Apr
After all, we consumers can see the invoice price on the web. We can learn about rebates, incentives and dealer holdback on the internet. Is the information age changing the vehicle sales industry? Or was the whole stereotype just a myth based on consumers being at a disadvantage on information?
Answer:
People like Vis are locked into a perception, and nothing will ever change that.
I’ve been in vehicle sales almost 15 yrs. I’ve seen just about everything change. Mostly for the superior for all of us.
The access consumers have to more, and better, information has created a different marketplace from what it was in the “old days”. As you stated, consumers can be superior educated now, and hopefully make better decisions. On the web banking has allowed people to apply and secure the best possible financing.
So - when it comes to all of us car salesmen being shady characters - has that changed? I know that peolpe like the first poster wish we all stood around in capes and top-hats, twirling our respective handlebar mustaches. Perception is a difficult thing to change, and some may never change.
I work very difficult to make sure all my customers have the best experience and get the best deal for ALL of us. It has to make sense on both sides of the table before its a deal. I learned a long time ago the difference between a sales professional, and the type of person Vis is referring to. A professional - like me - will work hard for every customer, and make sure they leave happy. That customer will send me his.her friends and family, and will purchase from me again. I stay at one dealership for years - not lot hop like the others who burn bridges each 6 months.
But another problem is that buyers take no responsibility and blame it all on that dastardly salesman! They come to me, upside down on a automobile, buried, no cash, and want a new automobile. I have the ability to explain all day long that this is a tough deal, and not in their ideal interest. They do it anyway, so I work for a week getting a bank to take this massive over advance. Finally, we’ve a lender, the deal is done. 6 months later, I’m the biggest jerk on earth because they owe $10k more than the vehicle is worth. People need to make smart financial decisions on their own. complaining when we sell you a automobile that you ASKED to buy, is like complaining that McDonalds sold you all those hamburgers.
We are - by and huge - hard working, good people. We’ve a job to do, families to support, and bills to pay too. I find I have the ability to do all of that without being the villain, but I know that some will always see it that way.
Such is life - cant change everyone, just one person at a time.
Answer:
This day is the same as the past in that a dealer wants as much profit as is possible. The information age has brought educated buyers to the market and reduced the profit. That's not to state a buyer in the past couldn’t haggle and get a good deal. What’s also true is that there’s not as much room between actual dealer invoice and Mfg sticker price so there is not as much haggle room.
The bottom line is that there is a low point at which a dealer can sell and remain in business. That low point can and does vary between dealers. The salesman does not control this at all. He wants the most profit possible because of commission but will take little commission over none every time
Be an educated buyer and you will come out the best but do not be surprised if you can’t purchase a vehicle as cheap as you might have figured. If you can then you’re that much superior off.
By the way when was the last time you haggle on the price of furniture, electronics, or jewelry. Those prices are often negotiable also.
Answer:
With anything in life, there are good vehicle salespeople and bad car salespeople. Ethincal and unethical.
Most car salespeople realize that there consumers have everything at their fingertips to keep from getting screwed, yet most consumers are still not prepared when they walk into a dealership.
A Car salesperson is trying to make a living, like anyone else, and I think most consumers are ok with them getting a reasonable commission.
Although it was easier for automobile salespeople to be unethical or screw a consumer in the past, if someone gets screwed on a car deal nowadays, they have no one to blame but themselves.
First of all, as a consumer, if you don't feel like you can trust the salesperson you’re working with or what is being presented to sign, then get out of there and go somewhere else.
Lastly, people need to get financing arranged and know what they are buying and the value of it before signing anything.
You can't really blame a dealership or a automobile salesperson for making a profit if the consumer is going to let them by being unprepared.
Answer:
No, I don't think it's a myth, they are out to make money just as the rest of us working class, but some are more greedy than others especially used car salesmen.
One note on buying cars, you will definity get the screws buying a 'used' automobile than a 'new' one, that's where they make a killing. One thing you do have to watch out for on a new vehicle purchase is what the dealer adds on, like shipping/destination fees and other goodies.
The information age is great, and I completely agree with you on this one, it has changed for the better for the consumer.
Answer:
Thousands upon thousands of straight up deals, of which people are extremely happy and excited about, happen every day. A handfull of people get screwed or lied to by a handfull of salesman, and those are the only ones you hear about.
My ability to sell is based on the truth, even given the opportunity to screw someone (which happens a lot) I don't do it, and most salespeople will agree.
The bottom line is, an unhappy voice is heard more than a happy one.
Answer:
a vehicle salesman will screw you everytime that’ll never change its always best to educate yourself on your buy edmunds.com will help or if you have a carmax in your area….never trust your salesman he is working for the commision Book Mark it-> del.icio.us | Reddit | Slashdot | Digg | Facebook | Technorati | Google | StumbleUpon | Window Live | Tailrank | Furl | Netscape | Yahoo | BlinkList