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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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For some reason, auto sales seems to attract a higher percentage of smokers than many other jobs, if my experiences when I was car-shopping was anything like typical. I suspect part of it is that when much of your day is standing around outside and waiting for anybody to walk by, and you can't read, you can't listen to an ipod, you can't do much of anything else, smoking can help mask that - even making it look like you're just outside on a break, instead of inside, doing something important.
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| I went thru Carmax store about a month ago. I noticed that the customers are channeled thru a showroom like greeting area. Once there, a salesman instantly greets you and starts to extract information from you. IMO, it's kind of a better mouse trap. In order to see the inventory, you must see a person. The buyer comes to them instead of being chased down on the lot by a salesperson. I'll give Carmax credit on that particular strategy. | |
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Replying to: tsgeisel (Sep 25, 2006 7:35 am) Personally, I like a good cigar every once in a while. I'm probably not nearly as sensitive to the issue. But, under no circumstances do I want anyone smoking in my car...especially during a sales presentation of a vehicle. I won't smoke a cigar in a dealership, nor will I smoke one if people protest. It's a vice (as is sitting in my favorite chair with a Woodford Reserve, watching college football on a cool Saturday). I think professional decorum should rule whenever in doubt, however.
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I partake in the disgusting habit of smoking, although a light smoker (1/4 pack a day) there is no excuse. I smoke on the side of the building in our designated smoking area out of plain sight of customers. I load up on gum and brush my teeth almost obsessively. It a destresser and a time killer. I have sold cars to customers that we have negotiated outside smoking a cigarette. Sometimes It has worked to my advantage.  As for enthusiasm and salespeople doing all the steps of the sale. Trust me, if you have a salesperson who takes shortcuts, you will be at the dealership for longer than you anticipated. I am not wrong about this. As for waiting for us to get the dealer tags and the such. It is what it is. I am not getting a ticket for the sake of enthusiasm, and I am not going to leave with out checking with my manager because I do not know if my customer I am going to drive is a serial killer. But those 2 tasks should only take about 45 seconds tops anyway....... As for sunglasses, I ask the client before the drive if they mind if I wear them. A. I wear contacts and I am photosensitive, B. I want to minimized the crows feet. Sexy on men, Haggish on women....... |
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Replying to: graphicguy (Sep 26, 2006 6:21 am) I tried one once and didn't like it... I know people who smoke frequently and manage never to smell like smoke, and I've also encountered people who smoke frequently and have smelly clothes and breath that would make the Grinch turn another shade of green. The first one I can deal with, the second kind is quite unpleasant! |
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Replying to: graphicguy (Sep 26, 2006 6:21 am) So do I, It is one vice I do partake of. That being said I would welcome the chance to discuss a car purchase over a good cigar.  Now I want a cigar.
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There is such a thing as a "good" cigar? I've tried several times but have yet to find one that didn't gag me. Now, Woodford Reserve? That is a different story. But then I can't stand venison either and I don't care who shot it, what it's been eating, how aged it was etc... |
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Replying to: snakeweasel (Sep 26, 2006 7:11 am) Maybe you should go see a nice salesman and let him know what he has to do to put you in one of his top of the line models. See if that works. jmonroe
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Replying to: jmonroe (Sep 26, 2006 11:46 am) Ok, I'll go see Isell. I have a couple of really good cigars, we can have them as we discuss a car deal.
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Replying to: snakeweasel (Sep 26, 2006 12:15 pm) That's a good idea, then you can tell us how this guy really operates. I don't know if I should be wishing you good luck or bad luck. If we see you posting over at "Chronic Car Buyers Anonymous" we'll know what happened. jmonroe |
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