Automotive Careers - So you want to sell new or used cars?

So, you think you're a car person? You can pass a drug test? Your driving record is clean?

Can you take rejection? example - your prices are high - I found one on another lot for a bunch less. What would your reply be?

That 05 has some scratches on it? what would your reply be?

My X wife screwed up my credit. what would your reply be?

What is my trade worth? what would your reply be?

How much are the payments? what would your reply be?

So, you think product knowledge is all you need to know?

:angel: Jakes Dad

200 million folks out of work and no takers? :bang:

Recent phone call. You've got a Impala on the internet. What is it like?

That $3,999.00 Windstar you have! Is that nice? and your answer would be?

My dog Jake knows most cars on the internet are priced. The lowest price vehicle for that year is always at the top. So when you you get a call about your $9,998.00 2005 Impala and the question is what will you take for that car? - what is your answer?

Remember you also need to know the MPG of every used car and truck on your lot.

When asked what Flex Fuel is? - your answer would be?

A person - family - etc. etc. walks on your lot. It's your up - what do you say?:D

:angel: Jakes Dad

Can you take rejection? example - your prices are high - I found one on another lot for a bunch less. What would your reply be?

It may be less because of some unknown damage, etc. When you buy from us, you get the peace of mind knowing you are getting a quality vehicle, etc. Not to mention our service department, blah blah blah

That 05 has some scratches on it? what would your reply be?

You're right, and it's priced accordingly with the market. We could also see if the body shop could work some magic.

My X wife screwed up my credit. what would your reply be?

Don't worry! We have the best credit department in the area. All it takes is a few minutes and you'll know if you're approved. Our motto is "If you've got a job, you drive!"

What is my trade worth? what would your reply be?

All I need to do is take it for a quick spin and look over it and then I can give you an accurate appraisal. In the meantime, why don't you have a seat with the finance manager so he can talk to you about options on that great xxx car you are looking at.

How much are the payments? what would your reply be?

See all the references to the finance manager above



So, what is your point to these questions?

Where are you? By the way, all this is coming from a guy who's never even dealt with a car lot, so some answers may or may not be any good. I'm more or less doing this out of curiosity to see if the responses are any good :P Also, you don't really make it clear if this is used or new cars. Most of my responses assume new unless otherwise is indicated.



Can you take rejection? example - your prices are high - I found one on another lot for a bunch less. What would your reply be?

Depends on the exact circumstance. I would probably try to gather information about the other car in comparison to the one on my lot and hope they gave me a reason to state why it was cheaper. If it sounded comparable and there was room to work, I would probably try to match the other lot's price and keep the customer's business rather than sending them down the road. If it wasn't too negotiable, my reply would be similar to demonspeed's.


That 05 has some scratches on it? what would your reply be?

*if small scratches*: Yes it does, however if you are interested in this car we will be happy to throw in a detail which will include a buffing job to remove those scratches

*if fairly deep and price was not already reduced*: "Well, I could probably give you "X amount" off of the sticker price or throw some body work into the deal. Our body guys do excellent work.

My X wife screwed up my credit. what would your reply be?

"I can almost guarantee you will still be able to get approved. Our finance department is really great and deals with quite a large number of banks in the area."

What is my trade worth? what would your reply be?

If you would allow me to take it for a short drive and look it over I'll be happy to appraise it for you. If you would like, we could probably get possible financing figured out while I do that.


How much are the payments? what would your reply be?

"How much do you want to pay?" in order to get an idea of if I should even try to make it work or try to direct them to another model.

So, you think product knowledge is all you need to know?

No, one also needs to know how to be personable and not come off like some greasy used car salesman while still knowing how make people WANT to buy a car from you. It really does not take much at all in many cases to push somebody over the edge from "just looking" to "I want that one" if you can influence them well enough. However, if a salesman does not know their product I personally would not trust a thing they say about any vehicle. How can they give accurate information about a product they do not know?

Recent phone call. You've got a Impala on the internet. What is it like?

Oh the 2005? It is in great shape and fully loaded with leather interior and all the other goodies. It also has the 3.8L supercharged V6, which is a very peppy little engine. It actually makes more power than some V8 Mustangs. If you would like to come look at it I'd love to take you on a test drive.

That $3,999.00 Windstar you have! Is that nice? and your answer would be?

I spent most of my childhood riding around in two of them! One a 1996, one a 2003. Actually, my parents still own the 96 and are the only owners. It is still used as a work horse and I drive it in the winter while I store my car as well. Both were very reliable and comfortable. Excellent family vehicles and really a great value for what you get. You would be hard pressed to find any similarly sized SUV with as much storage space, plus usable third row seating.

My dog Jake knows most cars on the internet are priced. The lowest price vehicle for that year is always at the top. So when you you get a call about your $9,998.00 2005 Impala and the question is what will you take for that car? - what is your answer?

The prices we put on the internet are directly derived from blue book value and are all within fair market value. That being said, the price is fairly workable. How about you come in and look at it? I think you will be quite impressed with it, especially for less than 10k.

Remember you also need to know the MPG of every used car and truck on your lot.

When asked what Flex Fuel is? - your answer would be?

It is technology which allows you to run either straight gasoline or E85 ethanol and switch back and forth seamlessly. E85 is 85% ethyl alcohol and 15% gasoline. Not only does it burn cleaner and reduce emissions, but it is also an all around better fuel and will actually clean your fuel system rather than dirtying it up and often provides better performance. The reason why most vehicles cannot use it is because it requires a different air/fuel ratio and also fuel system component that cannot corrode.

A person - family - etc. etc. walks on your lot. It's your up - what do you say?

Hi! What brings you to *name of lot* today?

Aww man come on I thought you were done with this industry?

I know I sure am.

I'm unemployed and happy about it

To those interested though you can make good money.

Can I work 9-5 Mon-fri? No 9-9's and everyother Saturday off and I'm in.

So, you think you're a car person? You can pass a drug test? Your driving record is clean?

Can you take rejection? example - your prices are high - I found one on another lot for a bunch less. What would your reply be?

Well that sounds awfully cheap, are you sure it isn't damaged,or everything works? Did you know carfax sometimes doesn't show up for months? But let me ask you this, if I could match their price would you beable to take the car with you today?

That 05 has some scratches on it? what would your reply be?

Our body shop may be able to take care of that for if you are serious about buying that car. Or we can look at a new one ad see if thats in your budget, which would you prefer?

My X wife screwed up my credit. what would your reply be?

If any dealership can get you a loan it ours. We deal with over 200 banks.
What kind of budget did you have for monthly payments?

What is my trade worth? what would your reply be?

How much were you looking to get for it?

How much are the payments? what would your reply be?

That depends on many different factors, Hows your credit? How much were you looking to put down? Lets make sure we get you the right car, and we'll make it affordable.

So, you think product knowledge is all you need to know?

And rapport, Rapport is very important.

:angel: Jakes Dad

200 million folks out of work and no takers? :bang:

Recent phone call. You've got a Impala on the internet. What is it like?

It's a real nice car. Is an Impala what your looking for? If so why don't you stop in and take it for a ride, I'm sure you'll like it.

That $3,999.00 Windstar you have! Is that nice? and your answer would be?

Sure what kind of car were you looking for? And what do you like about the Windstar?

My dog Jake knows most cars on the internet are priced. The lowest price vehicle for that year is always at the top. So when you you get a call about your $9,998.00 2005 Impala and the question is what will you take for that car? - what is your answer?

Oh thats easy just get the person in the dealer. There is so many ways of doing that.

Remember you also need to know the MPG of every used car and truck on your lot.

When asked what Flex Fuel is? - your answer would be?

A person - family - etc. etc. walks on your lot. It's your up - what do you say?:D

Good morning welcome to Jakes Chevy, my name is blah, What can I help you with today?

:angel: Jakes Dad

I miss the money, and getting the sweet deals on used car.

Can I work 9-5 Mon-fri? No 9-9's and everyother Saturday off and I'm in.

This is exactly why I wouldn't get into it. Besides people thinking you are a sleaze-bag, the long hours are worthless. What's the point of making supposedly "good" money when you aren't off from work to spend it?

Must be Obamas fault. I've answered these questions twice. I guess my post is too long or I take too long to finish. Either way it didn't post.

The answers aren't bad. The problem I see is no one asked for the sale. All you did was provide information to assist the customer on the next lot they visited.

Those bitching about the pay associated with the work. Do you own your own business? Do you have children?

I posted this because 75% of the time people will tell the sales associate they once sold vehicles or worked in F&I. Either the long hours or management caused them to get out of the business. Right, YOU couldn't make a living at it. That's my fault!

Jakes Dad

Why would you close on a customer that isnt ready to be closed yet.

Obviously if he has indifference, drawbacks or concerns they need to be addressed first.

Plus nobody acknowledged the customers point of view either.

Must be Obamas fault. I've answered these questions twice. I guess my post is too long or I take too long to finish. Either way it didn't post.

The answers aren't bad. The problem I see is no one asked for the sale. All you did was provide information to assist the customer on the next lot they visited.

Those bitching about the pay associated with the work. Do you own your own business? Do you have children?

I posted this because 75% of the time people will tell the sales associate they once sold vehicles or worked in F&I. Either the long hours or management caused them to get out of the business. Right, YOU couldn't make a living at it. That's my fault!

Jakes Dad

You sound like that Joe Jurassic high-pressure guy. Epitome of sleaze. I'm glad you enjoy making an "honest" living. I wonder who, I mean, what your wife does while you work those long hours making the "big bucks". What was the point of this thread anyway? No one was asking for advice.

Why would you close on a customer that isnt ready to be closed yet.

Obviously if he has indifference, drawbacks or concerns they need to be addressed first. "I said for some reason after trying twice my long posts wouldn't post." During my answers to any question any comment about my vehicles etc etc; I still ask for the business. Oh, I am just looking. Well, we don't charge for that. At some point the looker will buy or try and buy.

Every person walking on any lot already knows the value of all new and used vehicles. They also know sales associates make money selling. If you're just looking look when the dealership is closed. Be polite, welcome to XXXXX Chevrrolet my name is XXXX and you are?

Plus nobody acknowledged the customers point of view either. Oh, I can buy a new truck for less than what you want for used. :chug:

:angel: Jakes Dad

I posted this because 75% of the time people will tell the sales associate they once sold vehicles or worked in F&I. Either the long hours or management caused them to get out of the business. Right, YOU couldn't make a living at it. That's my fault!

Jakes Dad

As a recent grad I made about double/triple what all my recent grad buddies were making.

I still would never go back, the business is that bad.

There are many other ways to make that sort of money and work 5 days a week if you have a college education and you can sell.

Oh, I can buy a new truck for less than what you want for used. :chug:

:angel: Jakes Dad



Would you mind if I asked you a few questions?

i've got a friend that is the floor mgr at a local toyota dealership. they're opening a used car lot beside the new car lot and he wants me to come in april. right now im a branch mgr at a texas car title and payday loan co. I've been going back and forth on whether i should leave and go sell cars or not... im open for thoughts/ suggestions. and... its an open lot so i could go back and forth if i want to.

If you have strong customer service skills and can seperate work from personal it's not that bad. I'm one of the worst customers ever to hit a lot when shopping for a car, but I also know exactly what I want, it then just comes down to price.

Being able to read your customer is crucial. Sense what they want, don't push for what you want. Having the right dealer and sales manager to work with also helps a tremendous amount.

Would you mind if I asked you a few questions?:engarde:

No! But don't make them too hard. It hurts to think.:bang:

Jakes Dad

Why would you close on a customer that isnt ready to be closed yet.

great question, no answer....:confused:

great question, no answer....:confused:

Lots of reasons why you try and close. 80% of the time someone walking off your lot won't come back.

Most people visit 3 to 5 lots before buying. How do you know where they are in the process? We spend millions and millions of dollars on our web page and confirming our cars are shown on millions and millions of different places. 85% of the folks buying new and used vehicles have already looked on the internet. If they are on your lot why not be polite but ask for the business? Auto sales is 100% commission sales. I would rather be somewhere else. But since I am here, I am working for others, I will do my best 100% of the time to sell.

:angel: Jakes Dad

You sound like that Joe Jurassic high-pressure guy. Epitome of sleaze. "Nope I have five children and a wife of 42 years. I have the most fun of anyone at the dealership. Everyone is thanked for coming in today. They know my name I remember theirs. Where we go from there depends on what comes out of their mouths."

I'm glad you enjoy making an "honest" living. I wonder who, I mean, what your wife does while you work those long hours making the "big bucks". "Dude my wife works full time - I work a max of 24 hr. per week. I am off every Saturday, Sunday, and Monday. If I make more than the government says I can make that money goes directly into my parts account." What was the point of this thread anyway? Wow! the title of this section is? It's been a long time since you started a thread in this section. I guess I was covering your ass. No one was asking for advice. lighten up:chug:

:angel: Jakes Dad

Lots of reasons why you try and close. 80% of the time someone walking off your lot won't come back.

Most people visit 3 to 5 lots before buying. How do you know where they are in the process? We spend millions and millions of dollars on our web page and confirming our cars are shown on millions and millions of different places. 85% of the folks buying new and used vehicles have already looked on the internet. If they are on your lot why not be polite but ask for the business? Auto sales is 100% commission sales. I would rather be somewhere else. But since I am here, I am working for others, I will do my best 100% of the time to sell.


makes sense, thank you sir. :chug:

Wayne

Lots of reasons why you try and close. 80% of the time someone walking off your lot won't come back.

Most people visit 3 to 5 lots before buying. How do you know where they are in the process? We spend millions and millions of dollars on our web page and confirming our cars are shown on millions and millions of different places. 85% of the folks buying new and used vehicles have already looked on the internet. If they are on your lot why not be polite but ask for the business? Auto sales is 100% commission sales. I would rather be somewhere else. But since I am here, I am working for others, I will do my best 100% of the time to sell.

:angel: Jakes Dad

If you try to close before addressing the customers needs and circumstances you are going to end up wasting your time.

Now introducing yourself and building report is one thing. But trying to sell of the bat is stupid, especially if you dont know the customers needs/wants for a vehicle.


Doing your best doesnt mean you always have to be pushy.

There's a difference in being pushy and using the ABC's of sales (Always Be Closing). Start planting that seed for closing, answers questions and concerns they have of course, and be ready to be shut down and have your rebuttals ready. When the sale is the difference between your having food or not, you'll get over being shy about asking for the sale!

i've got a friend that is the floor mgr at a local toyota dealership. they're opening a used car lot beside the new car lot and he wants me to come in april. right now im a branch mgr at a texas car title and payday loan co. I've been going back and forth on whether i should leave and go sell cars or not... im open for thoughts/ suggestions. and... its an open lot so i could go back and forth if i want to.

It's really not a bad job, and you can make good money without being pushy.
One of the most important things to know is "LISTEN" and "A.B.C". The best parts about the job is meeting new people, the money, and the ability to give your self a raise anytime you want. The worst part is the hours, every Saturday, Holidays. While your friends and family are eating hamburgers and drinking beer on Labor Day your test driving some stroke that live 300 miles away and is just visiting family and killing time.

There's a difference in being pushy and using the ABC's of sales (Always Be Closing). Start planting that seed for closing, answers questions and concerns they have of course, and be ready to be shut down and have your rebuttals ready. When the sale is the difference between your having food or not, you'll get over being shy about asking for the sale!

Thank you sir:

About nine years ago - we had people standing at the vehicles they wanted to buy. We didn't have enough sales staff, F&I, clean up to assist all the folks that wanted to buy. I often walk into new car dealers. It's sort of a job. Knowing what others have to offer. And how they offer it. I never test drive. I look, I listen. Why, to become a better sales associate . The talking heads selling thier ideas to car dealers are talking heads............... When they sold things were different. I might not know how much air pressure is in a truck tire before looking. But I will ask qualifying questions. I will ask for the sale. I will provide free information. I will be polite. I'll have fun and I'll make money. You might not want my job. You might not like me. If I read that from anyone guess what I will do? Turn their stupid ass over to another sales associate in a polite way.

That's not the market today. Perhaps me owning my own business for almost 30 years taught me to be a sales associate, not an order taker. I don't own this place, I do play while I am at work. The auto business is down. Folks in the business are having problems. My job here is to have fun. Be willing to listen. Teach if I can. I don't lie to anyone. By not lying I never ever need to worry about much, do I?:chug::chug:

:angel: Jakes Dad

lighten up:chug:

:angel: Jakes Dad

I was being facetious. Don't take the internet so seriously.

You also don't need to insert ridiculous crap in my quote.

Can I work 9-5 Mon-fri? No 9-9's and everyother Saturday off and I'm in.

:werd: That's the main reason I won't get into the business....I refuse to work every Saturday unless I could be out by 2 or something....I'm not burning a day of family time.

I was being facetious. MY BAD - I FELT A PERSON MAKING FOUR DIFFERENT POSTS WAS SERIOUS - Don't take the internet so seriously. I WANT TO COMMENT BUT OUT OF RESPECT FOR YOU I WON'T.

You also don't need to insert ridiculous crap in my quote. I'LL DO MY BEST TO END MY COMMENTS TOWARDS YOU.:punch: YOU CAN ASSIST BY NOT GIVING ME MUCH TO RESPOND TOO. :D:D :chug:

:angel: Jakes Dad

p.s. to the guy interested in working 9-5 no Saturdays or Sundays No Holidays. Family is first, second, and third.

That's a great idea. Perhaps since the government now runs the auto industry because the auto industry failed. Those working in the field of selling vehicles will work the same schedule as those governing the industry!!:chug::chug:

:angel: Jakes Dad

I love hearing everyones ideas on how to sell and your doing it wrong, but "Jakes Dad" is right. I sold cars for a few years at a GM dealership and he's right. If your not always trying to sell, well the next place is. You need to build a report, and "get in bed" with your customer of course. However if all your doing is chit chatting and learning about them, your never going to sell them the car (you just become pals). You need your dealership to be the last place they look.

I was never a high pressure guy, but I would be damned if I was going to get my ass handed to me by the guys at the desk for not doing my job. But you can still sale and bat for the customer (it's not east).

A lot of people like to make offers on a car before filling out any paper work or even going inside. If a customer tells me, "Go ask your manager if he would take $xxx for this car right now." If I did that with out any paper work, my ass would be sent home.

A lot of people like to make offers on a car before filling out any paper work or even going inside. If a customer tells me, "Go ask your manager if he would take $xxx for this car right now." If I did that with out any paper work, my ass would be sent home.[/QUOTE]

It's easy to stop those people right in their tracks. Shake their hand congratulate them on buying the car. So, what you're saying is for XXX plus tax and title you'll write me a check today, right?:chug::chug:

The only thing my manager does is confirm I show up on time. I collect your money for your new vehicle. He confirms that your signatures are in the correct spots.

I've previously told you I don't lie to customers This is a lie. But it's a lie because the customer thinks a manager is control of the sale. I have made myself the manager. I have become the King Pin. #1 the customer doesn't have cash. #2 the customer thinks they know the business. You're right the deal you need to take to your desk manager is a signed deal with money or approved credit. I've told them make the check out to me I'll give you the keys. If the ass clown can't buy the vehicle all you're doing is showing your manager that you've lost control. Or you never had control. Again the difference between a sales associate and a order taker. Get back into the business it's fun.:D:D:D

:angel: Jakes Dad

p.s. to the guy interested in working 9-5 no Saturdays or Sundays No Holidays. Family is first, second, and third.

That's a great idea. Perhaps since the government now runs the auto industry because the auto industry failed. Those working in the field of selling vehicles will work the same schedule as those governing the industry!!


lol, keep dreamin buddy. :chug:

I've previously told you I don't lie to customers This is a lie.

Lawlz

Its not a lie, its bending the truth. My father made his living in sales and we add the tony factor (my dads name is tony and hes italian, arent stereotypes fun:D). Anyway the tony factor needs to be applied anytime he tells a story. Usually the factor is division. Like he used to run 6 miles a day really = 6/2 = more likely 3 but the point is he DID run although the specifics may be a bit of salesmenship.

So, you think you're a car person? You can pass a drug test? Your driving record is clean?

Can you take rejection? example - your prices are high - I found one on another lot for a bunch less. What would your reply be?this one just had new muffler bearings changed so it gets 5+mpg more

That 05 has some scratches on it? what would your reply be?get your F$%KN PURSE OFF IT

My X wife screwed up my credit. what would your reply be?mine screwed up mine too

What is my trade worth? what would your reply be?less than what your thinking and more than what im about to tell you

How much are the payments? what would your reply be?that depends on your approval(like you said your wife screwed your credit up

So, you think product knowledge is all you need to know? word....

:angel: Jakes Dad

i think i got it

We've had to lower the standards so much recently. This last poster might qualify!!

Try and find a person with a clean driving record, drug free, who has credit, who has a car to drive to work, who comes to work.

Then tell them you'll need to work 6 or 7 days a week. All day if you're interested in making much money. Introduce then to a few mini deals, then tell them the draw they receive needs to be paid back if you don't make enough sales.

This semi retired stuff isn't bad. The days of true commission auto sales associates might go away. A few years ago, 10, this city had the second largest number of GM employees in the world. It's funny that less than 1% of those folks have tried to sell the product they built. Many of them knew there were problems. But few were willing to give up their 35 to 50.00 per hr, job. Reminds me of parenting. FXXX I have no control over what my kids do.

Jakes Dad

You need credit to sell cars? :lol:

No, but an employer can and does look at credit. Everyone looks at credit these days. It's a fair or unfair way to judge a customer and or employee.

Jakes Dad

Oh I know that, I thought there was a specific reason why credit was looked at for a salesperson. I look at it this way, if someone is going to hire me because my credit isn't perfect(made some mistakes when I was younger) then F 'em, they weren't worth working for anyway, lol.

I worked sales (not cars) for years. I learned the best thing you can do in sales is know as much as you possible can about the porduct you are selling and about the competition and their products. While you are doing that find out just how much le-way and authority you have with your company and what you are selling. Or know if the issues can be fixed before you talk to the customer.

If the car has scratches and you know the body shop can fix them and the manager gives you the ok then if the person asks about them then you can tell them that you can take care of it. This would be one less negative for the person to think about.

Knowing your product is the best thing you can do.