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Stories from the Sales Frontlines

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Comments

  • british_roverbritish_rover Member Posts: 8,502
    Yes Toyoda is the original way to spell Toyoda the company changed it to Toyota when they came to the US because they thought it was easier to say.
  • snakeweaselsnakeweasel Member Posts: 19,592
    The name was changed in the 30's long before it came to the US. It was changed not only because it was easier to say but also because the number of brush strokes it took (I believe its 8 which is a lucky number in Japan) and it supposedly looked better.

    There is a Toyoda machine works which sell machinery in the US. Not sure if the companies are related.

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

  • graphicguygraphicguy Member Posts: 14,120
    edited February 2010
    oldfarmer.....methinks this is just the beginning. They seem to be (both Toyota and Mr Toyoda) falling down the rabbit hole (sorry, just saw an advert for yet another movie about Alice In Wonderland).

    As my late Father was fond of saying...

    "If you don't want to fall over the cliff, don't stray so close to the edge."

    Seems apropos in this scenario.
    2024 Kia EV6 GT-Line AWD Long Range
  • gogiboygogiboy Member Posts: 732
    edited February 2010
    "You only live once & can't take youyr money with you"

    NY--

    But maybe Richard wants to leave a substantial chunk to his heirs or his foundation dedicated to reducing, even eliminating, grammatical errors on the Edmunds forums. That, my friends, is going to require a substantial infusion of money. :P

    Richard will probably appreciate this brief story. My wife, a technical writer, is teaching a Business Communications course. Even at the worldly age of 20, the students know everything about business and business correspondence.

    Last week she got into a lengthy and heated debate with one very arrogant young man. He was complaining that he had only received 1 point out of 3 possible points. My wife reminded him that he was fighting over 2 points out of 1000--not 100, but he was adamant that he deserved the 2 points. So my wife pointed to his memo and asked if he could ascertain why she had subtracted the two points. Nope. Turns out in his four-line memorandum he had misspelled "Subject" in the subject heading. I think this memo was addressed to either a superior (not that he has one) or potential customer. After some serious grumbling his reaction was, "I'm not going to have to worry about stuff like that, I'll hire an assistant." No shortage of confidence or hubris in that young man.

    Does this know-it-all sound like he'll become one of the grinders we so often hear the salespeople on this forum talk about?

    Gogiboy
  • tidestertidester Member Posts: 10,059
    Does this know-it-all sound like he'll become one of the grinders we so often hear the salespeople on this forum talk about?

    Probably not. He'll just hire a broker. :P

    tidester, host
    SUVs and Smart Shopper
  • graphicguygraphicguy Member Posts: 14,120
    gogi....loved that story. As they say (and understand it clearer and clearer every day), the devil is in the details. Your wife's student hasn't learned that, yet. He will. Whether he wants to or not. And, the sooner the better, when he gets passed over for a promotion that went to his/her assistant.
    2024 Kia EV6 GT-Line AWD Long Range
  • jayriderjayrider Member Posts: 3,602
    edited February 2010
    Was lot walking today and saw an 09 explorer eddie bauer awd 18k miles with a buy it now sign for $26500. Local Ford dealer. Was almost tempted to kick a tire. It was beeeyoooteeeful?
  • driver100driver100 Member Posts: 32,586
    . Turns out in his four-line memorandum he had misspelled "Subject" in the subject heading.

    While I was on the treadmill this morning watching CNN they had their consumer expert Clark Howard on, talking about the most important thing when writing a resume. Number one was NO SPELLING OR GRAMMATICAL errors. He suggests having someone else read it over, and reading it backwards so spelling mistakes will stand out.
    Might be an article that young man should read...go to CNN under Clark Howard.

    See (Read must do) http://www.aarp.org/money/work/articles/writing_winning_resume.html?CMP=KNC-360I- -resume

    2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250

  • oldfarmer50oldfarmer50 Member Posts: 24,191
    "...sound like he'll become one of the grinders..."

    I think he'll TRY to be a grinder and every sales person will have him for lunch. :shades:

    As to taking it with you when you go, I have informed my wife that I have a U-Haul reserved which will be hooked up to the hearse so I CAN take it with me. ;)

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

  • mako1amako1a Member Posts: 1,855
    No shortage of confidence or hubris in that young man.

    Hubris sounds like something they eat in California

    Which word doesn't belong? Hummus, Hubris, Kimchee, Yogurt

    2013 Mustang GT, 2001 GMC Yukon Denali

  • shermajdshermajd Member Posts: 29
    Does this know-it-all sound like he'll become one of the grinders we so often hear the salespeople on this forum talk about?

    No he'll be one of the arrogant government employees that seem to know so well what the American public wants.........
  • gogiboygogiboy Member Posts: 732
    "...when he gets passed over for a promotion that went to his/her assistant."

    GG--

    Oh, he won't have to worry about being passed over for promotion. According to my wife he's going to be starting his own business--a brewery! Apparently, a college degree is a necessary evil that's delaying his move into prosperous entrepreneurship. I hope when he needs to ask backers to finance his business that his assistant, who will be handling all his correspondence, doesn't share his disdain for those pesky details. ;)

    Gogiboy
  • imidazol97imidazol97 Member Posts: 27,671
    >Not in the Sunbelt, where buyers are reluctant to pay for a feature that they rarely need.

    But that's Nashville. Only a couple weeks back they had 3 inches or so and traffic ws snarled to a stop. Took our friend hours to get from Murfreesboro to home. His business closed because of the idiot drivers on snow there can't drive and it was too dangerous for their work trucks to be out and exposed to the other drivers.

    It seems to me that there are plenty of 4-wheel drive vehicles around there when we've visited. They like to go cross country or hill climbing in them I assume when there's no snow.

    2014 Malibu 2LT, 2015 Cruze 2LT,

  • snakeweaselsnakeweasel Member Posts: 19,592
    According to my wife he's going to be starting his own business--a brewery!

    In other words in 3-5 years he will be wearing a paper hat asking people if they want fries with that.

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

  • isellhondasisellhondas Member Posts: 20,342
    I'm getting some strange things on my screen here. Is it my computer or is everyone getting this?
  • imidazol97imidazol97 Member Posts: 27,671
    >I'm getting some strange things on my screen here.

    Do you mean the posts?

    2014 Malibu 2LT, 2015 Cruze 2LT,

  • joel0622joel0622 Member Posts: 3,299
    Ok I will get with the UCM tomorrow on your trade. The sale price on the EB would be $24800. I say this now instead of when I give you a difference because it seems as though allot of inquiring minds want to know. That includes our $375 DOC so the selling price is $24425 plus the DOC.

    Richard, any chance you could snap 3 or 4 pics of your ride and email them to
    jhawley@tworiversford.com ?
  • jimbresjimbres Member Posts: 2,025
    Good point - even in the South, 4WD can sometimes come in handy.

    It's just that Richard's current Explorer doesn't have 4WD, & I haven't heard him say that it's something that he wants on his next truck. If he does, or if he thinks that he'll need it, then he should consider getting it. But I don't buy into the idea that you should pay extra money today for a feature that might raise your car's resale value 5 or 7 years down the road - unless, of course, you actually want that feature.

    I'm a bit on the stingy side, & I believe in the time value of money. A dollar in my pocket today is worth more than the 2 dollars that I might - or might not - have years from now.
  • joel0622joel0622 Member Posts: 3,299
    Regardless of the option you will never get back 100% of its original value. It depreciates in accordance with the car. Buyin an option today soley for the hopes of raising resale value tomorrow is just not good sense. IMO ;)
  • cdnpinheadcdnpinhead Member Posts: 5,617
    edited February 2010
    No he'll be one of the arrogant government employees that seem to know so well what the American public wants...

    Probably working for CARB and taking a personal interest in keeping all modern turbodiesel engines out of CA, and therefore the rest of North America -- not just holier than thou, holier than anyone.
    '08 Acura TSX, '17 Subaru Forester
  • driver100driver100 Member Posts: 32,586
    edited February 2010
    I believe in the time value of money. A dollar in my pocket today is worth more than the 2 dollars that I might - or might not - have years from now

    It might be false economy. Most people by an SUV because of the 4WD. Why make it even harder to sell an SUV down the road...than it probably will be. 4WD will make it more appealing to a lot more people.

    But, nothing wrong with your reasoning. There is a good case to be made for 2WD, cheaper initial cost, cheaper to run, and less costly to maintain. But, it seems odd to be buying a big heavy SUV, without 4WD, which is why they were made in the first place, and why they are called SUVs.

    2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250

  • verdugoverdugo Member Posts: 2,288
    A Ford Windstar, with a HUGE spoiler wing on the back of it's roof

    So now we know why that weird CR-V was still on the lot. The intended owner clearly wanted something bigger. :P
  • exb0exb0 Member Posts: 539
    Driver, you are in Toronto state of mind. SUV were made for "cool" mommies and daddies who are too cool for station wagons and minivans.
  • verdugoverdugo Member Posts: 2,288
    This one is a public relations problem, which could be more damaging that then actual recalls. Apparently, memos have surfaced detailing how much money Toyota has saved by delaying recalls.

    From USAToday "Toyota boasted saving $100M on recall, documents say."
    The document cites millions of dollars in other savings by delaying safety regulations, avoiding defect investigations and slowing down other industry requirements.

    Ouch!
  • graphicguygraphicguy Member Posts: 14,120
    verdugo....I saw that blurb.....

    http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20100221/ap_on_bi_ge/us_toyota_recall

    I get the sneaky suspicion that as all the docs from Toyota are sifted, there's probably going to be even more damning information.

    I'm wanting toyota to get through this as quickly as they can. As soon as I think the corner has been turned, another bombshell is dropped.

    It is a a public relations nightmare for Toyota for certain. But, they can't seen to help from digging the hole they put themselves in deeper and deeper. It seems like the persona they put out there for the public was diametrically opposed to what they were doing in actuality.

    What I feared what MIGHT be the truth, is turning out to be the real truth.

    Mr Toyoda is going to have an interesting conversation with Congress, that's for certain. For the first time....well...ever, I think I might have to TIVO CSPAN if his testimony is broadcast.
    2024 Kia EV6 GT-Line AWD Long Range
  • jimbresjimbres Member Posts: 2,025
    It might be false economy. Most people by[sic] an SUV because of the 4WD. Why make it even harder to sell an SUV down the road...than it probably will be. 4WD will make it more appealing to a lot more people.

    That's true...as long as you stay within the Snowbelt. But my brother-in-law, who lives in Florida & who buys trucks for his business, tells me that Floridians won't pay a nickel extra for a used 4WD. Most of the new SUVs sold there are 2WD, so they also account for most of the used truck market. I've heard the same thing said about the Southern California market.

    The U.S. isn't one market. It's a whole bunch of markets, each with its own rules & preferences. What sells in L.A. might not go over in Duluth.
  • stickguystickguy Member Posts: 53,330
    Gee, I thought Toyota was going to fade because they didn't make one car that vaguely interested me. Who knew.

    2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.

  • british_roverbritish_rover Member Posts: 8,502
    Mr Toyoda is going to have an interesting conversation with Congress, that's for certain. For the first time....well...ever, I think I might have to TIVO CSPAN if his testimony is broadcast.

    Oh I am sure it will be on Youtube within the hour after it comes out.
  • stickguystickguy Member Posts: 53,330
    He needs to do what the foreign baseball players did when called before congress to talk about steroids (another total misuse of their time). Pretend to speak no english, and have an IQ of about 20.

    Or just say I don't know, I don't recall, and I don't remember to every question.

    2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.

  • sterlingdogsterlingdog Member Posts: 6,984
    Dear S.A.,

    Thanks for all of the information. First, I don't care that much about 4WD. We don't do off-road activities, live in the mountains, or have severe weather. While it is certainly a nice feature, it is low on my priority list. Secondly, I keep SUV's so long that I don't imagine that it would increase my trade-in value substantially. Third, I am aware of the gas mileage. It doesn't bother me in the grand scheme of things. Fourth, we need to give Joel a chance on the price. Negotiations haven't even begun. He promised to work with me on the internet price. Let's see what he offers before we look at new models.

    As usual, your thoughts are valued.

    Richard
  • sterlingdogsterlingdog Member Posts: 6,984
    My thoughts exactly. Let's see what Joel does before we jump to conclusions. Thanks.

    Richard
  • sterlingdogsterlingdog Member Posts: 6,984
    I have not missed 4WD on my current Explorer, and I have driven it for 7 years. It's way down on my list of priorities. Thanks for mentioning this.

    Richard
  • sterlingdogsterlingdog Member Posts: 6,984
    I enjoyed your story about the young man in your wife's class. When I taught Honors and Advanced Placement courses, I had a few self-appointed kings and queens in my classes. They would say, "This grade isn't fair." I would respond by saying, "Bless your heart. We're not going to the fair this year."

    I once had a father who confronted me about the "B" that his son made on a term paper. The father said, "I deserved an 'A'. I worked my [non-permissible content removed] off on that paper." :D I responded by saying, "Perhaps next time, you should seek help from your son." ;) I can so identify with your wife.

    As to setting up a foundation to assist posters with spelling and grammar, even the Bill Gates Foundation doesn't have enough money for that project. :P :shades:

    Richard
  • driver100driver100 Member Posts: 32,586
    I don't care that much about 4WD. We don't do off-road activities, live in the mountains, or have severe weather.

    OK, but don't come crying to me if you get the Explorer stuck in quicksand :P

    S.A.

    2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250

  • sterlingdogsterlingdog Member Posts: 6,984
    $26,500? Thanks. I'll keep that in mind.

    Richard
  • driver100driver100 Member Posts: 32,586
    edited February 2010
    give Joel a chance on the price. Negotiations haven't even begun. He promised to work with me on the internet price.

    I thought he did give a price: POST51223
    The sale price on the EB would be $24800. I say this now instead of when I give you a difference because it seems as though allot of inquiring minds want to know. That includes our $375 DOC so the selling price is $24425 plus the DOC.

    Of course, that is before negotiations, but it is a reasonable starting point.

    2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250

  • sterlingdogsterlingdog Member Posts: 6,984
    During the years that I hired teachers, the resumes weren't the problem. They were usually flawless and often professionally done. The problems were in the cover letters. Applicants didn't give the letters the same careful attention that they gave to the resumes. I found that the best way to have their true skills revealed was to give them a writing sample to complete. Many of those were very entertaining to read. :D;)

    Richard
  • imidazol97imidazol97 Member Posts: 27,671
    edited February 2010
    >that might raise your car's resale value 5 or 7 years down the road - unless, of course, you actually want that feature.

    And I fully agree on that point, too. I don't know if Richard wants 4-wheel because his other car is a low slung convertible and probably not spectacular in deep snow. They occasionally get snows of depth just like we did here in W. Ohio 3 times in the last two weeks.

    Had friends who thought about buying a Pacifica with 4-wheel drive. When I pointed out the extra cost of, maintenance of, and gas mileage cost of 4-wheel drive and I pointed out that if it was bad enough to want to get up the hill from their secluded street to the highway, they probably didn't want to get out that bad. Like me, they decided FWD would do to go in any snow they wanted to be out during.

    They bought the FWD only Pacifica. I think that was year of an ice storm and the salt truck slid down the hill into the bushes in front of one of the houses along the street.

    I don't think Richard plans to do any hill climbing with his Explorer. HIs wife may need 4-wheel drive to visit antique and historical locations, grin. :blush::)

    2014 Malibu 2LT, 2015 Cruze 2LT,

  • sterlingdogsterlingdog Member Posts: 6,984
    I believe that your post to my friend Houdini was meant for me. Thanks for sending the new sales price. As for the pictures, I'm "technology challenged". I have never done that. If I can reach my nephew, perhaps he would do them for me. He's in France on business, and i'm not sure when he is returning. Thanks.

    Richard
  • sterlingdogsterlingdog Member Posts: 6,984
    I had not read his post when I responded to you.

    Richard
  • nyccarguynyccarguy Member Posts: 17,487
    the first time an edmunds dealer is openly negotiating with an edmunds poster is it?

    2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2025 Camry SE AWD

  • verdugoverdugo Member Posts: 2,288
    He needs to do what the foreign baseball players did when called before congress to talk about steroids (another total misuse of their time). Pretend to speak no english, and have an IQ of about 20.

    Or just say I don't know, I don't recall, and I don't remember to every question.


    Ha. Why not? It worked for Macguire and Sammy Sosa. He could also hire Jackie Chiles, the attonery from Seinfeld. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jackie_Chiles)
  • driver100driver100 Member Posts: 32,586
    edited February 2010
    I had not read his post when I responded to you.

    His price seems fair, I guess about 25% off the price of a new one. So, it is just what is more important to you I guess.

    Just remember though, with 2WD you might get stuck in one of those bogs or swamps in "Deliverance" country, and then you will be thinking of me and my wise advice.

    S.A.

    2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250

  • verdugoverdugo Member Posts: 2,288
    I get the sneaky suspicion that as all the docs from Toyota are sifted, there's probably going to be even more damning information.

    When it rains, it pours. Like you said in your post, this paints a very different picture from what Toyota is supposed to be all about.

    I'm wanting toyota to get through this as quickly as they can. As soon as I think the corner has been turned, another bombshell is dropped.

    Exactly! That will lead to a huge loss of confidence. My wife on NPR heard somebody said that such big problems take a generation to erase. So Toyota could be to today's teenagers, what the Big 3 are to the 40/50 year olds.
  • sterlingdogsterlingdog Member Posts: 6,984
    We think that this is a first. Joel and I thought that the posters might enjoy it. We're getting lots of good input. The Hosts have been very nice to let us do it.

    Richard
  • tidestertidester Member Posts: 10,059
    Ha. Why not? It worked for Macguire and Sammy Sosa.

    I prefer the Ollie North approach - smack them hard and invoke patriotism, love of country, the flag and apple pie. He stunned his interrogators who ended up not having a clue. Of course, there would need to be some slight modifications of that strategy for a Mr.Toyoda. :)

    tidester, host
    SUVs and Smart Shopper
  • sterlingdogsterlingdog Member Posts: 6,984
    Dear S.A.,
    No problem with "Deliverance" country. The Park Service makes you park a good mile from where you begin the descent.

    As to the percentage, you are right on the money. A new one runs $35K with a $3k rebate. The 25% of $32k is $24K. The $35k minus the rebate is without further negotiations. We'll see what transpires on the '09.

    Richard
  • sterlingdogsterlingdog Member Posts: 6,984
    I prefer the John Dean approach. Put it all on the table and then blame everyone but yourself. Also, be sure to have your wife sit behind you flashing that 10 Carat diamond ring that blinds all of the cameras. :D

    Richard
  • tidestertidester Member Posts: 10,059
    LoL! Yes, Maureen was quite a distraction. :)

    Speaking of which, we were just leaving Virginia at the time of those hearings (before the oil embargo) and they were having gasoline wars. The last tank of gas that I bought there was 19.9 cents per gallon! And cars were still dirt cheap too.

    tidester, host
    SUVs and Smart Shopper
  • stickguystickguy Member Posts: 53,330
    without seeing that document, so what? Every company will have stuff like that floating around. You just usually don't see it. THey are in business to make money, so being happy to minimize the cost seems reasonable!

    2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.

This discussion has been closed.