Current Events > I sell cars for a living. AMA

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What's it like to deal with customers that are jerking you around?

when you got a sale on the hook, and you start "negotating" the price...

when sales guys go "let me check and see what I can do" and walk into the back room. Do you actually check anything or do you dick around for 10 mins, then come back and go, "i can't believe i did this for you, but we got your exact price."

Remember that grey corolla I bought from you?
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What are your craziest stories from the business? Things like... craziest financing scenarios (like, people getting declined for everything, even tier IV, and ultimately, after a lot of shenanigans, their great-great-great aunt or someone co-signs for them), worst customers, best customers, heartwarming and rage inducing stories, etc.
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how often do you use the principle of scarcity?

how about getting people to invest more time than they need to by stretching the process out so they're more likely to commit?
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Why sell cars and not jets?
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Do you actually know anything about the shit you sell?

Or are you the typical salesman who knows nothing, and I walk in knowing more than you do while you try to "educate" me about the vehicle?
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FFVII_REMAKE posted...

What's it like to deal with customers that are jerking you around?

Terrible, but I'm generally of the opinion that people don't really come to car lots lest they want to buy. You have to be good to be able to tell who is a jack and who isn't, and most new people in the business fail because they prequalify real buyers as tire kickers.

TheDarkCircle posted...

when you got a sale on the hook, and you start "negotating" the price...

when sales guys go "let me check and see what I can do" and walk into the back room. Do you actually check anything or do you dick around for 10 mins, then come back and go, "i can't believe i did this for you, but we got your exact price."

Normally I say I have no clue if I can get to that number, but if I can, you'll take it today right? Then they sign and have mentally committed. After that, I go confirm with sales manager and play with my balls for like 5 minutes.

bulletproofvita posted...

Remember that grey corolla I bought from you?

Yeah it was an absolute pile. Can't believe I closed you, to be honest.

YonicBoom posted...

What are your craziest stories from the business? Things like... craziest financing scenarios (like, people getting declined for everything, even tier IV, and ultimately, after a lot of shenanigans, their great-great-great aunt or someone co-signs for them), worst customers, best customers, heartwarming and rage inducing stories, etc.

Jeez... 140 mile per hour test drives in X5M's, running from police, almost running out of gas on the freeway with a customer driving and just barely coasting to a gas pump, homeless guys walking the lot talking about on-star implants in their spine... I have plenty. But I think one of the best that was recent was this lady who kept getting declined everywhere, I mean dogshit credit. We finally get her approved, and she walks up to my GM and kisses him on the lips. He was horrified.

Kombucha posted...

how often do you use the principle of scarcity?

how about getting people to invest more time than they need to by stretching the process out so they're more likely to commit?

On new cars, there are generally many identical vehicles available which makes it tougher. But, with a used car, there is literally only one, and you bet we've had plenty of interest on it.

As for artificially extending the process.... sometimes. You have to pick your moments. Some people will just blow out if they think you're fucking with them.

PokemonExpert44 posted...

Why sell cars and not jets?

Selling jets or yachts or even real estate is tougher unless you already have a strong financial base. Selling cars is a bit more consistent and I'm a relatively young guy outta college.

Tupacrulez posted...

Do you actually know anything about the shit you sell?

Or are you the typical salesman who knows nothing, and I walk in knowing more than you do while you try to "educate" me about the vehicle?

I can usually tell when someone knows a lot, and use it to my advantage. If they know a ton and are there considering buying, chances are I don't need to "sell" too hard.

That being said, I know enough to satisfy people, and they generally appreciate the honesty of "I have no clue, but I'm more than happy to find out for you."
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TC, why are car salesman such weird people?
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