Stories from the Sales Frontlines

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Comments

  • snakeweaselsnakeweasel Member Posts: 19,593
    a)$60,000 to spend I might look at this.
    b) a limit of $30,000 Not sure maybe a Malibu, Fusion, or a Mazda6
    c) a limit of $20,000 I would look a used Sonata
    d) a limit of $15000 I think I hit it big with the Sebring ragtop so I will stick with that.

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

  • driver100driver100 Member Posts: 32,638
    . They know to go ahead and send the coroner if I report a B&E after dark...

    I like the way your laws are on the side of the innocent homeowner. In western Canada 2 guys broke into a desolate farm house. The wife went to look and saw someone breaking in. The 3 bad guys took off in a truck. The homeowner caught up to them in a snowmobile. The 3 bad guys ran across a field. Homeowner shot one. Unfortunately he is charged, excessive force, too much a bullet for a break in.

    I disagree. These were lots of break ins in this rural area. These guys could have been on drugs, they could have killed or beaten homeowners wife and/or the homeowner, and how was he to know they wouldn't come back....I think the bad guy got what he deserved, but 90% of the people here would disagree.

    2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250

  • driver100driver100 Member Posts: 32,638
    a)$60,000 to spend I might look at this.">

    I can see why....that looks nice (are they actually making those? That can't be real...it has 4 doors :confuse:
    image<img src="

    2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250

  • snakeweaselsnakeweasel Member Posts: 19,593
    Its an aftermarket conversion done by a company in FL named Coach Builders Limited.

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

  • driver100driver100 Member Posts: 32,638
    Its an aftermarket conversion done by a company in FL named Coach Builders Limited.

    Can't be too solid if those rear doors open.....the way they are shown :confuse:

    2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250

  • snakeweaselsnakeweasel Member Posts: 19,593
    Can't be too solid if those rear doors open.....the way they are shown

    According to the companies website the cars are substantially reinforced

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

  • traindrivertraindriver Member Posts: 328
    Assuming you mean a new daily driver/famliy car:
    For 60k: BMW 535i
    For 30k: Nissan Maxima, CPO Buick Enclave, CPO F150 King Ranch
    For 20k: lower end Accord
    For 15k: Mazda 3 ??, probably look for a nicer, low mile used car

    For a "fun" car:
    For 60k: BMW (?) convertible, Roush Mustang, CPO Porsche (?), maybe something old out of Hemming's Motor News or Barrett-Jackson's po' folks auction
    For 30k: CPO BMW 3 series convertible, CPO Nissan 350z
    For 20k: maybe a 90's 300zx, Supra, RX-7, 3000GT VR4 --- super low miles, "as new" off of Ebay or somewhere
    For 15k: used Mustang convertible, old FJ cruiser, Jeep CJ7, "JR Ewing" ???
  • houdini1houdini1 Member Posts: 8,356
    11. Use cloth diapers.

    So you are saying that "Depends" give you a cloth option ! :)

    2013 LX 570 2016 LS 460

  • lrguy44lrguy44 Member Posts: 2,197
    $60k - Range Rover Sport
    $30k - HD Screaming Eagle Ultra Clasic Electra Glide
    $20k - Softail Deluxe
    $15k - Used Road King
  • sterlingdogsterlingdog Member Posts: 6,984
    LMAO!!! That one is a jewel!

    Richard
  • sterlingdogsterlingdog Member Posts: 6,984
    As a young person, you are so level headed. Those are great ways to save. I can tell that you are really working toward your future goals. My wife and I used many of those methods when we were young. Teachers made very little back then, so every penny counted. Some of those saving measures have stuck with us over the years. You'll be rewarded in the end.

    Richard
  • nyccarguynyccarguy Member Posts: 17,631
    a)$60,000 to spend - A 414 Horsepower BMW M3 Sedan (2009) or Porsche Cayman
    b) a limit of $30,000 - A CPO 2007 BMW 335i Sedan
    c) a limit of $20,000 - A Used 2004 - 2005 BMW 330i Sedan (Sport Pkg or ZHP)
    d) a limit of $15000 - A Used Miata Hardtop Convertible

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

  • boomchekboomchek Member Posts: 5,516
    Thanks Richard. It's funny though because I was never like that. I always liked to spend. My wife has always been better with money and I adopted some good habits from her that we now both stick to.

    Another good method to save that we have is stocking up on inexpensive gifts. Last year we went to a huge liquidation type store that sells pretty much everything from a to z.

    We stocked up on items that cost anywhere from a couple bucks to ten or twenty bucks, that were regularly priced much much higher, that would make great gifts. We now have a chest full of tasteful gifts for all ages, in case a birthday is coming up, that we spent about $50 on, that would otherwise cost us $300-$400 in "last minute rushed gifts."

    2016 Audi A7 3.0T S Line, 2021 Subaru WRX

  • tidestertidester Member Posts: 10,059
    My specialty is split infinitives.

    That would be to boldly go where no grammarian has gone before! (Sorry - I couldn't resist!)

    But seriously, the grammar snobs are off base on that one. The purists point to Latin as the authority on the "no split infinitives" rule but somehow they seem to miss the fact that it was impossible to split an infinitive in Latin! English is more robust and evolved. :)

    Now - back to topic.

    tidester, host
    SUVs and Smart Shopper
  • roadburnerroadburner Member Posts: 18,487
    Here in Florida the gun laws are very pro-gun, someone breaks in to your house, the law assumes they are there to do grave bodily harm, thus allowing the use of deadly force, with the burden of proof on the state to prove otherwise. Someone breaks in to my house, they'll be taking them out in a body bag.

    Kentucky has a similar statute; if someone is breaking into your house you can use "deadly force".
    I believe that my Ruger P85 loaded with 17 Winchester 147grn Subsonic 9mm rounds more than qualifies... :P

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

  • tidestertidester Member Posts: 10,059
    if someone is breaking into your house ...

    And if someone is breaking into your dealership? That would provide some exciting frontlines stories! (Hint, hint!) :)

    tidester, host
    SUVs and Smart Shopper
  • lrguy44lrguy44 Member Posts: 2,197
    Go Nuggets
  • driver100driver100 Member Posts: 32,638
    11. Use cloth diapers.
    So you are saying that "Depends" give you a cloth option !

    Too funny!

    I like those choices of cars. It really tells a lot about people, seeing what cars they would like. From fast cars to buying a used domestic and pocketing the cash. I noticed not too many domestics were chosen above 15k which doesn't bode well for the D3.

    2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250

  • driver100driver100 Member Posts: 32,638
    I am testing. My last post 43509 was the last one, did I offend anyone?

    I saw an ad on TV for Towne Lincoln in Orchard Park N.Y. The ad said you can get a new Lincoln for $23,999 and that was less than a year old used one. I tied to find out more info on their website but this promo wasn't mentioned.

    I know there is a scam going on, but I am not sure what it is? Any guesses :confuse:

    2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250

  • tidestertidester Member Posts: 10,059
    Why don't you give them a quick phone call for details? They will probably either tell you "It's been sold" or "Come on down!"

    tidester, host
    SUVs and Smart Shopper
  • jmonroejmonroe Member Posts: 8,989
    Why don't you give them a quick phone call for details?

    Do you really want &#145;driver&#146; to make an inquiring phone call (for which we all know he&#146;s not interested in that car) and take an &#147;up&#148; phone lead away from a salesperson? Hasn&#146;t anyone around here learned how valuable an &#147;up&#148; call is?

    I figured a HOST, of all people, wouldn&#146;t be the one to proliferate such an act. Go figure. :confuse:

    jmonroe

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

  • driver100driver100 Member Posts: 32,638
    Do you really want &#145;driver&#146; to make an inquiring phone call (for which we all know he&#146;s not interested in that car) and take an &#147;up&#148; phone lead away from a salesperson?

    Thanks JM. That was my thoughts. I'll get the poor salesguy who has been waiting for a call for 2 weeks, and he'll answer my stupid question and lose his turn in line, and I'll have everyone writing and complaining how I should know better

    2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250

  • murphydogmurphydog Member Posts: 735
    not to mention when you factor in the cost of cleaning/washing, cloth comes out near disposable diapers over all.

    I think the UK commissioned a study to try and show that cloth diapers used less resources (read they were suppose to prove cloth was green) - however the study showed that overall that cloth diapers used more resources when the cleaning cycle was factored in - gotta use hot water for example to get 'em clean!
  • tidestertidester Member Posts: 10,059
    I figured a HOST, of all people, wouldn’t be the one to proliferate such an act.

    Hey, driver100 didn't place the ad, the dealership did. By doing so, they are inviting inquiries and, in the process, they are taking up the valuable time of thousands of viewers who may or may not be interested in making a purchase. They asked for it, they got it. :)

    tidester, host
    SUVs and Smart Shopper
  • traindrivertraindriver Member Posts: 328
    I know there is a scam going on, but I am not sure what it is? Any guesses

    Might be legit, driver. I see plenty of 07 & 08 Town Cars within 200 miles of me on Autotrader in this general price range. They may be lease returns or former rentals.

    white 08

    gold 08

    I would hate to have bought one of these new.

    ---- the other "driver"

    Edit: If you meant a new, zero mile Lincoln for $24k, then I suspect there's an asterisk there somewhere....
  • xrunner2xrunner2 Member Posts: 3,062
    Security alarms are a waste of money (IMHO), mine charges $34/month.

    Just as with cars, there are different features of alarm systems that add great value. Just as good car salespersons can guide customers with features, so do good alarm company reps.

    One feature of our system is fire/smoke sensors. They are installed in various places in house and on all levels. Arrangement is made between your alarm monitoring company and your local fire department. In event any sensor is triggered, alarm monitoring company calls fire department "first" and then calls your house. Sensor that triggered sends its code to alarm monitoring company so that they tell fire department where (basement, 1st floor laundry, etc,) fire/smoke detected.

    Great to have this coverage when you are not home. That feature by itself, not counting burglar sensors, is worth the cost.
  • driver100driver100 Member Posts: 32,638
    They did say it was formerly $35,000, now for $24,000. Their website shows the MKZ as the lowest priced Lincoln at about $36k.
    TOWNE
    There is no mention of $24k on the internet.

    I am sure there is something in the TV ad that they won't put in print. Like maybe the cars are demonstrators, or used, or in fine print.....with $12,000 trade-in.

    Our main 52 inch TV broke down and tomorrow they are bringing the new one, so I can't really really record the ad and watch it very slowly.

    2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250

  • oldfarmer50oldfarmer50 Member Posts: 24,419
    "...You can get a new Lincoln for $23,999...I know there is a scam..."

    I saw a new base model PT Cruiser (2009) that stickers for around 18K with big numbers on the side that said "$12990". 5K off that car isn't as big a discount as you saw but I too am looking for the scam.

    How about it Joel & Broom, are you guys really giving away cars cheap? :confuse:

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

  • driver100driver100 Member Posts: 32,638
    How about it Joel & Broom, are you guys really giving away cars cheap?

    Maybe Joel knows what the scam could be. Can you get through to Towne Lincoln - Mercury in Old Orchard N.Y.? They'll know something is up if I am calling from Canada.

    Even the website would be tricky, have to give them a ZIP code.

    I will try to record the ad if it is on again tonight.

    2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250

  • oldfarmer50oldfarmer50 Member Posts: 24,419
    "...cloth comes out near disposable diapers...gotta use hot water for example to get 'em clean!..."

    Of course if you're REALLY trying to save money you can bring them down to your neighborhood car dealer, slap them clean on the fenders of a few cars and then rinse them in the detail guys' wash bucket while his back is turned. Saves on water and just think of all the great exercise you'll get as they chase you down the street. ;)

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

  • madmanmoomadmanmoo Member Posts: 2,039
    I'm glad you've learned something from what you did. Please remember one other point, if you must waste a salesman's time by calling about something you have no intention of buying - don't become abusive because he can't/won't answer your questions. That was important as well.

    Sidenote: Sales have picked up considerably for this month. I'm not sure how everyone else is doing, but this month is a barn burner.
  • graphicguygraphicguy Member Posts: 14,196
    Just got this blurb from Forbes. You would think the big oil companies would learn. But, here they are, with their commodities people manipulating prices again for no good reason. This run up doesn't help the recovery on the auto industry either. Demand is down....way down...and will continue to sink, worldwide. Inventories are overflowing. Yet, gas and oil prices are up 60% since the beginning of the year. Unbelievable. This helps no one but the oil companies....and hurts everyone else.

    "Much like in the stock market, oil traders seem to be grasping for potential recovery in the future rather than looking at the reality on the ground. IHS Global Insight analyst Simon Wardell said on Wednesday that oil was currently overvalued, with no demand growth in sight. He noted that inventories tracked by the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development were at an 11-year high of 2.7 billion barrels.

    "The inventories are getting very, very high," said Wardell. "We're producing too much oil, and we're running out of places to put it."

    The United States Energy Information Administration said as much earlier this month, when it said that expectations of a price rise in the coming year would "need to be tempered with the current market reality of this supply overhang." The government department slashed its projections for 2009 world oil consumption to 1.8 million barrels per day, from 2.2 million."
    2024 Kia EV6 GT-Line AWD Long Range
  • lrguy44lrguy44 Member Posts: 2,197
    Moo, the 1st quarter was strong - April and May have been VERY slow. But, historically, those are two of our slowest months. June will be a good thermometer for us.
  • madmanmoomadmanmoo Member Posts: 2,039
    I'm not going to start crowing about the worst being behind us just yet. I'm glad that we have some business happening though. Good luck!
  • murphydogmurphydog Member Posts: 735
    way to bring this back on topic! I gotta a good laugh out of your reply, thanks!

    :shades:
  • boomchekboomchek Member Posts: 5,516
    We picked up a bit, but this last week has been super slow. Very unusual for month end.

    2016 Audi A7 3.0T S Line, 2021 Subaru WRX

  • lrguy44lrguy44 Member Posts: 2,197
    At least we have the holiday for an excuse.
  • jmonroejmonroe Member Posts: 8,989
    Inventories are overflowing. Yet, gas and oil prices are up 60% since the beginning of the year. Unbelievable. This helps no one but the oil companies....and hurts everyone else.

    Years ago I heard an old timer talk about corporations gouging the public whenever they got the opportunity. As best as I can remember, his quote was, &#147;This crap (he used the other word) won&#146;t stop until a few CEO&#146;s start waking up DEAD&#148;.

    At the time I thought that was extremely drastic and figured, given the old &#147;supply and demand&#148; concept, there must be another way; now I&#146;m not so sure.

    jmonroe

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

  • houdini1houdini1 Member Posts: 8,356
    Yep, those oil guys have no shame at all. We are really being gouged. When oil was $160 a barrel we were paying $4.00 a gal for reg. gas.

    Based on those percentages, at $50 a barrel we should be paying about $1.25 per gallon, but we are paying about twice that much. If it goes back to $160 that means we will be paying $8.00 a gal.

    They kept hammering us by saying they were only passing on the cost to us when the price was high, (although they never explained their huge increase in profits) so why isn't the reverse true now?

    This oil business is what started our current economic downturn. Many people simply went broke paying for gas and the whole thing snowballed.

    To sum up. Gas prices are double what they were when oil was $160 a barrel, relative to the price of oil.

    Now we have wasted trillions of dollars trying to fix the big mess...trillions that we and our kids will have to someway pay back...and the oil companies are gouging even more. Someone should go to jail.

    Rant over !!

    2013 LX 570 2016 LS 460

  • driver100driver100 Member Posts: 32,638
    calling about something you have no intention of buying - don't become abusive because he can't/won't answer your questions.

    I still think there are 2 ways of looking at this. Car salespeople are in a business that is not exact. You don't go in, buy your aspirin and pay for it. What happens is you browse, and you might just end up buying. So, I think a wise salesman would, if he has the time, try to answer any questions. The person asking might turn into a buyer or might know someone who will buy. If you answer nicely and informatively, you might just get a new customer out of it. If you are too abrupt, and are only going to spend your time on sure things, you could be cutting off a possible new customer.

    On the other hand, I wouldn't call a salesperson if I didn't intend on buying. However, I get all kinds of people calling me asking how they can get a certain book, or how they can get a book published, and I try to be as helpful as possible - time permitting. I think I learn more every time I answer a question, and I think your total attitude has spin off affects. Being positive, helpful, and kind to people makes people react to you in the same way.

    2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250

  • houdini1houdini1 Member Posts: 8,356
    While I am on a rant roll let me get something else off my chest.

    I don't know of any business that expects that every time the phone rings they are sure to make a sale. If that was the case, any dummy off the street could handle that job. Sometimes the decision to buy a car is long and tedious and any prospect or suspect will have many questions. Any really good salesperson will welcome those questions and see an opportunity to turn that suspect into a prospect.

    Your whole premise about not wasting a salesperson's time is counterproductive and ridiculous. Having a polite and helpful attitude today will translate into sales tomorrow. I'll bet Old Farmer knows that you have to plant the seed and tend the crops before you can harvest.

    2013 LX 570 2016 LS 460

  • lrguy44lrguy44 Member Posts: 2,197
    I agree - but there is a big difference between a person calling on a specific car or model with questions and an inane question about doc fees. We get calls all the time about using regular gas at atitude, when diesels will be available, if the Defender will be back next year, do we have a $5000 Range Rover available, etc. But every opportunity to turn a looker into a shopper into a buyer is welcome.
  • verdugoverdugo Member Posts: 2,288
    This oil business is what started our current economic downturn. Many people simply went broke paying for gas and the whole thing snowballed.

    That is so not true, but if it makes you feel better to vent against the oil companies more power to you :shades:

    Somebody mentioned that gas is going up, but the economy hasn't recovered yet. If you want a conspiracy theory, the price of gas has to stay high in order for people to switch to smaller, more fuel efficient cars. If gas were $1.5, who would buy a Prius? It'd be SUV's for everybody again! ;)
  • verdugoverdugo Member Posts: 2,288
    However, I get all kinds of people calling me asking how they can get a certain book,

    The difference is that the next time the phone rings, it will still be your turn to answer. In a dealership, the salesperson who talked to you, might have to sit out the next 20 calls until his turn comes up again.
  • houdini1houdini1 Member Posts: 8,356
    Sales, IMO, is the most important job there is...and the toughest. You will have many frustrations, many rewards, and many surprises along the way. That guy innocently asking about doc fees may turn out to be someone who will buy a couple of cars a year from you....or someone else if you brush him off.

    2013 LX 570 2016 LS 460

  • driver100driver100 Member Posts: 32,638
    n a dealership, the salesperson who talked to you, might have to sit out the next 20 calls until his turn comes up again.

    If that is how a dealership operates they aren't being smart about it. I guess a receptionist will answer. If she puts through a call and it is a dumb question it shouldn't count against the salesperson. That doesn't make sense for a dealership to treat their salespeople that way. The salesperson should be able to say, I just answered a silly question and I should be next in line again.......anything else is counterproductive to the dealership and the sales staff.

    When JM called to ask about doc fees the salesman should have said, some moron called and asked a stupid question, put me back in first place for calls. (just joking about JM Heh heh) :D

    2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250

  • driver100driver100 Member Posts: 32,638
    Sales, IMO, is the most important job there is...and the toughest.

    You are right, one of the hardest and one of the most important. Without sales companies won't survive. I agree totally that you should be as kind and helpful as possible, you can turn a question into a sale. And when you answer questions and are helpful, you build trust, and trust leads to sales....today or possibly in the future.

    2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250

  • lrguy44lrguy44 Member Posts: 2,197
    I have sold many automobiles to many people over the years who do not look or sound like they can afford a cup of coffee. However, none of those people started by asking an inane question. People who are truly lookers, shoppers or buyers will ask questions about a specific model, reliability, capability, availability, financing, pricing or other related questions. Doc fees, concept car, $5000 car, or other non "serious" question openings have never resulted in a test drive, much less a deal. And believe me, I have tried.
  • madmanmoomadmanmoo Member Posts: 2,039
    I agree. I don't sell every customer that comes through the doors or calls on the phone. I welcome opportunities to talk to potential clients at any opportunity.

    Your whole premise about not wasting a salesperson's time is counterproductive and ridiculous.

    Not sure what you mean here. I was speaking directly to a poster here regarding his behavior towards a salesperson. It wasn't a sweeping generalization about how all customers should act. It was a comment directed at one person. My main issue was his attitude. I don't really have a problem with someone calling up and asking questions, but to become irate over a non-issue ($50?) and threaten to take his business somewhere else is ridiculous. Another salesperson brought up the fact that he might be taking up a salesman's up, which is a valid point, but secondary for me.

    So, we're in agreement regarding how to treat customers. My point was in regards to how our friend treats other people.
  • boomchekboomchek Member Posts: 5,516
    I get some silly email once in a while too.

    Recently someone emailed me asking when a 2011 model will be available, what it'll cost, and what engines it will come with.

    Maybe he's looking waaaay ahead and his buying cycle takes 2 years, but for me the chances of ever closing this guy on a car would be about the same as winning the lottery. I answered his questions politely and so he kept throwing more at me (I think because all other dealers blew him off).

    I asked him that if he wanted a diesel so much, why doesn't he buy one now, before they're discontinued, and especially since it's unknown whether the engine will come in 2011. He responded with saying that he's not buying till 2011.

    Then he starts asking me about another car coming with that engine or this engine...basically daydreaming about cars that don't exist yet.

    If we salespeople have the time, then I'm sure most of us don't mind answering silly stuff. But if it does take away our turn at getting at an up then I can see why the majority of us can get upset over silly stuff.

    As for the receptionist screening calls, there isn't really time to do that, or a way to ask callers whether they're serious or not. It's up to the salespeople to make the best of it.

    2016 Audi A7 3.0T S Line, 2021 Subaru WRX

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