Problems already in my new job (car salesman)
Discussion
You are right to be worried. You are being asked to pick up the dribs and drabs, then basically you are being discrimated against - change of terms in your agreement....you've got an agreement right where these things are yours to aid you in your job? Thought not.
I think you need to sit down with your manager and work out exactly what your (and if you can the other guys) targets are. Ask your manager if, in his eyes, your new situation and the new guy will affect your targets and how.
You're 22 - a few replies here suggesting you bend over and take one for the team. b
ks to that. fk 'em all, you're in sales, stand up and be counted. They are taking your money to make life easier for them.
I think you are being set up for a fall. I think you know this though.
Put the professional pressure on your boss, ask him what he expects of you. If you sell 3 cars a month from the back office - do you actually think you could sell 6 from the front? If you were the first point of contact do you think that would increase your sales? Are you better than this new guy?- if so state it and prove it.
If you fail you will live and learn by your mistake.
Simple Business. The world is full of fkers, but most are stupid.
Good luck, never ever give up.
I think you need to sit down with your manager and work out exactly what your (and if you can the other guys) targets are. Ask your manager if, in his eyes, your new situation and the new guy will affect your targets and how.
You're 22 - a few replies here suggesting you bend over and take one for the team. b
ks to that. fk 'em all, you're in sales, stand up and be counted. They are taking your money to make life easier for them.I think you are being set up for a fall. I think you know this though.
Put the professional pressure on your boss, ask him what he expects of you. If you sell 3 cars a month from the back office - do you actually think you could sell 6 from the front? If you were the first point of contact do you think that would increase your sales? Are you better than this new guy?- if so state it and prove it.
If you fail you will live and learn by your mistake.
Simple Business. The world is full of f
kers, but most are stupid.Good luck, never ever give up.
You should think of your boss as your MOST important customer. After all, he can affect your future more than any individual customer.
Would you moan to a customer? Obviously not, so don't moan to your boss.
You've been given a start in sales. Your personal situation is now probably much better than it was a couple of months ago. So don't compare yourself with anybody else, just ask if you are better off now than you were before.
As a young inexperienced salesman, you cannot expect the same pay and conditions as someone with a track record. This can change remarkably quickly.
Every job has its ups and downs. So far you have been enjoying it.
Don
--
Would you moan to a customer? Obviously not, so don't moan to your boss.
You've been given a start in sales. Your personal situation is now probably much better than it was a couple of months ago. So don't compare yourself with anybody else, just ask if you are better off now than you were before.
As a young inexperienced salesman, you cannot expect the same pay and conditions as someone with a track record. This can change remarkably quickly.
Every job has its ups and downs. So far you have been enjoying it.
Don
--
Firstly, congratulations on selling your first car!
I don't think that it's much of an problem being put in an office, I personally prefer it to the showroom floor as I have a bit of an issue with people "listening in" when I am trying to do my job. You should be getting your fair share of the telephone/internet enquiry anyway (if not, then you do have an grievence), and you can always get up and drag people off the forecourt.
I do have issues though with a couple of points in your post.
You are in the showroom to make them, and you money. Even if you have been taken on as a trainee, you should be seeing MORE people, not less than the experienced members of your team.
Due to the fact that you have only been there a couple of weeks, it may be best to let it pass on this occasion but make a note of it, you could need to take it up with the Dealer Principle at a later date should this carry on. It borders on bullying for me.
As for the car, it's either part of your package or it isn't. If you are paying tax on it, then you should be driving it. I am unsure here as it may not be part of your deal until the probationary period is over, you'll quickly know when you get your first pay slip!
Do not let this idiot put you off. This is a very rewarding business, both personally and financially and like everything else it is a skill that can and will be fine tuned over a period of time.
Test drive everybody! Bums on seats sell cars.
Best of luck.
I don't think that it's much of an problem being put in an office, I personally prefer it to the showroom floor as I have a bit of an issue with people "listening in" when I am trying to do my job. You should be getting your fair share of the telephone/internet enquiry anyway (if not, then you do have an grievence), and you can always get up and drag people off the forecourt.
I do have issues though with a couple of points in your post.
Monkey news manager said said:
"let the other salesmans serve before you and then pick up the dribs and drabs".
This is disgraceful. It's de-motivating, patronising, unprofessional and downright rude. I wouldn't let my Father speak to me in that manner, never mind a jumped up Sales Manager, who does he think he is?You are in the showroom to make them, and you money. Even if you have been taken on as a trainee, you should be seeing MORE people, not less than the experienced members of your team.
Due to the fact that you have only been there a couple of weeks, it may be best to let it pass on this occasion but make a note of it, you could need to take it up with the Dealer Principle at a later date should this carry on. It borders on bullying for me.
As for the car, it's either part of your package or it isn't. If you are paying tax on it, then you should be driving it. I am unsure here as it may not be part of your deal until the probationary period is over, you'll quickly know when you get your first pay slip!
Do not let this idiot put you off. This is a very rewarding business, both personally and financially and like everything else it is a skill that can and will be fine tuned over a period of time.
Test drive everybody! Bums on seats sell cars.
Best of luck.
First off, thank you everyone for taking time out to reply.
Yesturday I met the new guy which is taking my desk and first off, he has the worlds most pathetic handshake. He also came across as being very cocky (a bit of a jack the lad character) and not very confident in what he was preaching about in sales ( I am aware that I have contradicted myself, but he was a weird one). I also spoke to one of my co-workers who knows of this fella, and it isn't good news. Apparently he is very lazy and he had a bad track record for meeting targets.
As for speaking to my line manager (of which is a really nice guy), I have taken your advice on board and made a note of everything that was said, which I will bring up after my 3 months probationary period. Looking back at what was said, I am very glad I didn't fly off the wall like I would have done normally. I really do not like to be treated any different than anyone else, but I am new, so I will just work my arse off to prove to my manager that I can do my job. Oh and I won't be picking up the dribs and drabs, if none of my colleagues can be arsed to speak to people, then that isn't my fault. I am very determined to make my next sale, however I do need to practice "closing the deal". I really do enjoy this job so far, it is exactly what I wanted it to be, well apart from the long hours (10 hour days is knackering me out
)
Yesturday I met the new guy which is taking my desk and first off, he has the worlds most pathetic handshake. He also came across as being very cocky (a bit of a jack the lad character) and not very confident in what he was preaching about in sales ( I am aware that I have contradicted myself, but he was a weird one). I also spoke to one of my co-workers who knows of this fella, and it isn't good news. Apparently he is very lazy and he had a bad track record for meeting targets.
As for speaking to my line manager (of which is a really nice guy), I have taken your advice on board and made a note of everything that was said, which I will bring up after my 3 months probationary period. Looking back at what was said, I am very glad I didn't fly off the wall like I would have done normally. I really do not like to be treated any different than anyone else, but I am new, so I will just work my arse off to prove to my manager that I can do my job. Oh and I won't be picking up the dribs and drabs, if none of my colleagues can be arsed to speak to people, then that isn't my fault. I am very determined to make my next sale, however I do need to practice "closing the deal". I really do enjoy this job so far, it is exactly what I wanted it to be, well apart from the long hours (10 hour days is knackering me out
)Edited by Monkey news on Saturday 24th July 12:04
Edited by Monkey news on Saturday 24th July 12:06
Most definitely bring it up.
One of the hardest parts of any sales job is probably "kicking back" appropriately. Which is to say standing your ground in a way that is professional and courteous while maling your point and getting the result you want. This is true with customers, colleagues superiors and subordinates in any role I have worked in.
First off, most definitely do not lose your temper, "fly off the handle" or anything else. Don't be afraid to move slowly, you're young and inexperienced and it is wise to reflect thoroughly on what is said.
I would simply ask very straight "why have I been moved to a less prominent desk?"
The likelihood is that the reason will be along the lines of "Mr X is a very experienced salesman who we believe can close more business for the dealership, and it will be good for you to learn from him."
This might be true in itself, however it does not mean that you should be limited and disadvantaged in your customer exposure.
What it possibly does mean - I'm getting a few steps ahead here but bear with me - is that he has wowed the manager in an interview then made this a key demand when it came to offer stage. The manager has then thought that he could certainly do with more sales and the new lad (you) is young enough and keen enough to take this on the chin.
I would then ask your sales manager, as a more experienced car salesman who presumably wants you to sell, how can you make up for the lack of exposure you will have to new customers in your new place. I don't know too much about car sales in a dealership, but somes ideas would be calling through lists of recent walk in customers, talking to local businesses who might be buying company vehicles, anything taht would increase your exposure.
Also, don't be afraid to suggest reshuffling things if you feel you are at a disadvantage. Say you are happy to learn from more experienced salesmen (as I presume you are) but that you also want to be dealing with customers and closing sales, so how about rotating desks monthly?
As a salesman it is entirely appropriate to be forthright with your manager about the things that can make you more effective as a salesman, so long as you are polite and professional about it, as this is d in his interests also. It is also a good idea to keep an eye on his main interest whcih is bringing more business in. If for example you have 50 walk in customers per day and on average 2 lead to a sale then he might well not really care who or how those 2 are converted. If you can suggest either a way of getting 60 walk in customers, or 4/50 converted then he will be interested. Which is a long winded way of saying don't look to grab a bigger slice of the pie, look to bake a bigger pie.
Most definitely do stand your ground though and raise things which concern you as a push over salesman who stays quiet with things that he is unhappy about will more than likely be the same with customers, hence close less , and less profitable business.
One of the hardest parts of any sales job is probably "kicking back" appropriately. Which is to say standing your ground in a way that is professional and courteous while maling your point and getting the result you want. This is true with customers, colleagues superiors and subordinates in any role I have worked in.
First off, most definitely do not lose your temper, "fly off the handle" or anything else. Don't be afraid to move slowly, you're young and inexperienced and it is wise to reflect thoroughly on what is said.
I would simply ask very straight "why have I been moved to a less prominent desk?"
The likelihood is that the reason will be along the lines of "Mr X is a very experienced salesman who we believe can close more business for the dealership, and it will be good for you to learn from him."
This might be true in itself, however it does not mean that you should be limited and disadvantaged in your customer exposure.
What it possibly does mean - I'm getting a few steps ahead here but bear with me - is that he has wowed the manager in an interview then made this a key demand when it came to offer stage. The manager has then thought that he could certainly do with more sales and the new lad (you) is young enough and keen enough to take this on the chin.
I would then ask your sales manager, as a more experienced car salesman who presumably wants you to sell, how can you make up for the lack of exposure you will have to new customers in your new place. I don't know too much about car sales in a dealership, but somes ideas would be calling through lists of recent walk in customers, talking to local businesses who might be buying company vehicles, anything taht would increase your exposure.
Also, don't be afraid to suggest reshuffling things if you feel you are at a disadvantage. Say you are happy to learn from more experienced salesmen (as I presume you are) but that you also want to be dealing with customers and closing sales, so how about rotating desks monthly?
As a salesman it is entirely appropriate to be forthright with your manager about the things that can make you more effective as a salesman, so long as you are polite and professional about it, as this is d in his interests also. It is also a good idea to keep an eye on his main interest whcih is bringing more business in. If for example you have 50 walk in customers per day and on average 2 lead to a sale then he might well not really care who or how those 2 are converted. If you can suggest either a way of getting 60 walk in customers, or 4/50 converted then he will be interested. Which is a long winded way of saying don't look to grab a bigger slice of the pie, look to bake a bigger pie.
Most definitely do stand your ground though and raise things which concern you as a push over salesman who stays quiet with things that he is unhappy about will more than likely be the same with customers, hence close less , and less profitable business.
Deva Link said:
Monkey news said:
.....I really do enjoy talking to customers about our products. I get quite a kick from it.
... my manager has been sent emails from customers saying how much of a polite young man that I am and I have a great product knowledge..
Pher's will probably hate this, but as a sales manager (in a different industry) I would say... Those customers probably sucked you dry for info, and then went and ordered from a broker.... my manager has been sent emails from customers saying how much of a polite young man that I am and I have a great product knowledge..
Be careful not to rely too heavily on your technical knowledge when trying to sell a car. There are loads of buyers around at the moment that will use you to obtain the knowledge that they won't get elsewhere and then take that knowledge to do business with those suppliers that do not provide much info but do have the best deals. You do not have the benefit of product USPs - an Astra LX from you is the same as an Astra LX from a competitor. It's a real
's trick really but we are increasingly price and deal driven, with customer service and quality taking a back seat. The first thing that sprung to mind to me, when you mentioned you're being moved to a 'dingy office', is that it's a deliberate move by your manager to encourage you to be up and about, walking around the showroom (which is where you should be in my view, there are plenty of salespeople who like sitting behind their desks, rather than being visible and 'available' to customers). It might be that every time he's ventured into the showroom, he's seen you sitting behind your desk, rather than being on your feet, primed and ready for action so to speak.
Now, that might just be unhappy coincidence (it happened to me, although not in a sales role), but it might be that it's your boss's perception, and it may be hard to shake. It may not, but it strikes me that he's done it to see what you'll do, to see if you will indeed stay in your office, at your desk, or will be walking around the showroom.
His suggestion that you 'pick up the dribs and drabs' might also be a way of reinforcing this too, he might well have got the impression that you like to stay out of the way, and aren't always first to react (I'm not saying this is true for a second, just that it may be an impression you give). The suggestion that you stay out of the way will either encourage you to do just that, in which case you're no use as a salesman and will soon be fired, or it'll give you the mindset that 'you'll show them what you can do', and will be out there, getting first dibs on all the customers.
Either that or you're driving all the customers back out the door without selling them anything, and none of the other salespeople are getting a look in. If this is the case, you need to change your approach, as has been mentioned already.
Don't make enemies of the other salepeople, but I would think that you really need to be out there getting as many customers as you can, and start closing some deals.
Now, that might just be unhappy coincidence (it happened to me, although not in a sales role), but it might be that it's your boss's perception, and it may be hard to shake. It may not, but it strikes me that he's done it to see what you'll do, to see if you will indeed stay in your office, at your desk, or will be walking around the showroom.
His suggestion that you 'pick up the dribs and drabs' might also be a way of reinforcing this too, he might well have got the impression that you like to stay out of the way, and aren't always first to react (I'm not saying this is true for a second, just that it may be an impression you give). The suggestion that you stay out of the way will either encourage you to do just that, in which case you're no use as a salesman and will soon be fired, or it'll give you the mindset that 'you'll show them what you can do', and will be out there, getting first dibs on all the customers.
Either that or you're driving all the customers back out the door without selling them anything, and none of the other salespeople are getting a look in. If this is the case, you need to change your approach, as has been mentioned already.
Don't make enemies of the other salepeople, but I would think that you really need to be out there getting as many customers as you can, and start closing some deals.
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