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Comments
Why wouldn't you just tell me what you need to know and tell me to send the answers in an email?
He asked about availability of a certain model and he wanted to book a test drive on a certain car, on a certain day. He could have said "I'll be by on Saturday, can you check and let me know by email what you have in stock, and if I can drive one that day. Just let me know by email because i _____________________ (write in whatever excuse).
Instead he hung up, I emailed, and then he asked the question I wrote out above. :confuse:
I am an internet person. If I wouldn't be, then you wouldn't see all these long drawn out posts from me on this site.
Anyways, that wasn't the point of my original post. I couldn't care less if he showed up or if he wants to act that way, as I don't care too much for dealing with jerks.
The point of the post is to put myself under a bit of fire, and create some passionate discussion and get some stories flowing about Stories from the Sales Frontlines, and take the attnetion away from off topic chatter
2016 Audi A7 3.0T S Line, 2021 Subaru WRX
Enough of this.
Why don't you just tell us why you will not wear seatbelts? We are dying to know that.
Because I have other thoughts running. I can multi-task when writing, but not if I am talking.
>The point of the post is to put myself under a bit of fire, and create some passionate discussion and get some stories flowing about Stories from the Sales Frontlines. It seemed to work too.
It sure did!!!
If I may interject here, I prefer e-mails over phone for one major reason. I have speech issues and I think that having as much over e-mails helps avoid miscommunications that can occur.
2011 Hyundai Sonata, 2014 BMW 428i convertible, 2015 Honda CTX700D
Oh if I had a dime for every appointment that just didn't show up.
2011 Hyundai Sonata, 2014 BMW 428i convertible, 2015 Honda CTX700D
Mind you that is not saying that they are not useful, just that my personal choice (that affects no one but me) is no belt.
It is safer to stay in a perfectly good airplane but people still do jump out of them.
2011 Hyundai Sonata, 2014 BMW 428i convertible, 2015 Honda CTX700D
After going to a couple of stores, test driving three vehicles and looking at colors, we finally decided on exactly what we want.
When it is time to buy, on Monday morning I will go to Yahoo Yellow pages and list all Honda stores within 60 mile radius from my home, in my case it is 24. I’ll go to each web site, click on the “get a quote” button and send them this request:
“I am looking for Sterling Gray Honda Odyssey w/ RES (rear DVD) and without NAV. If you have one in stock, please email me your itemized out the door quote. I will be purchasing this weekend.”
I am either commuting to work, or at work 7 to 6 Monday to Friday. When I come home, it is dinner time, dishes time, and kids’ homework time. I work in a cubicle farm, so even though I have a phone, I don’t want to talk to a dozen of salesmen and have my co-workers know my business. However, I can communicate with them via email while I am pretending to work.
Another reason I want an email quote is because I have something in writing. Once I negotiated a price over the phone for someone else. When we came to purchase the car, the salesman told me that his quote did not include the destination charge.
BTW, all the “Come on down, we have the best selection .”, or “we will beat any quote by $100, but we won’t give you quote” responses are deleted with no reply.
--Not true, since it is our tax dollars that pay for the police to investigate the fatality, the ambulance and fire department that show up, and its our insurance cost go up as the seat belt less drivers carrier has to pay out some large claim.
Now not picking on you. There are probably 100 people like on that day emailing 24 dealers in the metro area. And I would guess a good chunk of them will end up trading 20 emails and ditch the guy over $100.
I imagine, boom would have to spend the entire day at the computer and miss his share of showroom traffic, of people ready to buy now.
Car buying is not picking up the latest best seller at the barnes and noble website. Since, you the buyer want to Haggle? Yes, think about it..the buyer wants to haggle or we would just agree to MSRP, right? Second, unlike Barnes and Noble, most people want to trade in their existing car and need financing. This is truly a people process?
I completely agree that the dealers should respect the emailers request on the response. But, as the initiator of the quote, why should they invest time with anonymous requests from JMXXX@gmail.com - with - whats your best price on that Honda?
When I purchased my last vehicle a few months ago, I sent out email requests using my work email and I provided the dealer with my full name, contact numbers, and what I was looking for. I also requested a quote by email but they may call between x - x if they need to clarify anything. Out of the 6 I sent out, only 1 called out of the shoot, the rest all complied.
What I guess I don't understand is why people requesting quotes must build this shield of anonymity around them? Do you do this when you buy furniture? Houses? Negotiate the refinance of your house????
Here's my good reason: I work odd hours that vary day to day. Just as you get a moment to call regarding my quote request, I may have just crawled into bed at 11 AM having worked all night. I don't like to turn my cell phone off in case of family emergencies, so I am very reluctant to give my phone numbers out to the general public. People close enough to me to have my cell # know not to call just to chit chat. I don't have enough faith in the general public to be: a) as courteous as close family and friends and b) to remember my unique sleeping situation.
I can respond to email at my leisure whether it be 3 PM or 3 AM. If your initial quote/information warrants further attention, I will phone you at a good time for me. ( I doubt any salesman would want to talk cars at 3 AM. Your midday call might be my "middle of the night.")
You should point out as well that "come on down/we'll beat any price" will end up in the trash bin.
2016 Audi A7 3.0T S Line, 2021 Subaru WRX
Exactly my point too.
If you want to get some decent pricing, and professional service and response, then write you quote request like a mature adult, not like a 13 year old pranking dealers for fun.
2016 Audi A7 3.0T S Line, 2021 Subaru WRX
2016 Audi A7 3.0T S Line, 2021 Subaru WRX
Wasn't it you that said that the "the guy checked the box on the form that said do not call but it didn't come through to my system." ???
There have been plenty of examples mentioned in the last few weeks where the buyer asked not to be called and they were called anyway.
To be accepted at those three PA schools, your son had to achieve high marks. Though I'm not big on buying children cars, I think that he really deserves one. He sounds very responsible, and a good car could last him through grad school. As a parent, you are to be highly commended. These things just don't happen without the proper nurturing and guidance. You have much of which to be proud.
Richard
Richard
People possess four basic learning styles but lean toward one or two of those. The two most common are visual and auditory. The visual learner learns best when they can read material and respond in writing. This explains a preference for emails. The auditory learner learns best when they can hear an explanation and talk themselves through the process. This explains a preference for the telephone calls.
The other two learning styles are tactile and kinesthetic. The tactile learner learns best when they can touch the object in question. This is why some people just show up on the lot without having done research. They want to sit in the car and test drive the car. They also enjoy running their hands over the leather or fabric.
The kinesthetic learner is the most difficult up you will find on a car lot. They learn best if allowed to move around quite a bit. These will be your customers who want to walk the lot as you talk. They don't like sitting across from your desk for very long. They often get irritated in the F&I office because the process takes too long and there are too many papers to read and too many oral explanations.
We are all a mixture of these four learning styles. Some of us lean more in one direction than others. A good salesman, like a good teacher, can spot the style after a few minutes. When you spot it, you act accordingly to keep the customer (student) focused and on task. Many good salesmen spot these styles though they don't know what they are called. It is these salesmen who sell quite a number of cars. Also, it is those teachers who consistently have high test scores from their students.
Richard
Well, not exactly. My sister and her husband are doctors. During the last year, they have had a problem with quite a number of "no shows". It could be because of the economy. Many doctors are now charging a fee if you don't keep the appointment, unless you notify them at least 24 hours in advance. My sister and her husband have not started the charging process yet. They don't feel that they would legally be able to collect it, and they don't feel that it would enhance the image of their clinic.
It is unfortunate that many people today don't sense a need for fair play and responsibility. It's almost like a disease. There is too much self-entitlement going around.
Richard
I like the sound of that "word"! That is how new words are coined (born).
Also, I like the fact that you used the word "transgressor". Outside of church, we don't see it used often. It's such a nice way of explaining "a$$ho--" in a sentence. :P
Richard
If that is the case, then you definitely need to call Snake! :P
Richard
I'm not sure I see the relevance of "learning styles" to the issue. Salespeople (not just car salespeople) are trained or otherwise develop skills to control the flow in a negotiation. Among other factors, I think many people simply do not want to relinquish control to the salesperson and email is, in effect, neutral territory. It's a way to level the playing field.
tidester, host
SUVs and Smart Shopper
I was thinking about how people "learn" the car buying process based on their previous methods of learning. Just as students don't want to relinquish control of their thought patterns and behaviors, customers also want to remain in control of the buying process. As you say, salesmen are trained and develop skills to keep the flow in a negotiation. If the salesmen learn how people best process and retain information, then they are more successful in selling a product.
BTW, I would bet good money on your learning style. I believe that you are more of a tactile learner. Can you figure out how I know this?
Pleasant dreams my nocturnal friend.
Richard
I think you would be off the mark but I really do not want to make me the topic of discussion so I'll pass on your offer of explanation. Let's stick with Frontlines Stories.
tidester, host
SUVs and Smart Shopper
Also hospitals and equipment, plus you do less damage to other people and cars if you remain belted in instead of flying around inside or outside your car.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
His current ride, a 2000 Acura TL, was the easiest by far. f course, I bought it from my sister, so no tricks!
The boy also got accepted into Cornell last night, so he was 7 for 7. He did work hard, and is quite the smart cookie (and has also been very responsible so far as a driver). Still waiting for the full ride though which will = a new sales story!
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
Especially with the Volvos that I have been folowing, there are some quite attractive deals on used ones (slightly, and also 4-6 YO ones).
I was discussing when to trade up yesterday with the wife. I figure the sweet spot is about 3 years for her Odyssey (I don't think I will trust it past about 80K), and that could be for something new (to be kept for 7-10 years).
For me? I either keep the Accord until it dies (and a manually tranny 4 cyl should outlive me, but that isn't really saying much these days!), or find something tasty used. I still want a a wagon of some kind.
To the salesguys: I know that new car sales are in the crapper, but are used down to, and if so, by a lot or a little?
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
That got me wondering what happens to those cars. Are they patched up and sold to stores in other parts of the country? Are they given salvage titles? How do you know if that great deal you are buying in NY isn't the junker from Texas?
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
Who says we aren't on topic? What great information to know about life and to apply to the sales frontlines. There is a valuable lesson there, people who inquire via email probably would like to work with emails for as much as the process as possible.
When we get airplane tickets or even order supplies from Staples we prefer to do it by email. We have everything organized and a human being just slows down the process.
Also, there is a written record of what you ordered.
When we bought our cars 18 months ago we first went to dealers to narrow down what we wanted. Then we did research on the internet. Then we worked with a salesperson to get what we wanted. But, I do understand there are people who prefer to get things done via computer, and it is important for sales people to work with a customer in the way they are most comfortable.
That is valuable information Richard and I might have sensed some of it, but it is nice to have it explained.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
That was a real lol.
But, this is one time for sure that I do prefer emails.
even if it takes 100, and we must be approaching that.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
Tidester, I agree with you 99.9% of the time, but I think learning styles is very important to this conversation. A big part of my job is sales (not cars), and I have been good at it, and I think I instinctively know some of what Richard is saying, but I think it will help me a lot in future sales to understand that there are different groups of buying or learning styles. I feel I really learned something very useful, and if I was a car salesperson I would study those styles carefully.....knowledge is power especially in sales.
I also would like to know why Richard thinks you are a tactile learner. From the info Richard gave I would guess visual.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
Mind you that is not saying that they are not useful, just that my personal choice (that affects no one but me) is no belt.
It is safer to stay in a perfectly good airplane but people still do jump out of them.
I said I wouldn't but I have to reply, or i won't sleep tonight. I agree, you did not ever say seatbelts were not useful, but most normal people would think that with your statement, you think you are safer without a seatbelt, that therefore everyone is better off without a seatbelt.
I am not sure about the airplane statement. Are we talking parachutists or accident victims or James Bond?
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
The police would have to investigate no matter if I survive or don't. If I survive the Fire department and ambulance shows up anyway.
and its our insurance cost go up as the seat belt less drivers carrier has to pay out some large claim.
It is possible for someone surviving an accident to result in a much larger claim than someone who does not. And its not just a slight possibility.
2011 Hyundai Sonata, 2014 BMW 428i convertible, 2015 Honda CTX700D
Is asking for an e-mail response really a "shield of anonymity"? Especially if you give them your name and contact information?
2011 Hyundai Sonata, 2014 BMW 428i convertible, 2015 Honda CTX700D
My Dr has been charging for "no shows" for quite some time. Next time I go see him (hopefully not soon), I'll try to remember to ask him if it's a problem.
Richard....my soon to be a college graduate son pops new words on me every day.....testing some newly acquired vocabulary. Sometimes I call him on it and off to the dictionary we go. We both learn a lot that way.
As far as internet shopping is concerned, I use the internet a lot when I shop. Many stores have their inventory online. Then I look here and elsewhere for "prices paid". I sift the bogus ones from the legit looking ones to get a sense of what the car I'm interested in are selling for. I also use other sources (for Acuras, "acurazine.com" is helpful. Another example, jmonroe confirmed what I thought a Genesis would sell for.
Unless the store was trying to entice me to walk through their doors with freebies, I don't enter their store unless I know what I want, they have it in stock. I may go and look during off hours to see if this color looks better than that color.
But, at that point, I call to set up an appointment with a sales person to test drive. Negotiations are already done......in my head. If I like the car, the rest is easy.
I present my price. It's either a "yay", or "nay" on their part.
Personally, I could never get the "skinny deals" I'm looking for by emailing a bunch of dealerships. Like most others, I've always received a bunch of....
-"come on in, we can deal"
-"of course we have the car you want, come on in" (most times they don't, or it was just sold)
-the deal they email back isn't remotely close to the number I had in mind
The way I see it, my way is quick (for those who say they don't have time to shop, yet will spend hours at the negotiating table, or running from one dealer to another). It gets me exactly what I want, at a number that I want.
The only way to get that skinny number is to be there, face-to-face. The question we've all heard...."if we can get you this number, you ready to buy today?".
Answer....."Absolutely!"
Said it before, the longer you sit at the negotiation table, the more you're going to be "bumped". I'm not going to "up" my offer, so why sit there and listen to all the reasons why I should?
I won't do business with dealers, or dealership personnel, that I don't trust. If I ever decide to buy a Genesis, for example, I won't deal with the local store anymore. This is where my son bought his Hyundai, which was a good transaction. But, misleading me regarding the availability scratches them off my list.
That process works for me. For others, it may not.
exb0.....I'll be curious if a dealer actually has an Ody with no Nav, but a DVD option. My guess is, they'll be willing to offer an aftermarket DVD, but won't have one equipped from the factory as such. Then again, I've never done any research on Odys. So, maybe there are a lot of them floating around in that configuration.
Hence, the shield of anonymity.
Yes, it works the other way too. I'll sell cars to people who have spent hours with at other stores just because I'll save them 100.00. These people only care about PRICE.
These people usually aren't happy people and they aren't much fun to deal with. I know they won't be loyal to me and they usually leave unhappy over something.
Like I said, to me, this is a miserable way to go through life.
This really depends on the dealer views the internet, but you can get it a skinny without going into the dealership. I have often negotiated price in email, but have always closed the deal over the phone after a few emails. I'll even offer a credit card deposit to show my commitment.
I am lucky in that I can leave my house and go to 10 different dealerships with no effort. 2 cars ago, I had an arrogant Honda salesman read me the riot act over the phone about price and coming in. I said to him..hey, I want to buy a car for this price...I have 25 places I can call/email...if you don't want to do the deal, no hard feelings I am sure someone else will.
Now - Knowing that you've sent this exact same email to 24 other dealerships (the actual amount wouldn't be known to the dealership - but we know you sent it to a bunch), we figure the odds of selling you a car are 1 out of 24 - so we're looking at an approximate 5% chance of selling you a car...with very low (if any) profit... & unless you live/work near us, we most likely won't see you again unless there's a problem.
There is no way to properly respond to this type of scenerio as a "salesperson". Essentially you become a monkey just sending out the cheapest price. I'm ashamed to admit that I usually just deleted these types of emails since I figured the chance of making any money was so slim. The benefit of "not" sending a quote to these types of customers (Made me feel better), outweighed the potential of lost revenue (which would have been slim). I also tossed those generic faxes that go to about 60 dealerships & all say "whoever has the lowest price gets the deal"
Now - If you care AT ALL about establishing a relationship with the dealership for service, perhaps you would give the salesperson who you test drove with the courtesy of matching the best deal you received via email. Since most likely you test drove at the most convenient dealership. At least don't send the above generic email to that dealership- that's a slap in the salespersons face.
When it comes to trade-ins, there is no reason why you have to sell your car to the store that sells you the new car. I usually get a few buy bids from Carmax, a used car lot and some other stores that sell same brand as my trade-in new. If they sell same brand new, they are more likely to put your used car on the lot than auctioning it, and thus usually higher bids.
Have you read my request, what is immature about it? I tell them exactly what I want, and exactly what I expect. I give my name and address. What else do they need?
The reason I spam 24 stores is because last time I got only a dozen quotes. Out them only five came back with a decent price, and only two of them had a vehicle that I want in stock. It seems like further way store give you best quote. As if they know that the only way to get you in is with a low price. One local store gave me a quote that was $800 more than what I paid for the van, and the other one called me four times trying to convince me to come in.
That’s another reason I don’t like giving away my phone number. Some salespeople keep calling even after I tell them that I won’t go to their store without a quote.
Last time I did drive an hour away to make my purchase. I would rather drive an hour and give my business to an honest salesman, than to spend that hour grinding with the local store.
You know when it comes to cars sales, the only car that is hard to find is the one that you want, and therefore you have to pay more.
When I bought my Tundra back in January 2007, I did pretty much that, but instead of doing the email thingy, I called them on the phone.....*gasp*..... When I called, I asked to speak with someone in new car sales, spoke with the sales person on the phone, told them exactly what I was seeking, and they told me they would check their inventory and get back to me.
And surprisingly, only about half called me back. I chalked it up to either they didn't have what I was seeking or that the sales person was just not very good. I was amazed. Having done both the email thingy and phone calls, I much prefer the phone call method, saves me time.
So far I purchased three Hondas. The first deal I grinded out the conventional way with the local store. The second one I got some quotes and went to the local store to have them match the deal. After some back and forth, the SM asked me if I will pay his mortgage, to which I replied that I care about his mortgage as much as he cares about mine. That was the end of that conversation.
Last time I didn’t even bother having anybody match and rewarded the honest salesman who gave me the best quote with my business. It was an easy and stress less transaction, and the salesman got a perfect CSI.
Yes, I do service all my Hondas at the local store and I always get excellent service and they always get perfect CSIs from me.
Now the next transaction is going to be interesting. The last Odyssey just got lemoned. The issues that it was lemoned for were worked on by the local store. To add insult to injury, as part of the settlement I have to return the lemon to the local store even though I didn’t buy it from them. I wonder what their reaction is going to be.
Quoted for truth. :shades:
" That makes as much sense as a Prius in a casino parking lot."
Quoted for truth.
Good one mmm!
Glad you're still out there.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
Yeh, but with the money they save on gas they can afford to gamble now! :shades:
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250