Stories from the Sales Frontlines

1…339340342344345…2003

Comments

  • epineyepiney Member Posts: 462
    You may remember the Sienna deal that I worked on Tuesday that my GM called me about yesterday (my day off) and the customer didn't show.

    That's too bad it happened. That was a funny story...staking out the competitors place and calling them from the parking lot...all that work for a possible mini (and a big back end that you will never see)
  • epineyepiney Member Posts: 462
    I'm not in the business and am very sympathetic to the situation, but if he was of sound mind and body when he signed and understood the numbers, then I think you take your lumps and try to work with dealer on a discount. Otherwise, break the lease and pay the penalty in the agreement as a lesson leraned.
  • jipsterjipster Member Posts: 6,299
    Is that a variant of the tbaxxon method?

    Ya miss him don't you? It's okay... I'm sure most of us here are sad over his departure. Maybe some day we'll get lucky and tbaxxon will return. I'd prefer socala4 or his brother pch101 though. But to answer your question, I'd say the tbaxxon method was a variant of the Jipst Method. ;)
    2021 Honda Passport EX-L, 2020 Honda Accord EX-L, 2011 Hyundai Veracruz, 2010 Mercury Milan Premiere.
  • qbrozenqbrozen Member Posts: 33,804
    I'm interested in the answer to this.

    As far as my opinion. There is obviously what he SHOULD do and what he COULD do as 2 very different options.

    I would think that if they need him to sign something and he refuses to, well then it needs to be undone. But I just don't know in this particular case.

    Now, let me say that being 60 years old is nowhere near an excuse. 60 is NOT old. My parents and in-laws are well over 60 and every one of them knows enough not to be roped into a deal they aren't happy with. Now, if you said he's 60-ish and mentally challenged ... but as the story sits now, he should certainly know better at this point in his life.

    '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

  • inukeu2inukeu2 Member Posts: 23
    q- Thanks for you thoughts. I didn't mean to offend or be an ageist. I guess that's just how I think of the guy. He's fully coherent and competent. He's just a simple man of simple means. He trusts people to a fault. He's my friend's dad and I consider him an "old" man.
  • epineyepiney Member Posts: 462
    Ya miss him don't you? It's okay... I'm sure most of us here are sad over his departure. Maybe some day we'll get lucky and tbaxxon will return. I'd prefer socala4 or his brother pch101 though. But to answer your question, I'd say the tbaxxon method was a variant of the Jipst Method.

    Well, I will say that I miss the "activity" that he brought. Isn't the Jipst method overkill for a Hyundai? Seems to me the dealers layover for anyone wanting to buy from a quick browse of the prices paid forums. :P ;) (J/K)
  • kiawahkiawah Member Posts: 3,666
    Just a brief thank you to the professional sales folks here, who have over the course of the last couple years have educated me to what makes a car salesman tick, what you can do, and what you can't do. I've just bought a new vehicle, and it was by far the best car buying experience I've ever had. What I used to view as a dreaded chore, was now 'fun'!

    Used basically a slightly modified Bobst method (hung around a little bit to permit bumping attempts), but all in good natured fun. Homework was done in detail up front, knew what vehicle and features I wanted, knew what it cost and should be a reasonable deal, knew what my trade was worth, and had an idea where the dealership would be coming from.

    First dealership wasn't even close on price, but in defense they were in a glitzier facility and would have significantly higher fixed costs, would have had to do a dealer trade to get the vehicle (I knew that up front by doing inventory searches the night before), and probably would have had to get rid of my trade as they wouldn't want it on the lot for the area of town they were in. We quickly got to the walk conclusion.

    Second dealership was a little better in price, had a little attitude and weren't real interested in looking around to do a dealer trade, so quickly got to the walk conclusion.

    Third dealership was a charm. Great rapport, ready and willing to deal, agreed (after a couple of failed bump attempts) to exactly what I wanted on the whole deal. Great place to do business with.

    I think part and parcel to this whole episode is that I really didn't HAVE to do this deal now, and was pretty indifferent whether I upgraded to a new vehicle or not. If I didn't do it now, could do it anytime in the future. Ended up being a reasonable deal for both of us.

    What in prior years would have frustrated me to no end are the first two dealerships, where although my offer I knew to be 'reasonable', they wouldnn't do. This time I just sit there and think, okay...no problem, I'll go elsewhere. Someone will agree it's a reasonable deal. I realize although a reasonable deal, it's just not reasonable to them with their inventory, with their cost structure, at "this" point in time.

    Thanks again for all of your war stories, helps consumers a lot to walk a mile in your shoes.
  • im_brentwoodim_brentwood Member Posts: 4,883
    Ouch.

    Want the bad news?

    He signed the contracts. He is an owner.

    Period.

    If the dealer isn't willing to unwind the deal (Why on god';s name would they?) then he's stuck with it.

    Hate to say it but expensive lesson learned.
  • jipsterjipster Member Posts: 6,299
    Isn't the Jipst method overkill for a Hyundai?

    You may be right about that. Those "throwaways" are probably more suited to the bobst method. (J/K?) ;)
    2021 Honda Passport EX-L, 2020 Honda Accord EX-L, 2011 Hyundai Veracruz, 2010 Mercury Milan Premiere.
  • patpat Member Posts: 10,421
    Congrats kiawah! What did you buy?

    Hope you'll drop by the Dealer Ratings & Reviews page to share your experiences with those dealerships.
  • qbrozenqbrozen Member Posts: 33,804
    What about that credit app issue, though? Is that not an essential piece of the puzzle? Can they make it stick if he refuses to sign one?

    '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

  • dino001dino001 Member Posts: 6,191
    What in prior years would have frustrated me to no end are the first two dealerships, where although my offer I knew to be reasonable', they wouldn't do. This time I just sit there and think, okay...no problem,

    I think you touched the most important aspect. The fact the dealer wants more for a car (or offers less for a trade) does not make him/her a crook - conversely, if the customer offers less for the car (or wants more for the trade, it does not make them an idiot. It's a matter of opinion, personal and business goal and some objective measures. If there is no deal, there is no deal - no reason to get angry, personal, or offended. We can get frustrated at times (nobody likes rejection and nobody likes their time being wasted), but if we all take it as a nature of business, the frustration does not need to convert to anger.

    Unfortunately, too many people on both sides still have a problem understanding that.

    2018 430i Gran Coupe

  • gogiboygogiboy Member Posts: 732
    "Bored? BORED doesn't begin to describe it. My vocabulary is limited maybe others can describe it better..."

    Ennui?

    Gogiboy
  • pmanzapmanza Member Posts: 34
    I know this is off topic but some of you responded to my inquiry about which vehicles might make a child less carsick. Just wanted to update and let you all know I ended up purchasing an 07 Prius. So far I love it, although it is way different than my old Lexus RX300!

    Really appreciate all the comments from this group and the chance to learn what things are like on your side of the fence. Got a fair deal on my purchase, so-so deal on trade in, and worked on training a "greanpea" salesman. He told us he had been there 6 months (I don't think so, F&I guy said 6 days maybe, he didn't even have cards with his name on them yet) but clearly didn't know the ropes, had an experienced guy sitting with him helping him with paperwork etc. But he tried and the price was a special "all Prius at invoice - $500" so he didn't have to try to haggle price with us. He tried hard so we are going to write a letter to the GM saying how good he did, even though he really didn't do anything to sell the car to us.

    I have learned alot about how professional salesmen approach their customers from you guys, and will in future look to dealerships who can provide that level of professionalism. Actually almost bought a Hyundai just because the salesman was so professional and helpful, but my hubby, bless his heart, said "you won't be happy with it, you like the upgrades in your car. Get one that you will really like".

    Anyway take care all, and happy selling!
    Peggy
  • pmanzapmanza Member Posts: 34
    I am so sorry to hear about your dicey scan. My prayers will be with you. It may be hard but try to think positive, I really believe positive thoughts help bring out more positive outcomes.
    Take care and good luck with your future treatment.
    Peggy
  • roadburnerroadburner Member Posts: 18,549
    Hang tough, Mack. And stop by some of your old haunts if you get the chance.

    Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
    Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
    Son's: 2018 330i xDrive

  • Kirstie_HKirstie_H Administrator Posts: 11,247
    LOL... a "referral fee" due to a customer who's never bought from you? That'd be a new one.

    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

  • mackabeemackabee Member Posts: 4,709
    Thank you Peggy. Enjoy your new Prius. You'll have lots of fun with it!
    :)
    Mackabee
  • mackabeemackabee Member Posts: 4,709
    Looks like he's in northern VA. It's more cut throat over there than here. I hope he finds what he's looking for. But I appreciate you thinking of me.
    :)
    Mackabee
  • mackabeemackabee Member Posts: 4,709
    Anybody heard from John? Didn't see any recent posts from him.
    Mackabee
    :shades:
  • toyoda1toyoda1 Member Posts: 7
    I would let the dealership unwind the vehicle. The bank wont pay on the dealership without a signed contract so the dealership is on the hook. Yeah his credit will get hosed but at 60 one should not need a credit rating at all.
  • jescuejescue Member Posts: 521
    I just realized my customer paid more for his car than I did for my house. He put $80,000 down and his payments are $1500 per month. :surprise:
  • british_roverbritish_rover Member Posts: 8,502
    What did he get a GT2 or GT3?

    I can't even see a 911 Turbo up in that range.
  • chikoochikoo Member Posts: 3,008
    "those leases are nothing but trouble, you just gotta keep things simple"

    Buy here.......Pay here
  • jescuejescue Member Posts: 521
    911 Turbo cab with tiptronic. $148,080. Not an overly optioned car either.
  • nthenthe Member Posts: 414
    you still live in stillwater? i went to OSU, graduated in 2003.

    sry for the off topic posts hosts.
  • delta737hdelta737h Member Posts: 626
    Hey Mack,

    Be strong my good friend. My prayers will always be with you and yours. You're going to be around for a very long time. Just take it one day at a time. I'd buy or lease a car from you in a heartbeat! And, I wouldn't even send you a proposal. You're a man of high integrity and morals... even a blind person can see that.

    Best,

    John
  • delta737hdelta737h Member Posts: 626
    Are you asking for me, Mack? If so, see above post.

    John
    Medina, Ohio
  • british_roverbritish_rover Member Posts: 8,502
    Ahh it pains my soul to see a 911 with an automatic. :sick: :confuse: :cry: :mad:

    I forgot about how much the Turbo Cabs were I was just thinking regular Turbo.
  • jescuejescue Member Posts: 521
    I would rather have a stick too-his wife cant drive a stick so automatic it is. The tip Turbo is actually faster than the 6 speed. Not as much fun to me, but I would be glad to drive it. ;)
  • british_roverbritish_rover Member Posts: 8,502
    Faster cause of the overboost feature but how do you time that up with a stop light?

    My wife can sort of drive a stick and I swear by next summer I will teach her how to do it.

    We are planning a cross country trip and will buy a new car for it. I am NOT going to buy an automatic she will have to learn how to drive a manual.
  • jescuejescue Member Posts: 521
    I bet you will phrase that differently to her. :P
  • british_roverbritish_rover Member Posts: 8,502
    I don't put my foot down on much cause you know it is the whole, "she who must be obeyed" but when it comes to vehicles I do put my foot down.

    I got her to drive my MINI cooper S with the six speed alright but she never remembered to push the clutch in when she came to a stop. :blush:
  • jescuejescue Member Posts: 521
    well good luck with it. I tried to teach my mother, then my sister, and the results were the same. From then on my mother swore I bought 5 speeds so she wouldnt be able to drive them. :)
  • jmonroejmonroe Member Posts: 8,989
    Ennui?

    That will work, but I have to admit I had to look it up. Like I said I have a limited vocabulary and my grammar ain't all that good either. :blush:

    jmonroe

    '15 Genesis V8 with Ultimate Package and '18 Legacy Limited 6 cyl

  • cdnpinheadcdnpinhead Member Posts: 5,635
    ". . .is that I really didn't HAVE to do this deal now, and was pretty indifferent whether I upgraded. . ."

    BINGO!!!

    He (or she) who cares least ALWAYS wins the negotiation, and it can be done in a very civilized manner.

    What's not to like?

    Getting invested in this stuff is not a good plan. Take it or leave it. Thank you. Good afternoon.
    '08 Acura TSX, '17 Subaru Forester
  • snakeweaselsnakeweasel Member Posts: 19,617
    another Hyundai... Sonota?

    Only if I decide not to buy it then it will be a Sonota.

    However the Sonata is on the short list, and the salesman who sold us the Elantra is still there.

    Also, I expect you'll be using the "Jipst Method" of car buying when you decide to pull the trigger?

    Nope I am going to use a modified Bobst(tm) method.

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

  • snakeweaselsnakeweasel Member Posts: 19,617
    If the old man does not sign it will the bank pull the financing?

    You have to remember that the financing and the sales contract are two different things. If this guy does not sign the financing there is no deal with the bank. However he still has a deal with the dealership and the dealership can demand that he honor his end of the contract.

    The only real way out is break the lease and pay any penalty (per the lease contract) or prove somehow that this guy did not have the legal capacity to enter into a contract (which may be hard to do).

    Short answer is he is stuck with this.

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

  • snakeweaselsnakeweasel Member Posts: 19,617
    a "referral fee" due to a customer who's never bought from you? That'd be a new one.

    Why? can only those who bought from you refer someone?

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

  • snakeweaselsnakeweasel Member Posts: 19,617
    I wish I could get a house worth living in around here for $80K.

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

  • jescuejescue Member Posts: 521
    Well no I meant the total price not the downpayment. $80K here and you need a good gun and a guard dog.
  • im_brentwoodim_brentwood Member Posts: 4,883
    I wish I could get a house worth living in around here for triple or even quadruple that... :(
  • fezofezo Member Posts: 10,386
    You might manage down this end of the state but even then it ain't easy...
    2015 Mazda 6 Grand Touring, 2014 Mazda 3 Sport Hatchback, 1999 Mazda Miata 2004 Toyota Camry LE, 1999.
  • jmonroejmonroe Member Posts: 8,989
    I don't put my foot down on much cause you know it is the whole, "she who must be obeyed" but when it comes to vehicles I do put my foot down.

    I’ll never understand you guys that can’t determine who is in charge.

    Mrs. jmonroe and I have always had a 50/50 relationship, at her insistence. It’s really quite simple, I make it and she spends it.

    I keep telling you guys “you gotta keep it simple”.

    jmonroe

    '15 Genesis V8 with Ultimate Package and '18 Legacy Limited 6 cyl

  • im_brentwoodim_brentwood Member Posts: 4,883
    Ahh, so you got the job at Thoroughbred I assume?

    How is it going so far? I remember meeting the GM or owner from there once.. Marty or Martin I think.. nice guy.
  • im_brentwoodim_brentwood Member Posts: 4,883
    I used to do that with Mrs Bill until Mr Bill called the divorce attorney.

    I made the money, she spent all of it.
  • chikoochikoo Member Posts: 3,008
    behind every man's success, there is a woman.

    The woman spends so much that the man has to work harder.........and Voila! :shades: you have a man who is "viewed" very successful professionally.

    Only he knows how much of that money he has in the bank! :sick:
  • toyoda1toyoda1 Member Posts: 7
    How can he be stuck. Voluntary repo the car. Chances are the dealer won't want any negative publicity of harassing a senior. Everyday people usually don't side with Car dealers and always assume the worse. He can get out of this deal if he really wants to and is a little publicity savy.

    The dealer should unwind the deal and put him in a more reasonable car. Win Win. But they won't.
  • snakeweaselsnakeweasel Member Posts: 19,617
    How can he be stuck.

    He signed a legally binding contract.

    Chances are the dealer won't want any negative publicity of harassing a senior. Everyday people usually don't side with Car dealers and always assume the worse.

    Face it most people have the memory of a goldfish about these types of things. 90% of the people will forget about it in 24 hours unless they have a horse in the race or its about someone famous.

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

  • terrypm1terrypm1 Member Posts: 79
    That sounds like the proper thing to do. Both parties will then be happy and the dealership will have a customer for life. Then the customer will tell his friends and then more and more people will be shopping/buying from the dealership.
    It would be a win/win situation for everyone involved.

    What kind of ethics did the dealer have originally pulling the stunt in the first place? Every business is allowed to make a fair profit but to take ,I assume, a sucker, to the cleaners is highly unethical. It gives every car dealer a black eye.
This discussion has been closed.

Helpful Tools

Most popular vehicles

Your Privacy

By accessing this website, you acknowledge that Edmunds and its third party business partners may use cookies, pixels, and similar technologies to collect information about you and your interactions with the website as described in our Privacy Statement, and you agree that your use of the website is subject to our Visitor Agreement.