I would gladly pay a higher price for a car if the salesman new the product inside and out, beyond what you see on the spec sheet. That to me tells me you aren't trying to waste my time (as in the OP example). Lets get the deal done and come out with it a win-win.
Quote:
Old.Ski.Bum previously said:
You can get as much info as you need on the Internet, forums, clubs, owners, etc. I don't care if the salesman knows jack about the truck. I want it as cheap as possible! Why would you want to pay more; do your homework first!
and this is why some people thing some salesmen are so horrible. 2 completely different customers with 2 completely different goals and 2 completely different jobs for the salesman. some people want a salesman to know way to much about the vehicle, some people only need to know money.
Quote:
Woodsman previously said:
Nice one Devin.
Sorry to all you salesman out there but I've never met a salesman that impressed me with their knowledge of the product. IMO, if you are in that profession, you should immerse yourself in all the knowledge you can: knowledge of other vehicle makes and models, car/truck magazine reviews and comparisons, etc.
try completely immersing yourself into product knowledge then spend 3 straight months with customers asking you zero questions about any of it and see how sharp you stay. and to add to all that product knowledge, pile on the the biggest hurdle to selling cars, the payment. trust me, it doesnt matter how much you know about the 4wd system if the customer has negative equity on their trade, mediocre credit scores and a $400/month payment objective, they will not be buying it just because the CRAWL feature is neat. i'm the type of dude that researches and figures out exactly what i want then i go find it and buy it. 99% of people that wonder onto a dealership lot has no idea what they want or what they NEED. they're usually clueless and as long as you can get them to the right car (usually not the one they came to look at) in the right payment range you have a much higher chance of selling them something. every time i up someone looking at a 4runner i quickly find out they have no need for a 4runner but need a family car with 3rd row. lets look at a highlander and sienna! personally i love the 4runner but the market is narrowing. unless they NEED the towing capability or the off road capability, it doesn't make sense for a lot of people. sometimes that's all the product knowledge you need, just simply how to point someone to the right vehicle so they dont buy the wrong one and hate it. people trade in 3 month old cars all the time because they made a mistake when buying it. they probably had a salesman that had so much product knowledge he didn't know how to listen to the needs of his customer
and this is why some people thing some salesmen are so horrible. 2 completely different customers with 2 completely different goals and 2 completely different jobs for the salesman. some people want a salesman to know way to much about the vehicle, some people only need to know money.
try completely immersing yourself into product knowledge then spend 3 straight months with customers asking you zero questions about any of it and see how sharp you stay. and to add to all that product knowledge, pile on the the biggest hurdle to selling cars, the payment. trust me, it doesnt matter how much you know about the 4wd system if the customer has negative equity on their trade, mediocre credit scores and a $400/month payment objective, they will not be buying it just because the CRAWL feature is neat. i'm the type of dude that researches and figures out exactly what i want then i go find it and buy it. 99% of people that wonder onto a dealership lot has no idea what they want or what they NEED. they're usually clueless and as long as you can get them to the right car (usually not the one they came to look at) in the right payment range you have a much higher chance of selling them something. every time i up someone looking at a 4runner i quickly find out they have no need for a 4runner but need a family car with 3rd row. lets look at a highlander and sienna! personally i love the 4runner but the market is narrowing. unless they NEED the towing capability or the off road capability, it doesn't make sense for a lot of people. sometimes that's all the product knowledge you need, just simply how to point someone to the right vehicle so they dont buy the wrong one and hate it. people trade in 3 month old cars all the time because they made a mistake when buying it. they probably had a salesman that had so much product knowledge he didn't know how to listen to the needs of his customer
Well said.
__________________
2011 NSSE (Option Package 3), Springtail (almost everything), Baja Utility Rack w/ Shovel/Axe and Hi-Lift Mounts, 70cm-2m HAM, Bearcat 880 CB, Nestor Antenna Mount(s), Anderson Power Distribution, Airaid CAI, Amsoil, Mirror Light PIAA and Dimmer Disk Removal, Leerburg Back Window Shackle, Black Labrador, Tribal Tatoo Graphics (Company Logo), MT Step Slider, Hela Horns, Firestik Safety Flag w/ Light, Bilstein 5100s on all 4s, FJ Joel Shift Knobs, M416(A1 axle) Trailer.
and keep in mind, every dealership sells used cars too. should we know everything about every car ever made? we never know what used stuff we'll have and it will sell before we learn about it. new cars are just trade bait, we make our money from selling used stuff. we dont make jack on new cars.
I think we all pretty much agree here on the fact that there are good and bad salesmen. I'm in the same boat. The problem is top down. If people are incentivized to push product, that's what they do to make ends meet. Doctors do the same thing. They're generally compensated by procedure. Guess what, that's why you have so many tests.
But, it's ok to vent too. I lead sales in our company, and I deal with the same perception. The best you can do is just be honest and helpful and also be willing to walk away as a salesperson. I'll tell you this though... As a salesman, as soon as you stop dripping, people stop wringing. So be honest about what you can give them up front and move on to the next deal. I turn people away all the time for wanting something for nothing.
__________________
2012 Quicksand AT/Offroad Pkg | Bajarack Utility Rack that can't be upgraded with the new super cool spy system light thingy! | All-Pro HREW Sliders
The AutoGuide.com network consists of the largest network of enthusiast-owned enthusiast-operated automotive communities.
AutoGuide.com provides the latest car reviews, auto show coverage, new car prices, and automotive news. The AutoGuide network operates more than 100 automotive forums where our users consult peers for shopping information and advice, and share opinions as a community.
Spud
| All-Pro HREW Sliders
Linear Mode
