Is the Auto Sales Profession for Me?

boomchek

I'd be weary of any place that charges you for training. Find out exactly what kind of training this is, whether it's general auto sales training, or something specific to that store.

If it's store specific and a requirement to work there, then they shouldn't be charging you in my opinion.

oldfarmer50

"...Sounds like a pitch to me..."

Sounds like a scam to get $300 from you. Who is TK Worldwide? Do they guarantee you a job at this dealership after your "training"? What happens if the dealer cans you before the 90 days are up?

This kind of deal seems to reappear every time there is a recession and people who are desperate let their guard down. I remember back in the 70's I was out of work and ran into a similar offer. This company would train you to sell hospital air filters which were "the best in the business". The fact that they conducted their interviews in the back of a vacume cleaner store made me think twice about the offer.

Get all the details before you sign the check.

jproc

I'd run from that place fast.Economy is bad people are out of work and some losers will try and take advantage of desperate people.Training should be either free or you get paid a minimal amount while undergoing it.

I lost my job back in may-did some training to be a limo driver and got paid minimum wage.Found out I hated being a limo driver and became a school bus driver.Basically the training there was free although I did get $ 250 when I completed the course

oldfarmer50

"...Found out I hated being a limo driver and became a school bus driver..."

LOL. As a school bus driver myself, I find that very funny. If you think that the fat cats in the limo can be a pain, wait until you have a go-round with some spoiled brat and his obnoxious parents. I wish you luck, you'll need it.

Your post did jog my memory Re: the OP's question. I think that in many states, charging a fee for training is illegal. Way back when I trained to be a bus driver they did not pay you but these days the law says you have to be paid at least minimum wage. I think that is true for most jobs where training is involved. I'm in NY state so this may not apply to all places.

joel0622

Its not a scam, its not a rip off, its legit. That is the way many dealers in our area recruit new sales people. We have done it several times. They do the interviews, they do the training, at the end of the third day we interview who ever is left and tell them who to hire. if we really like the recruit and they don't have the dough then we front it for them.

You would be amazed how much riff raff $300-$400 will keep away.

boomchek

I guess you could put it that way.

at the end of the third day we interview who ever is left

So people actually pay $300 and then not finish the training, or they get kicked out?

joel0622

You don't have to pay the $300 until the third day. On the third day the interviewer/trainer tells us who he likes, then we interview and see who we like, then he collects the $300 from the folks we want to hire. Those who we don't want to hire he trys to pitch to them that they can still pay the $300 and his company will place them in another dealer.

He usually ends up with about 10 in his class, 5 of them are worth a flip and after all the smoke is cleared 90 days later we end up getting one maybe two good people out of it.

They don't really like our store because we are particular about who we hire. They like to go to stores that do cattle calls and hire every one that comes in.

Here is the folks we use

link title

boomchek

I guess that makes sense. I still wouldn't pay if that was a requirement to get hired.

Although when I got into the biz with 0 experience, I did take a week long general car sales course (not affiliated with any dealer groups or brands) and it cost me about $1100. I did it mainly to learn about the industry. The school I took does sales and leasingcourses, business office, and also service advisors and tech training.

bolivar

Ah, overall, somewhat like an employment agency, but one that gives some initial training and evaluation.

bvdj84

Although legit, I would never apply for a job that I would have to pay to get trained. You should be paying me. Obviously, there should be an interview process. This would go over their credentials. I would having experience in customer service as the main requirement for the job. Experience in the field is key. Personally, that is the deal in hiring. You have this, and the rest will fall right into place.

There are many that should not be in this kind of field, because they cannot handle themselves very well. In my experience, many salesmen I have worked with, they come across extremely fake, overly done and desperate. Although, last spring, I had a salesmen treat me very well. I took my time and he was very kind. I bought 2 cars off of him. In management, I would be extremely strict in hiring. The employees must be able to show superb customer service skills. Never, would I let a salesmen let anyone walk out on my showroom upset. My point is, you cannot stand the heat, get out of the kitchen. You are on the front line, you must show your best behavior, respect people. Because, remember, we all at some point been on the customers end, and know exactly how it feels. I have no sympathy when salesmen get offended when we are blunt about this. They created this bad reputation all on their own.

My point also is, that I am sorry you run your business on a commission based system, that really as a customer is not my problem, or does it matter how you are paid. You have a problem with this, you need to talk to your boss or get a normal job. Dealers could eliminate this rep if they got rid of the commission, and went to salary. This is no way to do business without anyone getting their feelings hurt, also its all about the customer, but yet we often get the short end of the stick. We customers always come out last in the any sale! We drive off in our new car, you go, alright!!! $$$ However, I do not expect you to take a loss on the deal. Do not make me feel bad, or throw up in my face that you are getting nothing on the deal. Not my problem. You chose the job that you are in. If you deny me the deal, well, I'll get it from somewhere else. For me, I just want a clean and fair deal, not robbery. Though, dealers legally rob everyday! Well, legally? hmm... we won't go there... lol Wow I am on a role.

It is exactly like this, I ordered from a restaurant, had it delivered, $2.00 delivery charge. Then, asked me if I wanted to put the tip on now or when the driver got to me?.... Well, I told him, I am sorry you do business that way, I gave him $1.00.
This place is already getting $2.00 to deliver, sorry driver, but you need to tell them to give you the $2.00 for you driving it to me. This is not my problem. $2.00 for delivery, and yet you still want tip. It all comes down from a customers point of view, I am sorry you do business that way.

The same as a dealership, You chose to be commissioned. You chose to work there. Not my problem. I am only saying all of this, because I have seen so many salesmen, that literally scream out desperate the minute I hit the dealer lot. Here is a $20 for some food, will you back off?

haha... wow!! Garbage! :lemon:

volvomax

Obviously, you haven't ever sold anything for a living.

Dealers put salespeople on commission because its the best way to motivate them to sell.
Realtors sell on commission. Liquor sales, medical sales, equipment sales all commission.
The people who sell advertising on this very website, commission.

Salaries work for pencil pushers, not salespeople.
Salespeople are more like artists than anything else. They work best on emotion.
They need to know that the more they sell, the more they will make.
If you get paid the same whether you sell 3 cars or 13 cars, where is your motivation to work harder? Ask a Realtor if they would like to work weekends for a salary.
Heck, even lawyers work on commission.

boomchek

Good points Volvomax, but I also agree with bvdj on the point of salespeople "complaining" to a customer that they're not making enough on a deal.

It really shouldn't be the customer's concern or problem what our commission is.

When I work a deal I never bring my compensation into the equation to try and get the customer feeling sorry for me. I think that's pathetic, and as bad as begging.

volvomax

You are correct, it's a deploreable tactic.

madmanmoo

So you wouldn't pay to get trained for a job? You know, like going to college? Hell, the potential employer should look at you and say, "I like you kid. You got moxie. Here's $40k to get trained for our workplace." Is that how it's supposed to work?

I'm so disgusted over your post that I'm almost at a loss for words. Do you have any idea how many salespeople are working in the U.S. right now? You are constantly surrounded by them and you choose this attitude to approach them with?

And to top it all off. You tip the pizza delivery guy $1..... When salespeople see you leave, they are saying hooray because another cheapskate left their lot and hopefully they won't need to deal with them for awhile. You got some real class.

joel0622

BVD, lifes to short my friend, don't spend it mad at the man, and cut the kid delivering pizza's some slack, commission sales makes the world go round, thats just the way it is.

I remember back in 1999 when I was a training mgr, I went and set up a booth at a job fair at a local college. A kid walks up to me thinking I was with Ford Motor Company. When I explained I was recruiting sales people he gave me a very snobbish attitude and explained he would never be a sales person, with his education he would start out at $45K a year.

I replied, thats nice I had that made by the end of June. The guy stopped in his tracks and asked if I was serious. Ended up hiring him and he worked here for 5 years. He is a GSM some place in Florida now.

bvdj84

lol... I know, life is too short. Like stated in the post, the sales industry has created this reputation. I will respect them, until they start begging me. Its not a personal deal, its business deal. I treat them with respect, but most of the time, they run me right over. I was blunt in the post, but those were examples of why the have this kind of rep. I truly didn't want to upset anyone, I apologize if I did.

Its really hard work to do work like that, but, the make it personal, and its not. How your paid really shouldn't be discussed.

madmanmoo

Like stated in the post, the sales industry has created this reputation.

In the 80's. And the reputation has been kept there by people like you and a small percentage of salespeople that will always be in any profession.

How your paid really shouldn't be discussed.

Agreed. But you cutting $2 off a pizza delivery guys tip is just pathetic.

You sound like a chooch and that comes back around.

micosilver

My wife's fiancee used to work as an interior designer (independent contractor). Last year, with the ecomony diving, he lost his contract, and couldn't find any job since. When my wife mentioned to him that he might want to try selling cars - he got offended - "I didn't go to college to sell cars", etc. Well, now, 6 months later, guess what is he doing? He drives a limo with some shady limo service, hassling clients at bars uintil 3 AM. I think he's too ashamed to come to me and ask me for a job.
Plus I wouldn't hire him anyway...

boomchek

My wife's fiancee :confuse:

Do you mean your wife's friend's fiancee? Not that it matters but it threw me off.

Anyways...
A lot of people don't think you can make decent coin selling cars and although it may not be glamorous in some social circles, when you can drive a new fancy car every 6 months and bring home a fat paycheck, people will change their opinions. Besides people that look at me funny because of what I do for a living, is not someone I want to be friends with anyways.

kyfdx

I wish I could get my wife a fiancee..

kyfdx

I was at a holiday party, last month... My wife and I were standing in the kitchen (where else?), and I was introduced by the host to another guest.. I asked him what he did, and he said, "I'm a car dealer"..

My wife said, "Oh, no... I guess I'll see you in a couple of hours.. ", and walked off, out of the room...

bvdj84

Ok if order a $5 meal. Charge you $2 to deliver it, then they want a tip. I am already nearly double my meal cost if pay the driver. I am already paying the delivery. It does not seem right. The $2 is for the driver. They can't have a fee and tip. Doesn't Seem right. Pizza hut does too. $1.50, then they want tip, tip is for the delivery. Why I tip the driver. LOL anyway. We've beat this horse to death.

There is nothing wrong with selling cars, but it is those salesmen that pull that kind of rep. I've had it done to me, my co workers all have been hosed before. It's not like I am the only one saying this. It all goes back to the old tactics. I never treat them bad, but will be honest with them if I feel cornered. My last salesmen was great. I took a month to choose a car. He and the dealer were so nice, but the other dealer, wow! It was bad. I was treated so bad ok more than one of occasion. Again, I did not mean this to offend anyone. But literally everywhere you go, they have this rep, though sometimes it's the customer that walks in with this frame of mind and gets this all going.

joel0622

My wife said, "Oh, no... I guess I'll see you in a couple of hours.. ", and walked off, out of the room

Ok the way that is written it could go either way but I am going to assume that you meant your wife said to YOU that she would see you in a couple hours because she new you would want to talk cars to this guy.

Not she said it to the car dealer because she did not want to associate with him.

bvdj84

You get someone around me that is interested in cars, I'll talk forever about cars.

volvomax

Ok if order a $5 meal. Charge you $2 to deliver it, then they want a tip. I am already nearly double my meal cost if pay the driver.

Then don't order the Pizza. Or go make your own.
Being a cheapskate isn't cool. You aren't being frugal or smart with your money, you're being weak.

bvdj84

I am over this. Sorry you took it all out of context. I simply used that as an example.

Applying a Salesmen fee or DOC fee to a car deal would be the same thing.
Salesmen already gets a commission, why would I feel that I need to pay $50-$400 for a Doc or salemen fee? I hope that $2.00 goes to the driver.

Just so you know, I typically tip well wherever I go, but if they do this sort of thing, I subtract the fee off the tip. In a delivery, Tip is the delivery fee. I tip them for taking the food to me, Next, time I order, I will ask though if they give this fee to the driver. I hope so. That is alot of wear and tear on his car. On a $5 sandwich, I am not going to tip another $5 for fees and tip. lol.

There is no need to take shots at me. This is not personal.

Is the sales profession for me? No, it probably wouldn't be right for me.
My experience though does not reflect the "norm" of the industry, but simply stating that I am not the only one who feels this way. Again, its me (customers) sometimes walking in the dealer in this frame of mind, and they might be a very good dealer. It starts the whole experience negatively. I am so guilty of that. That alone would be tough to be in sales, and you might be just a nice guy trying to make a living. You come out to the lot to greet a customer, and they just walk away or shoot you a look, that has to be tough. They are just doing their job, I automatically assume they are out to get me. I have been hosed before, so I keep guarded, but is that fair to someone else that might be truly trying to help you. No. So you are right, perhaps, I am weak. I am not a cheapskate...lol, but just want a fair deal. Maybe I should just suck it up, and don't sweat the small stuff, I do struggle with that.. Sorry.

Anyway, Kudos to all salesmen that can go out everyday and do this. Its a tough market, tough job. More guts than I have. I still think it would be fun though. Selling a Honda or Acura...etc.

boomchek

Doc fee is not a "salesman fee" and it does not go to the sales person. It goes straight to the top.

Just like there's various plane tickets that have fees and taxes. Those do not go to to the flight attendants, or to pilots as tips, or to pay them for being there. they go straight to the government and to the airline company.
And delivery fee is not a "tip" to the driver. It's a fee you pay for the convenience of not having to go out and get your own food and it covers their hourly wage of the delivery driver as that's what they're probably on. The tip you give them is to make sure your food came fast and warm.

It's the same as telling a waitress in a restaurant: you spent a total of 30 minutes attending to us tonight (taking order, bringing food, cleaning up), and I owe you $10 tip, but since you already get paid an hourly wage of $8/hour, I will deduct half an hour wage from the tip ($4), and therefore you'll receive a $6 tip.

Anyways, yes back to topic. Salesman shouldn't beg customers that they're not making enough, and customers should tip where a tip is deserved. If you get good service but are too cheap to tip, then make it yourself or pick it up yourself.

kyfdx

Exactly... she knew that we wouldn't be conversing with each other for awhile...

Last summer, met a new neighbor at our block party... His in-laws were in town, and came to the party... Father-in-law was the business manager at a Chevy dealership (only a couple of hours from you)... Nice guy.. I think I went through my whole cooler of beer, before I was done with him... :surprise:

jipster

Kudos to all salesmen that can go out everyday and do this. Its a tough market, tough job. More guts than I have.

I don't know... you've taken quite a few shots here. You've shown you can handle the abuse without flipping your lid. You value every dollar/penny and don't want to leave anything on the table... except a good tip when deserved. You may make a pretty good salesman.

madmanmoo

Jip, I'm about to strangle you. I'll leave it at that.