The feeling of the cool spring air brushing past your face as you drive down the smooth ash-vault path; foot steadily on the gas pedal pressing you closer into your seat. The long red dial ticking clockwise as the roar of the motor envelops your ears. The crisp smell of fresh fabric and newly fabricated leather paneling. The excitement you get when the color, options and sparkling set of rims are calling out to you; the perfect new ride.
This is all a part of this experience we called…. Buying a new vehicle!
Now. Maybe this is not the feeling you get when YOU are buying a new car. Maybe it’s as simple as you need an update from your old vehicle, your current one is no longer safe, or large enough for your growing family. Or maybe, you do feel this way and you are excited about your car buying experience…Maybe you have a passion for every detail that has been thought out and put into making your future purchase one to turn heads.
For some, buying a car is daunting; terrifying if you will. The image of a middle aged, overweight, pushy, partially unbuttoned Hawaiian shirt wearing, guy named Morty, is often what pops into a lot of consumers heads when they think of a car salesman. I can guarantee you…. this is something you see in a late 1980’s movie depicting a “typical” car salesman; and may possibly be accurate for 2% of the sales population. Another interesting stereotype is that ALL salesman in the automotive industry are liars and will try and take advantage of you in your excited car buying frenzied state. Well, yes…. There are (unfortunately) some who, do infact, try and overcharge or make more money on a sale than what is reasonably fair. But that’s like saying all mothers should be banned from giving their children cold medicine because a small group of incompetent parents used it as a tool to get them to sleep (this is an actual example that happened… but yes we still have access to cold medication). Why? Because not all parents are the same. Neither are doctors, lawyers, McDonald’s counter staff members and salesman, to name a few examples. Educate yourselves… You’ll see what I’m talking about.
Now, for my point of view. I love my passionate, enthusiastic, charger driving, car magazine buying, talk for 2 hours before bed about new products on the market automotive salesman of a boyfriend. Now this is a man who is truly passionate about what he does; what he sells. Countless evenings I have listened to the low rumbling sound of an engine bellowing from youtube and the marvelous child like giggle he gets when the driver presses down on the gas pedal and the sharp sputter and whip of the exhaust hits you deep in your chest. Our grocery list includes the latest edition of motor trend as do birthday and Christmas wish lists. He is not alone in this feeling. Many people who have chosen this career too, genuinely LOVE cars. But slowly, I am seeing his light fade; his excitement to go to work waiver. This is not because of the products he sells. It has nothing to do with his coworkers, or management. Not because of his hours, or pay (which BTW to all you consumers out there…. Car salesmen Do Not make a dime if they do not sell… which equates to many unpaid hours spent at work).
What is the reason you ask? Well… It’s because of you. Retail public. Consumers. Those of you who have no concept of keeping or canceling an appointment. No respect for others time or effort. Those of you who lack communication skills and the capability to be honest about what you are looking for, your commitment to buying, and your financial situation. Don’t get me wrong, a part of their job is to give you their time and attention to help you buy the right vehicle, one that you will be excited about, one that you can financially handle. But if you find yourself being described in any of the above statements, then you have no business stepping foot in a dealership unless you clearly state: ” I am not buying today, or anytime soon, thank you”.
A few other reasons you should not be stepping into a dealership:
-You owe large sums of money to debt collectors or are not up to date on your child support.
-You have claimed bankruptcy in the last 3 years, or had a vehicle repossessed in the last year; especially not in the last 2 months! (yes this has happened)
-You just want to sit in the new Charger Hellcat that is on display in the show room.
-You want to test drive a car with no intention of buying.
-They offer great tasting coffee, their balloons are keeping your kids occupied and it’s raining out.
– You want to know the value of your trade in before even looking at a new car; and the trade in isn’t even yours, it’s your moms.
-You are looking to buy next year. But want a full and detailed descriptions of what’s available on the lot now.
I do realize that our views of things differentiate due to our individual perception. Our brains forming ideas and opinions based on our surroundings, experiences and stories from other people’s view. So I apologize for my previous rant. But there’s a perspective you don’t get to see. And from a commission sales point of view, life, in this industry can be incredibly stressful. You are fully depending on the public to be able to pay your bills and take care of your family. This business can be incredibly lucrative, with hard work, time and determination. But again, with dependence on the public. I suppose my whole point in writing this is to hit these key points:
1. Your time is not just your time.
2. We humans have not developed the ability to read minds. Be honest. It’s disappointing when a sales person is expecting a sale (sometimes putting off other customers for you, and possibly losing another sale) and then you really weren’t interested or we’re hiding some financial problems to the very end hoping it won’t be noticed. BTW: you are applying for a loan! Of course your credit will come into account! Be aware of your financial status! Not just for the salesman’s well being but for the rest of society.
3. He or She has other places they would like to be; their children’s hockey games or school concerts. Family events, holidays etc. be prompt and on time!
4. Don’t ask for more than what you are willing to pay for. They need to keep their lights on too… They are after all running a business. If you want leather seats and navigation… You are going to have to pay more. You don’t go to Walmart and negotiate on the price of a BBQ! Then ask them to throw in the BBQ sauce and tool set for free! You’re lucky they can make things work for your budget the best they can.
5. If you are shopping around, just say it. It will waste less of your time and your salesman. They are most likely wanting to keep your sale and will work to get you the best price they can. And hey, if a guy has spent a ton of time on you, and you do go look at prices somewhere else, let him know. It’s common courtesy. And you never know, maybe there’s something else they could do for you? Either way. Be respectful.
6. Other dealerships will always give you more for your trade to win you over. They just hide the cost in your final numbers. Be aware of this. Be aware of what you are paying for, read everything before you sign, and ask for a breakdown.
So to sum this up, please take this post to heart. Have fun buying your new car, but keep in mind, the person you are dealing with is also a human, with goals and bills to pay. Not only will this make a way better experience for you, you will gain a salesman you can trust and depend on to provide you with a vehicle that isn’t going to put you in the hole. They work hard to gain repeat business and referrals, it’s how commission sales works!
Alyssa's MOMoirs 