Stories from the Sales Frontlines

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Comments

  • lozoyalozoya Member Posts: 11
    Exactly! longtime lurker, second time poster. Where did all the stories go? Anybody selling anything? My local dealer is trying to drum up business in an unusual way. I got an "official" looking letter from them last week. I thought it was a recall letter as the envelope read: "Vehicle Notification Notice" I'm not kidding. I opened it up and it was an "invitation" to bring my car in for a "courtesy" check up. NO CHARGE! just call an make an appointment. No thanks, I'll pass.
  • lozoyalozoya Member Posts: 11
    "He is determined to remain optimistic. He wants to rehire the layed off personnel as soon as he can mamage it. He gave each of them an extra month's salary based on an average of the last two years of work. He said that it was the best that he could do right now. "

    That's very admirable of the guy. From what I hear most dealerships don't give a hoot about their lower rung employees. He should be commended. What's the name of the dealership?
  • driver100driver100 Member Posts: 32,629
    : "Vehicle Notification Notice" I'm not kidding. I opened it up and it was an "invitation" to bring my car in for a "courtesy" check up. NO CHARGE!

    It is like the real estate people sending a card around...free evaluation of your home. Of course it's free, you can call any realtor and they'll tell you what your home is worth. Free "courtesy check up" of your car is funny if not so pathetic, I'm sure they'll find something to work on, and show you the new models while you are there.

    Welcome aboard lozoya, that's interesting....and we need all the help we can get.

    I guess a slightly related sales story is I went to the dealership to get my snow tires taken off (of course it snowed the next week). Cost to take off was $50. My wife saw a coat she liked in the bmw store in the showroom, $250. That was an expensive removal of snow tires.

    2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250

  • houdini1houdini1 Member Posts: 8,356
    You don't have to tell me your age but you are probably closer to 30 because the older generation still seems to like the feel of a book.

    Just shows you can never tell. I am a 66 year old grandpa. :) By the way, you can download most any newspaper on kindle.

    I bought two cars last year from different locations of the same dealership. The first one, in July, was purchased in spite of the salesman and the second one in November was handled by a true professional salesman.

    We never got a survey on the first one and on the second one I gave all excellent marks. I have never understood (heard this here on the forum) why the salesman would make less if low marks were given to the F&I person. Can someone explain?

    2013 LX 570 2016 LS 460

  • oldfarmer50oldfarmer50 Member Posts: 24,402
    "...the story tellers have been jumped on..."

    Gee, I just told a story and I didn't get jumped on. It's not like you to be afraid of what some crank on a keyboard has to say.

    Come on, throw a bomb in here and then sit back and watch the cat fights. ;)

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

  • fezofezo Member Posts: 10,386
    Probably too many sales falling into that 80% category that don't make for good stories. Let's face it - the best stories involve either strikes or baby seals - and the ones with strokes are the most entertaining for those of us with no actual skin in the game.

    Jipst - you need to go buy a car from isell. Now THAT would be a story!
    2015 Mazda 6 Grand Touring, 2014 Mazda 3 Sport Hatchback, 1999 Mazda Miata 2004 Toyota Camry LE, 1999.
  • jmonroejmonroe Member Posts: 8,989
    Jipst - you need to go buy a car from isell. Now THAT would be a story!

    You got that right. I'd pay higher dues to read that one. :D

    jmonroe

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

  • golicgolic Member Posts: 714
    Here is my recent solicitation from one local dealer. Came in an "official" certificate that looked like a title.

    Your used car is in HOT DEMAND. Buyers will be in for 4 hours this Saturday to pay you 110% of the KBB value.

    --Caveat: Dealer has the sole right to reduce for wear and tear and excess mileage. Got to LOVE that caveat.

    You can buy a Honda for $7,000 off MSRP!!

    --Caveat: It's the for a Honda Ridgeline...and not just ANY ridgeline but 1 and only 1!!! They list the stock number..and then say if this car is sold prior to the event - they will replace with a similar car---IF AVAILABLE.

    Finance your NEW Honda at 2.9% APR

    --Caveat: Once again, this rate is available only for 1 Civic, stock number provided. And Ohh by the way, any dealer or customer add-ons and the buyers credit score may effect the rate.

    Everyone gets a free $10 Target gift card -just for coming in!

    --Couldn't find any caveat for this one, other than perhaps having to invest 2 hours on a Saturday at the Dealer.

    So, obviously these things MUST work or they wouldn't be doing these. But I have to wonder how many people come in and just get "PO'd" because they didn't read or understand the fine print?

    How do you sales guys feel about these "promotions/tent sales" Is the extra traffic worth all the potential head aches? Or is it no more than usual..ala same horseapples - different wrapper?

    oh..and Happy Easter to all...
  • snakeweaselsnakeweasel Member Posts: 19,593
    Here is my recent solicitation from one local dealer. Came in an "official" certificate that looked like a title.

    Your used car is in HOT DEMAND. Buyers will be in for 4 hours this Saturday to pay you 110% of the KBB value.


    Thats just like when you go to the dealership and the salesman says something like "is that the car your going to trade in? I had someone here just yesterday looking for that same car".

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

  • isellhondasisellhondas Member Posts: 20,342
    Actually you can finance ANY Civic,Accord or Odyssey for 2.9% right now. That's for 36 months.
  • driver100driver100 Member Posts: 32,629
    Your used car is in HOT DEMAND. Buyers will be in for 4 hours this Saturday to pay you 110% of the KBB value.

    *The fine print says "of course we will add the 10% onto the cost of the new car".

    isell said Actually you can finance ANY Civic,Accord or Odyssey for 2.9% right now. That's for 36 months.

    That's funny...making it sound like the dealer is offering the special.

    It's so lame it's pathetic. But at least the business is trying.

    Any scams just make me more suspicious. I guess it could lose as many possible customers as it will gain, but at least someone will fall for it, and that's probably better than doing nothing.

    2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250

  • jayriderjayrider Member Posts: 3,602
    Brand new vw jetta -- 90 available--$12,477. On my way out the door with my checkbook when my wife asks if I've read the fine print. Says the price includes 4k cash or trade. Resisting the urge to jump on this deal anyway, I think, what a great marketing tool. It could work for lots of stuff. With $2 down milk is only 25 cents a gallon!
  • driver100driver100 Member Posts: 32,629
    Just shows you can never tell. I am a 66 year old grandpa.

    Guess that blows that theory out the window. Or you're the exception, a techno wizard grandpa.

    It seems, young people adapt to kindles, cell phones, blackberry's etc better than older people. It is wonderful that you can embrace new technology....my wife wants to know what to get me for my birthday...maybe a kindle! By the way, how can you try it out? If you order one on Amazon, how do you get to try it first?

    I have a joke in my mind. This really wealthy guy is showing his house to some guests. He says I want to show you my library with over 3000 books. He opens the doors and there's all these empty bookcase shelves, with 2 kindles on one shelf.

    2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250

  • driver100driver100 Member Posts: 32,629
    new vw jetta -- 90 available--$12,477. On my way out the door with my checkbook when my wife asks if I've read the fine print. Says the price includes 4k cash or trade.

    I always wonder why they stop at "with $4000 down, cash or trade"

    Why don't they make the Jetta $8,477 with fine print, just $8000 cash or trade.?

    I guess then you wouldn't even have gotten to the door.....at least this sounds slightly believable.

    2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250

  • oldfarmer50oldfarmer50 Member Posts: 24,402
    "...Jipst - you need to go buy a car from isell..."

    Nah, they'd both die of old age trying to out grind each other and then we'd never hear anything. :cry: I rather see Jipster stand outside Isell's store handing out copies of his book until until Isell blew a gasket and started chasing Jip around the parking lot. :P

    BTW, everyone have a nice Easter/Passover. :)

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

  • imidazol97imidazol97 Member Posts: 27,727
    eprice $8945

    but includes $1500 in tradein and cash down!!! All their prices are given like this even on their windshields on the lot. But the fine print on the lot if larger.

    prices are all $1500 lower than they really are!!!

    2014 Malibu 2LT, 2015 Cruze 2LT,

  • houdini1houdini1 Member Posts: 8,356
    Just do it. You'll thank me later.

    Anybody planning on buying a car on Easter Monday? :)

    2013 LX 570 2016 LS 460

  • driver100driver100 Member Posts: 32,629
    eprice $8945 but includes $1500 in tradein and cash down!!!

    There otta be a law against that. It is like you can say whatever you want, as long as you are smart enough to make up a good disqualifier.

    Their ads are really well done though....and the car looks great in those pictures. Maybe there is a psychological element where the consumer sees $8945, starts picturing themselves in this car, and then says, well, for $1500 more I can have it.

    And, who has a trade that's only worth $1000? Maybe they figure the customer will say, my trade is worth $3000, so I'll only have to pay $7000 for a new car. They must have a psychology major on staff to figure out how to make up these ads.

    2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250

  • driver100driver100 Member Posts: 32,629
    I rather see Jipster stand outside Isell's store handing out copies of his book
    That would be funny....I'd pay 20 bucks to get to watch that.

    BTW, everyone have a nice Easter/Passover.

    That was a nice thought. There are some very thoughtful people here.

    2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250

  • isellhondasisellhondas Member Posts: 20,342
    Yes, there really are some good people here.

    Who knows, maybe if I were to meet Jipster in person I might even consider him to be one of those people?

    Happy Easter everyone whatever your faith may be.
  • oldfarmer50oldfarmer50 Member Posts: 24,402
    Yanks---1

    Pirates--0

    :)

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

  • driver100driver100 Member Posts: 32,629
    I just read about the kindle 2 at amazon.com. That is incredible, weighs 10 ounces, holds 1500 books, download anywhere in 60 seconds (uses Sprint), current bestsellers for $9.99. I would get one in a second, but they aren't quite available in Canada..it should happen soon. I guess because of the Sprint connection. I am waiting for it.

    kindle 2

    2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250

  • lozoyalozoya Member Posts: 11
    I got two of those on Saturday. Mine said get 80% of original MSRP for your trade. Many vehicles available at 0% APR and up to $5000.00! One was in my name and the other in my wife's name. Trouble is she doesn't own a Corolla and neither do I.
  • lozoyalozoya Member Posts: 11
    If you're in the Washington DC area you can finance any car at 3.99% for up to 60 months. New or used. Older cars with less than 100k miles up to 48 months. It's one of the local credit unions and you have to apply online. That's a deal!
  • fezofezo Member Posts: 10,386
    Yanks---1

    Pirates--0


    That would be interesting if the Yanks were actually playing the Pirates....

    Mets fan myself. Not a pretty day. On to the Masters.
    2015 Mazda 6 Grand Touring, 2014 Mazda 3 Sport Hatchback, 1999 Mazda Miata 2004 Toyota Camry LE, 1999.
  • jmonroejmonroe Member Posts: 8,989
    Trouble is she doesn't own a Corolla and neither do I.

    For a new guy you do complain a lot; you'll fit in just fine here. ;)

    Welcome aboard.

    jmonroe

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

  • lrguy44lrguy44 Member Posts: 2,197
    Yanks---1

    Pirates--0


    GO NAVY!
  • snakeweaselsnakeweasel Member Posts: 19,593
    It could work for lots of stuff. With $2 down milk is only 25 cents a gallon!

    Milk is 25 cents a gallon. The container is a buck, that label on it is 75 cents, the cap is another 50 cents. Add stocking fees, delivery, doc fees and tax you're talking about $3. :P

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

  • fezofezo Member Posts: 10,386
    You bet! One now knows the score of Navy Seals vs. Somalian pirates. Was there ever any doubt?

    Was very happy to see this ending to that story.

    The baseball Pirates couldn't win either. Nor could the Yankees. Nor could the Mets....
    2015 Mazda 6 Grand Touring, 2014 Mazda 3 Sport Hatchback, 1999 Mazda Miata 2004 Toyota Camry LE, 1999.
  • snakeweaselsnakeweasel Member Posts: 19,593
    There is one dealership neat me that keeps advertising $199 down or $199/month. It must work because I keep seeing them (although 15-20 years ago it started with $99 down or $99 a month so I guess inflation also affects sleaze)

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

  • fezofezo Member Posts: 10,386
    You are sounding like my brother describing the costs of a jar of mustard. Top cost item is the lid; then the jar; then the label.... I don't know how far down you go before you hit the mustard inside the jar.
    2015 Mazda 6 Grand Touring, 2014 Mazda 3 Sport Hatchback, 1999 Mazda Miata 2004 Toyota Camry LE, 1999.
  • fezofezo Member Posts: 10,386
    That was the old Lee Iacocca trick at for - $56 for a 56. $56 dollars down and $56 a month got you a 56 Ford.
    2015 Mazda 6 Grand Touring, 2014 Mazda 3 Sport Hatchback, 1999 Mazda Miata 2004 Toyota Camry LE, 1999.
  • jipsterjipster Member Posts: 6,299
    Jipst - you need to go buy a car from isell. Now THAT would be a story!

    Yeah... I could go for that match-up. It could be like Wrestlemania. The best salesman Honda has to offer, against Edmunds best grinder, and author of the number one book and New York Times best seller, "The Jipst Method of Car Buying".

    Edmunds could put the event on pay-per-view. We'd make a fortune. Fly me out to Washington to engage in a little pre-game trash talking with isell. We could exchange "yo mama" insults. Tidester could man the web cam, and kirstie could be by personal chauffeur and event reporter. This monumentous moment has been
    building for the last five years, winner take all, loser leaves Edmunds FOREVER!!!

    Nahh. Seriously, Honda doesn't have much in their line-up that I would be interested in. And though I may disagree with isell from time to time, I have no ill will towards him... water under the bridge. Every day is a new beginning and a chance to learn from out mistakes. Happy Easter all.

    On a sad note, my fellow Kentuckian, Kenny Perry, stumbled down the stretch and lost the Masters. He bogeyed the last 2 holes, then lost in a playoff after shanking another approach shot. Played beautifully up until those last 2 holes. :cry:
    2021 Honda Passport EX-L, 2020 Honda Accord EX-L, 2011 Hyundai Veracruz, 2010 Mercury Milan Premiere.
  • fezofezo Member Posts: 10,386
    That end of the Masters was a killer. All us old guys were pulling for Perry. I still remember Nicklaus winning it at 46.

    This was the first Masters since my dad pased. Sitting watching it was kind of like having him back for a few hours.

    I give Cabrera credit. A lot of folks took a run at it. He was the last one standing. Never would have believed it when he hit that one shot right behind the tree.
    2015 Mazda 6 Grand Touring, 2014 Mazda 3 Sport Hatchback, 1999 Mazda Miata 2004 Toyota Camry LE, 1999.
  • verdugoverdugo Member Posts: 2,288
    He got banned from here. I hope he's still doing well.

    Got an email from him the other day. He's a figher. Good old Mack.
  • lozoyalozoya Member Posts: 11
    Oooh! That's a good one one Isell. Uppercut to the groin! I bet the jipster is still rolling on the floor from that one, and it's not from laughing.
  • lozoyalozoya Member Posts: 11
    66 year old grandpa! Congratulations. What's a kindle? I thought at first it was a hillbilly candle used for reading in the cabin at night! Just kidding, but I do not know what a kindle is. Just like twitter, what on earth is a twitter? I hear it on the nightly news all the time and have no clue what they are talking about. I guess I'm behind on technology.

    Last night my son took me to a comedy show at the Warner theatre in D.C. Some kid named Demetri Martin. He has done some shows on Comedy Central. I had a great time! I hadn't laughed so hard in a long time. I Had never heard of the guy but my son told me it was "observational humor" like George Carlin whom I dearly loved, God rest his soul. So we are sitting second row stage left and the speakers have the Beatles playing and my son pulls out his Iphone and touches the screen to some "application" called "Shazam!" and he holds out the phone towards the speakers and lo and behold the title of the song and the album it's from pop up on the screen. How on earth do they do that? So next thing you know I'm asking how much is one of them Iphones? My contract on my MotoRazr ends next month so I'm up for a new phone. This one looks like it could keep me occupied for years! He lets me play with the Iphone for a few minutes and puts a video game on. It's called Banjo Kazooie or something like that and it's a racing game. I have no idea how to make turns and he tells me to move the phone like I'm driving. It works!
    Just to stay on topic, Demetri took questions from the audience and someone asked him what kind of car he drove. Since he looked to be all of 28 years old (my son later told me he's 35) I figured he would drive a green car. Nope, I guess he took the safe way out and said since he lived in New York city he didn't drive a car and walked or took the subway.
    After the show we walked across the street to Ollie's Trolley's burgers. Best burger I've had in a long time.
    On the drive home we had to take I-395 and there was a backup due to an accident. Looked like a 97 Civic had a mean encounter with a concrete divider. You couldn't see the driver or passenger but I saw the windshield and I don't think the passenger made it. Looked like he went right through by not wearing his/her seatbelt. I hope I'm wrong. I'd hate to see anyone get hurt.
  • lozoyalozoya Member Posts: 11
    I figured if I sound like Isell, jmonroe, Richard64, driver100, and a few others we could start our own club and call it "Cheers" or "Grumpy Old Men" Lol!
  • jipsterjipster Member Posts: 6,299
    Oooh! That's a good one one Isell. Uppercut to the groin! I bet the jipster is still rolling on the floor from that one, and it's not from laughing.

    I've taken worse shots to the groin than that. Besides, that was isell actually trying
    to be nice to me... I think. :surprise:
    2021 Honda Passport EX-L, 2020 Honda Accord EX-L, 2011 Hyundai Veracruz, 2010 Mercury Milan Premiere.
  • lozoyalozoya Member Posts: 11
    Just goes to show, you don't mess with the US Navy!
  • fezofezo Member Posts: 10,386
    My mom was a Wave in WWII. I learned early about not messing with the Navy.
    2015 Mazda 6 Grand Touring, 2014 Mazda 3 Sport Hatchback, 1999 Mazda Miata 2004 Toyota Camry LE, 1999.
  • sterlingdogsterlingdog Member Posts: 6,984
    "Oooh! That's a good one Isell. Uppercut to the groin! I bet the jipster is still rolling on the floor from that one, and it's not from laughing."

    I'm afraid that you got the name of the victim incorrect. The uppercut to the groin was given to me. See post #41593. What hurt was that I have respected this salesman since I arrived here two years ago. He's very knowledgeable and offers sound advice.

    Though he accused me of running off lurkers and salesman, I remember quite well that it was a salesman who ran off the best teller of stories on this thread. Also, my recent "off topic" discussion was to help a fellow poster get good books for his son. I do realize that we need to stay on topic. Since sales have been low, some of us have tried to keep the thread going in a positive but, at times, off topic manner.

    Though I am not in sales, allow me to welcome you here. It's nice to see new posters. Most of the people here are some of the nicest and most professional individuals that you will ever meet. Now and then you will need to put on your protective gear---but not too often. At times, we have to remind ourselves that some of our Edmunds friends can be under stress. They all mean well.

    Richard
  • jimbresjimbres Member Posts: 2,025
    What's a kindle?

    In time, it might replace the book.

    Kindle 2
  • fezofezo Member Posts: 10,386
    Glad to see it costs as much as it does. That will keep me away for a while.....
    2015 Mazda 6 Grand Touring, 2014 Mazda 3 Sport Hatchback, 1999 Mazda Miata 2004 Toyota Camry LE, 1999.
  • jimbresjimbres Member Posts: 2,025
    I know what you mean. I'm a sucker for this stuff. Still, I'd hate to do anything that would hurt our terrific local bookstore. That's the only thing that's holding me back.
  • oldfarmer50oldfarmer50 Member Posts: 24,402
    "...Milk is 25 cents a gallon..."

    Based on current prices milk is about a buck a gallon. The rest is in packaging, shipping and profit to various middlemen. It costs the NY dairy farmer about $1.20 to produce the milk he gets a buck for.

    Sounds like the big three in Detroit. :cry:

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

  • oldfarmer50oldfarmer50 Member Posts: 24,402
    "...it might replace the book..."

    Star Trek has arrived! :surprise:

    Now when are we going to see those flying cars at our local dealership?

    BTW, what's this cellphone thing? :confuse:

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

  • driver100driver100 Member Posts: 32,629
    I thought at first it was a hillbilly candle used for reading in the cabin at night!

    You are fitting in perfectly around here.

    start our own club and call it "Cheers" or "Grumpy Old Men"

    Grumpy Old Men - Excellent!

    2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250

  • driver100driver100 Member Posts: 32,629
    . It costs the NY dairy farmer about $1.20 to produce the milk he gets a buck for.

    It's a good thing you are here OF. Not only sage advice, but also you are our in house expert on farming matters.

    2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250

  • driver100driver100 Member Posts: 32,629
    I've taken worse shots to the groin than that. Besides, that was isell actually trying
    to be nice to me... I think


    They're taking bets over on the gambling channel! ;)

    2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250

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