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Smart Shopper Stories from the Sales Frontlines
47944 messages, Last post on Nov 28, 2009 at 1:15 PM
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Since we are talking about negotiations and grinding, I am once again reminded of the movie Psycho. Janet Leigh is on the run after stealing $40,000 from her employer. (Remember that this is 1960's money.) She figures that she had better trade cars in order to throw the police off track. She pulls into a used car lot driving her 1957 Ford Fairlane. She tells the salesman that she is in a big hurry. She quickly selects a 1958 Ford Fairlane in a lighter color. She then asked how much the car would cost her. The salesman thinks for a moment and then says her car plus $700. Janet Leigh hesitates for a second. The salesman then says, "I see it all of the time. You people come in here claiming that you are in a hurry, but then you have time to haggle." Actually, Janet Leigh didn't hesitate because of the price. She had just spotted a police car across the street. At any rate, she pays the full asking price and goes on her way. The lesson here is that many people have different reasons for paying full price. Here is another interesting point about the cars in this movie. I am beginning to wonder if Alfred Hitchcock had any knowledge about automobiles. You would at least think that he would have had some technical advisors for this movie. I had thought all along that Janet Leigh was driving a 1957 Ford, and that she traded for a 1958 Ford. I'm not so sure now. After watching the movie so many times, I believe that she traded in a 1958 Ford for a 1958 Ford. That wouldn't have seemed very smart. Surely, the salesman would have made a comment. You can see the rear ends of both cars clearly at different points in the movie. They both look the same to me. The front grills are a little harder to spot. Alfred Hitchcock was a stickler for details. That is part of what made his movies so great. It is difficult for me to believe that he would allow his character to trade for the exact same year and model car in a different color. If any of you see this movie again, check this out and let me know your thoughts. Richard
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Replying to: isellhondas (Nov 09, 2009 2:55 pm) Richard |
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Replying to: isellhondas (Nov 09, 2009 2:52 pm) That was something that bugged me the last time I was at the Seattle Auto Show. I wasn't sure if people had already stolen them or if they were removed prior. I found out the latter. I totally understand the reasoning and I agree it is justified but it took something away when you sat in one. Of course, the locked cars were even worse because then I had no idea if I could fit. Headroom is the first thing I check on a car. |
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Replying to: driver100 (Nov 09, 2009 1:22 pm) Let's see, when you walk into the dealership I may be with another client, discussing a deal or deals wth the SM or F&I person, checking out a car, talking to a customer of mine who is in service, in the bathroom, at lunch. That is in addition to calling and/or e-mailing my prospects and keeping in touch with my owners on a periodic basis. Oh yes, I may be doing a stock walk to remain current with the lot vehicles or in a training session. I might even be in the bathroom. A good salesman does not just sit around waiting for something to happen - those days are long gone. And I am a non-smoker that may be hard to find at times.
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Replying to: lrguy44 (Nov 09, 2009 4:16 pm) ps I don't remember who wrote this, Capt, but I'll stick it in this post. >> "you don't know how to build value in a product" , but the "build value" into something that's already built. Now I'm confused. How does one build value?
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stopped at 2 different dealers last week to check out 2010 Golfs (wanted to see the TDI). 1st place, guy was kind of smarmy, and either had no clue about what was going on, or was blatantly lying to get me to move in a different direction. He did show me whatever 2 door base they had, but said the TDI wouldn't be out until March). Overall, not a saleman I would are to do business with (but he did have brochures!) next lace (my daughter wanted to see while we were out running errands in that area). Young guy, very friendly, got the keys to everything, including the diesel they had just gotten in! answered pelnty of questions, gave us plenty of time to look and play, and no hassles or pressure. Took my name in case they get a 4 door in (supply is short right now). So, if I decide to get one, guess where I am going to go? sadly, since I always get fixated on something that barely exists, probably whichever dealer has one to sell! although I would prefer the 2nd guy, and most likely, this would be an order situation, so might as well go there. |
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Replying to: lrguy44 (Nov 09, 2009 1:35 pm) Your answer and boomers were very good and convinced me there is a case for asking for the full retail price up front. The way you do it does make sense and if it works, then I am ok with it. Remember though, in my experience, I did like the salesman who offered me a discount on the Audi...and I thought that would be a fight. You both made very good points, and I really like the time you took to explain so your viewpoint so well. |
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Replying to: boomchek (Nov 09, 2009 1:41 pm) Your reply was excellent and I appreciate you taking the time to make these points. I am curious what would happen if someone tried a realistic up front price, but you made an excellent case for asking for full MSRP up front. |
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Replying to: murphydog (Nov 09, 2009 1:55 pm) Excellent observation. remember too, the business guy who can afford the $60,000 car writes it off. He could be in a 50% tax bracket or his incorporated company could be buying the car.....so it could be costing him $30k or $40k in real dollars. The extra $3000 could be like an extra $1500, or even nothing if his company is buying the car. And, the trade in value is worth more...so it is exactly like paying 80 cents more for the stone. Great example murph! |
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Replying to: richard64 (Nov 09, 2009 2:51 pm) I have nothing against smokers. But, when we looked for a car there were salesmaen who we couldn't find, because they had to get a cigaret break in there. It was an inconvenience and in this case showed a lack of respect for our time...we were on time for our appointment. I am just saying smoke if you wish, but don't let it interfere with your customers. |
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