Stories from the Sales Frontlines

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Comments

  • low9slow9s Member Posts: 5
    Believe me mikefm58, I am well aware that customers who visit this site are a lot better educated about their purchase than a typical customer. And I wish more customers were like you and don't screw over a salesperson by taking up their time going on test drives and picking their brain for all sorts of information only to drive down the street to save a few bucks.

    The world would be a much better place if everyone would pay the TMV price!
  • joel0622joel0622 Member Posts: 3,299
    Car shopping is easy. Just go to the dealer, read the MSRP from the Monroney and offer to pay it. Then, a little Mop/Glo, Rust/Dust, Extended Warranty, pinstriping, landau roof, fabric sealant and you're off! Simple!

    It works at Carmax every day. :D
  • greanpea68greanpea68 Member Posts: 1,996
    And we won't screw over the sales person who has spent time with us on test drives and answering questions when we really were "just looking".

    Mike,

    I think you just explained that you and most of the consumers here are not the "Typical Customers".... :surprise:

    I think the kid is directing it at someone else. But I do hear you concern. You have to keep the new guys inline. ;)

    GP

    "New York teams are superior"

    "Toyota is the superior import"
  • oldfarmer50oldfarmer50 Member Posts: 24,553
    "...I think amad1's problems and anger go way beyond the car biz..."

    I think you are right about that. However there are characteristics of the car biz, namely honesty, that seem to push his buttons. You have to admit there is a lot of incentive in the car sales industry to bend the truth to make a sale.

    I recently caught the owner of the dealership lying to me to push me into taking a dealer trade rather than a factory order. Did it bother me? Yes it did. Did it bother me enough not to buy? No, but it makes me wonder if I can trust him with service on this car on even my next purchase.

    Very few of my car purchases have been done without the salesman telling some kind of fib. I've accepted that this is a fact of life with cars and nothing I do will change it. I've decided that for me the best way to deal with lies is to do good research so I can separate lies from facts. For the most part I can now chuckle at some of the more lame falsehoods and concentrate on buying a car.

    For people like amad1 they can't get past it.

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

  • thenebeanthenebean Member Posts: 1,124
    Welcome low9s!

    This is a great board with a lot of great salespeople and consumers alike. Hope you have some fun stories to tell!

    -thene :-)
  • joel0622joel0622 Member Posts: 3,299
    I think allot of it is perception of what a lie/fib/stretching the truth is. In most transactions a little bit of it goes on by both party's.

    If I am a sales person and I tell you we will trade for $10K difference giving you $5K for your trade and you ask "Is that the most I can get for my trade" and I say yes sir that is top dollar. Well technically I just lied to you. Could I get $5.2K or $5.5K? Sure I could, you never want to let a few hundred stand in your way especially at first pencil.

    But if you asked that same question and I said no sir your trade is worth $500 more but I needed to leave room to negotiate with you or, we want you car as cheap as possible so we are trying to hold onto that extra $500 you would probably not be real impressed.

    On the same note when a customer is asked what there budget is and they reply $500 a month or $20K OTD when actually they have $550 a month or $21.5K in there budget. They do this not thinking they are lying to me, they are just positioning themselves for negotiations just like we are.

    Now when sellers start promising bed liners, DVD's, or free oil changes and not delivering that is a different story. Just like when a customer tells you they have the extra key, convertible boot, or the factory stereo at home they will bring back and you take that into consideration when you are evaluating there trade and they really don't. Those are both just bold faced lies told with the purpose of deceiving the other party.
  • blakhomerblakhomer Member Posts: 1
    I just recently purchased a 2007 Acura TL using Edmunds to get dealers to email me quotes etc...

    2 out of the 4 dealerships emailed a quote on my desired car with the features I wanted (or emailed to clarify something and then sent a quote).

    But the other 2 just kept sending me emails to come on down and see what they have in stock etc.... I kept responding that I wanted a price quote but they would just respond with more junk mail.

    Eventually I just responded that they should stop sending me this crap and send me a price quote.

    I went with the one guy who initially sent the first quote even though there was one other who was willing to go a few hundred under (he was an hour drive and I just didn't feel like going that far).

    Anyway, why do those dealerships do that ridiculous "come on down and look at our stuff" crap without a price quote when we use Edmunds to avoid that whole waste of time?

    (On a side note, I will never buy another car without using Edmunds. Having different dealerships fighting over you and getting a good price without ever walking into a dealership is the way to go. By the time I actually went in to buy the car, the whole process took 2 hours for test drive, finance etc... Very cool).
  • jipsterjipster Member Posts: 6,299
    I would agree with your summary of what is aceptable "fibbing" and what is not. The theatrics/wiggle room is just part of negotiation. It's the bald headed lie, that cheats the other party out of money or time, that is unaccepable.
    2021 Honda Passport EX-L, 2020 Honda Accord EX-L, 2011 Hyundai Veracruz, 2010 Mercury Milan Premiere.
  • jescuejescue Member Posts: 521
    What is a bald headed lie? :D
  • jipsterjipster Member Posts: 6,299
    What is a bald headed lie?

    Not really sure... just liked the sound of it. ;)
    2021 Honda Passport EX-L, 2020 Honda Accord EX-L, 2011 Hyundai Veracruz, 2010 Mercury Milan Premiere.
  • joel0622joel0622 Member Posts: 3,299
    bald headed

    Hey I resemble that remark :D

    see bottom pic
  • stickguystickguy Member Posts: 54,152
    Must be when your bold faced lie spreads up and over your forehead.

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

  • kyfdxkyfdx Moderator Posts: 271,327
    LOL

    Edmunds Price Checker
    Edmunds Lease Calculator
    Did you get a good deal? Be sure to come back and share!

    Edmunds Moderator

  • stickguystickguy Member Posts: 54,152
    I must be a dinosaur, because I don't consider going into the dealer to be a crazy concept!

    I know you wanted an internet quote (although until you are on site, in front of a specific unit, that is still just theoretical), but you can only cost yourself money by cutting those other 2 dealers out of the picture.

    Say the 2 internet quotes were about the same, and OK but nothing special. They will, however, be your pool of options.

    So other than a few minutes of time, what is there to lose by visiting the other dealers, and asking them the same question in person? You can negotiate, or Bobst, or whatever you feel comfortable with, but it is up to you if you want to make it a long, drawn out negotiating session.

    I just still believe that a buyer at the desk, checkbook in hand, is going to garner the best offer. Unless, for some reason, the internet side is seroiusly low balling just to generate volume, but the only way to know is to try the old fashioned way.

    Besides, I like to go to dealers and fondle the new cars!

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

  • joel0622joel0622 Member Posts: 3,299
    I just still believe that a buyer at the desk, checkbook in hand, is going to garner the best offer.

    Always!!!

    I can negotiate a deal over the phone or on the net but I can't sell you a car you a car that way. You have to be sitting in front of me.
  • mackabeemackabee Member Posts: 4,709
    image
  • oldfarmer50oldfarmer50 Member Posts: 24,553
    "...Anyway, why do those dealerships do that ridiculous "come on down and look at our stuff" crap without a price quote..."

    The stated reason I have seen is because they feel that there is a better chance of closing the deal if you are there in person.

    I also suspect that they may be afraid that you are really a salesman at another dealership pretending to be a customer trying to discover their low price point so they can beat it by $50.

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

  • mattandimattandi Member Posts: 588
    Looks like you passed. ;)
  • cccompsoncccompson Member Posts: 2,382
    Sure you can, Joel. I've bought several new cars sight unseen at out of town stores, both on the phone and over the web.
  • micosilvermicosilver Member Posts: 212
    I think I would try to meet you in the middle, just explain the situation, and forward them the lowest quote you have.
  • amad1amad1 Member Posts: 123
    Is an ISM a Internet Sales Manager?

    What exactly is the job of a ISM?
  • amad1amad1 Member Posts: 123
    Very few of my car purchases have been done without the salesman telling some kind of fib. I've accepted that this is a fact of life with cars and nothing I do will change it

    Lying is wrong, period. Lying breaks down trust and causes confusion.
  • amad1amad1 Member Posts: 123
    From the little I have read from him, Amad1 seems to be a typical customer trying to pick a fight with people who are trying to help him.

    That dealer scum wasn't trying to help me. He flat out lied when he said " he will do his very best to exceed my expectations" that was a flat out bald face lie. A simple silly little con game. In the end the guy turned out to be an arrogant lying prototypical sales shark. He wasted my time and his.
  • madmanmoomadmanmoo Member Posts: 2,039
    He's made it to this board too!!!

    Have fun everyone and don't go easy.

    -moo
  • jescuejescue Member Posts: 521
    Wow. You should cut him a little slack. Look at what he has to deal with.
  • mattandimattandi Member Posts: 588
    Please do tell the rest of the story. How did this guy turn out to be a [non-permissible content removed]?

    Pretty please.
  • madmanmoomadmanmoo Member Posts: 2,039
    :blush: LOL.

    How'd your day go today, Jescue?

    I got a 911 C2S over the curb and another ready for Tuesday. Beautiful day as well.

    -moo
  • madmanmoomadmanmoo Member Posts: 2,039
    I'm glad you made your way here too.

    Welcome mattandi! Mattandi has been great about giving fair/balanced feedback and actually contributing to the conversations.

    Feel free to share as much as possible here!

    -moo
  • jescuejescue Member Posts: 521
    Not as well as yours. I sold a new A4 and am working a Cayman. It is nice weather, I thought we would be busier.
  • snakeweaselsnakeweasel Member Posts: 19,625
    He flat out lied when he said " he will do his very best to exceed my expectations" that was a flat out bald face lie.

    Might not be a lie, maybe you had unrealistic expectations.

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

  • mattandimattandi Member Posts: 588
    I have been following this thread. Fun thread even though I'm not a car salesperson. Like hearing the stories.

    Now, if there was a thread for the stories teachers have about their students or inept administrators

    or a thread for old bartenders' stories

    I'm all in. :P
  • lrguy44lrguy44 Member Posts: 2,197
    It is a beautiful day here - ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZs are all we are catching
  • lrguy44lrguy44 Member Posts: 2,197
    So anyone who really wants to help you is a scum bag? Oh, I know, you read his body language in the e-mail. Go get help before you hurt someone!
  • jmonroejmonroe Member Posts: 8,989
    By the way, I'm still waiting for my check.

    I can;t believe this guy!!!

    It's in the mail. :D

    jmonroe

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

  • amad1amad1 Member Posts: 123
    From the little I have read from him, Amad1 seems to be a typical customer trying to pick a fight with people who are trying to help him.

    Its just that he wasn't trying help, he was trying to deceive me. Playing little games with me.
  • jescuejescue Member Posts: 521
    What little games? Scrabble? Canasta?
  • amad1amad1 Member Posts: 123
    I'm ready to purchase a car now. Have the money in pocket. But the Siths (car salespeople) want to play foolish and "deceitful" little games with me. They continue to act arrogant and thumb their noses at me. They think I need bow to them and kiss their rear ends to purchase car.

    With car sales slumping and a full recession approaching, I'm sure at that point they will be willing get serious.

    I hope a deep recession hits the car sales industry real hard, to teach them a lesson. A lesson that they will never forget. A lesson that will take away a bit of arrogance from them.

    If I don't do a deal within the next two weeks. I will close this chapter on shopping and wait for the winter. Hopefully with a deep recession and the normal slow holiday season for car buying, I might be able to get a serious and honest car sale deal.
  • jescuejescue Member Posts: 521
    It is not very hard to purchase a car and get a good deal. Perhaps the problem is not on the salespersons end. I imagine anyone can see your attitude from a mile away,and it sets quite a tone.
  • greanpea68greanpea68 Member Posts: 1,996
    I hope a deep recession hits the car sales industry real hard, to teach them a lesson. A lesson that they will never forget. A lesson that will take away a bit of arrogance from them.

    Hey don't sell your self short here buddy... i think you have already taught me this, this week :cry:

    Well for todat here at the Dealership you could say we had A Mad One :surprise: ...

    I had 3 ups no deals... nothing to hang my hat on.

    The store had 34 ups and 6 deals... What I like to call Stroker Saturday ;)

    Everyone is doing reasearch for Presidents day :shades:

    GP

    "New York teams are superior"

    "Toyota is the superior import"
  • mackabeemackabee Member Posts: 4,709
    If you weren't such a pain in the [non-permissible content removed] you could get the deal you want right now. Grow some nuts and head over to your nearest Acura dealer and negotiate your best deal./ We are tired of you whining and complaining. Get it over with.!@ :shades:
  • mikefm58mikefm58 Member Posts: 2,882
    This is really getting old, I wish the guy would be banned. If no one responds to his posts it will go away. (Thx Mack, that "it" reference was good).....LOL
  • stickguystickguy Member Posts: 54,152
    I think buyers sometimes forget that they don't hold all the cards. The dealer is the one with the car, and while they certainly want your money, they are only willing to cut the price so low to get a deal done.

    If you try dealer 1 and they aren't cheap enough, move on to dealer 2, then 3, etc. And make sure to make an official, clear offer (not just "give me your best price").

    If all the dealers are saying no, and figuring they really are anxious to move some units, then maybe you are unrealistic as to the price you are offering. And, it doesn't make them bad or evil people, they are just businessmen. They negotiate deals all day, and if you don't offer enough $$, no car for you, and they move onto the next up.

    If you are the poster that was peeved because a salesperson said he was going to do his best to make you happy, well, maybe he did do his best, and it wasn't good enough.

    I say you hit the dealers and do a Bobst. Acuras are simple to buy, since there are so few vairations. If you say want a TL base, MSRP 34,xxx, offer them what you think it should sell for, and make it an out the door offer.

    "Mr. Acura dealer, I will give you $32,ooo + TTL for that blue one over there. Yes or No?"

    You can even do that via email, but it saves so much time to just show up and cut out the crap.

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

  • jmonroejmonroe Member Posts: 8,989
    If I don't do a deal within the next two weeks. I will close this chapter on shopping and wait for the winter.

    Are you in another galaxy? It’s the second week in February, here in southwestern PA, how much more winter can it get?

    Hopefully with a deep recession and the normal slow holiday season for car buying, I might be able to get a serious and honest car sale deal

    Careful what you wish for; I’ve never heard of a recession that was good for anyone. You might find yourself looking for a new job rather than a new car.

    jmonroe

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

  • parvizparviz Member Posts: 484
    Be careful what you wish for! If they don't sell new cars, they that means everything else is not doing good either, including the resale value of your old car or your employment security, for that matter.

    As a consumer, I have negotiated and bought cars (mostly new) more than I can remember. Just consider it a game that is played by both sides. The goal is to get the best price for both sides (win-win situation or close to it). With forums like this to educate yourself and the opportunities like seeing what others are paying for similar cars and being able to get quotes online, I can not see how this would be a losing game for you. You are smart enough to do your research and come on line to discuss the issues. Don't assume everyone out there is a crook trying to rip you off. Send out your quote requests to 20+ dealers in your 150 mile radious and believe me you'll be driving the car you want within the next2-3 weeks and not be bitter about the deal.
  • tidestertidester Member Posts: 10,059
    I will close this chapter on shopping and wait for the winter.

    BULLETIN: Winter is more than half over!

    I would like to close the chapter on inflammatory slurs of salespeople and get back to stories from the sales frontlines. Can we count you in? :)

    tidester, host
    SUVs and Smart Shopper
  • parvizparviz Member Posts: 484
    Like you said, if Acura is what one wants, it couldn't get easier . The TL forum has the latest prices that people are paying for. There is a $2000 dealer incentive so the going price is invoice less $2000 plus TTL. If one is asking for a lot less than this then maybe they are being unreasonable. Thsi is not the right thread for this but kinda relates to the subject. I helped a friend buy a '08 TL w/ Navi in northern Ca for $32000 plus TTL. Acura's are straight forward.
  • madmanmoomadmanmoo Member Posts: 2,039
    Did someone say CANASTA?!!?!

    Count me in you filthy salesperson!

    -moo
  • roadburnerroadburner Member Posts: 18,576
    This is a great bumper sticker- suitable for any SUV, be it LR3 or Cayenne, or from a Wrangler to a Land Cruiser:

    image

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

  • ventureventure Member Posts: 3,194
    or a thread for old bartenders' stories

    If you want those type of stories you will have to ask oldfarmer. He occasionally goes to his local watering hole and picks a fight just to prove his manhood. ;)

    2025 Forester Limited, 2024 Subaru Legacy Sport

  • ventureventure Member Posts: 3,194
    Jay Leno once said "I was thinking about getting a Hummer, but I figured it would be cheaper if I just got a tattoo on my forehead that said, "I need attention"." :P

    2025 Forester Limited, 2024 Subaru Legacy Sport

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