When you get hired on as a salesman, does the boss care if you have another job? Like if I wanted to try being one, but didn’t wanna give up my current one(mon-fri 7-3:30), would they accept that? especially since they don’t really pay them until they make a sale.
hi there! i will answer each of your 3 paragraphs.
first off, well you just never know about invoices,seriously,
really even the salespeople never really ever know the truth about an invoice!
their are just so many clever factory “kick backs” after it’s been invoiced!
you never know so, dont try & out smart the automakers they have too much $$$$.
so, don’t even try. so the only thing to really believe when or if they show you an invoice
is they are probably not telling you everything they know.
but, the best way is just to keep them honest.
first shop around. ask some friends where they bought. ask for that salesperson’s name.
call him and say-hey my friend bought a new car from you & gave me your name,
you wanna sell me one too? their ya go! your off… and also let your fingers do the walking.
i use autotrader.com especially for new cars. it’s so easy and fast. it will give you a list of all dealers in your zip code area with their phone numbers. start calling. get 3-5 phone prices. staying with apples-to-apples m.s.r.p. when you ask for a price quote. if you get 5-6 quotes on a 2008 honda
accord sedan with an msrp of $34,992.00 and they are all within $300.00 to $700.00 you pretty much know
your in the ball park. so, dont worry about invoices don’t even ask about them.
if the salesperson brings it up then you can talk about it.
hey step 2: it’s easy if the dealer wants retail for his vehicle, then tell him you want retail for your
trade. pull an nada book , kelly blue book or black book get your credit union or bank to book it for you. they will tell you what catagory it falls into. but remember the book is only a guide. dont try and become a car appraiser. things like a hard or soft market will determine what vehicles bring at
auctions nation wide. just like right now, diesels are not worth book -why the cost of the fuel
is so darn high right now. who wants one??? nobody-
so the market is “soft” but the book doesnt know diesel costs over 4.00 per gallon
and doesnt take that into consideration either. just like a flood car, or one that’s been hailed on.
so do not try and appraise your trade in. if it’s clean, has nice color not “urp-purple” or
soylent green, like a black, white , maroon, sharp alloy wheelsbody no dings, no scrapes,
had all maintaince, non-smoker. no pets inside,and has decent mileage not like 48,000 miles on an 2007
great tires, w/s not broken cracked, then ask a lot for it. they’ll always give more for a sharp car.
remember this: only worry about the trade difference. that’s it! no other figure.here’s an example:
lets say you found the same exact 2008 Honda Ridgeline AT DEALER A, AND DEALER B
which dealer is offering you the best deal??? A OR b ???
dealer A or dealer B
$34,992.00 $24,992.00
-$14,000.00 trade in -$4,000.00 trade in
$20,992.00 trade difference $20,992.00 trade difference
it’s magic with numbers, which deal would you rather take???
write back and let me know.
paragraph 3 its ok let the baby have his way, act like your confused and mixed up, play his game.
let him play his little no haggle game. then after he gives you the numbers say "well
all i care about is the trade difference anyway! he’ll call you the next day asking what it takes to
earn your business! you say "oh i thought you said it was no haggle??? why are you calling me now??
i’m still shopping thanks i’ll call you back if im interested. and try him again on the last day of the month!! he’ll change his tune dramatically! i promise!!
hope the helps ya!
sincerely
Deep Plaid
good question.
it’s pretty much up to the dealer principal or owner. and will vary between car dealers.
in my opinion franchise dealers like chevy, ford, toyota, honda, nissan, chrysler,
etc. etc. will pretty much want all “full time” sales staff.
people who can hustle and work 40 to 55+ hours per week.
an independent used car dealer may just want p/t people
you never know you just have to go in and ask for that job.
thanks for the question!
deep plaid
Hey, deeplaid. You’re prety cool. Love reading your comments.
Hey, Frank - just realized I never told you the outcome of my original paranoid question! - I did end up buying the car without ever giving my social security number. And the dealership (Greenwich Honda, CT) called today to see how I liked the car, if I had any questions, and to thank me for being a pleasant buyer - due to you without a doubt.
Still enjoying reading your advice - thanks
Whitmore
Alright, alright. C’mon guys, we all have horror stories of visiting some snake on a car lot. But all of us (car salesmen) are not like this. Sure, we like to make a profit. Who doesn’t? This is capitalism - Wal-Mart makes a profit, CARTALK makes a profit, every business in the world makes a profit or they go out of business.
But, I am here to tell you that there are honest, fair, hard-working salesmen out there. Like Deep-Plaid said - we want return business. The only way to get that is to treat you with respect. We deserve that respect, too. Trust me, you are not going to get any favors by going into a car dealership with a “this is a war - I must win” attitude. Most likely, the guy this tactic will work on is the new guy that’s been there 3 weeks and thinks, like you, that all car salesmen are slimeballs and deserve this treatment.
Would you treat your plumber like this? your mechanic? your heart surgeon? I am a car salesman. I go to church. I have a family and friends, just like you. I am trying to make living doing something that I enjoy. I am trying to help you buy a car that you will love for the next 2-20 years. I want you to show it off to your friends. I want you to tell people what a great deal you got from me. I want you to come back the next time you need a car, and the time after that, and the time after that.
Yes, I have met the slimy, snake-in-the-grass car salesman. I have worked along side him. But, you know what? He got fired for lying to his customer. I am still here. And, I will be here the next time you need me. Window won’t roll down? Call me, I’ll handle it. Need a car to drive while yours is in the shop? Call me, I’ll handle it. The quick lube place forgot to put your drain plug back in? Call me, I’ll handle it. I’m your car guy. Nice to meet you.
hello justin averageguy:
glad to hear from you & i hope your reading all of the posts,
I agree with what you said.
thanks for your input & post.
sincerely,
Deep Plaid
But, I am here to tell you that there are honest, fair, hard-working salesmen out there.
In my 35+ years in car buying…the hard working, honest, fair salesman is VERY VERY RARE.
Like Deep-Plaid said - we want return business.
And since many people in the buying public don’t know that they’re getting scammed…they’ll gladly come back again and again. Several times in my life people recommended different sales men/women to visit because they had a GREAT experience with them…and all but ONE were total sleaze.
I do NOT treat a salesman like a sleaze…UNLESS he actually is. If he’s honest and not trying to sucker me in…I’ll treat him with respect. If NOT…then it’s WAR.
Sure, we like to make a profit. Who doesn’t?
There’s profit…then there’s PROFIT. And I like to pay as little as possible…WHO DOESN’T. I like to be fair. I know you need to make a profit. And from my experience $200-$500 per car is all I’m willing to pay. And I’ve been pretty good at achieving that. And I’ve walked out on salesmen who REFUSE to sell me a vehicle for anything less then $2000 profit.
And let’s NOT forget about the ADD-ONS that are being pushed. When my wife bought her new Lexus last year…after we made our deal…the salesman was trying desperately trying to sell us all the add-ons…like extended warranty…rust proofing…clear-coat protection…fabric and leather protection…all of which are NOT NEEDED. To me ANY salesman who even offers these gimmicks are SLEAZE.
Hey Deep,
Do you think it’s possible to negotiate on a Scion with the “No-haggle pricing?” I love the thrill of the back and forth, but now that I’m considering a Scion, I feel like I’m getting ripped-off.
hey dano in ohio- heck no, don’t pay any attention to the words: “no haggle”
well just ask… make them an offer…try them on the next to the last & last day of this month.
just ask, all they can say is no. if you aren’t afraid of the word “no” then keep trying until you get the dealer & the deal you like! keep calling around and making offers, & pricing until you find the car & the deal you want. their is somebody out there who that I promise you, will take your offer.
but never-ever make a salesperson an offer unless you’re dead serious about buying -right then & there!
have you done your homework? if not, then do it before you bother to make a salesperson an offer. seriously…
know what you want car equipment etc. etc. & what you are willing to pay, & how you’re gonna pay them, then start dealing & shopping!
good luck,
thanks for your question!
deep plaid
hello mike in n.h.
thanks for you’re input.
dont be too “brash” i never liked a customer coming in and telling me how much profit they would let me make. their are other ways of putting it, profit is based on an invoice+plus profit less rebate
basis, chances are, you would not believe them if they showed you an invoice anyway. so their ya are.
back to square one again. don’t sound so pushy and offensive. your name is not on the sign, you don’t own that dealership. so don’t go in right off the bat “half cocked”
telling them you’ll allow them to make x number of dollars profit.
i never liked a person who dealt that way. because if you have a trade-in, well watch out
cause they’ll just try get it back a hundred here… a hundred there…
a little bit at a time, on your trade or in the f&i room.
hey you cannot win, these people are gonna make profit. probably more than you’ll ever know.
so don’t try & stop it. the dealer principal may be getting a $3000.00 kick back from toyota on all Scion’s sold in may of 2008, that no one has knowledge of, or is “privy” to except him alone.
it may be dealer money that has already been kicked back on his floor plan. but you’ll never ever know about. these “kickbacks” are not for the general public to ever know about. it’s hush hush most sales people aren’t even told. Because then the dealer would have to pay a commission on that extra profit. and most are not willing to do that. so salespeople are never ever told about those “kickbacks” either.
so, if you find a car you like just be business like and make them an offer.
they’ll either take it or they wont.
so, just accept it every dealer will make the amount of profit he needs to make in any given month.
economic desperation will delegate to some extent the amount he is willing to come down or “haggle”. example: after 911 “zero interest” car loans were invented. why? economic desperation. who benifited from it? you the consumers! it also depends on the particular model you have chosen to shop for as well.
right now, im sure you could get a heck of a deal on a 3/4 ton -4x4 diesel quad cab,
with diesel selling at over $4.00 per gallon. (see what i mean)
anyway-honey gets you more flies than vinegar every time! use that concept-you can go wrong. cars, dealers and salespeople are a dime a dozen. do some home work first, know exactly what you want.
that will help you alot in the “long run”
thanks,
“Deep Plaid”
hello mike in n.h.
thanks for you’re input.
dont be too “brash” i never liked a customer coming in and telling me how much profit they would let me make. their are other ways of putting it, profit is based on an invoice+plus profit less rebate
basis, chances are, you would not believe them if they showed you an invoice anyway. so their ya are.
back to square one again. don’t sound so pushy and offensive. your name is not on the sign, you don’t own that dealership. so don’t go in right off the bat “half cocked”
telling them you’ll allow them to make x number of dollars profit.
You’re taking the attitude like I NEED YOU…I don’t…If you don’t want to deal with me…GREAT…There are many other dealers I deal with…and I have. When I bought my 98 Pathfinder I drove 30 miles PAST two other Nissan dealers to buy it. The others didn’t want to meet my price. I also don’t go in there and say I will only let you make x amount of money. I do a LOT of research to determine the cost of the vehicle and MSRP. I then tell them what I’m willing to pay…If you don’t want to meet…GREAT…I’ll find someone who will…I always have.
after 911 “zero interest” car loans were invented. why? economic desperation. who benifited from it? you the consumers!
0 Interest car loans have been around since the 70’s. MOST of the time no…the consumer does NOT benefit from them. Every time I see them the ONLY way to get that interest rate is to pay MSRP. That benefits the consumer???
anyway-honey gets you more flies than vinegar every time! use that concept-you can go wrong. cars, dealers and salespeople are a dime a dozen.
You need us (the consumer) a LOT MORE then we need you. Get use to it. With attitude like yours I’m amazed you can make a living at selling cars.
do some home work first, know exactly what you want.
While I’m pretty sure I know what I want, I still like going around and looking at different cars. While my Civic is running great, it is approaching 10 years old. So, I figure it doesn’t hurt to go around looking at different cars. If something happens to my Civic, then my time spent will be well worth it. I can just call up the sales person saying that I’m looking to buy and work out the details over the phone and take a rental(should I wreck it) down to pick it up. letting my insurance check prices for me as well will also help narrow it down a bit as well. Leg room and seat comfort are the biggest thing for me right now. I sat in an element and a ridgeline, neither of them had much legroom, while the Accord has plenty. Unfortunately the most comfortable seats I’ve been in have been in an SRT-8 Charger($40k) and a TL($50k), so the purchase price forces me to look a bit lower, since I have a house payment to make now.
no, im not saying that i dont want to deal with you. heck, i always loved the thrill of the chase. and i’ll tell you this: you’ll never “out smart” a sharp car dealer-never. think about it mike, why would one
dealer take a skinny deal and another will not? just stop and think. answer: special incentives that you
dont know about. example: sometimes their is “fast start” money paid to the dealer. if he reaches a certain quota lets say on or by the 10th of given month. then the dealer is paid by the factory
lets say $2000.00 retro active cash on every one of that model he has delivered since the 1st. nobody but dealer employees know about stuff like this. no one! all your research will not help you.
sure go ahead if you like it buy it! i loved your type, make my day, make me an offer. i’ll enjoy
your commission! actually i started selling new vehicles in 1985 i cannot remember zero interest.
thru ford, chrysler, or g.m. - maybe i just forgot. humm?? i didnt mean to offend you.
i have not sold since 2006. but i was and am a great sales person. you should try it. make a living- oh yeh i made a living and got a lot of repeat business too!
it’s all about supply and demand, not about who needs who. the car business is a week to week month to month year to year business. right now, fuel prices delegate how much the auto makers need “you” the consumer! if unleaded went down to $2.69 a gallon just watch those consumer incentives and rebates go away! no, no, no, zero interest and pay sticker come on your not going to the right dealer. i bet tonight i can call three dealers in the dwf metro-plex and buy a 2008 suburban $100.00 over invoice
and still get zero interest. yep! it’s true.
but thanks for your input.
sorry if i got you “stirred up”
sincerely,
deep plaid
no, im not saying that i dont want to deal with you. heck, i always loved the thrill of the chase. and i’ll tell you this: you’ll never “out smart” a sharp car dealer-never.
Oh PLEASE…what “Sharp Dealer”. My nephew was the #1 Mazda Salesman in Upstate NY 3 years running…He barely graduated high-school. I’ve yet to meet the car salesman with even a year of college. It’s fun watching these fools trying to do simple math with a calculator…I usually figure it out in my head LONG BEFORE they started pressing any buttons.
think about it mike, why would one
dealer take a skinny deal and another will not? j
Because the dealer making LESS profit is going to sell MORE vehicles…and NOT SCREW their customers. I know 3 dealers in NH and MA that sell their vehicles constantly at $100 over invoice…every day…365 days a year. A car salesman is a dying breed. They are NOT needed. You can look up everything you want on the internet. All you need to do is drive them. Many dealers are going that way…Just have order takers. You go in…tell the order taker you want to test drive vehicle A or B…Then if you’re happy…place an order…What is the salesman needed for???
actually i started selling new vehicles in 1985 i cannot remember zero interest.
Chryco was the first to start it with Lee Iacocca. He also started the Rebates. This was when Jimmy Carter was President.
then the dealer is paid by the factory
lets say $2000.00 retro active cash on every one of that model he has delivered since the 1st. nobody but dealer employees know about stuff like this. no one!
have not sold since 2006. but i was and am a great sales person.
A GREAT salesman = Someone who knew how to SCREW the public. Thank you for PROVING my point.
It’s called buy-back. And if you do a simple google search you can find all you want about it. The problem is that each dealer has different buy-back incentives…But by some simple calculations and a little research it can be figured out.
it’s all about supply and demand, not about who needs who.
Basic economics 101…The demand IS ALL ABOUT WHO NEEDS WHO.
i bet tonight i can call three dealers in the dwf metro-plex and buy a 2008 suburban $100.00 over invoice
and still get zero interest. yep! it’s true.
Keep dreaming.
Hi Deep Plaid, it’s been great reading you! Thanks for your insights.
Do salesmen or dealerships treat econobox buyers differently from other buyers? If I go in to buy a bottom-of-the-line model, is it more likely that I’ll get treated like a bottom-of-the-line customer?
it’s more likely they’ll try to up sale you. go in for something with wind-up windows and no cruise control and they’ll try to get you in the model that has power windows, cruise control, multiple airbags, etc. all “just a couple thousand more than what you’re looking for”
hello (mike in n.h.)
i guess i’ll have to stop this stuff right here, before you take it way too far!
mike, either stop your name calling, and pointed remarks about decent car salespeople
or i’ll send a request to tom, ray & npr revoke your posting
rights. posting is a privilage here. please use proper judgment when posting.
remember- N.P.R. interviewed me, not you.
i have the credentials. I have paid my dues as a car salesman. as i understand it, you have never worked at a car lot, or for any car dealer. -isn’t that correct.
mike, i’ve earned the right to be called: “Deep Plaid” years of car sales experience.
you seem to want to drag me into a public fight or nasty debate of some sort. well that’s not going to happen.
i’m not going to address anymore of your questions unless they are proper.
so, please go take your fight somewhere else.
this is not the place for that stuff.
you’ve never sold cars right? what makes you think you know more about this topic than me
or anyone else on this forum who’s sold vehicles for a living?
again, this is not the right time or place for a debate about who knows more about the car business.
i know i know more than you. that’s not the issue.
i think that i have educated & made a lot of decent people happy with my interview and this forum.
i invite you to share decent information that will help consumers.
i believe you are the minority here and seem unhappy and have a “grudge” or an axe to grind
for some unknown reason, so please do not post here unless you use decent language when you post or i’ll be left with no options other than do my level best at getting your posts removed.
thanks,
deep plaid
i never did. i usually tried just as hard to sell that $7000.00 plymouth horizon as i did that $30,000.00 chrysler new yorker.
remember-your one sale might just help me attain that prestigious “salesman of the month” award,
and get a very handsome $1500.00 or $3000.00 bonus added to my salary at months end.
they all counted at month’s end! either added up by the number,
or the highest total gross as a “tie breaker” they all counted!
I cannot speak for other salespeople, but it never mattered to me. remember- also i wanted your son, daughter, brother, sister, & neighbors, as customers, so i tried very hard to impress you so you’d send them to me. that was my incentive.
sincerely
deep plaid
mike, either stop your name calling, and pointed remarks about decent car salespeople
What name calling??? Show me!!! I suggest you take a class in Reading Comprehension.
mike, i’ve earned the right to be called: “Deep Plaid” years of car sales experience.
Great good for you…I’m suppose to be impressed. Your credentials mean NOTHING to me.
you seem to want to drag me into a public fight or nasty debate of some sort. well that’s not going to happen.
Please show me. I’ve stated FACTS about buying a car…and how a consumer is treated by Sleazy salesman. Again Show me the ONE statement I made.
you’ve never sold cars right?
Nope…I had much higher ambitions like College and Graduate school.
i invite you to share decent information that will help consumers.
I have…How to identify a sleazy salesman and what to do when they’re identified…RUN…DON’T WALK. There are many many other car dealerships to deal with. In 20 years it’s projected that the car salesman will be all but gone. I prefer to NOT deal with them. There is no reason for a car salesman. All they do is add to the price of the car. Dealers that have just order takers can sell their cars at a MUCH LOWER price and make a MUCH HIGHER PROFIT. The consumers slowly finding this out. The no-salesman dealerships are popping up all over. And even dealers that do have salesmen are now doing a lot of sales on-line by-passing the salesman and their commission.
i believe you are the minority here and seem unhappy and have a “grudge” or an axe to grind
What are you talking about. I’ve stated ways here to deal with the Sleazy salesman…That’s all. Unfortunately they are far more prevalent then the NON-Sleazy salesman. If you don’t practice the SLEAZY tactics then I don’t know what your problem is. If you do then I suggest you do have a problem.
so please do not post here unless you use decent language
WHAT ARE YOU TALKING ABOUT!! SHOW ME THE POST. This is very very close to SLANDER bub.