waiting for the holidays to be over before I serve papers.

    GP
  • ray80ray80 Member Posts: 1,655
    My oldest 'green card' is yellow (circa 1976) (the green one is history, not enough stuff) . Some of us still live on caffiene.
    D5D6E340C3C1D940D9C5D3C1E3C5C4

    My wife has started thinking about a new vehicle, I suppose I am going to have to think about looking again.
  • joel0622joel0622 Member Posts: 3,299
    Where did ya leave her? :D

    Like th old saying goes "The car business has broken up more marriages then whiskey"

    Be tough my friend, it will all be good in the long run
  • greanpea68greanpea68 Member Posts: 1,996
    Be tough my friend, it will all be good in the long run


    Thanks Buddy..... It is kind of funny how everything happens for a reason. All I can say is I haven't been this happy in years :D .... Probably should have done it a long time ago "but kept on trying for a good survey ;) "

    GP
  • golicgolic Member Posts: 714
    Hi Greanpea-

    These days I never know whether to offer condolences or bestow congratulations. I wish you a healthy transition and hope that you may be able to enjoy holiday season.

    Godspeed-
    G
  • boomchekboomchek Member Posts: 5,516
    GP, glad to see that you feel good about your decision. Hopefully it will work out for the best for you. Good luck buddy.

    We just had our dealership Christmas party and our GSM gave a speech with a big "Thank You" to our car biz wives who have the patience and understanding of what it takes (long hours, calls all day, etc) to make it in the car business.

    My wife appreciated that :D even though for the most part she's very understanding.

    2016 Audi A7 3.0T S Line, 2021 Subaru WRX

  • graphicguygraphicguy Member Posts: 14,126
    GP.....As everyone else has said, stand tall and look ahead. Tough decision. Tougher to work through all the "who gets what?" Do yourself a favor. Material stuff can be replaced. Hurt feelings can not. Most isn't worth fighting for (this is speaking from experience). Divide the $$$ in half. If you keep the house, give her 1/2 the equity (regardless of how you see it should be divided up). Conversely, if she's staying in the house, expect 1/2 the equity.

    Don't know how long you were married, or if there are any children involved (which makes things much more difficult). But, whatever you fight for, you'll more than pay for in legal fees.

    If at all possible, go to mediation.

    Once you've made that decision (and it sounds like you have), get it over with as quickly as you can. Don't know if waiting for the holidays to be over will make much of a difference (unless you're not sure, and may reconcile). It's going to be just as hard after the holidays as it will be before the holidays. Somebody's going to get their feelings hurt.

    Never look back.

    Best to you and yours during a very trying time.
    2024 Kia EV6 GT-Line AWD Long Range
  • golicgolic Member Posts: 714
    Has anyone in this group of sage posters have experience with or sell the Flex or Enclave? If you care to discuss with me in email, shoot me a note.

    Thanks -

    Golic
  • snakeweaselsnakeweasel Member Posts: 19,592
    But I agree with you and would be more worried about finding a starter for a 10 year old vehicle.

    There are a few somewhat large junkyards within an hour or so of me. I know that if I look hard enough I could find most parts that would ever be needed.

    2011 Hyundai Sonata, 2014 BMW 428i convertible, 2015 Honda CTX700D

  • graphicguygraphicguy Member Posts: 14,126
    golic.....joel is the guy you're looking for on the Flex. I'm sure he'll be long shortly.

    Not sure about the Enclave.
    2024 Kia EV6 GT-Line AWD Long Range
  • joel0622joel0622 Member Posts: 3,299
    I sent an email to the addy in your profile. If you didn't get it check your spam box, I sent it from a company email.
  • golicgolic Member Posts: 714
    got it - on my way out. will shoot you an email later. thanks!
  • sterlingdogsterlingdog Member Posts: 6,984
    I could tell from your recent posts that you seemed stressed. You have always been very upbeat and positive. I'm sorry to hear your news because whether it is a good decision or a bad decision, it is hard to go through. My wife and I were both children of divorced parents. If you have children in the picture, try to give them as much of your time now as you possibly can. God knows they need it.

    Get a damn good attorney. The money is worth it. When it comes to the material things, leave emotions out of it. Try to treat it as a business transaction. It may not seem so important now, but it will a year from now. Be sure that you have the papers served before she does. She may try something really stupid like having papers served on you and having you arrested at your place of business for "abuse". This happened to a friend of mine last year. Unfortunately, the police will arrest you on her word. Then you have to prove that you are innocent of the charges. It's a crazy and unfair world at times.

    I'll be praying for you.

    Richard
  • oldfarmer50oldfarmer50 Member Posts: 24,234
    "...Got a couple leads on Wii's..."

    Hey Jip. I just happen to know that there is a Wii with all the bells and whistles over at my son's apartment. And guess what? I've got the key.

    Could I interest you in a "gentle loved" used unit? Of course, since this is a hot item (and you are desperate) there will be a slight ADM of $100 on top of the MSRP.

    Let me know soon as he will be getting off work and I wouldn't want to be caught " closing the deal". ;)

    2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible

  • sterlingdogsterlingdog Member Posts: 6,984
    "Deal was done at his kitchen table."

    Just think. He didn't have to go to the F&I guy's office to hear about "mop & glo". :P I like that way of doing business. Sorry Joel. :shades:

    Richard
  • imidazol97imidazol97 Member Posts: 27,680
    >slight ADM of $100 on top of the MSRP.

    Are you waiting to add on the Mop and Glo and the documentation fees of $248 that are mandated by the criminal justice system in your state? And then there's the ever present extended warranty.

    2014 Malibu 2LT, 2015 Cruze 2LT,

  • sterlingdogsterlingdog Member Posts: 6,984
    Joel, what is "X-Planning"?

    Richard
  • sterlingdogsterlingdog Member Posts: 6,984
    Had an email today from a friend who was cautioned by an HP friend never to use cruise control on wet pavement. He said that you will hydroplane like a jet liner on take off. He also mentioned that the Toyota Sienna is one of the new models that will not allow the cruise control to be turned on if the windshield wipers are moving. I never knew this, but I am glad to know it now.

    Richard
  • oldfarmer50oldfarmer50 Member Posts: 24,234
    "...left my wife..."

    Sorry to hear that. Hope it all works out for you.

    2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible

  • joel0622joel0622 Member Posts: 3,299
    Just think. He didn't have to go to the F&I guy's office

    Na you would still have to get my pitch, it would just be over the phone. :D
  • explorerx4explorerx4 Member Posts: 20,756
    it will take me a while to figure it out, but shouldn't be to difficult.
    don't have my green 'green card' anymore or a yellow one.
    C1 = A, C3 = C.
    isn't that referred to as ebsidic?
    for richard64, the only car haulers with new cars i saw on the road home today from detroit area though ontario, were loaded with grand marquis' and town cars.
    2024 Ford F-150 STX, 2023 Ford Explorer ST, 91 Mustang GT vert
  • greanpea68greanpea68 Member Posts: 1,996
    Never look back.

    Thank you to everyone for your support.... I held off on this for a while but I figured we have shared worse here ;)

    As for the record we were only married 3 years.... We are working out the house. We had no children.......

    My uncle is a attorney and will handle that end of my legal stuff but I will have to pay court fees. Since the marriage was less than 10 years I don't have to pay alimony.... So things could be a lot worse here. All I took were my clothes and the toaster oven.... I really like the toatser oven :P

    Anyway.... I waited a long time to make the decision to make sure it was right.... you could say I "stroked" this one for a while...LOL

    But I will not look back. I am moving forward and setting myself up with a plan for my own success and happiness...... OK that is enough of the sentimental stuff!

    Once again thank you for the support.

    When one door of happiness closes, another opens; but often we look so long at the closed door that we do not see the one which has opened for us.


    GP
  • driver100driver100 Member Posts: 32,594
    When one door of happiness closes, another opens; but often we look so long at the closed door that we do not see the one which has opened for us.

    Well said GP. I offer my condolences also. No matter what happens there are some feelings there if you decided to live with someone for a number of years. And there will be good things to remember too, so it will take awhile to get over.

    But, unlike many car company warranties....I can guarranty you this, it will take awhile but life will get better one day, and when you can forgive and not have any really bad thoughts for the ex, you will have reached the highest level - it will be a great feeling.

    GP, I always enjoy your thoughts and comments here at Sales Front Lines, and I am glad you are able to continue on and devote some time to us SFL fans.

    2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250

  • cdnpinheadcdnpinhead Member Posts: 5,618
    ". . .I left my wife a month ago ..... Best decision I ever made. . ."

    Cheaper to keep her? Financially, probably. Spiritually, it's a "first day of the rest of your life" thing.

    Enjoy.
    '08 Acura TSX, '17 Subaru Forester
  • duke23duke23 Member Posts: 488
    laurasdada wrote :
    "I received a gas rebate program after a timeshare presentation (didn't buy. Surprise!). $10 rebate for 10 tanks of gas over a two year period. The first 5 submissions were honored, slowly, but only two of the final five were. And I believe that the two were only honored because the Evil Wife contacted the timeshare outfit (as the gas rebate/scam company in Texas NEVER answered their phone or returned calls). I didn't bother pursuing, the $70 more than paid for the gas going to/from the property. Got a free lunch and use of an indoor pool/hot tub on a very cold November day. So, not so much a waste! "

    It's a long long road, from,which there is no return. Never calculate the BMI on your sibling.
    The free lunch equalized it. Wishing you well mon Frere' .
  • verdugoverdugo Member Posts: 2,288
    X-plan = Ford's program for friend's and family pricing
  • verdugoverdugo Member Posts: 2,288
    But I will not look back. I am moving forward and setting myself up with a plan for my own success and happiness......

    Good that you have that healthy attitude in what could be a very self-destructive situation. Best of luck.
  • duke23duke23 Member Posts: 488
    Isellhondas wrote :

    "A local domestic delaer is doing radio spots that say " We are desperate". How pathetic to say that even if it's true. "
    If you, which you obviously do think I don't feel your pain then you are mistaken. I've seen bad markets over the last 30 years but if you wrapped them all into one, this one takes the cake. The good news, this won't last 2, 3 ,4 or five years . The bad news, '09 will bite the big one. Honda values will endure. But to those that doubt the value of a bail out of the big three , try calling it a loan and you won't be so offended. The 8,000 manufacturers/ suppliers/distributors of auto parts supply not only the three but all Honda,Toyota, Nissan manufactured in the US. Fail them and them ask China yourself, on your next brake job, did they use real brake pads or was cardboard cheaper that week ? We all hate the UAW and the mangement has sucked but while it may feel morally superior to say fail the bastards, the ultimate outcome economically to say fail the bastards, may prove to be penny wise.
    Seem to remember on those IBM punch cards, screw up the comma and go to the back of the line.
  • jmonroejmonroe Member Posts: 8,989
    When one door of happiness closes, another opens; but often we look so long at the closed door that we do not see the one which has opened for us.

    With that philosophy I know you’ll get through this.

    Good luck.

    jmonroe

    '15 Genesis V8 with Ultimate Package and '18 Legacy Limited 6 cyl

  • driver100driver100 Member Posts: 32,594
    . Got a free lunch and use of an indoor pool/hot tub on a very cold November day. So, not so much a waste! "

    But you had to listen to a 2 hour presentation and then fight off the sales people who swarm you........and then feel guilty for not buying....lol.

    I don't care what they give me to watch a time-share presentation, I won't waste 2 hours of my life listening to that garbage. As soon as they show the movie with all the smiling people walking on the beach and playing golf all day, you just have to tell yourself you are watching paid actors or very well edited video.

    2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250

  • percussionistpercussionist Member Posts: 204
    GP - good luck, buddy - we all know you'll do great.

    Sounds like things shouldn't be too sticky for you, at least. Let us know what you need - I'm sure everyone will help out whatever way we can.

    Peace,
    Steve
  • isellhondasisellhondas Member Posts: 20,342
    Oh, I hear you and I agree with you but on the other hand, where does it end?

    I fear our lives are about to change and not for the good.
  • sterlingdogsterlingdog Member Posts: 6,984
    If those trucks were loaded with GM's and Town Cars, there must be plenty of (old) people still standing in line for them. ;)

    Richard
  • sterlingdogsterlingdog Member Posts: 6,984
    Thanks. Now which one is better, the X-plan or employee pricing?

    Richard
  • sterlingdogsterlingdog Member Posts: 6,984
    "...it would just be over the phone."

    I should have known that you guys had a way to keep us from escaping. ;)

    Richard
  • graphicguygraphicguy Member Posts: 14,126
    richard...not meaning to speak for joel, but employee pricing is better than "X plan"...generally.

    I know Ford is offering employee pricing on everything right now. So, it may be a moot point regarding x-plan.

    While not Ford, I've seen some newspaper ads around here from GM dealers. They're actually offering employee pricing, giving rebates to the customer....AND, offering more money off in addition to all of that.

    Might be worth "testing the waters" a little bit to see how low dealerships will go, below employee pricing.

    I know the only caveats I've heard on Ford's employee pricing is that it doesn't include the '09 F-150s. Best I can tell, everything else is fair game (with the possible exception of "special edition" Mustangs).
    2024 Kia EV6 GT-Line AWD Long Range
  • jmonroejmonroe Member Posts: 8,989
    As soon as they show the movie with all the smiling people walking on the beach and playing golf all day, you just have to tell yourself you are watching paid actors or very well edited video.

    It sounds like this is coming from a guy who has sat through a presentation or two.

    I did this ONCE myself back in the early 70’s with a hand full of fellow employees when we were provided a weekend at a ski lodge down the PA Turnpike from where we live to watch a spiel given by our company’s real estate division. I don’t ski but a few of them did. I didn’t want to go but they talked me into it. Especially after their wives called Mrs. jmonroe and wanted to know why I was such a party pooper. She didn’t even know about the offer until the phone calls. :mad:

    The skiers and the wives thought it was great. I made a snowman outside of our first floor room at the lodge, still have the picture of that. NEVER did it again and we’ve had plenty of offers. I think once your name gets on that kind of a list, it’s there forever.

    Car thing: Probably not any worse than an F&I presentation when I come to think of it except you get a pillow, meals, cold hands (in my case) and you get to watch a movie while you thaw out. :)

    jmonroe

    '15 Genesis V8 with Ultimate Package and '18 Legacy Limited 6 cyl

  • jipsterjipster Member Posts: 6,299
    Could I interest you in a "gentle loved" used unit? Of course, since this is a hot item (and you are desperate) there will be a slight ADM of $100 on top of the MSRP.

    Thanks oldfarmer, but it has just become a buyers market. My Wallyworld tip proved fruitful.... I got a Wii. :)

    Without even calling Walmart I went in at 12:30p.m. It's raining which I thought would be good as other weaker, less resolved, shoppers would not want to get out in the mess. I walked in quickly, trying to remain confident in the face of overwhelming odds against me. As I approached the display case where Wii consoles are held, I couldn't believe my eyes. Like a small child on Christmas morning, the miracle and wonder of an actual Nintendo Wii lay before my eyes. As I turn my head to the left, looking for a clerk, my eyes immediately lock onto the eyes of the electronics manager who had given me the "Wii arrival tip" a few days ago. I blurt out and point, " I want one of those!." She replies with a hint of I told you so.... actually saying, " I told you." I reply that I didn't think she would remember me. She says, "They just came in", then calls a cashier and has the order rung up. In and out of the store in about 4 minutes. Well, I tell you what. It's going to be awhile before I badmouth Walmart again. They came through when Target, Kmart and Best Buy failed. Now... off to take a steaming hot shower with a brillo pad. ;)

    Oh, thanks again dino, verdugo, and olderfarmer for the kind offers. My son is a gaming master. He is going to jump through the ceiling with joy come Christmas morning. :)
    2021 Honda Passport EX-L, 2020 Honda Accord EX-L, 2011 Hyundai Veracruz, 2010 Mercury Milan Premiere.
  • boomchekboomchek Member Posts: 5,516
    But you had to listen to a 2 hour presentation and then fight off the sales people who swarm you........and then feel guilty for not buying....lol.

    My wife and I went to one, it was only 30 minutes. After that the saleslady did her pitch, using all sorts of formulasto show how we can save money by buying the timeshare.

    I told her I agreed it might be a good deal for some, but for us, the resorts looked boring, and full of seniors (no disrepsect to seniors, just not out style). In additon, the last thing I need to do on vacation is feel like I'm at home and buy groceries and cook, therefore we'd have no need for resort suites with kitchens.

    She finally asked what I do for a living, and I told her I sell cars. She immediately smiled, ended her pitch, and told us to go claim our free prize by the exit door. :D

    2016 Audi A7 3.0T S Line, 2021 Subaru WRX

  • chikoochikoo Member Posts: 3,008
    >She finally asked what I do for a living, and I told her I sell cars. She immediately smiled, ended her pitch, and told us to go claim our free prize by the exit door.

    Did she not fall to your feet and blurt out "Master...forgive me" :sick:
  • boomchekboomchek Member Posts: 5,516
    That would be funny if she did.

    My wife didn't want to go originally because she said the sales people are very good as they convinced her dad to buy a timeshare that he barely uses.

    I told her not to worry, I'll handle everything. And we didn't buy anything. Although the funny thing is, when it came time to get our free trip to Vegas, we decided at the last minute not to go because the hotel was lousy, and the taxes for the trip and flight were pricey, and the dates weren't going to be confirmed till they receive our payment. Besides we were in Vegas twice already the past year.

    2016 Audi A7 3.0T S Line, 2021 Subaru WRX

  • exb0exb0 Member Posts: 539
    boomchek, you are such a stroke. Shame on you. :P
  • driver100driver100 Member Posts: 32,594
    , when it came time to get our free trip to Vegas, we decided at the last minute not to go because the hotel was lousy, and the taxes for the trip and flight were pricey, and the dates weren't going to be confirmed till they receive our payment.

    Oh Man, you had to pay them first before you get your "free" trip! That sounds like it could turn into a real nightmare.
    My brother (who will do anything if he thinks he'll get something for free) went to a meeting at a hotel in town for a computer course in how to make money on your PC. He starved all day because they told him there was a free buffet. When he went to get his free meal they told him he first had to use a credit card and put a down payment on it for the course, or he had to pay $20 to have the buffet dinner. He left and he was mad, thought they couldn't get out of it. I guess it was free, but you had to make a down payment, and why on a credit card. He wanted me to go with, and I said I'd rather pay for my dinner than go through what I have to go through to get a so called "free dinner".

    2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250

  • laurasdadalaurasdada Member Posts: 5,191
    It was a long presentation, but we had no plans. It got comical at the end, especially when they told us they could actually get us financing at 18.95%! After I picked myself up off the floor from laughter, they noted that with good credit they could cut it to "around 15%..." Good thing the fall to the floor was a short one...!

    The closer would have done you auto folks proud. Very fast talking, drawing all kinds of figures on pieces of paper to illustrate the great deal. Never once mentioning the actual APR, which I finally bluntly asked about, results noted above. He was of Iranian descent, showed us pictures of his son in the US Army. Nice touch. Initial "MSRP" was ridiculous, almost immediately cut in half when I noted the price was just a bit too high...

    The nice, elderly salesman complimented my EW and I on our financial savvy and general intelligence. But he ended the presentation, realizing that we were not going to buy, by noting that, "You are both very intelligent. But foolish!"

    If you have time to waste, and the gifts are good and you are intelligent and foolish, it may be worth your time... But, ultimately, just say no!

    '21 Dark Blue/Black Audi A7 PHEV (mine); '22 White/Beige BMW X3 (hers); '20 Estoril Blue/Oyster BMW M240xi 'Vert (Ours, read: hers in 'vert weather; mine during Nor'easters...)

  • houdini1houdini1 Member Posts: 8,351
    My thoughts are with you GP. Best wishes !

    2013 LX 570 2016 LS 460

  • boomchekboomchek Member Posts: 5,516
    Yes I was a stroke. But when you offer something for free you expect that a percentage of folks only come for the free stuff.

    Just like if we throw a sale and advertise free gifts and free food, we'll have (and had) people who come in with their whole families and stuff their faces with our Subway subs. And no they're not poor, cause they usually pull up in a late model vehicle.

    But it doesn't offend us, as we know that's just marketing, and the extra "bodies" fill up the showroom creating preceived "action"

    At the time share place there was also a ton of people. I wonder what their closing ratio or commission is.

    2016 Audi A7 3.0T S Line, 2021 Subaru WRX

  • boomchekboomchek Member Posts: 5,516
    Oh Man, you had to pay them first before you get your "free" trip! That sounds like it could turn into a real nightmare.

    You had to pay the "taxes" on the trip which was about $100-$250 per couple, I don't remember now.

    That's also another reason when we go to Vegas, we avoid the time share pitches located in the hotels. A 4 day trip can turn into 3 days if they "kidnap" you and drive you out somewhere far for a 2 hour presentation. We always say we're leaving the next morning, and that ends the pitch to sign us up. :blush: A half a day wasted is not worth $100 to me in cash, show tickets, or food.

    2016 Audi A7 3.0T S Line, 2021 Subaru WRX

  • wlbrown9wlbrown9 Member Posts: 867
    Plenty of places that stamp out body parts for older vehicles, insurance companies make sure of that. But I agree with you and would be more worried about finding a starter for a 10 year old vehicle.

    Don't worry too much about that. The starter on my 2000 ISUZU Trooper died back in June at the mall. Took awhile to figure out that was it instead of a bad battery. Got it hauled home. Had the new starter in before dark. Found the dead starter around noon. This was on a Saturday of course. No problem getting a rebuilt starter at the big blue NAPA warehouse parts store about a mile down the street.

    You know what a minor player ISUZU was...there will be a supply of parts for big 3 makes...might have to go to Advance, Napa, AZone, Chief, etc instead of the dealer, but they is such a market there the supply will be there also.
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