Just started in sales for my local BMW dealer :) Questions..
Discussion
As stated above, you need the right content online to draw people to your door.
However, I'm a real sucker for great service, and hate pushy sales people. I just walk off when I'm being harassed or feel in any way under pressure. My wife and I went to see a car for sale a few months ago. In truth we were just going for a test drive as it was the closest to us in the same spec we wanted. The car was too expensive for us, however we intended to have a drive and head off and buy one privately at a cheaper price if we liked the feel of it. But, the sales guy was brilliant.. Really knowledgeable about the car, the range, other engine and gearbox options plus other makes we were also considering. Anyway, we left feeling content with our research and actually discussed the salesman (Ben) for a few minutes remarking how much we liked him and what a great place the garage would be to buy a car from. Some weeks later after we hadn't found the right car at the right price we went back to see Ben - and bought the car!
The after sales service has since been brilliant too, so the lasting impression of Ben and his garage is very positive. We will certainly be going back. Of course the car and price will have to be right, however we'll be asking for Ben.
However, I'm a real sucker for great service, and hate pushy sales people. I just walk off when I'm being harassed or feel in any way under pressure. My wife and I went to see a car for sale a few months ago. In truth we were just going for a test drive as it was the closest to us in the same spec we wanted. The car was too expensive for us, however we intended to have a drive and head off and buy one privately at a cheaper price if we liked the feel of it. But, the sales guy was brilliant.. Really knowledgeable about the car, the range, other engine and gearbox options plus other makes we were also considering. Anyway, we left feeling content with our research and actually discussed the salesman (Ben) for a few minutes remarking how much we liked him and what a great place the garage would be to buy a car from. Some weeks later after we hadn't found the right car at the right price we went back to see Ben - and bought the car!
The after sales service has since been brilliant too, so the lasting impression of Ben and his garage is very positive. We will certainly be going back. Of course the car and price will have to be right, however we'll be asking for Ben.
This is probably my 5th post on this thread because its a major bug bear for me. Expectation setting and hidden extras. I looked at a car, went for a test drive, sat down with the sales guy to talk numbers and he promptly told me the car "needed" to also have paint protection, gap insurance, tax and something else I can't remember that in total added 2k to the price. If he'd added road tax and then talked about the extras then fair enough, a bit of upselling, but his attitude was I would be taking them.
The car was an 3 year R8.. so not cheap.. they were great until we say down to talk numbers.. first added 2k of stuff as above, then told me it would be worth nothing in 2 years and then said if I wanted finance, the interest would be 13k, and then said the free servicing advertised didn't apply to the car. I walked...
The car was an 3 year R8.. so not cheap.. they were great until we say down to talk numbers.. first added 2k of stuff as above, then told me it would be worth nothing in 2 years and then said if I wanted finance, the interest would be 13k, and then said the free servicing advertised didn't apply to the car. I walked...
I'm in sales and always fancied a crack at car sales. I've always sat the other side of the table with a terrible sales guy (never a girl, interestingly) making my teeth itch.
Latest experience was buying a used Focus for mum. She needed an auto which immediately narrowed options a lot. We saw one on the Ford site down at Thames Ditton which seemed to fit the bill so drove down to take a look.
Walking into their car park, I spotted the car off to one side so immediately headed over to it. It was a mess - clearly being used as the dealership hack, used tissues and empty drinks bottles in the back, filthy dirty, bashed and scuffed left, right and centre... Really terrible. Some older guy came over and asked if he could help. Told him what we were looking for and we'd seen this for sale but weren't impressed. He immediately lied straight to my face:
"Oh, this one has just come in today as part exchange, we haven't valeted it yet..."
Yeah right mate - that's why it's up on the website already and all valeted is it? He must have thought me some kind of mug. I then proceeded to swerve his terrible subsequent queries about budget, when were we looking to buy etc. When I said we weren't desperate to buy and would, in all likelihood, not be interested in buying that particular car he decided it was because it was too expensive for us.
Anyway, suffice to say we didn't buy from them and found one at an independent later that day for about a grand more which Mum put a deposit down on and picked up a week later.
The main dealer experience was terrible and we'll never darken their door again. Ever.
Never, EVER lie to a customer. Never.
Latest experience was buying a used Focus for mum. She needed an auto which immediately narrowed options a lot. We saw one on the Ford site down at Thames Ditton which seemed to fit the bill so drove down to take a look.
Walking into their car park, I spotted the car off to one side so immediately headed over to it. It was a mess - clearly being used as the dealership hack, used tissues and empty drinks bottles in the back, filthy dirty, bashed and scuffed left, right and centre... Really terrible. Some older guy came over and asked if he could help. Told him what we were looking for and we'd seen this for sale but weren't impressed. He immediately lied straight to my face:
"Oh, this one has just come in today as part exchange, we haven't valeted it yet..."
Yeah right mate - that's why it's up on the website already and all valeted is it? He must have thought me some kind of mug. I then proceeded to swerve his terrible subsequent queries about budget, when were we looking to buy etc. When I said we weren't desperate to buy and would, in all likelihood, not be interested in buying that particular car he decided it was because it was too expensive for us.
Anyway, suffice to say we didn't buy from them and found one at an independent later that day for about a grand more which Mum put a deposit down on and picked up a week later.
The main dealer experience was terrible and we'll never darken their door again. Ever.
Never, EVER lie to a customer. Never.
Jon1967x said:
....but his attitude was I would be taking them.
"Assumptive" selling is a perfectly valid technique. Bear in mind if he doesn't sell paint protection, GAP etc to most customers then he isn't going to be working there very long. So you probably did him a favour by walking.I used to sell new and used cars from a BMW dealership - an interesting experience but not one I would want to go back to. My experiences tell me that for every idiot salesman, there's an idiot customer. The number of times I was blatantly lied to by a customer reinforces the old trade slogan 'buyers are liars'.
Some customers are great. You can have a deal with them, and I have to repeat the mantra about never making promises you can't keep. But some are just morons. I recall some prat ringing up about a really nice low mileage 325Ti Compact we had in. According to his phone description, his 100'000 mile 51 plate Passat 1.8 Estate was good but with a scrape on the rear arch. I bid him a grand over the phone subject to an inspection - a fair price for a high mileage s
tter, even back then. He turned up in this thing that didn't have a straight panel on it - it was just rubbish. He made some laughable offer that I declined with the smug grin I reserved for such smartarses. He went back home (60 miles each way), rang me later to make another less derisory offer just to 'clear it off your forecourt' at which point I reminded the prat that 'we are a BMW main dealer, and we do not indulge in the practice of clearing cars off forecourts'. I also offered him £350 for the Passat because in my view it was scrap and not worth auctioning. Cue much coughing and spluttering and off he fked. His loss because someone else had it 2 days later from one of my colleagues
But, for every prat like him there were customers who got a really nice car at a good price, for whom I would provide the kind of service you expect. The bottom line thought is that in the motor trade - no matter what establishment is involved - there is mistrust on both sides.
I do not miss it one jot.
Some customers are great. You can have a deal with them, and I have to repeat the mantra about never making promises you can't keep. But some are just morons. I recall some prat ringing up about a really nice low mileage 325Ti Compact we had in. According to his phone description, his 100'000 mile 51 plate Passat 1.8 Estate was good but with a scrape on the rear arch. I bid him a grand over the phone subject to an inspection - a fair price for a high mileage s
tter, even back then. He turned up in this thing that didn't have a straight panel on it - it was just rubbish. He made some laughable offer that I declined with the smug grin I reserved for such smartarses. He went back home (60 miles each way), rang me later to make another less derisory offer just to 'clear it off your forecourt' at which point I reminded the prat that 'we are a BMW main dealer, and we do not indulge in the practice of clearing cars off forecourts'. I also offered him £350 for the Passat because in my view it was scrap and not worth auctioning. Cue much coughing and spluttering and off he fked. His loss because someone else had it 2 days later from one of my colleaguesBut, for every prat like him there were customers who got a really nice car at a good price, for whom I would provide the kind of service you expect. The bottom line thought is that in the motor trade - no matter what establishment is involved - there is mistrust on both sides.
I do not miss it one jot.
coldsnap said:
jimbop1 said:
What did you think of the 125d??
You still waiting on the OP or should I say salesman getting back to you? typical eh! 
However, we took the M135i and the 125D out at the same time and A/B'd them over the same roads at the same times. Both had M Sport plus packages (big brakes, xenons etc) sports auto box and aside from the exhausts, badges and mirror caps looked the same to the untrained eye.
The 125D was fantastic, I personally preferred it to the M135i in almost every way except the sound. At low speeds the engine seemed much better suited to the gearbox and the massive torque in a small car made pressing on a joy. It feels quicker to 60 than the quoted 6.5 seconds too.
I highly recommend finding one for a test drive, As long as the right options are ticked it feels like a very special, highly competent and economical little car.
Thanks again for all of the advice and suggestions, it's been really eye opening.
FamousAfroJay said:
The 125D was fantastic, I personally preferred it to the M135i in almost every way except the sound.
What?!FamousAfroJay said:
At low speeds the engine seemed much better suited to the gearbox and the massive torque in a small car made pressing on a joy.
That does sound very much a BMW salesman view 
, did you not notice the fact that the M135i also has 'massive torque' from its turbocharged 3 litre engine? It has exactly the same torque figure as the 125d, but considerably more power. It's a much faster, better performing car in every possible way bar 'getting good mpg'.Fox- said:
FamousAfroJay said:
The 125D was fantastic, I personally preferred it to the M135i in almost every way except the sound.
What?!I did prefer it. Call it personal opinion, but I felt the more laid back nature of the 125D suited what I look for in a small hatch much better.
FamousAfroJay said:
At low speeds the engine seemed much better suited to the gearbox and the massive torque in a small car made pressing on a joy.
That does sound very much a BMW salesman view , did you not notice the fact that the M135i also has 'massive torque' from its turbocharged 3 litre engine? It has exactly the same torque figure as the 125d, but considerably more power. It's a much faster, better performing car in every possible way bar 'getting good mpg'.With the M135i the box was always hunting for a gear at low speed and at some points the kick down when left in drive was needless as like you say, it didn't need to kick down so many gears as it always had the torque. In the end I had to have it in manual mode other wise every time I went near the throttle it would kick down 2-4 gears. I'd like to try one with a manual box as I feel this would cure the only niggle I personally had with the overall package. The exhaust note with the optional exhaust is amazing especially the pops and bangs on the over run.
It's not bad by any means but you just have to really be in the mood as it feels like it always wants to go 7/10th's as a minimum and sometimes I don't want that. However, if that's how you like to live life (and why not) then it's a hell of a machine. It sounds and goes like a stabbed rat. But over the 20 miles or so we had them, the 125d was never left behind, it was always there in the rear view mirror.
With both cars having been specced with the same steering, breaking and options ticked I personally found the 125d had more accessible performance from 1/10th's right thru to 10/10th's.
Also, as soon as another keen driver sees the badge on the 135 they are all over you trying to egg you into a race (I expect the orange paint didn't help) but everything from Audis to Subarus tried it on... They all lost
I hope this explains a bit better, as i said before, go and drive them both
FamousAfroJay said:
What draws you into a dealership to buy? Is it the relationship with a particular sales person? The choice of 2nd hand cars on site? Also, what's the main thing that would put you off and turn you from a loyal buyer to a rival franchise/brand?
A lot of questions I know but it would be really interesting to hear what you guys think about dealers in general.
It will be the right car at the right price in the first instance.A lot of questions I know but it would be really interesting to hear what you guys think about dealers in general.
We've bought a couple of cars from our local BMW dealer and i gave the salesman a crack at getting my son a one series, but he had neither the right car nor the right price, though he did try hard.
FamousAfroJay said:
Hi all,
Just started to work for my local BMW dealer here in the south and the first thing they have got me doing this week is driving all of the cars we have that are different. Today, the highlight was the M135i and the 125D M sport. Interesting pair, and yesterday included the 428i M sport, amazing, feels a million miles away from a 3 series saloon in feel and presence.
Anywho, the point of my post. What draws you into a dealership to buy? Is it the relationship with a particular sales person? The choice of 2nd hand cars on site? Also, what's the main thing that would put you off and turn you from a loyal buyer to a rival franchise/brand?
A lot of questions I know but it would be really interesting to hear what you guys think about dealers in general.
Sytner, my local BMW dealer, invited me to a what they called their "motor show," at a plush golf club. I've never bought a car from them, but the opportunity to drive the cars I wanted, with no over bearing sales spiel and in a relaxed atmosphere was brilliant. The staff were chilled out, good fun, it seemed like an away day for them (including the technical team) too. It worked for me. And I will give them a call when I want to buy. Maybe suggest something similar at your place?Just started to work for my local BMW dealer here in the south and the first thing they have got me doing this week is driving all of the cars we have that are different. Today, the highlight was the M135i and the 125D M sport. Interesting pair, and yesterday included the 428i M sport, amazing, feels a million miles away from a 3 series saloon in feel and presence.
Anywho, the point of my post. What draws you into a dealership to buy? Is it the relationship with a particular sales person? The choice of 2nd hand cars on site? Also, what's the main thing that would put you off and turn you from a loyal buyer to a rival franchise/brand?
A lot of questions I know but it would be really interesting to hear what you guys think about dealers in general.
I tried a M135i (auto) and then a E92 M3 (DCT); the latter was in a different league. Simply awesome.
MikeGoodwin said:
Dont make me feel like you couldn't give a st whether I lived or died.
Dealerships are 50% of the reason I might not buy another BMW. The cars themselves are the other 50% !
So, two reasons you don't buy BMWs, number one you don't like the dealers and number 2 you don't like the cars? t whether I lived or died. Dealerships are 50% of the reason I might not buy another BMW. The cars themselves are the other 50% !
But apart from that, anything stopping you?
I have tended to buy ex "BMW Management" cars over the last few years so Internet is best for me to source cars nationwide at acceptable discounts. Mileages have ranged from 10 miles to 2500 miles and age 3mths to 6 mths. I know exactly which model I want before going near a dealership and generally the current spec,desirable options fitted and acceptable colours.
This is an account of my recent experiences at my local BMW dealership. I last purchased from them in Sept 09 but was unable to deal April 12 and had to resort to UK mainland dealer.
I spotted a car as "coming soon" on their website on a Fri and Sat but it had been removed by following Mon, so I presumed sold at the weekend. As I also run other Bm's I called in to price some parts the following Wed and took the opportunity to enquire what exactly "coming soon" really meant eg could a car so described be pre-sold before reaching the dealership. After some 15 mins a Sales Executive came to see me. They're all executives these days you know not sleazy salesmen! He took me to his desk and then disappeared for 15 mins to investigate my query. He returned with his current used list but although the car was still on the list, did not know its whereabouts or if it had been sold. The fact it was still on the list apparently suggested it was unsold. Another 15 mins elapsed and on his return I was advised car was on site if I wished to view, which I did. We then discussed figures although the trade-in was not present, although all relevant detail was on computer plus my appraisal of cars condition including tyre tread depths. Figures did not stand up for me so I left, having told him the price I was prepared to pay for the change.
Over the next few days they came very close to my target £ and requested I bring the trade-in up for appraisal. On presenting car was advised it would need 3 new tyres before they could retail it @ 16200 miles!! And so deal went pear shaped. Left in disgust and emailed BMW UK that evening re RFT's not fit for purpose if only good for 16/17k miles. It's my wifes' car and she's no raker! Surprise surprise email from BMW UK next day offering me a £400 credit to be used against any services offered by any BMW dealership.
Despite all the foregoing this was a clincher for me and I decided to change.
Now since this was an early surprise Xmas pressie for her indoors she had unknowingly filled the tank a couple of days previous,and I certainly wasn't leaving the car in with a full tank of fuel even though a full tank was part of the deal with the new one.
On presenting the car at the dealer a couple of days later I requested a further discount in lieu of fuel in tank of trade-in. Computer/Sales Director said no, so I told them I would return when fuel used up the following week, and take the flowers with me! I also agreed to pay for the car there and then, at my suggestion I might add.So whilst the sales guy removed the new one from the forecourt I made use of the snack cuisine on offer.
Twenty mins later whilst driving out of the car park sales guy flagged me down and suggested I take new car with me and he would arrange another full tank of fuel as and when I required it! This promise was delivered some 2/3 wks later without problem.
Now chances were at the time that they prob had a punter for my trade-in, and yes it was a bit of hassle, however with only 4 BMW dealerships in this general area (NI), and the other 3 not competitive on price in my view, would I deal there again? If they had what I was after and price right, yes.
OK all this buggering about when sales guy has to consult sales director re customer demands/offer, or do they? My guy was over a yr in post and not a boyband character, and with previous BMW time in UK. Yep could have been smoother.Other options might have been Audi or Mercedes, but all are in the same ownership, ie Roger Penske!
This is an account of my recent experiences at my local BMW dealership. I last purchased from them in Sept 09 but was unable to deal April 12 and had to resort to UK mainland dealer.
I spotted a car as "coming soon" on their website on a Fri and Sat but it had been removed by following Mon, so I presumed sold at the weekend. As I also run other Bm's I called in to price some parts the following Wed and took the opportunity to enquire what exactly "coming soon" really meant eg could a car so described be pre-sold before reaching the dealership. After some 15 mins a Sales Executive came to see me. They're all executives these days you know not sleazy salesmen! He took me to his desk and then disappeared for 15 mins to investigate my query. He returned with his current used list but although the car was still on the list, did not know its whereabouts or if it had been sold. The fact it was still on the list apparently suggested it was unsold. Another 15 mins elapsed and on his return I was advised car was on site if I wished to view, which I did. We then discussed figures although the trade-in was not present, although all relevant detail was on computer plus my appraisal of cars condition including tyre tread depths. Figures did not stand up for me so I left, having told him the price I was prepared to pay for the change.
Over the next few days they came very close to my target £ and requested I bring the trade-in up for appraisal. On presenting car was advised it would need 3 new tyres before they could retail it @ 16200 miles!! And so deal went pear shaped. Left in disgust and emailed BMW UK that evening re RFT's not fit for purpose if only good for 16/17k miles. It's my wifes' car and she's no raker! Surprise surprise email from BMW UK next day offering me a £400 credit to be used against any services offered by any BMW dealership.
Despite all the foregoing this was a clincher for me and I decided to change.
Now since this was an early surprise Xmas pressie for her indoors she had unknowingly filled the tank a couple of days previous,and I certainly wasn't leaving the car in with a full tank of fuel even though a full tank was part of the deal with the new one.
On presenting the car at the dealer a couple of days later I requested a further discount in lieu of fuel in tank of trade-in. Computer/Sales Director said no, so I told them I would return when fuel used up the following week, and take the flowers with me! I also agreed to pay for the car there and then, at my suggestion I might add.So whilst the sales guy removed the new one from the forecourt I made use of the snack cuisine on offer.
Twenty mins later whilst driving out of the car park sales guy flagged me down and suggested I take new car with me and he would arrange another full tank of fuel as and when I required it! This promise was delivered some 2/3 wks later without problem.
Now chances were at the time that they prob had a punter for my trade-in, and yes it was a bit of hassle, however with only 4 BMW dealerships in this general area (NI), and the other 3 not competitive on price in my view, would I deal there again? If they had what I was after and price right, yes.
OK all this buggering about when sales guy has to consult sales director re customer demands/offer, or do they? My guy was over a yr in post and not a boyband character, and with previous BMW time in UK. Yep could have been smoother.Other options might have been Audi or Mercedes, but all are in the same ownership, ie Roger Penske!
Gassing Station | BMW General | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff