Are Car Sales People Universally Useless?
Discussion
From a sales perspective, often the level of service will reflect the approach the customer takes.
"What's the lowest you'd take" type questions immediately remove all my interest, as do unrealistic expectations (4 premium matching tyres on a £1500 car or complaining about dents on a 5+ year old car).
In other words, poor attitude is often a good filter for customers you simply don't want to deal with.
"What's the lowest you'd take" type questions immediately remove all my interest, as do unrealistic expectations (4 premium matching tyres on a £1500 car or complaining about dents on a 5+ year old car).
In other words, poor attitude is often a good filter for customers you simply don't want to deal with.
OllieJolly said:
Pit Pony said:
Not my experience.
Identify car that I want. Arrange test drive.
Decide if I like it.
Discuss price.
Place deposit or walk away.
Go and pick up car.
Ring up salesman about an hour later to arrange to have it returned due to brake fade due to sticking caliper.
Have courtesy car delivered whilst they fix brakes, and have salesman deliver car back to my home.
Ring up salesman to thank him for his assistance, and write an email to his head of business, explaining what a star he is.
That's the last car I bought. From Bristol Street Motors Vauxhall Macclesfield.
The only bit I didn't like was the price discussion. But we eventually got a fair deal.
Same dealership (I'm told) brought out a red Sharpie to touch up a paint chip on a Corsa that my partner's Mum was going to buy. Identify car that I want. Arrange test drive.
Decide if I like it.
Discuss price.
Place deposit or walk away.
Go and pick up car.
Ring up salesman about an hour later to arrange to have it returned due to brake fade due to sticking caliper.
Have courtesy car delivered whilst they fix brakes, and have salesman deliver car back to my home.
Ring up salesman to thank him for his assistance, and write an email to his head of business, explaining what a star he is.
That's the last car I bought. From Bristol Street Motors Vauxhall Macclesfield.
The only bit I didn't like was the price discussion. But we eventually got a fair deal.
Worst thing is, she still bought it.
I took an Astra there for some recall work though and I have no complaints about that, car was cleaned and work was done fairly quickly.
Because I once bought a car off my father in law and he had every single top up if wash fluid listed too.
No. A full service history was a fully stamped up book, with that dealer, once a year every 3,500 miles, showing that it was serviced to the manufacturers specification. Any bills etc would contravene Data protection. Which I thought ballocks as I've seen enough official sensitive government documents with black lines through names and places.
But given it was a one owner 10 year old 35000 mile Astra with one service stamp from the original dealer, every year, I let it go.
I noticed on the test drive that it had 2 different brands of tyres, but when we picked it up, they'd been replaced with new, and the service book had another stamp. But they'd replaced the front pads and discs and one of them decided it was too big for the caliper and seized on the way home. Lots of smoke from the drivers side.
I had the same issue about 18 months later, whilst on a trip to see my son, which I solved by use of a b
d file. 18 months on, it's not done it again. TheLuke said:
It seems they just wanted morons to walk in, cash in hand and drive away without even driving the car.
Pretty much this.The same also applies to Estate Agents selling houses.
They obviously have a ready supply of said morons or these salespeople wouldn't have such a take it or leave it attitude.
mike74 said:
TheLuke said:
It seems they just wanted morons to walk in, cash in hand and drive away without even driving the car.
Pretty much this.The same also applies to Estate Agents selling houses.
They obviously have a ready supply of said morons or these salespeople wouldn't have such a take it or leave it attitude.
I can see why a large portion of consumers find the new car PCP loop attractive. They get talked to like they are valued and actually allowed to test a car for one.
My last two attempts to buy a car.
1) Visited VW dealer, asked to have an extended test of a (New) Golf R Wagon (they had one as a demonstrator as i'd checked first) as opposed to the 10 minute spin up the road they offered. Despite me being prepared to buy that day they flat refused any drive until i'd committed to buy and done the paperwork and declined anything longer than their quick spin even then. Not sure how that works, if i'd hated it for whatever reason it would have been a lot of ball ache for nothing and an immense waste of time.
2) Spotted car for sale with single make/model specialist online. Texted him at 8pm to make enquiry, brief text exchange and deposit sent that evening. Travelled to his forecourt to collect the following weekend, car was prepared to high standard and waiting ready, test drive was taken, deal was brokered in the office and paperwork was done. He then bunged in some fresh OEM mats, luggage cover and media remote (Volvo LUX items so not insignificant), told me how to source some options to retrofit (OEM) way cheaper than a dealer and then took me for a coffee and a natter with his partner before I drove home.
1) Visited VW dealer, asked to have an extended test of a (New) Golf R Wagon (they had one as a demonstrator as i'd checked first) as opposed to the 10 minute spin up the road they offered. Despite me being prepared to buy that day they flat refused any drive until i'd committed to buy and done the paperwork and declined anything longer than their quick spin even then. Not sure how that works, if i'd hated it for whatever reason it would have been a lot of ball ache for nothing and an immense waste of time.
2) Spotted car for sale with single make/model specialist online. Texted him at 8pm to make enquiry, brief text exchange and deposit sent that evening. Travelled to his forecourt to collect the following weekend, car was prepared to high standard and waiting ready, test drive was taken, deal was brokered in the office and paperwork was done. He then bunged in some fresh OEM mats, luggage cover and media remote (Volvo LUX items so not insignificant), told me how to source some options to retrofit (OEM) way cheaper than a dealer and then took me for a coffee and a natter with his partner before I drove home.
david-j8694 said:
MYOB said:
And what about those that are deaf and can't use the phone?
Well then they obviously wouldn't be using the phone, would they? Christ, what an absolutely pointless post.
Edited by david-j8694 on Wednesday 26th May 11:46
It's a very emotional subject on PH.
If you're are in the industry and are one of the good guys you won't appreciate sweeping statements and generalisations.
Conversely, if you're a buyer like me and have found that 9 out 10 car salesmen are either dishonest or lazy or both, then what are you supposed to say?
I avoid them when buying new by using a broker which are cheaper anyway and the transaction can be done in a matter of minutes.
On the used front, I try and create a rapport early on, and I often end up doing the selling and the buying which is weird but quite amusing.
The FSH thing has become a joke though at indies, it is by and large NEVER full, so why lie about it?
If you're are in the industry and are one of the good guys you won't appreciate sweeping statements and generalisations.
Conversely, if you're a buyer like me and have found that 9 out 10 car salesmen are either dishonest or lazy or both, then what are you supposed to say?
I avoid them when buying new by using a broker which are cheaper anyway and the transaction can be done in a matter of minutes.
On the used front, I try and create a rapport early on, and I often end up doing the selling and the buying which is weird but quite amusing.
The FSH thing has become a joke though at indies, it is by and large NEVER full, so why lie about it?
A pal of mine was trying to source a used car through a big dealership group used car outlet in Scotland who's name coincidentally and most appropriately rhymes with 'shark'.
He specifically wanted a 1 owner privately owned non ex rental car with full m d service history and branded not cheapo tyres and after finding a suitable car he rang and the sales guy confirmed it was 1 private owner full main dealer service history and excellent Continental tyres all round. On further digging however through another sales guy it turned out the car was 2 owner ex rental with no service history (thus voiding the manufacturers warranty) whatsoever and cheapo Nexen
tyres all round.
An e mail was then sent to the sales manager regarding the lying tt of a salesman and following his total and deliberate deception which could well have resulted in a 400 mile wasted trip to view the car hopefully he will have been sacked on the spot.
Regarding service histories it appears more and more used cars are being retailed without them and buyers are increasingly accepting this. Prime example is the large group who's name ends in 'point'. Most of their stock is ex rental likely Enterprise etc and very few cars have service history but ones that do are rarely serviced on time despite the dealers stating it has been fully serviced according to manuf reccs which means the oil might have been changed by an.on site 'technician' lol if you are lucky.
They also claim the manuf warranty is intact which is absolute bks.
He specifically wanted a 1 owner privately owned non ex rental car with full m d service history and branded not cheapo tyres and after finding a suitable car he rang and the sales guy confirmed it was 1 private owner full main dealer service history and excellent Continental tyres all round. On further digging however through another sales guy it turned out the car was 2 owner ex rental with no service history (thus voiding the manufacturers warranty) whatsoever and cheapo Nexen
tyres all round.An e mail was then sent to the sales manager regarding the lying t
t of a salesman and following his total and deliberate deception which could well have resulted in a 400 mile wasted trip to view the car hopefully he will have been sacked on the spot.Regarding service histories it appears more and more used cars are being retailed without them and buyers are increasingly accepting this. Prime example is the large group who's name ends in 'point'. Most of their stock is ex rental likely Enterprise etc and very few cars have service history but ones that do are rarely serviced on time despite the dealers stating it has been fully serviced according to manuf reccs which means the oil might have been changed by an.on site 'technician' lol if you are lucky.
They also claim the manuf warranty is intact which is absolute b
ks.Edited by av185 on Wednesday 26th May 15:03
av185 said:
Regarding service histories it appears more and more used cars are being retailed without them and buyers are increasingly accepting this. Prime example is the large group who's name ends in 'point'. Most of their stock is ex rental likely Enterprise etc and very few cars have service history but ones that do are rarely serviced on time despite the dealers stating it has been fully serviced according to manuf reccs which means the oil might have been changed by an.on site 'technician' lol if you are lucky.
What exactly do you think happens when a car is serviced?To be honest, for a car up to a couple of years old, maybe even three if the mileage isn't too high, it'd probably be better if it had been kept away from a garage.
Om said:
Maybe I got lucky, but when I bought my (used approved) 370Z from a Nissan dealer last year everything went fine.
I contacted them via the contact form on their website asking for more details and got an email response the same day with a few details and asking me a few questions.
I replied and asked about the service history, then the same day received an email with a link to a video walkaround showing the car and all the documentation/service history etc.
Following that I called the salesman, he made a decent offer on my px and I put down a deposit to reserve the car until I could get over to see it at the weekend.
When I got there the car was outside at the front, washed and valeted. Salesman was waiting and we went out for a 30min drive. When we got back I said I wanted the car so we discussed payment - he assumed I was buying outright, didn't push finance, special waxing, wheel insurance or any of the usual guff. I arranged to pick up the following weekend.
Turned up the next weekend, the car was ready and waiting with half a tank of fuel. The salesman went quickly over the details, showed me how to connect up my phone and off we went.
Got a follow up call the next week to check everything was ok and I was still happy.
None of the anticipated antics throughout the whole process - almost disappointing...
Name and (opposite of) shameI contacted them via the contact form on their website asking for more details and got an email response the same day with a few details and asking me a few questions.
I replied and asked about the service history, then the same day received an email with a link to a video walkaround showing the car and all the documentation/service history etc.
Following that I called the salesman, he made a decent offer on my px and I put down a deposit to reserve the car until I could get over to see it at the weekend.
When I got there the car was outside at the front, washed and valeted. Salesman was waiting and we went out for a 30min drive. When we got back I said I wanted the car so we discussed payment - he assumed I was buying outright, didn't push finance, special waxing, wheel insurance or any of the usual guff. I arranged to pick up the following weekend.
Turned up the next weekend, the car was ready and waiting with half a tank of fuel. The salesman went quickly over the details, showed me how to connect up my phone and off we went.
Got a follow up call the next week to check everything was ok and I was still happy.
None of the anticipated antics throughout the whole process - almost disappointing...
Sheepshanks said:
What exactly do you think happens when a car is serviced?
.
It's picked up in a covered transport, taken back to the dealership, where it's given a thorough inspection, with any worn or broken components being replaced..
Any software updates or recall work is done, the tolerances and clearances are checked, fluids changed, geometry checked, wipers changed, and then it's put in a covered transport to be brought back to me.
Why do you ask?
The last car I bought late Feb/March this year must have been the easiest car a salesman has ever sold.
On the Monday morning I rang up first thing, spoke to whichever guy answered the phone and said "there is a car on the Ford Direct website reg xx xx xxx, is it still available? If so I want it, here are my card details to take a deposit".
On the Monday morning I rang up first thing, spoke to whichever guy answered the phone and said "there is a car on the Ford Direct website reg xx xx xxx, is it still available? If so I want it, here are my card details to take a deposit".
Biggriff said:
Having contacted a number of dealers about buying a Hot Hatch I can conclusively say that so far my low opinion of sales people has declined further. No call back, no follow up, trying to sell you what you don't want, not listening to what you say, just being rude, staff turning over faster than you can sort a sale and generally being as much use as an Ashtray on a Motorbike.
Whats going on? No wonder online sales are taking off. From my experience good riddance.
The quality, premium brands are no better and in many cases worse than the bread and butter providers.
Is this others experience?
Nope.Whats going on? No wonder online sales are taking off. From my experience good riddance.
The quality, premium brands are no better and in many cases worse than the bread and butter providers.
Is this others experience?
Hackney said:
Om said:
Maybe I got lucky, but when I bought my (used approved) 370Z from a Nissan dealer last year everything went fine.
I contacted them via the contact form on their website asking for more details and got an email response the same day with a few details and asking me a few questions.
I replied and asked about the service history, then the same day received an email with a link to a video walkaround showing the car and all the documentation/service history etc.
Following that I called the salesman, he made a decent offer on my px and I put down a deposit to reserve the car until I could get over to see it at the weekend.
When I got there the car was outside at the front, washed and valeted. Salesman was waiting and we went out for a 30min drive. When we got back I said I wanted the car so we discussed payment - he assumed I was buying outright, didn't push finance, special waxing, wheel insurance or any of the usual guff. I arranged to pick up the following weekend.
Turned up the next weekend, the car was ready and waiting with half a tank of fuel. The salesman went quickly over the details, showed me how to connect up my phone and off we went.
Got a follow up call the next week to check everything was ok and I was still happy.
None of the anticipated antics throughout the whole process - almost disappointing...
Name and (opposite of) shameI contacted them via the contact form on their website asking for more details and got an email response the same day with a few details and asking me a few questions.
I replied and asked about the service history, then the same day received an email with a link to a video walkaround showing the car and all the documentation/service history etc.
Following that I called the salesman, he made a decent offer on my px and I put down a deposit to reserve the car until I could get over to see it at the weekend.
When I got there the car was outside at the front, washed and valeted. Salesman was waiting and we went out for a 30min drive. When we got back I said I wanted the car so we discussed payment - he assumed I was buying outright, didn't push finance, special waxing, wheel insurance or any of the usual guff. I arranged to pick up the following weekend.
Turned up the next weekend, the car was ready and waiting with half a tank of fuel. The salesman went quickly over the details, showed me how to connect up my phone and off we went.
Got a follow up call the next week to check everything was ok and I was still happy.
None of the anticipated antics throughout the whole process - almost disappointing...
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