There is no "my way" here - I just tried to explain to you what may be behind lower CSI scores from "grinders" (as you like to call them), other than just easy "oh those people just like to be unhappy". I don't really tell you whether you should do it one way or another. All I say - if you elect doing things you seem to prefer, don't expect perfect scores from people who already know (or at least think they do) what the real price should be and are ready to fight for it. They'll see you as and obstacle in this process and grade you accordingly - the longer the course, the lower the grade. It's inevitable.
And by the way - I never said MSRP is salvation or anything of that nature.
"To you it might not be, but if someone really wanted a Malibu they would pay more for it."
That's not realistic. You can't double the price of an inferior car by cutting production. There is a ceiling that a car will go to that's based on the merits of that car. Who would "really want" a Malibu compared to other cars that go for 30 grand? When they put the Maxx out there with standard leather and V6, they almost immediately had to slap discounts of 5 grand or more on it because it's $24,000 sticker was a joke. A car that is rare because it is unloved is still unloved.
"if all you changed on a BMW was the name and logos from BMW to Chevy how many will they sell?"
Again, that's not realistic. If Chevy could just start building BMWs, they would. They can't. Caddy still can't. They can't even build a Coblat that's as good as a Civic, a Malibu that's as good as a Camry or an Impala that's as good as an Avalon.
They have a well earned reputaiton for mediocre cars. That does suppress the price that they can get for their cars. Even if they did start building superior cars, it will rightfully take years for them to change the image of the company. BMW has earned their reputation and they benefit from it.
OF COURSE the "grinder" buyer just wants us to hang our heads and say "OK, you win, I won't even try, let's do the paperwork and save some time...".
You can always say no and move on to a better customer - the one who would pay you full sticker, if you wish. He will give you perfect CSI, so why are you still sitting with this guy? :P
"I can put off having that hot new Buiyota Benz Sludge Mobile Sports Coupe for a few months if it will save me a few thousand"
My car didn't have a few thousand $$$'s of markup, it's a few hundred. And at the point I bought it, between the scarcity, gas mileage, and condition of my old car (199k), it was a deal I was very happy with.
I'm not saying that there aren't circumstances where MSRP shouldn't be negotiable. Just not EVERY time. Do yourself a favor and head on into a Lexus dealer and negotiate with them. Didn't go too well did it? They don't HAVE to (on much), so they don't.
And they have the happiest customers in the industry. Or at least the ones that are most adept at filling out a perfect survey heheh ...
If there were 30 of my car on the lot and we couldn't sell them, would I have paid MSRP? Nope. What's amazing is, even though we've since started discounting them a couple hundred to make a deal (we have a few on the lot now), I'm STILL less upside down than if I had bought most of our "competitors" for invoice or less.
I could have waited 4 months or longer and probably saved a few hundred bucks. To me, it IS trivial, because my new car has given me far more enjoyment that $5 a day for the last 100 days would have. Not to mention I haven't had to sink any money into a car I no longer wanted while I "waited" and hoped prices quickly became more flexible.
We are one of the top Scion dealers in the country (it's actually within our store...). People scamper in, pay MSRP (they do NOT negotiate under any circumstances), and leave happy with a car. It's hillarious how ANGRY the "grinders" get when we don't negotiate. I often wonder what it must be like to live like that. We run nearly 100% Scion CSI too...
I guess they should all be after that bridge in NY too eh? :P
T
PS: I own a 5-Speed Toyota Yaris Liftback. She's Blazing Blue, and manages 38MPG combined. Most fun I've had in a car for quite some time...
Honestly, if there are oodles of customers out there we don't sit for very long... It's why "grinders" usually know better than to come on a busy day haha... But:
"if you can't be, with the one you loooooovve, love the one you're with, love the one you're with!!!!"
Hold on, it's not things I seem to "prefer". It's MY JOB DESCRIPTION.
I get that you think it would go smoother if I didn't do my job. While it may go faster, it would cost us $$$ and therefore defeat the purpose of running a BUSINESS.
You are of course free to disagree, just like I can think of a lot of "improvements" Vegas could do to make my life easier :P
Just doesn't mean they should/would.
T
PS: You did mention all of the wonderful ways my life supposedly changes when I have one customer pay MSRP. That's not reality, just wanted you to be aware
With a BMW, it's not just a badge, it's a superior driving experience and superior styling and appointments that you're paying for. GM can't offer that with their mass production cars, so their tact is to discount them until they move.
Your correct...BMW sells the product and experience and GM sells the deal. Very different marketing approach. Could you imagine if BMW decided to sell the deal instead of the car? I can see the ad now....Get a $12,000 rebate on the new 330i plus $2000 owner loyalty, $500 college grad, $1000 military discount, $500 future farmers incentive, $1500 conquest rebate, etc...
Its more realistic than you think. With any commodity there is a set number of people who will buy it at a price point. Increase that price point and less people will be willing to buy it but there will be people willing to buy it. Reducing production will not raise the price but it will allow to sell the entire production run at a higher price.
Basically it goes like this, if I produce X amount of an item I would have to price it so that X amount of people will buy it. If I raise the price fewer people will buy said item leaving me with two options, either reduce the price so that demand meets my production or reduce my production so that it meets demand.
Again, that's not realistic.
Again it is very realistic, its all about image. Look at Benz, their quality has suffered in recent years yet people still want them and pay big bucks for them. Now if Yugo came to back with a car that out performed BMW in every way shape and form how many will they sell? Very few.
Even if they did start building superior cars, it will rightfully take years for them to change the image of the company. BMW has earned their reputation and they benefit from it.
Thank you, thank you and thank you again you just proved my point, its not the car its the image. Cars have reputations be it deserved or not. When you buy a BMW a lot of what you pay for is just a reputation you are buying a name.
2011 Hyundai Sonata, 2014 BMW 428i convertible, 2015 Honda CTX700D
I took economics too. You're distorting the concepts. You can not endlessly increase the price of a product by cutting production. Premium cars sell at higher prices to people that can afford them. They have superior materials, more feature, better design and workmanship. Who in their right mind would take a $30,000 Malibu over other $30,000 cars. "This car has cloth seats, a hideous metal bar across the front and noisy pushrod engine but I really want it". It just won't happen.
If GM scaled back production, what is the ceiling for a Malibu? 30k? 40k? Higher?
C'mon - you know well, I don't mean you to give stuff away or anything of that nature.
Didn't occur to you that what you think is your job is because you understand it that way and your store seems to concur? I could just as easily imagine successful stores that would sacrifice part of the profits (not all - just enough to make them competitive) for sake of efficiency and volume. Isn't just possible you can make the same amount of money in the same time selling more vehicles to more people for less? Expecially when after initial probe you pass up offers that just do not meet your minimum criteria for same sake of efficiency? I'm not even talking fixed pricing - I just say let go some of the "bumping up" dance when the return on is not that great and it could be more productive to move to another customer?
Isn't just possible that your business model is not the only one that can be successful?
wow. ya know, for that kind of jingle, you could buy a base corvette (which are being discounted and advertised with screamer ads in the paper) and mod it to probably beat a Z06 and still have money left over.
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '98 Alfa 156 2.0TS; '08 Maser QP; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '11 Mini Cooper S
My car didn't have a few thousand $$$'s of markup, it's a few hundred.
Its till a markup and as I said I would wait a few months when the excitement winds down and get one for less cash.
I'm not saying that there aren't circumstances where MSRP shouldn't be negotiable. Just not EVERY time.
I will negotiate any big ticket item with few exceptions (no car is an exception).
Do yourself a favor and head on into a Lexus dealer and negotiate with them. Didn't go too well did it? They don't HAVE to (on much), so they don't.
It is my understanding that Lexus dealers will negotiate. A quick look at Edmunds TMV's of the Lexus show that most are priced at below sticker (the hybrids are at sticker as is a couple others). While some are a few hundred off sticker in the TMV some are thousands off. So I guess if I head out there I can get a deal. Not that I would buy a Lexus.
Sorry I refuse to pay sticker on a car and find that paying a premium is just unthinkable.
When I buy a car I do my research and put a value on the car, I will not pay anything over that value. For me since my car is still running trouble free I have more than enough time to wait out those who just gotta have it now.
2011 Hyundai Sonata, 2014 BMW 428i convertible, 2015 Honda CTX700D
Lou knows when to pay profit and when to negotiate.
He paid I think 50,000 over for his F430, thats the one I got to drive, and he paid MSRP for his supercharged Range Rover.
He is getting a deal on his Supercharged Sport as he is picking up our last one and he got a good deal on the rover he bought for his mother back in the spring.
Even if it's the car you really want and a good value at MSRP, you would settle for something else?
There is no reasonable car out there that doesn't have a reasonable substitute. The only way I would pay sticker is if manufacturers start making MSRP that are more realistic and properly represented the market.
2011 Hyundai Sonata, 2014 BMW 428i convertible, 2015 Honda CTX700D
Today on the lot a couple in their 60's came in adn asked for a salesman that is on vacation. Since he wasnt around I sent them on a few test drives. Long story short, they came in and said we will take the sagebrush Pilot. Boom just like that, no negootiations or anything. Want to wait until next Monday to take the car so as not to cause "their" salesman to lose commission on a sale. Question for you nice folks is this; I did not take a deposit on this vehicle to hold it. I told them that as far as I was concerned a persons word is their bind and if they gave me their word I would hold the Pilot for them. Owner FREAKS when I do this but I have been here 7 years and all can do is grumble right now. So the question is this? Am I a scmuck for not getting a cash deposit? in my 7 years I have had to refund numerous deposit checks but only one person has ever taken back their word.
Premium cars sell at higher prices to people that can afford them
And most of the time they are over priced and people will pay it because of the name.
It's not just the name. You used the example of Mercedes still selling despite some reliability issues. That's a good example and you're right that they do sell. Ironically, many buyers are willing to brush aside reliability issues when the car is otherwise seductive. Mercedes are mercedes and chevies are chevies.
Take a look at a new Mercedes (non C class). The paint and interior are about as gorgeous as you'll find anywhere. The engine is silky and powerful. The body is striking. It has every latest gadget. That is what they're buying, not the name or the reliability.
Since we're not distorting econimic concepts, the price per unit of item A can be increased by reducing supply. As consumers face decreased availability, they will be inclined to offer a higher price. There is a price point for every good where the demand will shrink to 0 as consumder deicde to forego the consumption or seek altneratives. In the case of a Malibu, that price is probably 20 grand (the MSRP that the market has demonstrated no one will pay).
Yeah, we are waaaaaay off-topic here, folks. And if possible, can we take into account that what is important to one person may not be to another? That one shopping criteria that may be essential to one person may be bottom of the list for another? That this is a discussion for sales stories rather than shopping debate?
Thanks, The Management
MODERATOR /ADMINISTRATOR Find me at kirstie_h@edmunds.com - or send a private message by clicking on my name. 2015 Kia Soul, 2021 Subaru Forester (kirstie_h), 2024 GMC Sierra 1500 (mr. kirstie_h) Review your vehicle
As I have said I have only had one person take back his word. I usually just tell people in a joking way " hey if you got enough guts to tell me, that you will take it at this price I have enough guts to hold it for you." These were very nice people and I would be amazed if they didnt show back up. The owner on the other just goes out of his mind when I do this. And I do understand his point, but like I said I have only been stiffed once in 7 years...
You should have delivered the car and put the other salesperson on half the deal.
Even with a deposit, you have taken the car off the market. What if someone who looked at it yesterday comes back today to buy it? What would you say to them or to the other salesperson who wants to sell it?
" Oh, I'm holding it for a nice couple who said they would be back to buy it"
Have I become cynical after spending my enrite working career in the business/retail world?
You bet!
Even with a deposit, the deal can fall apart in an instant!
coming out of my Delete-o-Matic. It's not used to working this fast for so long. Please give the off-topic posts a miss while I perform scheduled maintenance.
MODERATOR /ADMINISTRATOR Find me at kirstie_h@edmunds.com - or send a private message by clicking on my name. 2015 Kia Soul, 2021 Subaru Forester (kirstie_h), 2024 GMC Sierra 1500 (mr. kirstie_h) Review your vehicle
I'm not offended when asked to leave a deposit, but I find it refreshing when not asked to. I know my word is my bond, but the salesman doesn't and is taking a chance.
isell, What part of the world are you in? I am in southern ohio and this guy had bought three cars from other salesman previously. As far as me delivering it for a split. I honestly try very hard not to do that to my co workers. They give me the same courtesy. If the customers had adamantly wanted to take this i would have done the deal & delivered it for them. We are in a small town of around 25,000 people and are known as a very open and friendly dealership. I understand that cash down is " the glue" that holds a deal together, but in my experience, people wont hesitate to ask for their deposit back but if you make them look you in the eye and take their word back...
>its not the car its the image. Cars have reputations be it deserved or not.
How do you feel Hyundai fits into that image and recovery model? I just stopped at the deal this afternoon and they had a GLS on the floor (low model, 4-cyl). Wasn't quite what I'm used to but seemed well built and designed.
FWIW, my new 2006 Hyundai Elantra, purchased in December 2005, hasn't been back to the dealer for any corrective action, or warranty tweaks, since purchase. Frankly, I can't say the same for other new car purchases I've made (Honda, Mazda, and Toyota) in the past from universally-accepted more reputable manufacturers. Of course, this is just one person's experience.
Did you get a signed buyer's order? Did you enter all their information into the computer so paperwork has been either finished or almost completed?
I definitely don't think a deposit is required from those folks as long as you've done the preliminary paperwork and especially the signed buyer's order agreeing on price. What happens if the day they come in for delivery you can't agree on price. Oops....
Don't sweat management. A good salesman can trust their instincts and know if someone is good for their word. I have many times held cars and even dealer transferred with just a signed buyer's order. A deposit is typically not necessary unless my manager demands it.
I am in the process of swapping in a a 93,000 dollar Range Rover with no deposit, no buyers order or no anything. One of the co-owners of our dealership is driving to NJ tomorrow to pick it up with the flat bed.
I wouldn't do that for just anybody though. There are only a handful of clients who are at that level.
Did you get a signed buyer's order? Did you enter all their information into the computer so paperwork has been either finished or almost completed?
Signed buyers order pulled their old deal for info gonna be a cash deal. I usually just run with it and let the chips fall where they may. Owner usually (*^%% at me and says not to do it too often because the newbies will try it.
What'll you do if he cuts you on price? Or do you sell a bunch of those and are not worried about having it on your lot?
Well it is a Supercharged Range Rover and no they don't make very many. Only about 1,200-1,500 a year are imported for the US market. Price is already agreed upon as he bought the silver twin to this car, the last one we were allocated actually, two weeks ago so we are just matching that deal. I am swapping my last Supercharged Range Rover Sport for it. They only make about 2,000 of those vehicles for the US market a year.
is that the white one? the lease? weren't you supposed to have that by today?
Yup it is the white on white one and Mike is ok with everything as long as he gets it sometime this week. I went up to his office yesterday to have him sign all the paper work and he will pick up the car on Friday probably.
Isell, tell me what you think about this comment. I worked as an internet sales manager at my store for about 4 months. At the end of that 4 months, I took all my leads and plopped them on my manager's desk and said I'm done with this. The constant price wars, back and forth negotiations over e-mail, lying, deceit, etc. from the consumers drove me over the edge.
I decided that I would be much more happy just talking to my fresh ups from the floor. I will still work an occasional internet lead if it is given to me, but I do my best to stay well clear. I found that there was little profit and little fun to be had with folks on the internet.
You think that might be spilling over a little on your side? You know you've got great instincts, don't get too jaded!
Comments
Right, and if I bought a Ferrari for $5 it would be a great deal too. How many NEW Trailblazer's sold for $1000?
And it's funny that you picked $1000 for the "low price" deal #.
I think you're close to right :P
T
And by the way - I never said MSRP is salvation or anything of that nature.
2018 430i Gran Coupe
That's not realistic. You can't double the price of an inferior car by cutting production. There is a ceiling that a car will go to that's based on the merits of that car. Who would "really want" a Malibu compared to other cars that go for 30 grand? When they put the Maxx out there with standard leather and V6, they almost immediately had to slap discounts of 5 grand or more on it because it's $24,000 sticker was a joke. A car that is rare because it is unloved is still unloved.
"if all you changed on a BMW was the name and logos from BMW to Chevy how many will they sell?"
Again, that's not realistic. If Chevy could just start building BMWs, they would. They can't. Caddy still can't. They can't even build a Coblat that's as good as a Civic, a Malibu that's as good as a Camry or an Impala that's as good as an Avalon.
They have a well earned reputaiton for mediocre cars. That does suppress the price that they can get for their cars. Even if they did start building superior cars, it will rightfully take years for them to change the image of the company. BMW has earned their reputation and they benefit from it.
You can always say no and move on to a better customer - the one who would pay you full sticker, if you wish. He will give you perfect CSI, so why are you still sitting with this guy? :P
2018 430i Gran Coupe
My car didn't have a few thousand $$$'s of markup, it's a few hundred. And at the point I bought it, between the scarcity, gas mileage, and condition of my old car (199k), it was a deal I was very happy with.
I'm not saying that there aren't circumstances where MSRP shouldn't be negotiable. Just not EVERY time. Do yourself a favor and head on into a Lexus dealer and negotiate with them. Didn't go too well did it? They don't HAVE to (on much), so they don't.
And they have the happiest customers in the industry. Or at least the ones that are most adept at filling out a perfect survey heheh
If there were 30 of my car on the lot and we couldn't sell them, would I have paid MSRP? Nope. What's amazing is, even though we've since started discounting them a couple hundred to make a deal (we have a few on the lot now), I'm STILL less upside down than if I had bought most of our "competitors" for invoice or less.
I could have waited 4 months or longer and probably saved a few hundred bucks. To me, it IS trivial, because my new car has given me far more enjoyment that $5 a day for the last 100 days would have. Not to mention I haven't had to sink any money into a car I no longer wanted while I "waited" and hoped prices quickly became more flexible.
We are one of the top Scion dealers in the country (it's actually within our store...). People scamper in, pay MSRP (they do NOT negotiate under any circumstances), and leave happy with a car. It's hillarious how ANGRY the "grinders" get when we don't negotiate. I often wonder what it must be like to live like that. We run nearly 100% Scion CSI too...
I guess they should all be after that bridge in NY too eh? :P
T
PS: I own a 5-Speed Toyota Yaris Liftback. She's Blazing Blue, and manages 38MPG combined. Most fun I've had in a car for quite some time...
"if you can't be, with the one you loooooovve, love the one you're with, love the one you're with!!!!"
:P
T
I get that you think it would go smoother if I didn't do my job. While it may go faster, it would cost us $$$ and therefore defeat the purpose of running a BUSINESS.
You are of course free to disagree, just like I can think of a lot of "improvements" Vegas could do to make my life easier :P
Just doesn't mean they should/would.
T
PS: You did mention all of the wonderful ways my life supposedly changes when I have one customer pay MSRP. That's not reality, just wanted you to be aware
2018 430i Gran Coupe
He said Z06 Corvettes sell for between 10-15,000 dollars above MSRP as fast as they can get them.
Your correct...BMW sells the product and experience and GM sells the deal. Very different marketing approach. Could you imagine if BMW decided to sell the deal instead of the car? I can see the ad now....Get a $12,000 rebate on the new 330i plus $2000 owner loyalty, $500 college grad, $1000 military discount, $500 future farmers incentive, $1500 conquest rebate, etc...
Its more realistic than you think. With any commodity there is a set number of people who will buy it at a price point. Increase that price point and less people will be willing to buy it but there will be people willing to buy it. Reducing production will not raise the price but it will allow to sell the entire production run at a higher price.
Basically it goes like this, if I produce X amount of an item I would have to price it so that X amount of people will buy it. If I raise the price fewer people will buy said item leaving me with two options, either reduce the price so that demand meets my production or reduce my production so that it meets demand.
Again, that's not realistic.
Again it is very realistic, its all about image. Look at Benz, their quality has suffered in recent years yet people still want them and pay big bucks for them. Now if Yugo came to back with a car that out performed BMW in every way shape and form how many will they sell? Very few.
Even if they did start building superior cars, it will rightfully take years for them to change the image of the company. BMW has earned their reputation and they benefit from it.
Thank you, thank you and thank you again you just proved my point, its not the car its the image. Cars have reputations be it deserved or not. When you buy a BMW a lot of what you pay for is just a reputation you are buying a name.
2011 Hyundai Sonata, 2014 BMW 428i convertible, 2015 Honda CTX700D
Nah, prolly not
T
If GM scaled back production, what is the ceiling for a Malibu? 30k? 40k? Higher?
Didn't occur to you that what you think is your job is because you understand it that way and your store seems to concur? I could just as easily imagine successful stores that would sacrifice part of the profits (not all - just enough to make them competitive) for sake of efficiency and volume. Isn't just possible you can make the same amount of money in the same time selling more vehicles to more people for less? Expecially when after initial probe you pass up offers that just do not meet your minimum criteria for same sake of efficiency? I'm not even talking fixed pricing - I just say let go some of the "bumping up" dance when the return on is not that great and it could be more productive to move to another customer?
Isn't just possible that your business model is not the only one that can be successful?
2018 430i Gran Coupe
ya know, for that kind of jingle, you could buy a base corvette (which are being discounted and advertised with screamer ads in the paper) and mod it to probably beat a Z06 and still have money left over.
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '98 Alfa 156 2.0TS; '08 Maser QP; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '11 Mini Cooper S
Its till a markup and as I said I would wait a few months when the excitement winds down and get one for less cash.
I'm not saying that there aren't circumstances where MSRP shouldn't be negotiable. Just not EVERY time.
I will negotiate any big ticket item with few exceptions (no car is an exception).
Do yourself a favor and head on into a Lexus dealer and negotiate with them. Didn't go too well did it? They don't HAVE to (on much), so they don't.
It is my understanding that Lexus dealers will negotiate. A quick look at Edmunds TMV's of the Lexus show that most are priced at below sticker (the hybrids are at sticker as is a couple others). While some are a few hundred off sticker in the TMV some are thousands off. So I guess if I head out there I can get a deal. Not that I would buy a Lexus.
Sorry I refuse to pay sticker on a car and find that paying a premium is just unthinkable.
When I buy a car I do my research and put a value on the car, I will not pay anything over that value. For me since my car is still running trouble free I have more than enough time to wait out those who just gotta have it now.
2011 Hyundai Sonata, 2014 BMW 428i convertible, 2015 Honda CTX700D
Lou knows when to pay profit and when to negotiate.
He paid I think 50,000 over for his F430, thats the one I got to drive, and he paid MSRP for his supercharged Range Rover.
He is getting a deal on his Supercharged Sport as he is picking up our last one and he got a good deal on the rover he bought for his mother back in the spring.
Even if it's the car you really want and a good value at MSRP, you would settle for something else?
Just curious...
No concept distortion there, I told it like it is.
You can not endlessly increase the price of a product by cutting production.
I never said you could now did I? Please don't complain about people distorting concepts when you distort what others are saying.
Premium cars sell at higher prices to people that can afford them
And most of the time they are over priced and people will pay it because of the name.
2011 Hyundai Sonata, 2014 BMW 428i convertible, 2015 Honda CTX700D
There is no reasonable car out there that doesn't have a reasonable substitute. The only way I would pay sticker is if manufacturers start making MSRP that are more realistic and properly represented the market.
2011 Hyundai Sonata, 2014 BMW 428i convertible, 2015 Honda CTX700D
So the question is this? Am I a scmuck for not getting a cash deposit? in my 7 years I have had to refund numerous deposit checks but only one person has ever taken back their word.
And most of the time they are over priced and people will pay it because of the name.
It's not just the name. You used the example of Mercedes still selling despite some reliability issues. That's a good example and you're right that they do sell. Ironically, many buyers are willing to brush aside reliability issues when the car is otherwise seductive. Mercedes are mercedes and chevies are chevies.
Take a look at a new Mercedes (non C class). The paint and interior are about as gorgeous as you'll find anywhere. The engine is silky and powerful. The body is striking. It has every latest gadget. That is what they're buying, not the name or the reliability.
Since we're not distorting econimic concepts, the price per unit of item A can be increased by reducing supply. As consumers face decreased availability, they will be inclined to offer a higher price. There is a price point for every good where the demand will shrink to 0 as consumder deicde to forego the consumption or seek altneratives. In the case of a Malibu, that price is probably 20 grand (the MSRP that the market has demonstrated no one will pay).
Thanks,
The Management
MODERATOR /ADMINISTRATOR
Find me at kirstie_h@edmunds.com - or send a private message by clicking on my name.
2015 Kia Soul, 2021 Subaru Forester (kirstie_h), 2024 GMC Sierra 1500 (mr. kirstie_h)
Review your vehicle
From what you said, they sound like very straightforward people and you have showed that you trust them.
On the other hand, asking for a cash deposit is kind of implying that you don't trust them.
Please let us know how it turns out.
Even with a deposit, you have taken the car off the market. What if someone who looked at it yesterday comes back today to buy it? What would you say to them or to the other salesperson who wants to sell it?
" Oh, I'm holding it for a nice couple who said they would be back to buy it"
Have I become cynical after spending my enrite working career in the business/retail world?
You bet!
Even with a deposit, the deal can fall apart in an instant!
MODERATOR /ADMINISTRATOR
Find me at kirstie_h@edmunds.com - or send a private message by clicking on my name.
2015 Kia Soul, 2021 Subaru Forester (kirstie_h), 2024 GMC Sierra 1500 (mr. kirstie_h)
Review your vehicle
And if you want to go the uber-suave route, offer to loan them the $1...
How do you feel Hyundai fits into that image and recovery model? I just stopped at the deal this afternoon and they had a GLS on the floor (low model, 4-cyl). Wasn't quite what I'm used to but seemed well built and designed.
2014 Malibu 2LT, 2015 Cruze 2LT,
2011 Hyundai Sonata, 2014 BMW 428i convertible, 2015 Honda CTX700D
FWIW your not alone.
2011 Hyundai Sonata, 2014 BMW 428i convertible, 2015 Honda CTX700D
I used to work for an Ohio based company and I would travel there four or five times a year.
I'm on the west coast and, believe me, things are different.
I never mind giving up a half deal myself.
I'll pop in later. Thanks for the propers, Jipster!
Did you get a signed buyer's order? Did you enter all their information into the computer so paperwork has been either finished or almost completed?
I definitely don't think a deposit is required from those folks as long as you've done the preliminary paperwork and especially the signed buyer's order agreeing on price. What happens if the day they come in for delivery you can't agree on price. Oops....
Don't sweat management. A good salesman can trust their instincts and know if someone is good for their word. I have many times held cars and even dealer transferred with just a signed buyer's order. A deposit is typically not necessary unless my manager demands it.
Good luck!
I wouldn't do that for just anybody though. There are only a handful of clients who are at that level.
What'll you do if he cuts you on price? Or do you sell a bunch of those and are not worried about having it on your lot?
weren't you supposed to have that by today?
tsk-tsk
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '98 Alfa 156 2.0TS; '08 Maser QP; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '11 Mini Cooper S
Signed buyers order pulled their old deal for info gonna be a cash deal. I usually just run with it and let the chips fall where they may. Owner usually (*^%% at me and says not to do it too often because the newbies will try it.
Well it is a Supercharged Range Rover and no they don't make very many. Only about 1,200-1,500 a year are imported for the US market. Price is already agreed upon as he bought the silver twin to this car, the last one we were allocated actually, two weeks ago so we are just matching that deal. I am swapping my last Supercharged Range Rover Sport for it. They only make about 2,000 of those vehicles for the US market a year.
is that the white one? the lease?
weren't you supposed to have that by today?
Yup it is the white on white one and Mike is ok with everything as long as he gets it sometime this week. I went up to his office yesterday to have him sign all the paper work and he will pick up the car on Friday probably.
I was brought up by parents whose word and handshake meant something.
I guess I've been lied to by too many customers to be as trustful as I used to be.
Times have changed.
That car wasn't wrecked, it just had bullet holes in it !
Now don't talk too loud or ALL of the customers will want bullet holes. We usually charge for that but in your case they were free !
So, what are you worried about !
Isell, tell me what you think about this comment. I worked as an internet sales manager at my store for about 4 months. At the end of that 4 months, I took all my leads and plopped them on my manager's desk and said I'm done with this. The constant price wars, back and forth negotiations over e-mail, lying, deceit, etc. from the consumers drove me over the edge.
I decided that I would be much more happy just talking to my fresh ups from the floor. I will still work an occasional internet lead if it is given to me, but I do my best to stay well clear. I found that there was little profit and little fun to be had with folks on the internet.
You think that might be spilling over a little on your side? You know you've got great instincts, don't get too jaded!
Pretty funny stuff.
I got lied to just as much on the sales floor.
There are markets I couldn't work in however. California comes to mind. I'm from there and it is a snakepit!