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Stories from the Sales Frontlines
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Depends on what the opposition is selling their cars for, and if they provide good/truthful customer service. If I'm treated fair to good I'll go to the dealership with the best price... over the one price no haggle dealership with great customer service.
I've always been friendly and respectful with any salesman I've dealt with. Give me an attitude, sarcasm, or lie... and I'll go elsewhere, no matter how good a deal I could have gotten.
People would just take my price and go shop it. I have seen people drive many miles and put up with abuse just to "save" 100.00.
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Besides, everybody needs a "desk".
I just hope they get this solved in a hurry.
She told me that upfront and I told her to do you research about the transmission problems they have had and make sure you are covered.
Called back and forth a few days after couldn't reach her and when I finally did she had bought the MDX. No problem happens all the time she said thanks for warning her about the transmission she made sure she bought a CPO one that covered the trans...
Then she proceeded to complain about how bad this dealer in upstate NY, 100 plus miles away, was. "There were so bad to us," she said, "I really didn't like the way we were treated and there was a lot of attitude and negativity about everything we asked. They had a price 500 bucks cheaper then anyone else though and we were already there so we just did the deal.
:confuse: :sick: :surprise: But not really that is how some people are.
I would have walked and tried to get that 500 bucks from some other local dealer who didn't abuse me and would probably support the product they sold after the sale but that's just me.
Yeah, that would be a lot of fun. Can you imagine if Kristie, Tidester and Kyfdx had a little too much to drink, and left their laptops logged onto Edmunds, while they were out chasing pink elephants? Oh, the fun we could have.
Poster: " I'd like to get some information on buying a new Honda Odyssey."
Tidester: " Hey bonehead, this is the Kia Rio discussion. Go buy yourself a G.P.S
and repost in the appropriate discussion."
Kristie: " I am host of this discussion. Mind your own business tidester." :P
I had never managed to settle her on a specific XC90 when she was in. She was a bit flighty and Could have gone with a 2006-2008 and would be fine with either the V8 or the base motor. Huge swing in prices there down from around $20,000 for a miled up 2.5T 2006 XC90 to$ 35,000 for a low mileage 2008 V8.
2016 Audi A7 3.0T S Line, 2021 Subaru WRX
Generally, customers buy when they feel comfortable not because they got the lowest price in a 10 state area (some do like jip but not many)....haggling endlessly leads to mistrust and doubt so people shop. A fully transparent process takes that concern away and makes the customer feel good about the process.
Quite frankly the cusotmer who is willing to put up with abuse and sleazy treatment to save $100 isnt the customer for me....bad survey, no service work, no referrals etc. is the norm from that buyer..
lets use the Honda dealer in my area as an example, The largest in the state is one price and there are 6 other honda dealers within 30 minutes....oddly enough the one price dealer crushes them month in and month out..When they did things the traditional haggle way they didn't out sell anyone.
But, yes, for some people it's all about money. they will drive forever and get mistreated to save a lousy buck.
Toyota just can't help themselves with the spin when they're in a pinch. They're like politicians these days. The quote makes it sound like they have piously stopped production to put available parts into cars already sold. But the NHSTA Ray Hood made it clear they are required by law to stop producing--and continued production for 5, FIVE, days when they legally were required to stop.
Here's the Detroit News:
"Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood told Chicago radio station WGN that the government asked Toyota to stop selling the vehicles.
LaHood said, "The reason Toyota decided to do the recall and to stop manufacturing was because we asked them to."
A Toyota spokesman, Mike Michels, said Tuesday that the stop sale decision was obligatory although the recall was voluntary.
Strickland wouldn't directly address why Toyota didn't stop selling the vehicles five days earlier when it announced the recall.
"At this point, you need to talk to Toyota about those decisions," he said. "We'll be continuing to work with Toyota and having conversations."
Strckland said in taking the action "Toyota was complying with the law."
"They consulted with the agency. We informed them of the obligations, and they complied," he said
From The Detroit News: http://www.detnews.com/article/20100127/AUTO01/1270400/-1/rss#ixzz0dqHFgqdF
2014 Malibu 2LT, 2015 Cruze 2LT,
A local Ford store tried a "no dicker" price tag thing a few years ago and gave it up.
People would use them to test drive cars and take up the salesperson's time. They they would cheerfully write down the no dicker price and go shopping!
Well, it's not your store. So Snake and jmonroe will be there anyway. :P
As far as HOSTS, just Kirstie!
I already asked dude... she's married.
He wanted to make a complaint with me about that dealer because the sales manager there wouldn't listen to him. He was going on and on and on until I got frustrated and interrupted his rant and asked him why he would reward a lousy dealer, and why he thinks that complaining to me would make a difference there.
Finally I told him that if that dealer has a reputation for bad customer service then it's better for me because I'll get some of their business, so why would I even care about bringing this to their attention??
And i still don't get people that buy from someone that treats them like crap. :confuse:
2016 Audi A7 3.0T S Line, 2021 Subaru WRX
I'm off today!
I'm with you on that richard. The car buying process should be exciting and fun. For someone who only buys every 4-7 years, I look forward to it. I let the salesmen go thru his little presentation of the car, I do my thing, we both leave happy. I would think 3 hours would be close to the average buying time anyhow.
There's a dealership group who practice what you're trying to do around me (Joseph Group). They have quite a few stores ranging from Porsche all the way to Hyundai. The majority of their stores are "premium brands" like Caddy, Infiniti, Audi, Acura, in addition to Porsche.
The ones I've dealt with all have been laid back, low pressure, courteous, up front with pricing, professional, and price competitive. I've never seen any TV ads from them with the exception of their Hyundai store. Most of their advertising is in the newspaper. If I were a grinder, I probably wouldn't like dealing with them. They give you a quote, including fees and TTL. You might get them to move a couple hundred and/or throw in some accessories, but in general, they're doing what you want to do. They're probably one of the most successful dealership groups in my area.
jipster...as if she'd go out with the likes of YOU if she was single! :P
I'm off today!
oh, you're home and you want me to stop by for dinner? Sounds good. But, since you're on the prowl, I'll leave the Mrs. at home.
Establishing a connection at the local bmw dealer. Good guy decent pricing but you can see the wheels spinning when we talk. Some guys you can't see it. Not a problem -- nice thing about the highline dealers around here is that they don't mind waiting 12-18 months to do a deal. No pressure. Will check out the new 528xi next winter and see how it compares with the audi a4/a6. Even though bmw is pricier, if the cars are close in comfort and drive --much easier to stay within 5 miles than 20-30 miles. Then after I see what one of those bad girls is actually going to cost, will head over to the honda store with my wife to see the Fit. Another crazy possibility would be a new charger R/T. Lots of room/trunk with 40/60 rear seats and certainly a great cruiser. Haven't driven any of those but the charger would save almost 20k but would it be worth it? Not afraid or domestics and have had good luck with chrysler. Depreciation isn't much of an issue either since I'd be starting out 20 ahead. Mpg is a wash especially since I don't drive that much. Black-grey int with that bad-a** spoiler. :shades:
2018 430i Gran Coupe
I would be there in a flash. I always like it when dealers say prices will be marked on the windshield for this sale.
There are still people who like to haggle though, and I am not sure if the Saturn system worked that well for most people.
I also think there are a lot of people who love to be mistreated, probably so they have more to complain about. I managed a catalogue showroom once (people fill out a card and we bring them the merchandise), and the people don't really see the merchandise until it is brought out, warranties were from the manufacturer only, returns had to be in perfect condition with a perfect box, and the savings weren't that great. Many people were too lazy to walk around a big store to shop themselves, or they just wanted cheap stuff they could complain about.
However, I think intelligent car buyers, like most of the ones who post here, wouldmuch prefer that system. And, for busy business types, time is money, and who wants to spend their time haggling?
What kind of cars do you sell? Guessing Audis....audia8q.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
Don't know where you're getting your information (Isell maybe), but I would never go shopping in a 10 state area to find the lowest price. If the dealership isn't within a 30 minute drive of my mansion, I'm really not interested.
LOL. I think she would go out with me... if only to shoot me down with that Delete-O-Matic she is ohhh so famous for. :shades:
I agree with both of you on this one. Buying a new car is fun. If the salesman is annoying or dishonest, it's fun to leave him and go some where else. Some sales people can be excellent, but they are not on the same wave length or you just don't get along....that's fine.
But when the salesman can read where you are coming from, knows you won't take any fooling around...then it all works out fine.
If I know a dealer will give me the best possible price I would prefer to go there. But, I am not intimidated by the haggle, just prefer not to, and to get it out of the way very quickly.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
Kirstie_H is not married. However, you would not want kirstie_h in charge of a road trip, no sirree... I require evidence of a near-bursting bladder or near-empty gas tank before you can get me to pull over. It's all about making good time.
I did enjoy the (purely hypothetical) host happy hour conversation though. And no matter what you talk about, with kyfdx it's just price, price, price, all day, every day.
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
Oh yes there are. Sometimes it's a cultural thing.
I've told this story before but I love it so much I just have to tell it again.
A couple of summers ago we teg tagged a bunch of our new cars as we often do. There are usually rock bottom prices when we want to kick up the volume or move some units we have a lot of.
Well,one of our lot attendants made a horrible mistake. He tagged a NAVI Odyssey with a tag that should have gone into a non navi. Has we sold it for that price we would have lost something like 1500.00.
There "smart shoppers" immediatly landed on it. Did they snap it up for that price?
Nooooo, they offered quite a bit less!
So, they sent me in...
" Folks, we have made a serious mistake here but I will honor our tagged price if you want to buy it1"
" No...we want to pay less"
I then informed them that I would only honor it NOW! I had the tag in my hand and I let them know that if they leave, I will correct the price.
They left, and I changed the tag raising it over 2000.00. Still a great deal.
An hour later, they came screaming back into the store...WE WILL BUY THE CAR! I'm sure they shopped my number at another store.
I tried not to smile when I showed them the new tag.
They left slowly shaking their heads.
They outsmarted themselves.
Why one price tags won't work!
You've told that story 8 or 9 times in the 5 years I've been a member. But, I don't recall any version where you had the price tag in your hand, saying if they leave you will change the price. It does make for a more entertaining story though,
Why one price tags won't work!
I think a model like audia8q's might work... $100-$400 over invoice. A local Toyota dealership has a no haggle pricing system. Their listed prices are quite a bit more than invoice, to where it seems like a sales ploy to bring in more foot traffic. :sick:
As long as some dealerships are into playing games, misrepresenting the truth, and outright lieing... there's always a chance for the one price system.
I don't know if you'd want me along. My wife says I always embarrass her when we go shopping. She only brings me out when she needs someone to "make a scene" and throw furniture about. I don't think I'm quite that bad. In fact, when it comes to car shopping I'm quite timid.
Still, if the negotiations bog down I could throw a chair or two if it would help. :mad:
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
I would because it would become a simple take it or leave it decision. You'd still get the grinders though.
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
if you really want to push it, i did drive for 7 miles once with the DTE reading zero.
That was a great story. However, to be realistic, those potential buyers were just overly cautious people who wanted to double check the price. Maybe if they had been to another dealer first they would have realized what a good price it was.
But that would mean they would still be cross shopping :sick:
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
The problem with one price stores that displays and advertises one price is that they're a sitting duck for competitive dealerships and for those that like to negotiate.
If I had a customer who told me they were going to buy at a one price store, I'd try to close the deal right there and then by offering to beat that store's advertised price. And since they won't budge on their price, the customer would know that my offer would be a better deal.
I can see saavy consumers and dealers taking advantage of the situation. Such a concept might work but it would depend on the local and cultural market and the type of consumers that are in your area.
2016 Audi A7 3.0T S Line, 2021 Subaru WRX
Explain carmax success...I would guess they don't last because they violate the integrity of the one price concept. Once you throw in free floor mats or discount the one price by $50 'cause the guy is walking you have just become like every other dealer.
No matter how "fair" the pricing is, people seem to like negotiating when it comes to cars.
I disagree...most consumers don't like to negotiate...the system has forced them to haggle and shop. This started with horsetrading a hundred years ago. The internet and the ability to process information has changed this..
If you set your "fair" price at $100 over invoice - the competition will figure it out and start adds at $75 over invoice.
This is assuming all customers care ONLY about price....The other dealer still is going to force the buyer to haggle and play the run to the manager game to get to the $25 savings. they still use the shady finance mangager process, can't answer finance rate questions, holdback on the trade, employ salespeople that fit every stereotype, etc....so its the whole concept/process not just saving $25. every internal industry survey for the past 25 years has put price as the 4th or 5th reason to buy from a particular dealer ....number one has consistantly been "I liked the salesperson" This doesnt mean the customer didnt get a good deal but remember we are talking the majority of buyers not the 10 or 20% that insist price is all that matters at any cost.
Interesting! It is inexcusable to let this go on.
NBC News said Hertz and Budget aren't renting Toyotas now.
My RAV4 was from Thrifty. Maybe if I take it back they will only have a Caddie or Mustang convertible as a replacement..
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
Customers lie and play games too. More than you would probably believe.
Not being critical or anything, but I think a salesperson might have a problem trying to figure out what you really need, or want.
Or are you going on the road trip to test drive anything and everything in sight?
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
glad i always try to rent from Hertz.
you should go back to the rental office and let them know you are unhappy being stuck with a vehicle that can't even be sold, and what are they going to do about it making up for that?
There is a dealership about two hours away from me that I really might travel to buy from if I get their make just so I could say I bought from them. They have a really neat name and if the hosts say its OK I will name them.
2011 Hyundai Sonata, 2014 BMW 428i convertible, 2015 Honda CTX700D
Congratulations explorer, you finally used a capital...I guess since it is a trademarked name.
i first tried expedia and all the rental companies were around $900 to $1100 for a standard car for one month. Thrifty was just $480 for a Fusion special. I had a Fusion last year so I was kind of happy to try a RAV4 which is a car I sometimes thought about. I had a bmw X3 and thought for about 40% less I could drive a RAV4...it gets me from A to B and is probably more reliable.
Well, the RAV is ok, and I found you can get used to almost anything, but the X3 is worth about 5X what this one is worth.
I am not too concerned. On the same NBC News report the expert said if the pedal sticks just throw it into nutral and pull over to the side of the road. Call a toe truck, don't try to drive it again. But, if I feel like it I might call Thrifty and see if they'll make a trade. Doubt it though.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
We had already decided to buy the car at that internet price if the car passed our inspection and test drive but I saw no harm in taking a few minutes to see if I could get the price lower.
Do your research and you can't really go wrong.
2011 Hyundai Sonata, 2014 BMW 428i convertible, 2015 Honda CTX700D
I was really just kidding about going back to the rental office.
After Richard's admonishment, I decided to start using capital letters, although I find it inefficient.
Every Toyota I have rented was a fine car for a rental, but they all made me glad to get back to my daily driver.
I prefer firm steering effort, but as I have driven newer cars, it seems to be getting lighter with less road feel.
If you just said you are a computer genius we would all think the lack of capitals just meant you are really computer savy...afterall the faster and shorter your message, the more people think you are just so busy and knowledgeable you don't have time for capitals.
I admire Toyota for making such reliable cars (before this latest mishap). However, I have rented a Camry and a RAV4, and I know I couldn't buy one. A friend took us to the airport in a 4 year old Buick Century and that felt more like a car to me. It has a nice big instrument panel and a big hood. Now, that's a car.
Florida is great, temperatures vary from mid 60s to mid 70s for the next week, possible rain on Saturday. There are tigers about 20 minutes from here...they are outside a house in cages, they get rehabilitated for the circus there (not for drinking problems but injured) and it is free, and the Manatee observation deck is 5 minutes away, saw about 20 there all at the same time yesterday. It's at a hydro generating station and they like the warm water.
It's a nice break from the below freezing weather I hear they have back home.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
I don't think so. I'm sure isell can tell hagllers from overly cautious buyers.
But even if I believe they were "overly cautious buyers," it's still their fault. What's the #1 we always say here? Do you homework before hitting the lot. If they had done that, they would've known that it was a steal.
Uhh, they would? If they were shopping an out the door price they would know yours is the better deal. If they shop on the price of car only, which I assume most people do, and then you add a high doc. fee and a bunch of other junk fees, then no, they aren't getting a better deal.