Car salesman thread

[va1o]

rj1986 said:

We've looked, and do like them, but as they all start around 11-12k, whilst a good Fiat 500 can be had for £6-8k.
So if there are A1's that are out there for cheaper (circa 10k), i would lean towards them. That's all i was asking.

Not going to happen I'm afraid! £10k is the absolute bottom of the market for a clean A1. It would have to be a complete dog, ultra high mileage or a write off to get it for anything less. They are still very desirable and sought after with even the earliest 2010 cars still making good money.

Buying new through a broker will maybe save £500 - £1000 dependant on model, but some versions like the SE simply don't get discounted.

[Roo]

carlove said:

I have a question, last month I bought a used BMW from the main dealer and I just wondered where the money goes, how much goes to the dealer? how much goes to BMW? and how much goes to the salesman? If that's how it works of course.

Sorry if you're asked this a lot or if it's a daft question but the thought just popped up so thought I'd ask.

All the money goes to the dealer unless it was specifically a manufacturer owned car in which case he now needs to pay fo it.

Salesman will earn his commission according to his contract.

[rj1986]

va1o said:

Not going to happen I'm afraid! £10k is the absolute bottom of the market for a clean A1. It would have to be a complete dog, ultra high mileage or a write off to get it for anything less. They are still very desirable and sought after with even the earliest 2010 cars still making good money.

Buying new through a broker will maybe save £500 - £1000 dependant on model, but some versions like the SE simply don't get discounted.

Cheers.
I reckoned that was the case, so will probably stick with the 500 or a newer
Mini.

Ta

[drophead]

BE57 TOY said:

When I open it on my iPhone it shows me a pic of the steering wheel.

I just wouldn't mention any negatives or potential negatives of the car which would make someone consider a different car or a different type of car.

Happy to re write it for you or help you re write it if you'd like some help!

Ah ok, I'll have a look when I get back home and can sort the photos out.

I've just deleted the stuff you said to.

If you are free to re-write my ad then thank-you in advance!

[carlove]

Roo said:

All the money goes to the dealer unless it was specifically a manufacturer owned car in which case he now needs to pay fo it.

Salesman will earn his commission according to his contract.

That answers my question nicely, thanks.

[Fast Bug]

dav123a said:

Are many dealers owned or part owned by the manufacturers ? Seem to think one of the skoda dealer groups are.

Mercedes own the Mercedes Retail dealers, Ford have a dealer group as well I think. I'm not sure if VW do, I do know they use to own quite a few sites though and have a dealer run them for them. I think it's more common than you'd think, with margins getting tighter I can see it happening more often especially in areas where land/property expensive.

[rehab71]

Fast Bug said:

dav123a said:

Are many dealers owned or part owned by the manufacturers ? Seem to think one of the skoda dealer groups are.

Mercedes own the Mercedes Retail dealers, Ford have a dealer group as well I think. I'm not sure if VW do, I do know they use to own quite a few sites though and have a dealer run them for them. I think it's more common than you'd think, with margins getting tighter I can see it happening more often especially in areas where land/property expensive.

Ford have lots.

Nissan own a few too.

[BE57 TOY]

Went to BMW and Audi today and wasn't approached by sales staff at either. I was only looking so not bothered, but i was a bit surprised as I was the only customer on both occasions and was expecting to at least have a short conversation. Maybe I looked scruffy in jeans and checkered shirt. The search continues!!

[Butter Face]

Didn't you ask for any help?

[BE57 TOY]

Butter Face said:

Didn't you ask for any help?

No didnt ask for any because I didn't need any, but I was surprised not to be approached.

It's not a problem that I wasn't, that's not my point, more just surprising!

[Fast Bug]

A customer should always be greeted, even if it's a simple 'hello I'm Fast Bug and I'll be over there if you need me'

[va1o]

BE57 TOY said:

No didnt ask for any because I didn't need any, but I was surprised not to be approached.

It's not a problem that I wasn't, that's not my point, more just surprising!

I agree with you, it's a strange phenomenon.

[anonymous-user]

It's a requirement of our manufacturers that all guests are greeted within one minute of walking through the door.

[MaximumJed]

Good to see the thread back, I enjoyed reading the previous one a lot.

I do need to ask a favour though, do any BMW people know if there are still M3 LE 500 Convertibles still available? The 0% offer is looking pretty good and the LE ticks a few boxes I want for a bit less money.

Thanks in advance

[GhiaX]

Do you all have Receptionists still to greet the customers?

My Dealer did away with all of them within our Group years ago and rely on Service Receptionists or wander Salesmen to greet potential customers.

[longblackcoat]

Which manufacturers do you think have the best dealership training programme?

I ask becuase I've had occasion to go to several Toyota dealerships recently, and they've been absolutely excellent, from saleperson to service manager, to mechanic. All uniformly excellent, at two unrelated dealerships. Polite, knowledgable, not too pushy ... really, really impressive.

Far more so than Mercedes - my local place is good-ish but not excellent, and waaaay better than either my local Ford, Volvo or VW places.

I've been so (pleasantly) surprised by the Toyota experience that when it comes to replacing Mrs Longblackcoat's car, I'll be looking at Toyota, which I'd not previously have considered.

[HTP99]

GhiaX said:

Do you all have Receptionists still to greet the customers?

My Dealer did away with all of them within our Group years ago and rely on Service Receptionists or wander Salesmen to greet potential customers.

I think it all depends on the size of the dealership, we don't have one and TBH a receptionist isn't needed, I will answer any incoming calls, as will anyone else in the building and I will grab anyone coming in, if they want a different dept. I will point them in the right direction.

Our larger branch has a receptionist however sales guys will still grab a customer if they can, before they get to the receptionist.

I believe Toyota dealers have greeters, these guys, obviously, greet anyone coming in to the building and help with their enquiry and I think salesmen keep out of the way until one is specifically asked for.

Edited by HTP99 on Friday 24th May 09:12

[DocArbathnot]

3 meeter greeters during the week and two at weekends (Service dept quieter @ weekends)

To feed 9 salesmen and 4 service receptionists.

[Save Ferris]

HTP99 said:

I believe Toyota dealers have greeters, these guys, obviously, greet anyone coming in to the building and help with their enquiry and I think salesmen keep out of the way until one is specifically asked for.

This is how its supposed to work, but if the host is busy, the salesmen will get involved straight away, or if its a used enquiry, they will go straight out to the forecourt.

[Private Pile]

I have noticed that several companies online offer HPI checks, and the price varies a lot. Is there a preferred service to use or are they all much the same?

Also, i take it HPI also covers motorbikes ( for insurance claims and finance remaining ) ?

Thanks ( and happy that this thread has returned ).