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Stories from the Sales Frontlines

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  • graphicguygraphicguy Member Posts: 14,120
    joel...your buyer sounds like my kind of guy. I like that....."here's my deal...one shot at it."

    Good luck in hitting your goal.
    2024 Kia EV6 GT-Line AWD Long Range
  • graphicguygraphicguy Member Posts: 14,120
    joel....hmmmmm.....probably going to open up a can of worms, but the Explorer looks to be the 2WD version. Not necessarily a popular configuration. Gotta knock another $x,xxx off for that.
    2024 Kia EV6 GT-Line AWD Long Range
  • joel0622joel0622 Member Posts: 3,299
    Ok the Unit is under a Florida title and it was a vehicle that was leased through enterprise to a company. Enterprise Leasing does allot of that. On 10/22/08 it was Registered to a major rental company and then on 10/27/08 the title was updated to show it as a leased vehicle. I know it was Enterprise because I have seen the title. The carfax is clean on it.

    Tag, your it
  • joel0622joel0622 Member Posts: 3,299
    If it was 4X4 it would be higher to start with :D Am I gonna have to give you $10 and tell you to go get some lunch while Richard and I negotiate this?? :D:D
    I wonder how many 3rd Basemen we would have on this deal :D:D A third Basemen is a slang term for someone who is trying to help negotiate a deal but has no personal or financial interest vested. Usually a friend or co-worker who comes along for the ride.
  • isellhondasisellhondas Member Posts: 20,342
    A third baseman usually causes more trouble than anything else.

    I once told one..." If you're trying to help your friend NOT buy a car, you're doing a good job!"
  • verdugoverdugo Member Posts: 2,288
    I once told one..." If you're trying to help your friend NOT buy a car, you're doing a good job!"

    LOL

    My wife is my third baseman for everything. I want to buy everything, and she says no to everything. We have a good system. :P
  • verdugoverdugo Member Posts: 2,288
    Good luck in hitting your goal.

    +1

    Hopefully the guy who buys (assume the sale ;) ) the 10th will be a baby seal.
  • delthekingdeltheking Member Posts: 1,152
    edited February 2010
    Just shows that -they are making a mountain of a molehill. Minor blip on Toyota`s radar. Will be back a much better company ! :shades:
  • qbrozenqbrozen Member Posts: 33,735
    A third baseman usually causes more trouble than anything else.

    I could definitely see that being the case most times.

    Personally, as a third baseman, I think I help the dealer quite a bit. I always get the deal done. Just about every time I've been asked by the salesperson if I was in the biz. Twice I've been offered a job by the GM. :blush:

    '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

  • exb0exb0 Member Posts: 539
    Well, the Black Book Trade-in Average condition for this truck is ....

    LOL
  • graphicguygraphicguy Member Posts: 14,120
    joel....let me give you my address so you can send me that $10. I can be bribed to go away..... :D

    As you can tell, I've done plenty of 3rd base "coaching". Sometimes the dealers hate it. Sometimes they appreciate that I can get whomever I'm helping to focus on what it is they really want.

    IBut, I think totally discounting the "3rd baseman", or trying to remove them from the conversation, is a mistake. That person is there for a reason. And, that person is someone the buyer trusts enough to bring them along for help. Dismiss that person, and you may as well admit that the friend, relative, significant other acting as the 3rd baseman is untrustworthy. Nothing will get me to walk out of a dealership quicker, with the buyer in tow, than to be minimized or dismissed as unimportant to the decision to buy a vehicle.
    2024 Kia EV6 GT-Line AWD Long Range
  • lrguy44lrguy44 Member Posts: 2,197
    The problem is most 3rd basement are not informed as you are. Actually, many of them just try to justify thier status by just trying to :
    A. Downgrade the product
    B. Creating ridiculous offers then telling the buyer the dealership has $10,000 of gross profit to play with (an exaggeration but you get my jist)
    C. Making the decision for the buyer based on thier wants and needs, not the buyers.
    D. Are not aware of the market for a trade or the new car.

    I once asked a third baseman if they were going to help with the down payment or the monthly payment. It is easy for the uniformed to give advise without a vested interest.
  • lrguy44lrguy44 Member Posts: 2,197
    edited February 2010
    I might add that I will involve and listen to the 3rd baseman until he/she demonstrates they are not informed and are self serving rather than an asset to the buyer.
  • imidazol97imidazol97 Member Posts: 27,671
    >wonder how many 3rd Basemen we would have on this deal

    I was going to suggest something, but after this I think I'll stay in the dugout with the other Nashville Sounds. :blush:

    2014 Malibu 2LT, 2015 Cruze 2LT,

  • jayriderjayrider Member Posts: 3,602
    edited February 2010
    One rule on a late model low mile vehicle is to know what a new one would cost. I think ford has 3k cash back before you start negotiating on 2010's. Then you can assess whether used makes sense. 3k under new may work for some folks, but not for me.
  • graphicguygraphicguy Member Posts: 14,120
    lr....fair enough. I can see where some 3rd baseman are only there to "show you how it's done". That definitely helps no one. That agenda isn't really conducive to working in what is the best interest of the buyer.

    While sometimes I'm successful, sometimes I'm not, when it comes to buying a car, either for myself or helping someone else, I try to stick by my own saying. That is...."get in, make the choice, do the paperwork, get out." I don't want to tarry any longer than need be. I'm sure the good salespeople here feel the same way. Not that all of you aren't fun to chat with. But, you've got a job to do (sell more cars). And, I've got better things to do than to sit at a dealership for hours on end.
    2024 Kia EV6 GT-Line AWD Long Range
  • isellhondasisellhondas Member Posts: 20,342
    edited February 2010
    Last month I took a call from a very nice woman who was very interested in a used car we had. She told me that she had been looking for several months for that exact color combination, low miles etc. It was a used Acura RL.

    So, I told her I would go voer the car with a fine tooth comb, pull the Car Fax and our Inspection Report.

    We had just taken this car in and it had a couple of tiny door dings that our paintelss dent guy hadn't had a chance to fix. They were so small a lot of people wouldn't have noticed or even cared. Two of the alloy wheels had been lightly scraped. Again, we hadn't had the time to fix these.

    And the Car Fax reported "An Accident". The previous owner had been bumped at a light and the rear bumper cover had been replaced.

    All in all, this was an exceptional car!

    I stayed past my shift to meet with this woman and her third baseman. She had warned me about the third baseman and how fussy he was.

    They showed up a half hour late and immediately spotted the RL and headed to it. I went to get the keys.

    The third baseman had very door open along with the hood and trunk by the tiime I walked out there.

    " It's been wrecked" was the first thing out of his mouth.

    I explained to him that it had had the rear bumber cover replaced and nothing else according to the previous owner.

    " It's been hit in front too"

    I showed him all of the intact vin stickers but it didn't matter.

    He then went over every square inch of the car pointing out everry miniscule flaw he could find. He found "flaws" that I couldn't even see.

    Then he wanted to drive it so off, we went.

    " What is that noise" There was no unusual noise.

    " It pulls to the right" It didn't.

    Finally I siad.." It sounds like you don't like the car...I have your number. I'll call you if we get another one in"

    I also explained to them that the minor flaws were scheduled to be fixed the next day.

    They left to go look at others and the car soold the next day to a very happy customer.

    Three days later, the woman called me. " I want to come in and make an offer"

    Sorry...it's gone!
  • boomchekboomchek Member Posts: 5,516
    edited February 2010
    HAHAHAHA!!!!

    It's funny when people talk themselves out of a deal or let a quarterback talk them out of something and then come back later and want to "make offers"

    Some used vehicle are truly excpetional and really do not last very long. Some buyers who stroll in with a lemon-aid book, a clipboard, and/or a quarterback fail to realize it and lose out on potentially good units.

    2016 Audi A7 3.0T S Line, 2021 Subaru WRX

  • lrguy44lrguy44 Member Posts: 2,197
    Actualy, you are partially correct. At least here at high end (and it was the same when I sold Dodge's) people want to spend time outside driving, touching feeling and picking out the vehicle that meets thier needs. It is inside where they quickly want to reach an agreement, do paperwork and go. What many on this board neglect is the actual discovery process
  • lrguy44lrguy44 Member Posts: 2,197
    Actualy, you are partially correct. At least here at high end (and it was the same when I sold Dodge's) people want to spend time outside driving, touching feeling and picking out the vehicle that meets thier needs. It is inside where they quickly want to reach an agreement, do paperwork and go. What many on this board neglect is the actual discovery process
  • mako1amako1a Member Posts: 1,855
    When Joe Buyer goes into a dealership he has to deal with a salesman and his third baseman, namely the GM. (or maybe vice versa) If it was just salesman vs buyer the playing field would be somewhat level. However adding the "decision maker" to the mix puts the buyer at a distinct disadvantage.

    I say the buyer should bring anybody he can get that will actually keep the big picture in view and not get get caught up in small details.

    2013 Mustang GT, 2001 GMC Yukon Denali

  • exb0exb0 Member Posts: 539
    When I'm a third baseman, I point the buyer to Edmunds, send them alone on test drives, and have them tell me the model, color and options that they want. I don't go anywhere until they know exactly what they want. Then, I pre-negotiate over the phone or email, and go with the buyer to pick the car up. I generally keep my mouth shut, unless the salesman or F&I try to pull something, which doesn't happen very often.

    So far none of my third baseman transactions involved trade-ins or used cars. I can't imagine doing that, it could be a time consuming nightmare.
  • oldfarmer50oldfarmer50 Member Posts: 24,191
    "...It was all decked out with a furry dashboard..."

    A furry dashboard? Who ordered it, Austin Powers? My wife's 74 Charger had shag carpeting but it seemed cool for the time. :sick:

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

  • houdini1houdini1 Member Posts: 8,351
    I think that if they had pulled that on me I would have been tempted to tell her it had been sold whether it had been or not !!

    2013 LX 570 2016 LS 460

  • sterlingdogsterlingdog Member Posts: 6,984
    I had already put that thought on my negotiation list. ;)

    Richard
  • sterlingdogsterlingdog Member Posts: 6,984
    I believe that your wife is kin to my wife. :D

    Richard
  • sterlingdogsterlingdog Member Posts: 6,984
    Does that mean that we're walking out the door now? I haven't even started my conversation yet. :P

    Richard
  • fezofezo Member Posts: 10,386
    I've been the third baseman a few times. One time the salesman referred to me as the curbside lawyer. I'm only ever there to make sure that nothing crazy happens. I'm the one that says "no mop and glo" and such. Have never had a bad experience with this though I'm sure if I were more of a pain taht would change.

    That said, Joel, i'll be happy to take the $10 lunch while you and richard duke it out.
    2015 Mazda 6 Grand Touring, 2014 Mazda 3 Sport Hatchback, 1999 Mazda Miata 2004 Toyota Camry LE, 1999.
  • fezofezo Member Posts: 10,386
    I've been the third baseman a few times. One time the salesman referred to me as the curbside lawyer. I'm only ever there to make sure that nothing crazy happens. I'm the one that says "no mop and glo" and such. Have never had a bad experience with this though I'm sure if I were more of a pain taht would change.

    That said, Joel, I'll be happy to take the $10 lunch while you and richard duke it out.
    2015 Mazda 6 Grand Touring, 2014 Mazda 3 Sport Hatchback, 1999 Mazda Miata 2004 Toyota Camry LE, 1999.
  • sterlingdogsterlingdog Member Posts: 6,984
    I'm afraid that you won't be of much help. I'm a 3-5 hour grinder. :)

    Richard
  • joel0622joel0622 Member Posts: 3,299
    The 3rd Baser's I hate are the ones trying to show off, be loud, interupt and pull numbers out of the solar system thats code for uranus.

    If some one is there for moral support thats great, I have had them close deals for me before too.
  • verdugoverdugo Member Posts: 2,288
    pull numbers out of the solar system thats code for uranus.


    HAHA. That was very funny. I like that phrase.
  • verdugoverdugo Member Posts: 2,288
    He's been MIA. Plenty of talk about Hyundais recently and he hasn't even said hi.

    Must be busy shopping for a new dining room. :sick:
  • fezofezo Member Posts: 10,386
    I'm afraid that you won't be of much help. I'm a 3-5 hour grinder.

    Joel, i'm going to need dinner, too.
    2015 Mazda 6 Grand Touring, 2014 Mazda 3 Sport Hatchback, 1999 Mazda Miata 2004 Toyota Camry LE, 1999.
  • joel0622joel0622 Member Posts: 3,299
    Might need to pack for a week. The balls in his court and he is stone walling me. I guess not answering the post is like not answering the phone or emails for a few days in hopes of me making an offer out of desperation. :D:D
  • sterlingdogsterlingdog Member Posts: 6,984
    I have two other questions before we get down to brass tacks. One, what type of company leased the car? You don't need to give the actually name, just the type. Examples: meat processing company, electrical parts company, clothing manufacturer, etc. Secondly, how many days has this vehicle been sitting on your lot?

    BTW, posters should see the interior pictures of the truck. It is a really sharp ride.

    You're next.

    Richard
  • sterlingdogsterlingdog Member Posts: 6,984
    No, I wasn't stone walling you. I had to get both cars washed , buy two new telephones, exchange some pants that I got for Christmas, etc. I had a "honey do" list a mile long. :D

    Richard
  • fezofezo Member Posts: 10,386
    Very light use. A butcher used it to haul carcasses in it. no big deal.
    2015 Mazda 6 Grand Touring, 2014 Mazda 3 Sport Hatchback, 1999 Mazda Miata 2004 Toyota Camry LE, 1999.
  • lrguy44lrguy44 Member Posts: 2,197
    edited February 2010
    Could have been worse - could have been leased to Hendricks racing. :shades:
  • sterlingdogsterlingdog Member Posts: 6,984
    Both you and Irguy are reading my mind. ;)

    Richard
  • driver100driver100 Member Posts: 32,586
    Just shows that -they are making a mountain of a molehill. Minor blip on Toyota`s radar. Will be back a much better company !

    They were interviewing people looking at Toyotas at the Toronto Car Show...on the radio this afternoon.
    People said the recall meant nothing to them, the Toyotas they have owned are very reliable, this will make them better than ever.
    Toyota sales are up in February....over 2009.

    2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250

  • driver100driver100 Member Posts: 32,586
    One rule on a late model low mile vehicle is to know what a new one would cost.

    Good point. Sometimes used or year olds at the end of the year aren't reduced enough to make it worthwhile. Could definitely be worth $3000 more for a new one...without one year+ driving on it.

    Just call me 3rd baseman #47

    2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250

  • graphicguygraphicguy Member Posts: 14,120
    edited February 2010
    isell...if I were in your shoes with regards to the RL, I'd have said the same thing...."obviously, this car isn't to your liking", or something to that affect.

    I was thinking back to when I sold the late parents' Grand Marquis. It was a cherry, especially given its age and super low mileage. I had quite a few tire kickers who did something similar......
    -"the paint looks dull in this spot" (I felt like saying...well, no S**t. It's 12 years old").
    -"the seats are too soft" (my thoughts...."it's a GM. You can put Recaros in it, though").
    -It doesn't have adjustable pedals ("Here, let me throw in a phone book to sit on for free").

    Bottom like, a used car is exactly that....USED. If you want something that's perfect, mosey on over to the new car lot.

    Point is, I can see where some 3rd basemen would be jerks and muck up the works. On the other hand, there are really those people who are scared to death to walk into a dealership (like my friend who bought the CR-V). They're afraid they're going to make a mistake, pay too much, get sucked into some agreement they really don't want to be in, etc. On those occasions, having a 3rd baseman, someone they trust, can be a benefit, to both the buyer and the seller. That said, they're also another pair of eyes to make sure none of the bad things that can and do happen at a dealership, don't occur.
    2024 Kia EV6 GT-Line AWD Long Range
  • driver100driver100 Member Posts: 32,586
    I guess not answering the post is like not answering the phone or emails for a few days in hopes of me making an offer out of desperation

    You might have to use the "It is almost sold to a little old lady that loved it" trick. ;)

    2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250

  • lrguy44lrguy44 Member Posts: 2,197
    Richard, The car was obviously driven by an employee of a company - it doesn't matter what industry. If Joel is confident the car has been inspected, has a clean carfax and no damage, that the tires pads and rotors are good the history is not relevant.
  • houdini1houdini1 Member Posts: 8,351
    edited February 2010
    If Joel is confident the car has been inspected, has a clean carfax and no damage, that the tires pads and rotors are good the history is not relevant

    Ah, a gentleman's agreement? I am sure Richard is confident that his credit is in good shape so i guess a credit app is also not relevant !!

    2013 LX 570 2016 LS 460

  • lrguy44lrguy44 Member Posts: 2,197
    We were just talking about the car - not the deal
  • houdini1houdini1 Member Posts: 8,351
    OK ! So I was just talking about Richards' credit--not the deal !

    2013 LX 570 2016 LS 460

  • snakeweaselsnakeweasel Member Posts: 19,592
    I wonder how many 3rd Basemen we would have on this deal

    I don't know.

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

  • snakeweaselsnakeweasel Member Posts: 19,592
    Who ordered it, Austin Powers?

    My guess is some young punk whose friends all had "modified" Civic's and such and what not and wanted to be in with "the crowd" but didn't want to do/know how to do the work and the deal fell through.

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

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