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Smart Shopper Stories from the Sales Frontlines
48028 messages, Last post on Dec 02, 2009 at 3:34 PM
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Replying to: alejandrom (Nov 26, 2008 9:48 am) |
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Replying to: dtezla (Nov 26, 2008 8:38 am) Didn't we have some "expert" car buyers who said that making the salesman invest time in you was the best way to get a good deal? Maybe that's who he's seeing in his store. These folks must figure that they should spend a couple of hours before they get down to brass tacks.  "..I miss the car business the more I think about it..." I could come over to your house and drive all your cars around if it would help. 
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The thing is...this dealership is really successful. I think that location and product have A LOT to do with it but it still doesn't take away the fact that we are a very successful dealer. We are located in a pretty affluent neighborhood and these people have the chop to buy Toyotas and they also stay loyal to the brand. We are on pace for 350 cars this month. Still pretty good. Like I said before.... a guy like me can make 65 stacks doing a job I can't stand. But when the money dries up and the gross is down this job takes on a very different tone. Last year there were salesmen making over 120K. That is absolutely crazy money in this profession. Of course...there were only two guys making that money while the rest of the staff was around 40-50K. I was a little above average because I was in the used car department. Anyhoo....I have the day off today and Thanksgiving is tomorrow. Maybe Friday I can go back and put together a deal or two and make some money for Christmas. Gooble. Gooble. |
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Replying to: kyfdx (Nov 26, 2008 10:15 am) Now that my '05 Pilot lease is up in February, I am back doing my research and getting a feel for the current market - I don't want to be the "guy" you guys rant about. I understand your woes and just doing my research so when I pull the trigger it makes for a fast, everyone is happy transaction. I enjoy this thread to give me tips, such as I promise you guys, I won't give the sales guy "I have to check with the wife" spiel when I am shopping. And I swear I won't leave in a huff If i can't get 0% financing!!! It's good to be back... |
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.I miss the car business the more I think about it No...you don't. I was in the Marine Corps for 4 years and sometimes I wax poetic about the god ole days back in the Corps. Then I snap back and realize that 18 mile humps carrying a base plate for the mortar was not fun. Just imagine working a "bust out" (12 hour shift) and talking to two credit criminals and a guy who is going to wait to buy until after the auto show and you will snap back to reality real quick. By the way....I was thinking about writing down some of my ideas for a 30 minute sitcom based around a large dealership and sending them to Hollywood. Good idea for a show or what?
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Replying to: alejandrom (Nov 26, 2008 9:48 am) I have noticed that the salespeople are getting very smart there. They “up” you in the parking lot and take you straight to their car lot. They would walk with you through the inventory and have you pick a car out for a test drive. Then they leave you by the car freezing and walk back to the store to get the keys. After the test drive, they feel you out to see if you are a real buyer, if not; they leave you in the parking lot and walk back to the store through the service area. The SM doesn’t even realize that they had a “customer”. |
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Replying to: alejandrom (Nov 26, 2008 9:48 am) My advice to you, find another dealership or line of work. |
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Replying to: alejandrom (Nov 25, 2008 10:54 am) LOL.... Buddy I hear your pain. I also think I am at the end of my rope but I keep telling myself that when the economy turns around it will be worth the wait. I won't know untill it happens. But I have to agree that I used to like this business better in years past but tell my self I can't dwell on that because this is what I know and do. Customers have been changing the way the purchase vehicles but in the end it still comes down to how I treat and service my customers. I believe if we continue to give good service it will pay off when things (the economy) turns around. If you have been doing this over 5 years I would suggest to stay in and wait it out. Also where else are you going to go? That was question I asked myself and couldn't answer..... I wish you the best of luck and suggest to hang in the game especially at the type of store you are at. When I get that stressed out with the business I try to take a week off. But I know that isn't a easy approval to get from management  Good Luck! GP |
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Replying to: snakeweasel (Nov 25, 2008 4:44 pm) Snake-- Spoken like a true accountant.  I always enjoy your cut-to-the-chase assessments. Maybe you've read the following (paraphrased) quote: The death of one man is a tragedy. The death of millions is a statistic.--J. Stalin It's probably not a line you should use at your next audit--unless it's after examining the books of one of the Big 3 automakers. Gogiboy |
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Replying to: rogeliov (Nov 25, 2008 11:09 am) Yes closing skills come into question here but "customers" have changed.... He works in Chicago and I am sure there are plenty of Toyota dealerships there. When I say customers have changed.... I mean they are more willing to shop 3-5 dealerships either by phone, email, or adds.... Than the customer only wants the best price. Obviously..... If dealerships give "the customers best price" they would never make any money..... So untill you walk in the shoes of a car salesman today you may want back off the insults of telling someone to find another business.... and if you read his post correctly that is what he was stating. Give the kid a break! GP
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