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Smart Shopper Stories from the Sales Frontlines
47306 messages, Last post on Nov 09, 2009 at 4:16 PM
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Replying to: driver100 (Jan 02, 2009 10:48 am) You are correct on that count. At least in our store. We have cut the sales force from 25 to 15 and the sales office fields all sales calls. The Managers sift through them and pass good leads off to sales people while they handle the "how much is my 82 Gremlin dart avenger worth" type calls. |
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Replying to: roadburner (Jan 02, 2009 10:11 am) It is the only place in the world where people will think that you can divide $30K by 60 and come up with $400 a month.
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Replying to: driver100 (Jan 02, 2009 10:48 am) Phone calls ratio is actually about the same. Out of 10 calls, 5 will book appts to come in, half of those 5 will show up = 2 or 3, and one will buy. Closing ratio is higher on appointments over walk ins. However a live customer who is here will always take priority over phone or internet inquires. Internet is the worst because I'll get about 5 deals for every 100 inquiries. (5% closing ratio). Most like to hide behind the anonomity (  about spelling) of the internet and fire off random emails, ask for quotes, photos, only to never respond again. Acutally when someone sends an inquiry online, I can establish contact with only 50% of the inquirerers by phone or email. I don't understand why someobody would even go as far as filling out a credit app only to never respond to our emails or phone calls. If there's an internet inquiry that has no proper name attached, and no phone number then it goes to the bottom of the pile. |
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Replying to: boomchek (Jan 02, 2009 11:38 am) Phone calls ratio is actually about the same. Out of 10 calls, 5 will book appts to come in, half of those 5 will show up = 2 or 3, and one will buy. Closing ratio is higher on appointments over walk ins Very interesting and much higher than I would have expected. I have neighbor that took 2 years to decide and he went to the dealer almost every week. It had to be a Chev product but he probably went to 20 dealers over the 2 years. I thought there were lots of tire kickers, the curious, the daydreamers, the I don't have anything else to do with my life, the comparison shopper (10 dealers or more), the I just like sitting in different cars, the waiting for my wife types, etc. That's a pretty good closing ratio really.
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A cuple of months back, I almost bought a used Passat wagon at the local VW dealer. But, it got sold on a Monday just before I got back to deal on it. Oh well, snooze you lose. But, that unit was still in the weekly (sunday) ad at least 3 weeks past that, so almost a month real time. And this is in the local paper, so they must have to submit a new ad every week. I can see maybe the next weekend, but anything after that screams of fraud (or at least sleaziness). At best it is pure laziness.
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Replying to: stickguy (Jan 02, 2009 1:20 pm)
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Replying to: boomchek (Jan 02, 2009 11:38 am) I'm just guessing but these people may be dealing with a salesman at another store and they're trying to "keep him honest" by soliciting other offers from dealers they have no intention of buying from. I've even done this myself when buying supplies for the farm. My regular go-to guy gives me a price and especially if there's been a bump in the cost I'll ask for a price from a competitor. It's for my peace of mind and I'll always let the other guy know if I'll be sticking with my regular guy. Occasionally, the new person has superior service or price and I'll switch suppliers. To not keep tab on your costs is a sure way to go broke. I guess what I'm saying is perhaps not every squirly request comes from some kid in his parent's basement.
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Replying to: isellhondas (Jan 02, 2009 1:22 pm) 
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Replying to: driver100 (Jan 02, 2009 12:40 pm) It's not foolproof, but it works better than having no set time. And typically when someone does call it means they have done their research, they sorta know what they want. Plus the 2 main reasons for a call is the customer is trying to find out inventory, and shopping for a saleperson over the phone. If the dealer that sandman called had his inventory, and the salesperson would have been friendly, then as he said, chances are he would have put a dip on a unit. People phone in because it's easier and quicker to "get a feel" if a salesperson is good or not (friendly, helpful etc) by a quick 2 minute call, rather than a driving to and spending time at a dealership. I've gotten many deals from folks who called and I was the only dealer in the area who was friendly, and knew my specials etc... To get to my dealership they passed 5 crappy ones who failed to learn current specials, or have basic telephone skills. |
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Replying to: oldfarmer50 (Jan 02, 2009 1:56 pm)
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