Stories from the Sales Frontlines

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  • epineyepiney Member Posts: 462
    As I said before - I would give a chance to correct (everybody makes mistakes ), but if it's too slow there is really no point in hanging around. By the time they realize it's not a jackpot, I may be already in another place signing papers.

    Yeah, I've had that happen before. Most times they correct it fast when they realize that you have a good idea of market. Sometimes they just don't seem that motivated since that may have other buyers or what or misread genuine purchase intent. In those case, moving on is the best for all.
  • epineyepiney Member Posts: 462
    I never denied it. You must have me confused with someone else.
    >?
    Mack


    I will back you this time ;) I do remember a story about a Sienna that had a rebate and a no sale. Not sure it was completed though :P
  • graphicguygraphicguy Member Posts: 14,230
    j.....been busy. Working/traveling a lot. Catching up. The boat has been a disaster this year. Me thinks it may be time for it to go to a new home. Not the right time of year to sell, though.

    I peruse the Edmunds boards when I get the chance. You guys seem to be holding down the fort just fine without me. I won't comment unless a post strikes my fancy.

    As a side note, I just saw Edmunds review of the Caddy CTS. As you all know, I'm "anti-Caddy". Won't repeat my experiences with that brand.

    I was invited to a dealership for the "roll-out". Free food and drink you say? I'm there. Sushi rolls were good. Surprisingly, they let us drive it, even though they were lubricating us with alcohol.

    I suppose the gushing from Edmunds will sell a few CTS's. But, at an as tested price of $44K, I don't think this car is going to steal anyone away from BMW, Acura or Infiniti. I thought the performance wasn't in the same league compared to a 3 Series, TL or G. Yes, the interior is much improved. There are some features that the other cars don't have. There are others that the CTS does have, but doesn't quite do as well as the competition.

    I was the youngest guy in the showroom (and I'm not particularly young). So, the empty nesters were there in abundance. Maybe that's the market segment Caddy is going after. They certainly aren't going to get many driving enthusiasts, though (unless the bling is something those enthusiasts put a premium on).

    Plenty of bling, though. It's a good $35K car. It's not a good $44K car.

    I don't know if they sold any (seemed to have about a dozen in stock). They were holding to MSRP. I suspect the rebates will start in short order, though.
    2024 Kia EV6 GT-Line AWD Long Range
  • epineyepiney Member Posts: 462
    It is not just an excuse to leave and and then go see if another store will knock another $100 off the price and give you a free pen and coffe cup with the deal.

    As I visualize Joel at Costco with a crate of pens and bulk coffee.... Maybe you should give them a can of Red Bull instead.

    Perhaps there are some that will spend $100 to save $100, but at that point it's the intangibles that make the deal. How well they like you and the process is a big deal.
  • oldfarmer50oldfarmer50 Member Posts: 24,496
    "...Would you buy something sight unseen and pay top dollar?..."

    Heck, no. I wouldn't buy sight unseen from my own mother. :lemon:

    It always puzzled me why someone would call a dealer for a price on trade over the phone. Do they really expect to hold the dealer to the price when they bring the car in with dings and dents they "forgot" to mention?

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

  • epineyepiney Member Posts: 462
    "I have to talk to my wife."

    Would you rather them say "I like the car, but I'm not sure of the price. I'd like to do a little more research to feel more comfortable before I make a final decision"

    How would you respond to this one? If you ask them to come back to you and give you the last shot, you have just told them that you have not given them your best price.
  • oldfarmer50oldfarmer50 Member Posts: 24,496
    "...unless she gets a reeeeeally good lawyer..."

    Why would she need a lawyer? Doesn't she have that well-dented frying pan? ;)

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

  • joel0622joel0622 Member Posts: 3,299
    Would you rather them say "I like the car, but I'm not sure of the price. I'd like to do a little more research to feel more comfortable before I make a final decision"

    How would you respond to this one? If you ask them to come back to you and give you the last shot, you have just told them that you have not given them your best price.


    Yes I would, an old standard cliche close is, Sir/Mam on every sale that does not come together it always boils down to one of three thing, Product, Price, or Person. You obviously like the product or you wouldn't be here, correct? Customer tells you if they are happy with the car. Is it the price? We have agreed on a figure yet you still seem hesitant. Customer tells you if they are happy with the price or not. Then that only leaves one thing, the person you are dealing with. Have we done something that has not meant your expectations? Once in awhile they will say they just don't like there sales person and at that time the MGR offers to take over.

    If you are just not in a position at this point to make a decision that is fine and we will respect that. No one here at Good Guy Ford is going to twist your arm or make an event out of buying a car, there is just no need for it. But if you decide to shop this price please keep in mind that every deal includes a profit for the dealer, if you go some place and they tell you they are not then you need to leave because they just told there first fib. So if in fact you do get a better price then ours I would appreciate it if you would give me one more opportunity to see if it makes good business sense to beat that offer. Myself, the sales person, and you already have allot of time invested in this and have made it easy for the next guy because all the leg work is already done so please keep that in mind.

    All you are hunting for is the real reason they are not ready to take delivery. Assuming a husband needs his wife to buy a car is as bad as assuming the wife needs the husband. Especially on the guy who has bought 3 times at your store before and you don't even know his wifes name.
  • qbrozenqbrozen Member Posts: 33,804
    did we get a 2nd part to the showroom brawl from mac and i just missed it? or has it not yet been a full week and we can't read the next episode?

    '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

  • joel0622joel0622 Member Posts: 3,299
    I figured since this was premire week on all the networks he would be coming out with some new stuff. God knows he has plenty of season ending cliff hangers out there. :D
  • sterlingdogsterlingdog Member Posts: 6,984
    Does it help a customer money wise to have his car detailed when he drives it in for a trade---especially if he smokes? Thanks for your advice.
  • jescuejescue Member Posts: 521
    Anything to diminish the smoke smell is worthwhile.
  • ddeliseddelise Member Posts: 353
    is it 'OK' to visit a dealership and start taking test drives???

    What is the salesperson's perspective here?

    My situation is that my lease is expiring in February.

    I am unsure if I want/need a sedan, SUV, or cross over. Obviously, my choices are numerous. Due to work/family situation, I don't have much time to spend at dealerships at the last minute, so I think I need to start my search way before my lease is up.

    I want to respect the salesperson's time, and want to let them know I am simply researching, and will not be ready to make a decision and purchase until February. What is the best way to go about doing this?

    Thanks - Damon

    Thanks - Damon
  • jmonroejmonroe Member Posts: 8,989
    Why would she need a lawyer? Doesn't she have that well-dented frying pan?

    That ain't me, that's 'jipster'.

    My head is still intact, can't ya tell? :P

    jmonroe

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

  • exb0exb0 Member Posts: 539
    You're right! Miss America (Camry) is probably a tighter ride.

    LOL, you should be ashamed of yourself old man.

    But seriously folks, which SE did you drive? a four banger or V6? and was it a new as in 07 or 08?

    It was 08 four banger Camry SE. They didn’t have V6 SE in stock, but the salesman reassured me that suspensions were identical. Did he make a “mistake”?

    In Camry’s defense, the Altima is not that much better. Test drove the 08 3.5SL (they didn’t have the SE in stock) I was not impressed with it either. Nice engine, but way too much HP for that car.

    The manager gave me first pencil on 08 SE w/ premium pkg. and VDC of $32,664 + $500 doc fee, but reasonable price for my trade. I asked him what the MSRP was; he comes back with $32,664. Edmunds says that MSRP is $30,305. I guess Edmunds should get their facts straight. ;) Do you think I should reward this dealer with my business? :sick:
  • jescuejescue Member Posts: 521
    I just bought an 08 Altima SE on Sunday. I was very impressed with it. It is also a premium with VDC ,floor mats,splash guards,kick plates. MSRP was $30,885 so he was off a bit.Wouldnt hurt to counter offer if you like it.
  • jmonroejmonroe Member Posts: 8,989
    Does it help a customer money wise to have his car detailed when he drives it in for a trade---especially if he smokes? Thanks for your advice.

    I see that ‘jescue’ has already given you some good advice about the smell.

    Don’t mean to preach here but if you’re the smoker you should be much more concerned about yourself than the car. :confuse:

    Cars can be replaced, right?

    jmonroe

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

  • kiawahkiawah Member Posts: 3,666
    The MSRP is on the window, so wouldn't be hard to determine whether the dealer or Edmunds was right.

    "Reward" the dealer who gave you a MSRP price + 500 doc fee??? I don't think so. You give him an opportunity to meet your realistic price offer.
  • jescuejescue Member Posts: 521
    But he didnt say he made an offer...
  • exb0exb0 Member Posts: 539
    MSRP was $30,885 so he was off a bit.

    If you consider $2K to be a bit, it must be nice to be you. :)
  • jmonroejmonroe Member Posts: 8,989
    Nice engine, but way too much HP for that car.

    There is nothing that says you have to use all of it all the time but isn’t it nice to know that when you need it, it’s there? Much better than the other way around! Kinda like a savings account, you use it when you need it.

    jmonroe

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

  • exb0exb0 Member Posts: 539
    The MSRP is on the window

    They didn’t have the car in stock, so I couldn’t see MSRP on the window. I asked him what the MSRP is, and he lied to me. That’s why I should not reward him with my business at any price.

    Just like salesmen prequalify customers, I prequalify salesmen. I ask questions that I know answers to, and if they lie to me, I don’t do business with them. There was no point of making an offer and waste my time.
  • fezofezo Member Posts: 10,386
    "Nice engine, but way too much HP for that car."

    OK, someone has to say it..... is there such a thing?
    2015 Mazda 6 Grand Touring, 2014 Mazda 3 Sport Hatchback, 1999 Mazda Miata 2004 Toyota Camry LE, 1999.
  • im_brentwoodim_brentwood Member Posts: 4,883
    What was on the actual window sticker? Did it have options?

    And if you ask a dealer for their first offer, it's probably going to be MSRP. If you were a dealer and I asked you what you wanted to sell a car for, you'd say sticker. A buyer will say cost or less.

    Remember, you don't ask, you don't get. And you would be surprised how often you get if you ask. It's not unethical, it's business.

    Lying, cheating, changing numbers, etc.. that's unethical. Asking for a price is what a seller is supposed to do.
  • im_brentwoodim_brentwood Member Posts: 4,883
    No! Never!

    BTW.. got to drive a 400hp 88 535is the other night, it felt wonderful!
  • epineyepiney Member Posts: 462
    I just bought an 08 Altima SE on Sunday. I was very impressed with it. It is also a premium with VDC ,floor mats,splash guards,kick plates. MSRP was $30,885 so he was off a bit.Wouldnt hurt to counter offer if you like it.

    First a truck from Joel and now an Altima. Sales of those X-types are not as slow as you would lead us to believe. Or else you have been "vulgar" far too many times ;):blush:
  • epineyepiney Member Posts: 462
    And if you ask a dealer for their first offer, it's probably going to be MSRP

    I think he asked what the MRSP and the dealer quoted higher than waht it was. I have never had this happen to me, they have always admitted ADM, but it this was the case, I would have walked and perhaps complained to the manufacturer. Add ADM all you want on a hot car, but don't say it is part of MSRP.

    exb0: maybe you can clarify
  • exb0exb0 Member Posts: 539
    I guess I am not expressing myself properly. The car was not in stock. The salesman quoted me MSRP at $2K higher than it actually is with same options. That’s dishonest.

    Yes, there is such thing as to much HP for the car. If suspension and tires suck, and the car has torque steer, you can lose control if you step on gas pedal too hard.
  • sterlingdogsterlingdog Member Posts: 6,984
    Now, now---let's not get into the "smoking issue". After 50 years of smoking, I have to live with my decision. I just wondered if detailing the car would actually make a difference on the trading floor. There has to be at least one car salesman out there who smokes and knows this answer. Thanks for your concern and, yes, anyone's health is more important than a car---whether you drink or smoke or don't exercise or eat too much. We all have a vice.
  • oldfarmer50oldfarmer50 Member Posts: 24,496
    If you just want to sit in a vehicle to see how it feels try one of the auto shows. Great no pressure place to see what is out there.

    I have eliminated many possible cars this way and never had to bother the salesman. When I'm ready to test drive I'll only request the specific vehicle I want.

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

  • oldfarmer50oldfarmer50 Member Posts: 24,496
    "...That ain't me, that's jipster..."

    If you've been married for more than 15 minutes she has one...I think they hand them out at the bridal shower...along with the book: "How to remember everything your husband has done wrong for the past 20 years". ;)

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

  • psorterpsorter Member Posts: 89
    "Nice engine, but way too much HP for that car."

    OK, someone has to say it..... is there such a thing?


    I think exb0 was hinting that the rest of the car's infrastructure (suspension, steering, brakes, tires etc), couldn't handle the HP.
  • jmonroejmonroe Member Posts: 8,989
    We all have a vice.

    You’re right and after I gave up smoking many years ago the only one I have now is in the garage attached to my tool bench. :D

    Us ex-smokers are the worst when it comes to comments about smoking. :(

    Good luck,

    jmonroe

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

  • jescuejescue Member Posts: 521
    Well as you can see I make somewhat sensible choices. No Porsches for me as much as I would love one. ;)
  • fezofezo Member Posts: 10,386
    Oh, well the car not being built to handle the horsepower is another story.

    Brentwood and his 400 HP 535is is making me drool.

    It is tough on the smokers but I know I wouldn't buy a used car that I could tell had been smoked in. If you can fool my nose into thinking otherwise you'd be fine.
    2015 Mazda 6 Grand Touring, 2014 Mazda 3 Sport Hatchback, 1999 Mazda Miata 2004 Toyota Camry LE, 1999.
  • jmonroejmonroe Member Posts: 8,989
    ..."How to remember everything your husband has done wrong for the past 20 years".

    You are soooo right and they get better the longer they’re at it.

    We just doubled that number and I still hear things about when we were engaged but since I have so many good traits she couldn’t let me get away. :D

    jmonroe

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

  • greanpea68greanpea68 Member Posts: 1,996
    Then when I actually am just looking I land a "what will it take to get you to buy today?" In the latter case I;ve got news - if I say I'm just looking, I'm just looking.

    Fezo,

    Everyone is just looking. They are all looking untill they actually meet a sales person that will sell them a car. Maybe they are looking a salesperson, Maybe they are looking for a better deal, Maybe they are looking for a specific car.

    If I listened to a customer say they were just looking and didn't attemt to do my job then i would have no sales. As sales people we get rejected all day every day.

    There is a old saying in the biz, customer comes in and says " I want to buy a car today" or "who wants to sell me a car today" They never end up buying. i would much rather have the person who says I am just looking or i am not buying for 6 months. Those are the people that ussually buy.
  • greanpea68greanpea68 Member Posts: 1,996
    I have to talk to my wife."

    Would you rather them say "I like the car, but I'm not sure of the price. I'd like to do a little more research to feel more comfortable before I make a final decision"

    How would you respond to this one? If you ask them to come back to you and give you the last shot, you have just told them that you have not given them your best price.


    Yes I would rather a person customer say the thruth.
  • sterlingdogsterlingdog Member Posts: 6,984
    Thanks for understanding. I must be dense but what in the world is attached to the tool bench?
  • jmonroejmonroe Member Posts: 8,989
    The boat has been a disaster this year. Me thinks it may be time for it to go to a new home.

    It sure is. You’ve had that thing since I’ve known you; that’s got to be 2 years by now.

    I was invited to a dealership for the "roll-out". Free food and drink you say? I'm there. Sushi rolls were good. Surprisingly, they let us drive it, even though they were lubricating us with alcohol.

    That surprises me. With the problem you had with that Caddy, I’d have thought they would have to drag you to their store. I guess they know you are a sucker for free stuff especially food!

    Anytime you feel you have to jump in here, that’s when we’ll see ya.

    I guess I’m never going to get a ride on that boat after all. Don’t feel bad, I can wait until you get that new 80 footer. :D

    jmonroe

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

  • fezofezo Member Posts: 10,386
    Oh, I understand the "everyone is just looking" thought and I'm sure that you are correct most of the time.

    I try to be as clear as I possibly can and actually for the most part that has worked. When new models came out (and I don't mean just the 08 that is a little different from the 07 - I'm talking a brand new from clean sheet model) I have been known now and then to just see one in reality instead of just pictures.

    The local Chrysler guy, who can be a pain in the neck to actually try to buy from, was great when the first Intrepids came out. Just threw a plate on, gave me the keys and said "have fun."

    I had to go that far back because this hobby of having kids is taking up all my time recently....
    2015 Mazda 6 Grand Touring, 2014 Mazda 3 Sport Hatchback, 1999 Mazda Miata 2004 Toyota Camry LE, 1999.
  • joel0622joel0622 Member Posts: 3,299
    As they say its first impressions that matter. If I walk up to appraise your car and its dirty and smells I will start looking for other things. If my first impression is, wow thats a nice looking car I may over look some stuff.
  • jmonroejmonroe Member Posts: 8,989
    I must be dense but what in the world is attached to the tool bench?

    Will someone help him out, PLEASE !!

    I just got called to a meeting. :shades:

    jmonroe

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

  • volvomaxvolvomax Member Posts: 5,238
    Detailing it may help,although it has been my experience that it is very hard to get rid of the smoke smell.
  • greanpea68greanpea68 Member Posts: 1,996
    It was 08 four banger Camry SE. They didn’t have V6 SE in stock, but the salesman reassured me that suspensions were identical. Did he make a “mistake”?

    Being a Nissan sales rep even I know that a Camry Se V6 has a tighter suspension than a 4 cyl. it is the same frame with a sport suspension. But a Altima 3.5 se will handle better than any of those vehicles :P :shades:

    Just continued your post. Once again if you drove a SL Altima there will be a differance in a SE. A 3.5 Altima SE has a sport suspesion and bigger tires 17" So you will have a sportier feel. Than teh Altima you drove. Way to much HP Your looking at sporty cars if I remeber correctly :confuse:
  • mackabeemackabee Member Posts: 4,709
    I'm not worried. Looks like the rebates are bringing in the domestic buyers! ;) Works for me!

    Joel, for all you do, this truck's for you! ;)
    image
  • greanpea68greanpea68 Member Posts: 1,996
    The manager gave me first pencil on 08 SE w/ premium pkg. and VDC of $32,664 + $500 doc fee, but reasonable price for my trade. I asked him what the MSRP was; he comes back with $32,664. Edmunds says that MSRP is $30,305. I guess Edmunds should get their facts straight. Do you think I should reward this dealer with my business?

    The salesman was not lying. $32664 is with Nav. $30664 is with out Nav. You may have configured it with out Nav. Or if you were looking for everything except Nav than That may be all that was available at the tiome of the locate. If you wanted to offer $30664 than you should have. This is one of most common misunderstandings with all the info out on the net. People configure cars not knowing how they are coming from the factory. I am positive that you were building a car with out Nav and he was giving you a car with Nav. Talk to the dealer. Go through the options and compare apples to apples.
  • greanpea68greanpea68 Member Posts: 1,996
    Yes, there is such thing as to much HP for the car. If suspension and tires suck, and the car has torque steer, you can lose control if you step on gas pedal too hard.

    The suspension and tires are exellent on the Altima. You don't get torque ster with a CVT tranny.
  • mackabeemackabee Member Posts: 4,709
    This might have been the one with the Sopranos season ending finale style. Remember Mr. and Mrs. Johnson and me waiting for Gina to park the Sienna while we hate onion rings and all sorts of shady characters walked in? or was it the one where I "fired" the customer cause I caught her talking on the phone with my competitor trying to get a better deal on a van nobody had.
    image
  • epineyepiney Member Posts: 462
    image
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