Stories from the Sales Frontlines

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Comments

  • isellhondasisellhondas Member Posts: 20,342
    No, I haven't.

    As I said, I could be wrong but I doubt it.
  • ventureventure Member Posts: 3,150
    Well, that settles it. I was snookered into that fee by XM but at least they told me up front that the Music Royalty Fee would be charged, so I wasn’t shocked when I got the bill.

    When I renewed my subscription to Sirius, they charged me the royalty fee.

    2025 Forester Limited, 2024 Subaru Legacy Sport

  • driver100driver100 Member Posts: 32,560
    I am falling in love with my wife's SRX.

    Maybe you will get matching SRXs.

    I had a feeling that you would like a Cadillac, but I thought your past experience made it impossible for you to buy another one.

    But, cars have changed a lot and Caddie in particular has come a long way. Now that you have a car for hauling all those antiques you could consider trading in your convertible for a fun car.
    (I think you have to get this model custom made though)
    image

    2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250

  • jmonroejmonroe Member Posts: 8,989
    When I renewed my subscription to Sirius, they charged me the royalty fee.

    When you renewed your subscription was it at the regular price (MSRP) or the Zwinback price of $77 ? When I spoke with XM about getting the Zwinback price I was told that the Music Royalty Fee would be on top of the $77 price but that fee is not charged when you renew at MSRP.

    I hope you’re not saying that you were charged that fee if you paid MSRP. If you did, it sounds like you were snookered. :cry: Note that I have XM not Sirius so maybe there is a difference in the price between the two but I thought they were the same company now with the same pricing.

    jmonroe

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

  • snakeweaselsnakeweasel Member Posts: 19,592
    Yes it is custom made, I saw a DTS convertible last summer. Wasn't sure what it was until I caught up to it a couple of traffic lights after I first saw it.

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

  • graphicguygraphicguy Member Posts: 14,075
    snake....I have to believe that Hyundai will easily hit their sales target with the Equs. If there's one thing Americans love is a good value proposition. Test driving Benzs, Audi and BMWs as well as the Genesis last Spring while car shopping, I can say that the Genesis was tempting. It didn't fit into what I was looking for.

    It reminded me a whole lot of a Lexus LS or an E350, which is high praise.

    I think their next move up the lux chain will do just as well. They're learning the U.S. car market quickly after the initial stumbles.
    2024 Kia EV6 GT-Line AWD Long Range
  • snakeweaselsnakeweasel Member Posts: 19,592
    They had one at the Chicago Auto Show last time around so I was able to see it along with other large luxury cars at the same time. It does stand up with them. If you put a BMW or an MB badge on it no one would have guessed it was a Hyundai.

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

  • jayriderjayrider Member Posts: 3,602
    edited October 2010
    Part of the lure of bmw-audi-mb is the dealership experience. Looking at an Equus next to a bunch of econo cars can be a problem for some. The dealership staff often are less polished as well. The local Audi and MB dealers all have their share of hot female sales associates -- mostly cougars that you never find selling elantras. And if you're buying, they'll give you lots of attention. Maybe I should have gone with the A3 instead of the Prius. [shades]
  • snakeweaselsnakeweasel Member Posts: 19,592
    It is my understanding that they will only be selling the Equus at select Hyundai dealers. I know that one by me also sells Buicks and Saabs so I don't see much of an issue with that one. Also hasn't it been mentioned that they will bring the Equus to you for the test drive and such? Looks like they have a plan to bypass the showrooms.

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

  • isellhondasisellhondas Member Posts: 20,342
    They bring it to your HOUSE?

    What a namby pamby way to sell cars!
  • houdini1houdini1 Member Posts: 8,351
    edited October 2010
    Door to door sales huh? I may come out of retirement and apply for a job !!

    I wonder if they will be recruiting old down and out vacuum cleaner salesmen? Willie Loman could be making a comeback. GRIN

    2013 LX 570 2016 LS 460

  • driver100driver100 Member Posts: 32,560
    They bring it to your HOUSE?
    What a namby pamby way to sell cars!


    Hey, don't knock it isell...you could go back to work and work from home.

    Actually the sales person, "Who will be extremely well trained" will come to your home office, golf club etc. to do a presentation. They will even deliver the new car and take away your trade in.

    The top model is intended to be used as a chauffeur driven car.

    The front passenger seat will recline like a bed. In fact the rear seat tilts so the front seat will lie flat.

    Seats can be heated or cooled.

    Also, a massage function.

    Review says to compare, think Lexus LS.

    There is a refridgerator behind the front seats.

    2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250

  • snakeweaselsnakeweasel Member Posts: 19,592
    It is my understanding that they will bring the car to your house or place of business to test drive and/or purchase it. It is also my understanding that they will bring you a loaner and pick up your car if you need service.

    I really don't think that would be a namby pamby way to sell cars, not high priced luxury models. To me it sounds like great customer service. Just call up and say "I wish to purchase one of your cars I will be home at 6PM could you meet me there?".

    I do know that there is a Bently dealership near me that does that.

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

  • driver100driver100 Member Posts: 32,560
    They bring it to your HOUSE?
    What a namby pamby way to sell cars!


    Back to 2011 Sonatas.......I saw 2 of them today and they look really smart for an economy car.

    It got me thinking, Honda has extremely well engineered cars, they have a tremendous record of good reliability. Why don't they sell in bigger numbers, in fact why haven't they overtaken troubled Toyota?

    I think the main reason is the styling. They are pleasant looking cars, but they just don't grab you. I think if Honda made the Accord look like the new Sonata they would have a real winner on their hands. The Elantra is even more cutting edge than the Civic.

    I think another reason is that Honda doesn't really aim to be #1 in sales. They are happy with their share of the market, and don't aspire to be #1 in sales. Nothing wrong with that, it is smart, but it might be holding them back from doing something a little more daring with their styling. In fact, I doubt most people buy a Honda because they are excited about the looks, they buy them because they are very practical reliable cars.

    What do you think?

    2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250

  • jmonroejmonroe Member Posts: 8,989
    edited October 2010
    I wonder if they will be recruiting old down and out vacuum cleaner salesmen?

    That sounds like the perfect opportunity for a retired car salesman. Going from run of the mill Japanese to Korean luxury. You'll probably be able to do it when you want to and you might be able to teach them something at the same time. What could be better than that? :D

    jmonroe

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

  • Sandman6472Sandman6472 Member Posts: 7,189
    edited October 2010
    I happen to love the styling of my Civic, now more so since I bought alloys from another Honda product. The dash digital readout really grabbed me from the start, the kids all want my car when I look for a new one. The doors close with a quality sounding "thunk"...I just love the entire package. The Corolla's are a bit dull for me unless one gets the "S" version. Personally, I think the new Elantra & Civic are going to blow the competition away come 2012.

    Since we'll be in the market then, can't wait to see & test all the new models. The Cruze looks interesting, but the only Chevy we ever owned was a Corvette. Ford has never interested us & the last Ford we had literally had to be fixed every other day. But, we'll definitely drive them all to make an informed decision and buy what fits us the best. Can't wait!

    The Sandman :sick: :shades: :shades:

    2023 Hyundai Kona Limited AWD (wife) / 2015 Golf TSI (me) / 2019 Chevrolet Cruze Premier RS (daughter #1) / 2020 Hyundai Accent SE (daughter #2) / 2023 Subaru Impreza Base (son)

  • isellhondasisellhondas Member Posts: 20,342
    You have to remember that Toyota sells MASSIVE amounts of cars to the rental companies. Honda has never done that.

    Then 18 months later, these rental Toyotas get dumped en masse at the auctions at sometimes, distressed prices thus hurting the resale.

    I was always glad Honda didn't do that.

    Besides, Honda makes motorcycles, lawn mowers, generators, outboard motors and other equipment.

    Styling is so subjective I won't even go there. I do't think Honda tries to "grab" anybody. I think they try to simply please the masses.
  • isellhondasisellhondas Member Posts: 20,342
    Again, I could be dead wrong but I'm betting these Mega-Hyundais will be a dismal flop.

    I'm afraid these "extremely well trained" salespeople may be in for a tough road.

    The dealers would have to really hold the line on prices. If they start catering to the "invoice buyers" they will be done quickly.
  • fezofezo Member Posts: 10,386
    I don't see why buying the car at home should be that startling. My nephew did that doing all my E-mail and some phone and did the deal at his kitchen table - in 1997!

    Hondas - they lost their styling mojo some time ago. I like the cars just fine but they don't look right anymore.
    2015 Mazda 6 Grand Touring, 2014 Mazda 3 Sport Hatchback, 1999 Mazda Miata 2004 Toyota Camry LE, 1999.
  • mako1amako1a Member Posts: 1,855
    I like the idea of shopping at home, and I'd be more inclined to buy.

    To me dealerships are about as appealing as dentist offices.
    You know it's going to hurt and just want it to be over.

    2013 Mustang GT, 2001 GMC Yukon Denali

  • Sandman6472Sandman6472 Member Posts: 7,189
    Couldn't agree more. Not so bad if everything has been done over e-mails & fax. Just drive it & sign the papers...you're done!

    The Sandman :) :sick: :shades:

    2023 Hyundai Kona Limited AWD (wife) / 2015 Golf TSI (me) / 2019 Chevrolet Cruze Premier RS (daughter #1) / 2020 Hyundai Accent SE (daughter #2) / 2023 Subaru Impreza Base (son)

  • isellhondasisellhondas Member Posts: 20,342
    But it won't work.

    I would NEVER want some car salesperson coming to my house to pitch a car.
  • driver100driver100 Member Posts: 32,560
    Besides, Honda makes motorcycles, lawn mowers, generators, outboard motors and other equipment.
    I was talking to someone who fixes motors on moorboats. He said when Honda started making motors for boats it just blows the competition out of the water (so to speak)...the motors are so superior.

    His only problem is parts are hard to get because those special Honda stores that sell all the other stuff other than cars don't carry much inventory, probably because they have so many different lines.

    2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250

  • driver100driver100 Member Posts: 32,560
    I think you got it exactly right. I think the 1986 Accord was the nicest, and then each new generation got lamer and lamer (I know, reduntant).
    image

    2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250

  • driver100driver100 Member Posts: 32,560
    edited October 2010
    I would NEVER want some car salesperson coming to my house to pitch a car.

    You don't seem to bad of a person, I would probably let you into our house (smile)

    2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250

  • houdini1houdini1 Member Posts: 8,351
    This is a sad commentary, but in this day and age I would be more worried about the poor car salesman being robbed or held hostage. I assume they will do their homework before just going to any house in any neighborhood. I know I would.

    2013 LX 570 2016 LS 460

  • jmonroejmonroe Member Posts: 8,989
    This is a sad commentary, but in this day and age I would be more worried about the poor car salesman being robbed or held hostage.

    Damn, I never thought of that. Kinda like the reverse of the keys being thrown on the roof. :surprise:

    jmonroe

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

  • sterlingdogsterlingdog Member Posts: 6,984
    edited October 2010
    "The front passenger seat will recline like a bed..."
    "Seats can be heated or cooled."

    Our SRX has those features.

    "There is a refrigerator behind the front seats."

    The Flex that I wanted had that feature.

    When you get above $50K sticker, you tend to find those options. The original window sticker in the glove box of the SRX said $56,500. It amazes me that two years later I paid half that price. The nice part is that the features are still there for me to enjoy.

    Richard
  • sterlingdogsterlingdog Member Posts: 6,984
    Well, they could luck up and get propositioned by the lady of the house. I wonder if this has ever happened to any of our salesmen on a test drive.

    Richard
  • driver100driver100 Member Posts: 32,560
    edited October 2010
    SRX said $56,500. It amazes me that two years later I paid half that price.

    That is pretty amazing when you think about it. And for about half the price of a new SRX you could get a 2011 Sonata (turbo top of the line model) or I guess a Camry. Hmmm, I think I would opt for the SRX in that case myself, unless I needed a new economical car for certain reasons such as a limited budget,
    or if say, I worked in a factory and no one would talk to me because I drove a Caddie.

    Depreciating by 50% is a good thing for you, but not so good for the first guy who owned it. However, he is probably in an income bracket that deducts the car for taxes and is only really getting hit with 25% depreciation for 2 years! That's one reason why Tea Party members drive Cadilacs. It is a win/win situation, pass on your Caddie. (It's OK, I am just having fun, it is a slow day, so I thought it was time to stir it up again - it is stream of mind writing).

    2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250

  • driver100driver100 Member Posts: 32,560
    Well, they could luck up and get propositioned by the lady of the house. I wonder if this has ever happened to any of our salesmen on a test drive

    Greanpea should apply for the job..

    2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250

  • graphicguygraphicguy Member Posts: 14,075
    snake....jay....I know when I test drove the Genesis, the sales person I encountered was the most knowledgeable I had come across in a while. He took 20 minutes just explaining the intricacies of the NAV/stereo. Most new sales people do a cursory "look at this screen" type of mention. The Mercedes sales person I talked to didn't even know how to turn on the interior lights of his C series while the car was idle.

    I've had my car delivered to my home after I had it serviced, but never had one brought to my home to purchase. Novel idea, but as others mentioned, how do you get the sales person to leave your home if you decide not to buy?

    Speaking of which, I'm trying to book a hotel in Ft Lauderdale the night before my family and I go on a Christmas cruise. I called one of those travel sites to do some comparison shopping for hotels and rates. She didn't have anything that fit the bill (or couldn't describe something I'd like effectively). Tried to tell her I wasn't interested. She pressed hard for me to make a reservation for any hotel so I "wouldn't miss out" (on what?). Finally, I just had to hang up on her because "no" seemed to be a word she didn't understand. :sick:
    2024 Kia EV6 GT-Line AWD Long Range
  • driver100driver100 Member Posts: 32,560
    Speaking of which, I'm trying to book a hotel in Ft Lauderdale the night before my family and I go on a Christmas cruise

    Sometimes it is best to check online first just to get an idea of the situation before calling. Try to Google "Hotels near cruise ships Ft Lauderdale" or similar.

    One link you can try for example is:
    Hotels Ft Lauderdale

    Sometimes googling a question works. We didn't want to get ripped off taking a taxi from the port to the Accropolis in Greece. Just asked "cost of taxi port to Accropolis" and we found good answers. At least you can get some information that might get you started, before dealing with pushy sales people.

    2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250

  • jayriderjayrider Member Posts: 3,602
    Agree with isell -- no demo rides at my house. If I was a long term customer at a dealership with a history of purchasing then it could work. "Hello Craig, this is Jay -- need a new Accord EXL - silver- bring one over for a test drive -- do the paper work later." That could work. But sending cars out for test drives to unqualified buyers seems like a waste of time.
  • sterlingdogsterlingdog Member Posts: 6,984
    Actually, the depreciation on the SRX is about 20% per year. They're asking mid $30's for an '08. Remember that they were asking $34,500 for ours?

    As for TEA Party drivers, many of our members drive BMW's, MB's, and Lexus---with a few Town Cars thrown in the mix. I'll admit that most of the Town Car drivers are in their 80's.

    Richard
  • sterlingdogsterlingdog Member Posts: 6,984
    I have learned over the years not to use those travel sites to book hotels. You actually end up paying more. I research the area myself, check their prices and specials, and then call the hotels directly. I don't even call the hotel chain 800 numbers. I always do better calling the actual hotel itself. At times, the hotel chain 800 number will tell you that the particular hotel is booked. Calling the hotel itself may reveal that they do indeed have a room available. Good luck.

    Richard
  • sterlingdogsterlingdog Member Posts: 6,984
    "The Mercedes sales person that I talked to didn't even know how to turn on the interior lights of his C series..."

    When buying the SRX, I had a unique experience. When we did the test drive, the salesman sat in the rear seat with the owner's manual. When I would ask a question, he would say, "Let me check here to be sure." I think that perhaps he needed to do some homework, don't you? I noticed later that when we began the negotiation process, he was quickly replaced by the sales manager. We didn't see the salesman again until time to transfer our belongings over to the new car. This guy was not young. He had been at the dealership for 34 years. Perhaps he was retired and only worked part time. Either that or he isn't keeping up with the changes in the model years.

    Richard
  • snakeweaselsnakeweasel Member Posts: 19,592
    Why would you opt for the SRX? You are the one who keeps talking about power and performance. The Sonata turbo would have a much better power to weight ratio as well as a much lower center of gravity. I would suspect that that would make the Sonata better in your book.

    And if your willing to buy a two year old car wait a couple of years and but a two year old turbo Sonata and save a bit more money.

    Plus I wouldn't call a car that starts with a sticker price of 25K an economical car.

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

  • snakeweaselsnakeweasel Member Posts: 19,592
    I used to work for a company where the owner bought a new Bentley every spring (must be nice to have that kind of money). The dealership came to the company and did everything right there, test drive, paperwork and even picked up his older Bentley as a trade-in. I wouldn't be surprised if the owner never had been to the dealership.

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

  • isellhondasisellhondas Member Posts: 20,342
    I never got propositioned but, once, I had an Amway guy on a test drive that had no intension of buying a car. He only wanted me to become an Amway Rep.

    I spent the ten minutes it took to get back to the store telling him what I thought of Amway and how they operate. He probably quit Amway after that!
  • snakeweaselsnakeweasel Member Posts: 19,592
    He probably did quit Amway but not because of you. Something like 98% of all Amway reps never make a profit and most leave the system within a year.

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

  • fezofezo Member Posts: 10,386
    Hey, Richard! You mind calling your hurricane off? Seems it's really disturbing the Central Americans! :surprise:
    2015 Mazda 6 Grand Touring, 2014 Mazda 3 Sport Hatchback, 1999 Mazda Miata 2004 Toyota Camry LE, 1999.
  • driver100driver100 Member Posts: 32,560
    TEA Party drivers, many of our members drive BMW's, MB's, and Lexus---with a few Town Cars thrown in the mix.

    I am glad they think that way. For the system to work we need a global economy. I thought maybe part of being a member was you had to buy American. The main reason American cars have improved so much, is because of the foreign competition.

    2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250

  • driver100driver100 Member Posts: 32,560
    edited October 2010
    Why would you opt for the SRX? You are the one who keeps talking about power and performance.

    I like a certain level of power and performance. But, I also like comfort and some creature comforts, and it is a matter of finding the right balance. There are times in life (and I have been there for most of mine) when economical transportation would be my priority, and that is when I would opt for a Sonata, mainly because of the gas mileage and the warranty, and the fact I should have 5 years of trouble free driving.

    Plus I wouldn't call a car that starts with a sticker price of 25K an economical car.
    I
    t is a pretty low price for a car with turbo and heated seats etc. Besides, by economy I really mean low cost of operating. It was just a comparison. It is also a very personal judgement call.....I would prefer the Caddie, but I can see where a lot of people would choose the Sonata.

    2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250

  • driver100driver100 Member Posts: 32,560
    Agree with isell -- no demo rides at my house.

    I actually agree too. It would be like allowing a vacuum cleaner salesman into the house. How do you get rid of them. I would rather be on their turff, and then I can walk away if I have to.

    But, I would imagine Hyundai knows this. I would guess, you would see the car first, decide you are interested. Then they would bring it to your home. Price could not be negotiable because how do you say, get out, I am calling in another salesman.

    Hope it isn't like Egypt...if you pick something up they consider it sold and you have to pay for it. They even jam post cards or souvenirs into your hand, and they won't take no for an answer. That would make an interesting sales technique for here.

    2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250

  • snakeweaselsnakeweasel Member Posts: 19,592
    The Sonata does have comfort and creature comforts. I do think that for a car in the mid 20's it does have a good balance.

    While it is a relatively low cost for a turbo charged car there are others at or below that price point. Gas mileage and reliability are only part of the equation for being economical. The price of the car would be a big factor in that. Most cars are pretty reliable these days and losing only a few MPG would only result in a few dollars a week more in gas. I really cannot see the Sonata being economical, the Elantra maybe, the Accent definitely.

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

  • houdini1houdini1 Member Posts: 8,351
    edited October 2010
    by economy I really mean low cost of operating

    People usually equate a statement like that to high mpg. Most of us shudder when we plunk down $35. to $60. each time we fill up, but if you take your depreciation and figure how much depreciation costs you on a per fill up basis, you will find that it costs you at least $200. per fill up in depreciation, depending on the vehicle and how much you drive, it could cost $400 to $500. per fill up in depreciation alone.

    Even if gasoline was free, it would not substantially affect your total cost to own a vehicle.

    That is why Richard was smart to buy that particular 2 year old SUV. Just think how much it cost the banker to drive that 15,000 miles. At 20 mpg he used 750 gallons of gas. If the tank holds 18 gallon that means he used about 42 tanks of gas. If he paid list price $56,000 and sold it for $30,000., those 42 fill ups cost him $26,000. or about $619. per tank.

    How many of us would stuff $619. plus the cost of the gas into a gas pump every time we filled up? A lot of us do. That is why so many people around the world ride bicycles.

    2013 LX 570 2016 LS 460

  • stickguystickguy Member Posts: 53,007
    depreciation is theoretical. Paying for gas is real.

    so, unless and until you actually sell it, the depreciation is irrelevant.

    payments are also real of course.

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

  • driver100driver100 Member Posts: 32,560
    edited October 2010
    by economy I really mean low cost of operating
    People usually equate a statement like that to high mpg


    I agree with a lot of what you said, for example, sometimes there is false economy when talking gas mileage.. A Lexus hybrid may get good gas mileage, and it is economical to run, but will it actually cost you less to own than say a Sonata? Probably not.
    Occasionally, a larger engine will save money on gas expenses, but it won't hold up as long as a stronger larger engine, so the car might not get as good mpgs, but the car will last longer with a larger engine.
    However, usually savings from gas mileage are fairly insignificant.

    Everyones definition of an economical car to own will be a little different. I think gas mileage is a factor depending on how much you drive in a year, other factors are, initial cost, reliability, trade in value, length of warranty. Gas becomes more of a factor when oil is closer to $140 a barrel.

    Your cost of ownership for the first time buyer is pretty scary. He might be better off hiring a taxi when he wants to go somewhere.

    2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250

  • isellhondasisellhondas Member Posts: 20,342
    I think 98% is conservative. The products aren't anything special and in order to be successful you have to constantly be recruiting and bugging people to attend Amway meetings. The never tell you it's an Amway meeting but you find out when you arrive. Not a good way to keep friends.

    Still, there are people who have made it big time.
This discussion has been closed.