I helped a friend of mine buy a car last fall. She decided this spring that she wants a new car because her battery leaked. Must be the car's fault to have a leaking battery, I guess. So I offer to take over her payments and take her shopping. She picks out a new Sentra 1.8S with some kind of sound system and another package and wants it in red. We find one at a dealer and go to look at it, the salesman consistently talking to me and asking me how much money I make and what I want to spend, and I had to tell him time and time again that my friend was buying the car and that I was happy with buying her car. Anyway, she gets her car and does great, then decides to take the money I was giving her for payments and spend it elsewhere. Her old car gets repopped and I'm stuck while she's driving a new car. Then she loses her job, loses her new car. Karma owns us all. Moral of the story, help your female friends buy cars, but make sure they sign over the title before you go making payments on it.
Second point, is asking your spouse permission to make a major purchase. Let me put it this way. My wife has the debit card, all three credit cards, the checkbook, and both our checks go direct deposit. I have to ask my wife for $1.07 to get a Super Big Gulp at 7-11, let alone about buying something like a car!!!
Bob, not everyone is sophisticated enough to know what kind of car is right for them.
I never steer people to cars they don't want. I encourage them to be open with me: if they don't like a car, please tell me so we can find another! But some people really do not know anything about automobiles and need a gentle guide.
Not to open another can of worms, but smart people rarely buy cars over the Internet without in-person research. Anybody who relies purely on internet forums and magazines for such a huge purchase are foolish. A smart buyer might submit a credit app or dicker over price, but they always need to actually come look at the car, drive it, feel it, smell it before pulling the trigger.
Your friend lost her job, lost her new car and somehow ... you had total control over this ... you got stuck for her old car. That's a shame, and it sounds like you've learned how to not let this happen again.
But to blame "female friends" beyond this one person is, frankly, ridiculous. And if you and your wife have some kind of one-needs-the-other's-permission-for-something, that's between the two of you. Again, there is no need for sweeping generalizations ...
Then the toyota dealer will still sock you with advertising fee, toyota regional dist. fee AND a hefty DOC fee. Not to mention a measly rebate or discount off MSRP if any.
ALL dealers have their hand on your wallet NO matter what !
Shop till you drop for the BEST deal on ANY vehicle........... Beware its YOUR money ! :P
Thank God New York limits the DOC fees to $45 bucks ~
I gave you advice on the Pontiac Vibe forum....Go to another Pontiac dealer...forget the Vibe with the 1500 miles on it...Do NOT deal with that dealer with a $595.00 "FEE"...Forget him!!!! Go buy that new Vibe that you have been wanting for who knows how long that you have been posting about and asking for advice...(which you have received quite a number of times)!!! Get the GM Employee price and the Conquest rebate and USE YOUR GM POINTS and BE Satisfied. PERIOD!!!!
Yes, this doesn't sound like a "female thing," it sounds like a "responsibility thing." It's an unfortunate situation, but irresponsibility is not gender-specific.
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What happens to the rebates on the 05 models once they expire after today? I mean, they're trying to dump the 05s to make way for the 06s, right? So it doesn't seem to make a lot of sense to cancel the rebates form a business point of view. The idea is to move the inventory.
The reason I ask is that I have a quote on a vehicle and the salesman said I can have the quote until I buy, which for me will be by week's end (and well after the rebate on the vehicle is set to expire). So what I read and what I hear don't quite square, and I'm just trying to understand. Can someone explain how this works? If the mfg takes the rebate away how is it that the salesman can still offer it to me?
Normally the mfg starts offering whats known as "dealer cash" edmunds has it listed as mfg to dealer, or some call it marketing support, it basically helps the dealers advertise a hefty discount and allows the mfg start focusing more on the newer models. Some companies(mostly american companies) will allow these to phase in almost allowing a grace period until the newer programs become active. Most cases the cash can be equal if not greater than the rebate amount and are normally not taxable because its considered a discount from the dealer, not a cash to customer rebate
Here's the thing: I haven't been in the car business forever, so, when I was shopping for a car, if I was asked that, all credibility the salesman had built went straight down the tubes.
That's the "old car dog" mentality ... like "Get a committment" or "What's it going to take to do business right now?"
I stay away from that kind of stuff. Will I ask somebody to buy the car, absolutely. But I refuse to become an "old car dog."
bmw is correct...a salesman wouldn't be much of a salesman if he didn't ask questions. To suggest otherwise is not living in the real world. Not everybody researches the internet before making a car purchase.
That said, there are many questions I was asked that I thought were none of the sales managers business. Asking about my job, the kids etc. Playing the little trick of trying to make a personal connection with the customer. I redirected his attention back to what I was there for...the price of the car.
Buying a car over the internet is more of a hassle than going to the dealership and dealing with a high pressured salemen. The ones that have a quick and painless transaction are lucky... and are the few and far between. And why be afraid of a car salesman,if given unwanted pressure, attitude or games...just walk away.
I enjoyed going to dealerships and talking to sales people. I think many others do as well. You're going to get some salepeople who will lie, manipulate and play games to make a sale. But, do your homework and be prepared and you won't have to worry about it. :shades:
...Do NOT deal with that dealer with a $595.00 "FEE"...
What if the out the door price was less than the dealer with a lower dealer fee?
Don't worry about fees ...worry about your total price... dealers can shuffle the deck in such a way that consumers fall for a big trade price or a low dealer fee only to pay more in some other area....worry about the bottom line/out the door figure.
I believe in at least some states (like mine, Virginia) those "dealer fees" are regulated, meaning that if a dealer charges a $595 fee (yow!!) to one buyer, the dealer must charge that same $595 fee to all buyers and is legally not able to negotiate it.
That does not, of course, preclude the smart buyer from saying fine, I'll pay what I agreed to pay minus $595 and there is your outrageous dealer fee.
My thinking is just negotiate the out the door price period (plus TT&L) and let the dealership assign the money to whatever category they wish. Who cares? The bottom line is all that really matters.
Websites are sometimes the worst sources. The non-manufacturer ones are often wrong, and the manufacturer ones can be misleading. Can't tell you how many times I've had people try to build a car on the web and not do it properly.
"...let the dealership assign the money to whatever category they wish. Who cares?"
I'm sure the salesman wanting a decent commission cares. If you take the $595 that would have gone into the sale of the vehicle at profit, and put it into dealer fees, then the dealership would make more of a profit. And the salesperson would make less of a commission. Right?
But, yeah...the buyer is paying the same amount either way. But, come on Pat...let these poor salesmen earn a living wage o.k?
On one particular purchase of mine, the sales manager told my salesman to negotiate the price of the vehicle I wanted to buy....then and only then would they run a carfax report on the vehicle for me. When the report came back the vehicle was fine, I heard the sales manager say the $15(b.s) cost of running the carfax was coming out of the salesmans commission.
I wouldn't ask "what color do you want?" I much prefer to ask "what color or colors don't you want?" That way I have a few possibilities rather than just one and a much better chance of having something in stock.
I understand what you are saying. I certainly don't mean to sound like I'm interogating (sp?) my customers or interviewing them in any way.
We have one salesman here who is like that though. He sits them in his office and reads question off a list. ex. What color? What features? blah blah blah.
What's wrong with having a conversation to find out what they want though? I'm not grilling anybody, because I know how I feel when I'm being grilled by management, wife, etc...
Either way, the second I offend or make a customer feel uneasy, I'm not selling the car.
Um, I'm not buying a car with the purpose of creating a commission.
I certainly have nothing against everyone making a fair profit all around, all I'm saying is that it doesn't matter to me, and it shouldn't, how the dealership allocates the money I give them in order to buy the vehicle I want.
I agree...the consumer should be not concerned with the dealerships expenses or salesperson commission, just worry about buying the car. OTOH...if the consumer wants to haggle and grind from cost up, then I feel the dealers expenses, including commissions are fair game.
Why risk offending the customer with the English language at all? The salesperson could just gesture towards the car lot... and then hand the customer a business card. The customer could take it from there.
If a salesmen didn't ask any questions, I would assume he is not interested in selling me a car. That or I didn't apply my 24 hour deodorant. :surprise:
Hey...I never wrote the customer should be concerned about dealership expenses or dealer profit. Pat asked, "Who Cares?" My reply was the salesperson who is getting a less of a commission cares. Salesmanager doesn't care...prefers that the extra $580 go into deales fees. That's why they will offer such a low price on the vehicle, then try to make up for it and more with an outrageous dealer fee.
"Why risk offending the customer with the English language at all? The salesperson could just gesture towards the car lot... and then hand the customer a business card. The customer could take it from there."
I think a lot of people would prefer it that way. I have read that some people visit the dealer when they are closed so they can look over the cars without being bothered by a sales person.
"If a salesmen didn't ask any questions, I would assume he is not interested in selling me a car. That or I didn't apply my 24 hour deodorant"
Why would it matter to you if the salesman didn't seem interested in selling you a car? If they had the car you wanted, wouldn't you make an offer regardless of the behavior of the salesman?
Eventually, the customer has to come in when we're open to take it for a test drive. And I believe when that customer does, if they are treated with respect and feel as though I am interested in what they want and need, the chances of them purchasing a car from me goes up. I believe someone said it before, but not everybody know what kind of options are available on these particular cars. Not everybody searches all over the internet to find what packages offer what things, so, somebody who is knowledgable about the car is needed to explain everything. The customer can then make up their mind whether they need it or not.
"Why would it matter to you if the salesman didn't seem interested in selling you a car? If they had the car you wanted, wouldn't you make an offer regardless of the behavior of the salesman?"
If I don't seem interested in selling someone a car, then why am I here? If I don't seem interested in what the customer wants/needs - no matter what I like - then I am doing them a disservice. If I don't seem interested in selling them a car, then why would I be interested in taking care of them down the road, whether it be for service or friends and family they send me.
For example... Let's say we do have a car they like ... Let's say it's exactly how they configured it on the web or it has the exact options they saw and wanted from a brochure. However, I've been a total jerk. I don't really care what they are looking for ... basically just a waste of space and somebody who runs to get keys. Heck, I'm likely to forget they exist when they buy it, right? Well, what if thoughts of how they will be treated down the road creep into their mind. Obviously, you can't just service a BMW anywhere. They have to bring it back here if there is an issue or just a regular service comes up, because the nearest BMW dealership is more than 100 miles away. I'm certainly not going to take that chance... They have to be comfortable with me and feel as though I have been working alongside them and been very open with information. And if that happens price typically takes care of itself, too.
I found another dealer who had the dealer /doc fee of 329, said other place ( a 'team' place, I guess a chain) all have the 599 fee.
I am buying tomorrow. found a friend in the biz who called in a favor and I am getting it through the fleet guy, which is waiving the 329 fee and giving me 200 (and towing) my 95 cavalier with a shot transmission.
Thanks for the feedback guys, and keeping me from making a mistake. I will let you know how the deal goes tomorrow.
I think a lot of people would prefer it that way. I have read that some people visit the dealer when they are closed so they can look over the cars without being bothered by a sales person.
I don't know how people can really get an idea of what a car feels like, drives like, and all the options you can get by peering in the windows and staring at window stickers on a Sunday afternoon....
Why would it matter to you if the salesman didn't seem interested in selling you a car? If they had the car you wanted, wouldn't you make an offer regardless of the behavior of the salesman?
If I went somewhere to buy something or at least get information and the people working there totally ignored me and seemed completely indifferent to my presence, I would be kind of offended and put off. If I go shopping for a TV or stereo at Best Buy or Circuit City, for example, I hate it when I have to go find an employee who is just hanging out or goofing around with other employees. Isn't anyone else put off by this?
In addition, do you know how often customers go to a manager and say, "Isn't anyone going to help me?" or even "Do you people even want to sell cars here?!?!" when nobody talks to them? So if salespeople just let customers wander the lot, there are many that would be pretty offended, too..... I guess it's "Damned if you do. Damned if you don't."
An elderly salesman, nice fellow, was showing me a Toyota Highlander during last years vehicle search. This gentleman offered almost no information on the vehicle. When I started asking him questions... he did not have the answers. Replying he use to know all about the vehicles many years ago, but with all the fancy gizmos and such on vehicles nowadays he just can't keep up. I felt sorry for the guy and wondered how he survives in the business. But, I needed someone who had answers and knew what questions to ask to make sure I was 100% satisfied with my buying experience. I ended up at a Mazda dealership where I got the vehicle and service I wanted.
I have visited dealerships before when they are closed because sometimes I like to look around without being bothered. But, generally when I went to a dealership I liked to be greeted by someone immediately.So, when I tell them," I am just looking"...hopefully they will be respectful of that and leave me alone. Then if I have any questions about the vehicle I will go inside and ask for that saleman if he is not on the lot.
Hi. I purchased a used vehicle last month, about 3 weeks ago. I have yet to receive a payment coupon, DMV paperwork or anything else that proves that I have purchased this car. I have less than perfect credit but the dealer was able to work around that and supposedly get us financed. I know by law a dealer can come back and tell you they were unable to finance the car but how long do they have? I am really scared to call and find out what is going on. Please give me some advice!! Thanks!
However, what you see as a gentle guide (i.e. What can I do to sell you a car today?) many customers see as being overbearing.
Bob, that is a question I never ask my customers. Any salesman who says such a thing to you is not a professional.
I let my customers decide if they want to buy a car for me. In my experience, building trust is what I do....if they trust me and like the car, they buy from me. I am not a hard-seller and am very successful.
I think most people are scared they are going to actually buy something when they go to a dealership.....whether they are a true buyer or "just looking".
I can't for the life of me understand why people are afraid to say "no" when they don't feel the deal/car/experience isn't right. The dealer isn't going to hurt my feelings if they tell me I can't buy a car for the amount of money I'm offering. I understand that the salesperson isn't going to get their feelings hurt if I tell them I don't like the car, the deal they're offering, etc.
It's not too complex. Either you like the car and the deal (in which case you say "yes", you want the car) or you don't (in which case you say "no") and you move on.
Don't be afraid to say either "no" or "yes". IF you've done your homework, you'll already know generally what the car will sell for. If the deal is satisfactory, no fear should enter into the equation.
All of this talk about the exact way the salesman speaks to you just strikes me as odd. I don't know - I think I am as picky as the next person, in general, but salespeople are just people and each one is different. I don't go in with a checklist of exactly how I want to be spoken to and then take off points for a stray question or not the exact right tone of voice or being spoken to after 30 rather than 45 seconds on the lot.
I don't like being lied to (though it seems there are always a few at least little white lies - such is life in the car business, I guess), but I'm not going to walk out over a small amount of condescension or whatever. If I want to buy a car, then the salesman and I have basically the same goal - sell me a car! - and the rest is just details.
But I do use the Internet to do research first. I've gotten enough wrong information from salesmen not to rely on them for that stuff.
I agree with you completely, Tam. I think this whole discussion began because a woman complained about the way she was treated by car sales people and I just had to throw in my two cents.
Of course, we all have our hot buttons. I don't mind that much if the sales person is obnoxious or lies to us or tries to cheat us, but I get upset if they seem to laugh at me. For some reason, that sets me off. It may not be logical, but since it is our money we are spending, it doesn't have to be.
My dealer doesn't have a car I want in his lot. If he find a car out of state, 900miles away, what is the reasonable charge I should pay? He said He will charge me $1000 extra, if it was that far.
... **All of this talk about the exact way the salesman speaks to you just strikes me as odd ..... **
I hafta agree with you and Bobst on this one .. you can get bad feeling at Neiman Marcus or Emeril's restaurant if you're "that" sensitive ....
I've worked in and around people for almost 30+ years and it's a little different than working in an office with the 5 same people or being in a environment with the same 10 family members and friends in the picture, some folks just get a little uneasy when they are out of their own environment ........ sales, any sales is a people business .. and some folks "feel" after their 2 hours of research (which included getting an opinion from the dentist and the landscaper down the street) .. unfortunately some folks feel that's the only thing that will work, and anything after that gets their feelings hurt ..... communication will do a whole lot more than opinions ...
My dealer doesn't have a car I want in his lot. If he find a car out of state, 900miles away, what is the reasonable charge I should pay? He said He will charge me $1000 extra, if it was that far.
I'm a software programmer and I'll give you my two favorite words: "It depends"
Generally speaking, an extra $1000 sounds high for a dealer trade, even one at that distance. $500 maybe - depends on how they're going to transport it. But the big questions are: what's the make/model of the vehicle and what odd options are you picking that you can't find a version nearby? Some people paint themselves into a corner by limiting the options that they're willing to pay for, when getting a more "loaded" model would pay off when it comes time to sell the car. Now if it's something like you want a manual and the local stuff is all autos, then I understand.
When you do a dealer trade you want to try to keep it close to keep the miles down. 900 miles is too far to drive. You will have to get the vehicle flat towed back and your dealer will have to have a vehicle that they are trading for yours towed to them. You are essentially paying for a 1800 mile tow. When you look at it that way and gas at $3 a gallon filling a medium duty tow truck, dosen't sound that out of the ordinary.If the truck averages 10mpg, he will burn 180 gallons of gas or diesel. It adds up quick. I guess either pay or sacrifice color or options. Mike
Well, I'm the 'woman' who complained about the salesman. Since that post, the subsequent postings have taken on a life of their own (like they do with most internet boards).
Have to agree with your 'hot button' comment. I didn't get offended when I was lowballed on my trade, I just found other dealers with better trade values. My hot button, I guess, is the way Haldeman Ford treated me. Never did hear back from the Internet Manager, but at least they've stopped calling. I'm thrilled with my Subaru Outback and Nitti's Subaru - they are incredibly responsive to my questions. Everything worked out great in the end.
My original post, in part: "My worst experience was at a local Ford dealer. Sales man was about my age. I was honey, baby, sweetie, dear and babe to him. "Don't move, babe." "Hey sweetie, I still got the Freestyle here for you." "Honey, what can I do to put you in this car?" I can honestly say that Ford lost a sale due to this dealer's tactics - bait and switch, stranding me when I had a scheduled appointment and general treatment of a female customer.
"I can honestly say that Ford lost a sale due to this dealer's tactics - bait and switch, stranding me when I had a scheduled appointment and general treatment of a female customer."
Well good for you. I am amazed when I hear people I know talk about how bad the salesman / dealership / buying experience was at the dealer they bought their last car at. I want to look at them and ask them why they didn't just leave if things were so bad, instead of buying the vehicle from these guys. I guess people get starry eyed when they come across "the car" they want, and don't realize that there are xx,xxx many more just like it out there at other dealers, and go ahead and buy from the bad salesman / dealer. It is kind of a catch 22 I guess. People hate salesmen that use these stupid techniques (ie..what will it take for you to buy today / and the ones that try to relate to the customer by calling her "baby"), but yet many customers are so dead set on the product, they buy anyway. This in turn reinforces to the salesman that he must be doing something right, so the next female customer will be "baby", and he will ask the next window shopper "what will it take to strike a deal today?".
Some salesmen may take up the profession just to met girls. It sounds as if he may have been hitting on you a bit with all the babes, sweeties and dears.
Be honest car dealers. Ever use the customers personal information to try and get a date? I'm sure with all the interaction that goes on with dealing with the public it has been known to happen on occasion. Any of you guys try to sell a customer a BMW....and she bought (date/married) you instead?
I agree, dbell1, that your experiences sounded crappy. I didn't mean to minimize that. It was really just the conversation that followed that got a little silly, to my ears.
I met my wife when I sold her a used Grand Am back in 1998. She had some service issues so we saw each other at work a couple more times and we started to date. The rest is history.(True Story) This is actually a common story
I have 2 salespeople who married customers of theirs. Not sure exactly how any of the first exchanges went, but I probably wouldn't want to know either.
Comments
That's why more and more people like to do their car buying over the internet. Web pages give good info and don't put people under pressure.
How many people do you think actually enjoy going to a dealership and talking with a car sales person? I only know of one. Me.
Second point, is asking your spouse permission to make a major purchase. Let me put it this way. My wife has the debit card, all three credit cards, the checkbook, and both our checks go direct deposit. I have to ask my wife for $1.07 to get a Super Big Gulp at 7-11, let alone about buying something like a car!!!
ROFL
Here's my advice: go to Toyota and buy a Matrix and skip this employee discount nonsense.
And $599 for a "dealer fee" is absurd.
1500 miles, titled or not, is a used car. What's the invoice on that car? You need to be at least $750 under invoice on a car with that many miles.
I never steer people to cars they don't want. I encourage them to be open with me: if they don't like a car, please tell me so we can find another! But some people really do not know anything about automobiles and need a gentle guide.
Not to open another can of worms, but smart people rarely buy cars over the Internet without in-person research. Anybody who relies purely on internet forums and magazines for such a huge purchase are foolish. A smart buyer might submit a credit app or dicker over price, but they always need to actually come look at the car, drive it, feel it, smell it before pulling the trigger.
But to blame "female friends" beyond this one person is, frankly, ridiculous. And if you and your wife have some kind of one-needs-the-other's-permission-for-something, that's between the two of you. Again, there is no need for sweeping generalizations ...
Pardon me for saying so.
Based on your story, I think you are very fortunate to have a wife who controls the money and you are very smart to let her do it.
However, what you see as a gentle guide (i.e. What can I do to sell you a car today?) many customers see as being overbearing.
toyota regional dist. fee AND a hefty DOC fee.
Not to mention a measly rebate or discount off MSRP if any.
ALL dealers have their hand on your wallet NO matter what !
Shop till you drop for the BEST deal on ANY vehicle...........
Beware its YOUR money ! :P
Thank God New York limits the DOC fees to $45 bucks ~
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The reason I ask is that I have a quote on a vehicle and the salesman said I can have the quote until I buy, which for me will be by week's end (and well after the rebate on the vehicle is set to expire). So what I read and what I hear don't quite square, and I'm just trying to understand. Can someone explain how this works? If the mfg takes the rebate away how is it that the salesman can still offer it to me?
Thank you.
Here's the thing: I haven't been in the car business forever, so, when I was shopping for a car, if I was asked that, all credibility the salesman had built went straight down the tubes.
That's the "old car dog" mentality ... like "Get a committment" or "What's it going to take to do business right now?"
I stay away from that kind of stuff. Will I ask somebody to buy the car, absolutely. But I refuse to become an "old car dog."
That said, there are many questions I was asked that I thought were none of the sales managers business. Asking about my job, the kids etc. Playing the little trick of trying to make a personal connection with the customer. I redirected his attention back to what I was there for...the price of the car.
Buying a car over the internet is more of a hassle than going to the dealership and dealing with a high pressured salemen. The ones that have a quick and painless transaction are lucky... and are the few and far between. And why be afraid of a car salesman,if given unwanted pressure, attitude or games...just walk away.
I enjoyed going to dealerships and talking to sales people. I think many others do as well. You're going to get some salepeople who will lie, manipulate and play games to make a sale. But, do your homework and be prepared and you won't have to worry about it. :shades:
What if the out the door price was less than the dealer with a lower dealer fee?
Don't worry about fees ...worry about your total price... dealers can shuffle the deck in such a way that consumers fall for a big trade price or a low dealer fee only to pay more in some other area....worry about the bottom line/out the door figure.
That pretty much guarantees that dealer will be higher than anyone else...
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kyfdx
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That does not, of course, preclude the smart buyer from saying fine, I'll pay what I agreed to pay minus $595 and there is your outrageous dealer fee.
My thinking is just negotiate the out the door price period (plus TT&L) and let the dealership assign the money to whatever category they wish. Who cares? The bottom line is all that really matters.
The non-manufacturer ones are often wrong, and the manufacturer ones can be misleading.
Can't tell you how many times I've had people try to build a car on the web and not do it properly.
I'm sure the salesman wanting a decent commission cares. If you take the $595 that would have gone into the sale of the vehicle at profit, and put it into dealer fees, then the dealership would make more of a profit. And the salesperson would make less of a commission. Right?
But, yeah...the buyer is paying the same amount either way. But, come on Pat...let these poor salesmen earn a living wage o.k?
On one particular purchase of mine, the sales manager told my salesman to negotiate the price of the vehicle I wanted to buy....then and only then would they run a carfax report on the vehicle for me. When the report came back the vehicle was fine, I heard the sales manager say the $15(b.s) cost of running the carfax was coming out of the salesmans commission.
For example, instead of asking, "What model and color do you want?", you could say, "If you would like, I can show you the models and colors we have."
See if you can sense the customer is more at ease because you are not asking questions that put them on the spot.
Just an idea.
We have one salesman here who is like that though. He sits them in his office and reads question off a list. ex. What color? What features? blah blah blah.
What's wrong with having a conversation to find out what they want though? I'm not grilling anybody, because I know how I feel when I'm being grilled by management, wife, etc...
Either way, the second I offend or make a customer feel uneasy, I'm not selling the car.
Thanks!
I certainly have nothing against everyone making a fair profit all around, all I'm saying is that it doesn't matter to me, and it shouldn't, how the dealership allocates the money I give them in order to buy the vehicle I want.
OTOH...if the consumer wants to haggle and grind from cost up, then I feel the dealers expenses, including commissions are fair game.
If a salesmen didn't ask any questions, I would assume he is not interested in selling me a car. That or I didn't apply my 24 hour deodorant. :surprise:
"Why risk offending the customer with the English language at all? The salesperson could just gesture towards the car lot... and then hand the customer a business card. The customer could take it from there."
I think a lot of people would prefer it that way. I have read that some people visit the dealer when they are closed so they can look over the cars without being bothered by a sales person.
"If a salesmen didn't ask any questions, I would assume he is not interested in selling me a car. That or I didn't apply my 24 hour deodorant"
Why would it matter to you if the salesman didn't seem interested in selling you a car? If they had the car you wanted, wouldn't you make an offer regardless of the behavior of the salesman?
And I believe when that customer does, if they are treated with respect and feel as though I am interested in what they want and need, the chances of them purchasing a car from me goes up.
I believe someone said it before, but not everybody know what kind of options are available on these particular cars. Not everybody searches all over the internet to find what packages offer what things, so, somebody who is knowledgable about the car is needed to explain everything. The customer can then make up their mind whether they need it or not.
"Why would it matter to you if the salesman didn't seem interested in selling you a car? If they had the car you wanted, wouldn't you make an offer regardless of the behavior of the salesman?"
If I don't seem interested in selling someone a car, then why am I here? If I don't seem interested in what the customer wants/needs - no matter what I like - then I am doing them a disservice. If I don't seem interested in selling them a car, then why would I be interested in taking care of them down the road, whether it be for service or friends and family they send me.
For example...
Let's say we do have a car they like ... Let's say it's exactly how they configured it on the web or it has the exact options they saw and wanted from a brochure.
However, I've been a total jerk. I don't really care what they are looking for ... basically just a waste of space and somebody who runs to get keys. Heck, I'm likely to forget they exist when they buy it, right?
Well, what if thoughts of how they will be treated down the road creep into their mind. Obviously, you can't just service a BMW anywhere. They have to bring it back here if there is an issue or just a regular service comes up, because the nearest BMW dealership is more than 100 miles away.
I'm certainly not going to take that chance... They have to be comfortable with me and feel as though I have been working alongside them and been very open with information.
And if that happens price typically takes care of itself, too.
Thanks!
I found another dealer who had the dealer /doc fee of 329, said other place ( a 'team' place, I guess a chain) all have the 599 fee.
I am buying tomorrow. found a friend in the biz who called in a favor and I am getting it through the fleet guy, which is waiving the 329 fee and giving me 200 (and towing) my 95 cavalier with a shot transmission.
Thanks for the feedback guys, and keeping me from making a mistake. I will let you know how the deal goes tomorrow.
I don't know how people can really get an idea of what a car feels like, drives like, and all the options you can get by peering in the windows and staring at window stickers on a Sunday afternoon....
Why would it matter to you if the salesman didn't seem interested in selling you a car? If they had the car you wanted, wouldn't you make an offer regardless of the behavior of the salesman?
If I went somewhere to buy something or at least get information and the people working there totally ignored me and seemed completely indifferent to my presence, I would be kind of offended and put off. If I go shopping for a TV or stereo at Best Buy or Circuit City, for example, I hate it when I have to go find an employee who is just hanging out or goofing around with other employees. Isn't anyone else put off by this?
In addition, do you know how often customers go to a manager and say, "Isn't anyone going to help me?" or even "Do you people even want to sell cars here?!?!" when nobody talks to them? So if salespeople just let customers wander the lot, there are many that would be pretty offended, too..... I guess it's "Damned if you do. Damned if you don't."
I have visited dealerships before when they are closed because sometimes I like to look around without being bothered. But, generally when I went to a dealership I liked to be greeted by someone immediately.So, when I tell them," I am just looking"...hopefully they will be respectful of that and leave me alone. Then if I have any questions about the vehicle I will go inside and ask for that saleman if he is not on the lot.
regards,
kyfdx
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Bob, that is a question I never ask my customers. Any salesman who says such a thing to you is not a professional.
I let my customers decide if they want to buy a car for me. In my experience, building trust is what I do....if they trust me and like the car, they buy from me. I am not a hard-seller and am very successful.
kyfdx......BINGO!
I think most people are scared they are going to actually buy something when they go to a dealership.....whether they are a true buyer or "just looking".
I can't for the life of me understand why people are afraid to say "no" when they don't feel the deal/car/experience isn't right. The dealer isn't going to hurt my feelings if they tell me I can't buy a car for the amount of money I'm offering. I understand that the salesperson isn't going to get their feelings hurt if I tell them I don't like the car, the deal they're offering, etc.
It's not too complex. Either you like the car and the deal (in which case you say "yes", you want the car) or you don't (in which case you say "no") and you move on.
Don't be afraid to say either "no" or "yes". IF you've done your homework, you'll already know generally what the car will sell for. If the deal is satisfactory, no fear should enter into the equation.
I don't like being lied to (though it seems there are always a few at least little white lies - such is life in the car business, I guess), but I'm not going to walk out over a small amount of condescension or whatever. If I want to buy a car, then the salesman and I have basically the same goal - sell me a car! - and the rest is just details.
But I do use the Internet to do research first. I've gotten enough wrong information from salesmen not to rely on them for that stuff.
Of course, we all have our hot buttons. I don't mind that much if the sales person is obnoxious or lies to us or tries to cheat us, but I get upset if they seem to laugh at me. For some reason, that sets me off. It may not be logical, but since it is our money we are spending, it doesn't have to be.
If he find a car out of state, 900miles away, what is the reasonable charge I should pay?
He said He will charge me $1000 extra, if it was that far.
I hafta agree with you and Bobst on this one .. you can get bad feeling at Neiman Marcus or Emeril's restaurant if you're "that" sensitive ....
I've worked in and around people for almost 30+ years and it's a little different than working in an office with the 5 same people or being in a environment with the same 10 family members and friends in the picture, some folks just get a little uneasy when they are out of their own environment ........ sales, any sales is a people business .. and some folks "feel" after their 2 hours of research (which included getting an opinion from the dentist and the landscaper down the street) .. unfortunately some folks feel that's the only thing that will work, and anything after that gets their feelings hurt ..... communication will do a whole lot more than opinions ...
Terry
If he find a car out of state, 900miles away, what is the reasonable charge I should pay?
He said He will charge me $1000 extra, if it was that far.
I'm a software programmer and I'll give you my two favorite words: "It depends"
Generally speaking, an extra $1000 sounds high for a dealer trade, even one at that distance. $500 maybe - depends on how they're going to transport it. But the big questions are: what's the make/model of the vehicle and what odd options are you picking that you can't find a version nearby? Some people paint themselves into a corner by limiting the options that they're willing to pay for, when getting a more "loaded" model would pay off when it comes time to sell the car. Now if it's something like you want a manual and the local stuff is all autos, then I understand.
Mike
Have to agree with your 'hot button' comment. I didn't get offended when I was lowballed on my trade, I just found other dealers with better trade values. My hot button, I guess, is the way Haldeman Ford treated me. Never did hear back from the Internet Manager, but at least they've stopped calling. I'm thrilled with my Subaru Outback and Nitti's Subaru - they are incredibly responsive to my questions. Everything worked out great in the end.
My original post, in part:
"My worst experience was at a local Ford dealer. Sales man was about my age. I was honey, baby, sweetie, dear and babe to him. "Don't move, babe." "Hey sweetie, I still got the Freestyle here for you." "Honey, what can I do to put you in this car?" I can honestly say that Ford lost a sale due to this dealer's tactics - bait and switch, stranding me when I had a scheduled appointment and general treatment of a female customer.
Well good for you. I am amazed when I hear people I know talk about how bad the salesman / dealership / buying experience was at the dealer they bought their last car at. I want to look at them and ask them why they didn't just leave if things were so bad, instead of buying the vehicle from these guys. I guess people get starry eyed when they come across "the car" they want, and don't realize that there are xx,xxx many more just like it out there at other dealers, and go ahead and buy from the bad salesman / dealer.
It is kind of a catch 22 I guess. People hate salesmen that use these stupid techniques (ie..what will it take for you to buy today / and the ones that try to relate to the customer by calling her "baby"), but yet many customers are so dead set on the product, they buy anyway. This in turn reinforces to the salesman that he must be doing something right, so the next female customer will be "baby", and he will ask the next window shopper "what will it take to strike a deal today?".
Be honest car dealers. Ever use the customers personal information to try and get a date?
I want to take advantage of the end of Year Model savings. What would be considered the "Best Out the Door Price" for a 2005 Honda Odessey EX-L w/DVD?
Also I realize there may not be that many left given their Popularity so I may have to buy a 2006...
What would be considered the "Best Out the Door Price" for a 2006 Honda Odessey EX-L w/DVD?
Or should I wait to later in 2006 to get a better deal on it?