Is it ok to be rude to dealers?

[Hooty]

Hey Victor. Here's an example that might challenge your point of view. Let's drop the nastiness because I'd be interested in your opinion (and those of any other car dealers too).

My Mother buys a new car every 3 years. She always buys new and because she is retired she always buys in cash. The problem is that she has no idea about cars and so I have to suggest different cars that she might like and then we go to the different dealers (Audi, BMW, Merc normally) and we test drive several cars to find one that works for her. Things that are important to petrolheads like most in PH are not so important to her : she likes good visibility, the right size of car, comfort, parkability etc. so she has to try different cars before she knows what she wants.

In this scenario, based on what you've said so far, would I be right in assuming that she would be seen as a timewaster by you because she hasn't walked into your dealership knowing what she wants and ready to strike a deal immediately?

[Roo]

Hooty said:

Hey Victor. Here's an example that might challenge your point of view. Let's drop the nastiness because I'd be interested in your opinion (and those of any other car dealers too).

My Mother buys a new car every 3 years. She always buys new and because she is retired she always buys in cash. The problem is that she has no idea about cars and so I have to suggest different cars that she might like and then we go to the different dealers (Audi, BMW, Merc normally) and we test drive several cars to find one that works for her. Things that are important to petrolheads like most in PH are not so important to her : she likes good visibility, the right size of car, comfort, parkability etc. so she has to try different cars before she knows what she wants.

In this scenario, based on what you've said so far, would I be right in assuming that she would be seen as a timewaster by you because she hasn't walked into your dealership knowing what she wants and ready to strike a deal immediately?

In a word. No.

She's just a normal customer who probably needs a bit of guidance. Apart from not wanting anything we sell, but, if she came in here she would be treated correctly and then left to go on her way if the product wasn't for her.
You never know. She may come back. YOU may come back. She may well tell someone else what nice people we are and THEY may come in.
I've been in this industry nearly 20 years and still don't believe in the hard sell. People buy from people but if we aren't selling what you want to buy I'm not going to try and force/talk you into it.

[Hooty]

Roo said:

In a word. No.

She's just a normal customer who probably needs a bit of guidance. Apart from not wanting anything we sell, but, if she came in here she would be treated correctly and then left to go on her way if the product wasn't for her.
You never know. She may come back. YOU may come back. She may well tell someone else what nice people we are and THEY may come in.
I've been in this industry nearly 20 years and still don't believe in the hard sell. People buy from people but if we aren't selling what you want to buy I'm not going to try and force/talk you into it.

This is what I'd like to think would happen. Wonder what Victor will say?

[Victor101]

Hooty said:

Hey Victor. Here's an example that might challenge your point of view. Let's drop the nastiness because I'd be interested in your opinion (and those of any other car dealers too).

My Mother buys a new car every 3 years. She always buys new and because she is retired she always buys in cash. The problem is that she has no idea about cars and so I have to suggest different cars that she might like and then we go to the different dealers (Audi, BMW, Merc normally) and we test drive several cars to find one that works for her. Things that are important to petrolheads like most in PH are not so important to her : she likes good visibility, the right size of car, comfort, parkability etc. so she has to try different cars before she knows what she wants.

In this scenario, based on what you've said so far, would I be right in assuming that she would be seen as a timewaster by you because she hasn't walked into your dealership knowing what she wants and ready to strike a deal immediately?

Firstly I'd need to qualify what car she really needs as opposed me selling her what I want her to have. Retired folk are nearly always more canny, but guidance is needed. Not so long ago at BMW, an elderly customer came in to drive a 1 Series - and hated it. Coudn't see out of the damned thing. They'd had two Compacts previously.
The answer was a VW Golf Mark 5. We just happened to have one about the place and they thought it was perfect. Bugger all commission in the deal (£80 iirc) but they got a great car and a good deal also.
Your Mum's priorities are not that dissimilar to my own. Fantastic handling and performance in an everyday car come second to a car that drives quite well but has a good ride and general convenience.

It's also surprising how many customers convince themselves they need a diesel. If they're doing less than 10'000 miles a year I will try and steer them towards a cheaper petrol model. You get 10 mpg less of course but you'll get a newer and better specced car for the money. Not just BMW/Audi etc but run of the mill stuff.
The days of 24mph 1300 Escort Mark 11's are over and most 1.6 petrols will do 40 mpg.

[Hooty]

Victor101 said:

Firstly I'd need to qualify what car she really needs as opposed me selling her what I want her to have. Retired folk are nearly always more canny, but guidance is needed. Not so long ago at BMW, an elderly customer came in to drive a 1 Series - and hated it. Coudn't see out of the damned thing. They'd had two Compacts previously.
The answer was a VW Golf Mark 5. We just happened to have one about the place and they thought it was perfect. Bugger all commission in the deal (£80 iirc) but they got a great car and a good deal also.
Your Mum's priorities are not that dissimilar to my own. Fantastic handling and performance in an everyday car come second to a car that drives quite well but has a good ride and general convenience.

It's also surprising how many customers convince themselves they need a diesel. If they're doing less than 10'000 miles a year I will try and steer them towards a cheaper petrol model. You get 10 mpg less of course but you'll get a newer and better specced car for the money. Not just BMW/Audi etc but run of the mill stuff.
The days of 24mph 1300 Escort Mark 11's are over and most 1.6 petrols will do 40 mpg.

But you would spend time with her and not dismiss her as a timewaster?

[Victor101]

Yes. Old dears/mature Ladies tend not to be test pilots!

At the end of the day it's all down to the individual but buyers are a lot more informed and picky these days. All you can do is steer them in the right direction and allow them to choose. If they buy someone else's car - well, that's the way it goes. No point in getting bitter about it.

[Hooty]

Well, that's more like it. Thanks for your reply.

[nsmith1180]

Hooty said:

Hey Victor. Here's an example that might challenge your point of view. Let's drop the nastiness because I'd be interested in your opinion (and those of any other car dealers too).

My Mother buys a new car every 3 years. She always buys new and because she is retired she always buys in cash. The problem is that she has no idea about cars and so I have to suggest different cars that she might like and then we go to the different dealers (Audi, BMW, Merc normally) and we test drive several cars to find one that works for her. Things that are important to petrolheads like most in PH are not so important to her : she likes good visibility, the right size of car, comfort, parkability etc. so she has to try different cars before she knows what she wants.

In this scenario, based on what you've said so far, would I be right in assuming that she would be seen as a timewaster by you because she hasn't walked into your dealership knowing what she wants and ready to strike a deal immediately?

Not every customer is ready to buy today. Not every customer will like the product you sell, but if you do the job right regardless, they may know someone who does like your car, is ready to buy and will deal with you.

I dont think people like your mother are timewasters. If they are honest with me, then I will be honest with them.

[Victor101]

Hooty said:

Well, that's more like it. Thanks for your reply.

You're welcome.

Are you ready to change your car Sir? You are? Well..................

[Hooty]

Victor101 said:

Hooty said:

Well, that's more like it. Thanks for your reply.

You're welcome.

Are you ready to change your car Sir? You are? Well..................

I'm always ready to change my car! What do you sell?

[Lost soul]

paoloh said:

I treat all my customers with complete respect and never knowingly lie to anyone.

Thats unusual for a Bexhill boy

[Turbo cab]

MattVXR87 said:

In the past I've kept my cool and just ignored their retarded comments and gone elsewhere, but many of the times I've been close to telling them to fk off and stop trying to scam me.

Keep cool yes, But play them at there own game.

As I used to be a salesman early in my career so know pretty much all the bullst.

I actually like to play around with them, A hint oif sarcasm usually goes down well with replies as they dont know how to take it.

An example is I emailed someone on ebay a few days back to ask how much they wanted to finish there auction early as I was in desperate need for something they had.

It started at 99p and didnt even have one bid, It was also something that they would have been given for free I might add.

They replied to say " oh yes weve had quite a lot of interest in this, How much would you like to offer"

Typical sales bks to earn extra money, The item hadn't even been looked at by ten people.

I replied "well its hard to put a price on as there given away for free and as youve had quiet a lot of interest your probably better off letting the auction run, I'll get bidding".

I would of happily given a hundred quid for it but ended up winning it for.... You've guessed it 99p .

I love telling salesman how it is as they really dont know how to take it.

They feel all safe and contempt in their surroundings but as soon as you knock them off their rails it really is quite funny to see their response and how they try to bullst there way out of it.

[Victor101]

Turbo cab said:

MattVXR87 said:

In the past I've kept my cool and just ignored their retarded comments and gone elsewhere, but many of the times I've been close to telling them to fk off and stop trying to scam me.

Keep cool yes, But play them at there own game.

As I used to be a salesman early in my career so know pretty much all the bullst.

I actually like to play around with them, A hint oif sarcasm usually goes down well with replies as they dont know how to take it.

An example is I emailed someone on ebay a few days back to ask how much they wanted to finish there auction early as I was in desperate need for something they had.

It started at 99p and didnt even have one bid, It was also something that they would have been given for free I might add.

They replied to say " oh yes weve had quite a lot of interest in this, How much would you like to offer"

Typical sales bks to earn extra money, The item hadn't even been looked at by ten people.

I replied "well its hard to put a price on as there given away for free and as youve had quiet a lot of interest your probably better off letting the auction run, I'll get bidding".

I would of happily given a hundred quid for it but ended up winning it for.... You've guessed it 99p .

I love telling salesman how it is as they really dont know how to take it.

They feel all safe and contempt in their surroundings but as soon as you knock them off their rails it really is quite funny to see their response and how they try to bullst there way out of it.

Wow, another showroom hero!

I know how they'll take your attitude and sarcasm. You will probably get f*cked off, but you won't get the best deal you can. Behaving like an idiot is not the best way to get the best out of anyone. Here's a tip - start off by behaving like a reasonable human being and you might get treated as such in return.

You're under the mistaken belief that if you don't buy a car from me or any other self respecting sales exec that we'll go and bang our heads against the wall in despair. Trust me, we won't. We'll just store you in the memory banks as an irritating smartarse, and shortly afterwards sell a car to someone else instead. Act like a fool if you like - it really doesn't bother me or any other well paid sales exec!

As for all this 'bullst'.........I don't give any. That's the price our car is, that's what we want to give for yours. I know you're getting a good deal but if you don't believe me, well that's just too bad.

By the way it's 'content'.

'Contempt' is what I feel for idiots who try to be clever.

[Emeye]

Victor101 said:

Turbo cab said:

MattVXR87 said:

In the past I've kept my cool and just ignored their retarded comments and gone elsewhere, but many of the times I've been close to telling them to fk off and stop trying to scam me.

Keep cool yes, But play them at there own game.

As I used to be a salesman early in my career so know pretty much all the bullst.

I actually like to play around with them, A hint oif sarcasm usually goes down well with replies as they dont know how to take it.

An example is I emailed someone on ebay a few days back to ask how much they wanted to finish there auction early as I was in desperate need for something they had.

It started at 99p and didnt even have one bid, It was also something that they would have been given for free I might add.

They replied to say " oh yes weve had quite a lot of interest in this, How much would you like to offer"

Typical sales bks to earn extra money, The item hadn't even been looked at by ten people.

I replied "well its hard to put a price on as there given away for free and as youve had quiet a lot of interest your probably better off letting the auction run, I'll get bidding".

I would of happily given a hundred quid for it but ended up winning it for.... You've guessed it 99p .

I love telling salesman how it is as they really dont know how to take it.

They feel all safe and contempt in their surroundings but as soon as you knock them off their rails it really is quite funny to see their response and how they try to bullst there way out of it.

Wow, another showroom hero!

I know how they'll take your attitude and sarcasm. You will probably get f*cked off, but you won't get the best deal you can. Behaving like an idiot is not the best way to get the best out of anyone. Here's a tip - start off by behaving like a reasonable human being and you might get treated as such in return.

You're under the mistaken belief that if you don't buy a car from me or any other self respecting sales exec that we'll go and bang our heads against the wall in despair. Trust me, we won't. We'll just store you in the memory banks as an irritating smartarse, and shortly afterwards sell a car to someone else instead. Act like a fool if you like - it really doesn't bother me or any other well paid sales exec!

As for all this 'bullst'.........I don't give any. That's the price our car is, that's what we want to give for yours. I know you're getting a good deal but if you don't believe me, well that's just too bad.

By the way it's 'content'.

'Contempt' is what I feel for idiots who try to be clever.

[CampDavid]

Victor101 said:

Firstly I'd need to qualify what car she really needs as opposed me selling her what I want her to have.

I don't think this idea is really valid now. No one NEEDs anything superior to a 1999 Ford Focus, we buy cars because we want to, there isn't much in the way of quantifiable reason to most purchases

[throt]

CampDavid said:

Victor101 said:

Firstly I'd need to qualify what car she really needs as opposed me selling her what I want her to have.

I don't think this idea is really valid now. No one NEEDs anything superior to a 1999 Ford Focus, we buy cars because we want to, there isn't much in the way of quantifiable reason to most purchases

+1, so true....

[nsmith1180]

throt said:

CampDavid said:

Victor101 said:

Firstly I'd need to qualify what car she really needs as opposed me selling her what I want her to have.

I don't think this idea is really valid now. No one NEEDs anything superior to a 1999 Ford Focus, we buy cars because we want to, there isn't much in the way of quantifiable reason to most purchases

+1, so true....

I disagree, what if someone is doing very high miles, but cant drive a manual. Diesel Auto didnt come in to the focus range until the newer shape. What if someone has a wife and five 6 kids. Appart from lessons in the correct use of a condom, they will need an 8 seater. which apart from the Sintra, didnt really go untill well into the 2ks. still are rare, C8, 807, i800 being the only cars I can think of off the top of my head.

[POORCARDEALER]

Turbo cab said:

MattVXR87 said:

In the past I've kept my cool and just ignored their retarded comments and gone elsewhere, but many of the times I've been close to telling them to fk off and stop trying to scam me.

Keep cool yes, But play them at there own game.

As I used to be a salesman early in my career so know pretty much all the bullst.

I actually like to play around with them, A hint oif sarcasm usually goes down well with replies as they dont know how to take it.

An example is I emailed someone on ebay a few days back to ask how much they wanted to finish there auction early as I was in desperate need for something they had.

It started at 99p and didnt even have one bid, It was also something that they would have been given for free I might add.

They replied to say " oh yes weve had quite a lot of interest in this, How much would you like to offer"

Typical sales bks to earn extra money, The item hadn't even been looked at by ten people.

I replied "well its hard to put a price on as there given away for free and as youve had quiet a lot of interest your probably better off letting the auction run, I'll get bidding".

I would of happily given a hundred quid for it but ended up winning it for.... You've guessed it 99p .

I love telling salesman how it is as they really dont know how to take it.

They feel all safe and contempt in their surroundings but as soon as you knock them off their rails it really is quite funny to see their response and how they try to bullst there way out of it.

You would simply be shown the door at my place.....it really goes to show there are bellend customers just as their are bellend sales staff.

Edited by POORCARDEALER on Friday 5th March 10:59

[CampDavid]

nsmith1180 said:

throt said:

CampDavid said:

Victor101 said:

Firstly I'd need to qualify what car she really needs as opposed me selling her what I want her to have.

I don't think this idea is really valid now. No one NEEDs anything superior to a 1999 Ford Focus, we buy cars because we want to, there isn't much in the way of quantifiable reason to most purchases

+1, so true....

I disagree, what if someone is doing very high miles, but cant drive a manual. Diesel Auto didnt come in to the focus range until the newer shape. What if someone has a wife and five 6 kids. Appart from lessons in the correct use of a condom, they will need an 8 seater. which apart from the Sintra, didnt really go untill well into the 2ks. still are rare, C8, 807, i800 being the only cars I can think of off the top of my head.

Ok, true, but in the main, 9 times out of 10, cars are bought because of want, not really need, especially when being bought from a dealer. This is why no one really buys the car they should, especially on here

[throt]

CampDavid said:

nsmith1180 said:

throt said:

CampDavid said:

Victor101 said:

Firstly I'd need to qualify what car she really needs as opposed me selling her what I want her to have.

I don't think this idea is really valid now. No one NEEDs anything superior to a 1999 Ford Focus, we buy cars because we want to, there isn't much in the way of quantifiable reason to most purchases

+1, so true....

I disagree, what if someone is doing very high miles, but cant drive a manual. Diesel Auto didnt come in to the focus range until the newer shape. What if someone has a wife and five 6 kids. Appart from lessons in the correct use of a condom, they will need an 8 seater. which apart from the Sintra, didnt really go untill well into the 2ks. still are rare, C8, 807, i800 being the only cars I can think of off the top of my head.

Ok, true, but in the main, 9 times out of 10, cars are bought because of want, not really need, especially when being bought from a dealer. This is why no one really buys the car they should, especially on here

I think via and help of the internet, most of consumer's know what they are looking for..Also, you often here that many buyer's know more about the particular's of a vehicle than the sales person themselves..