Applying for a job as a Car Salesman

[Stedman]

As above, what should I expect? I have only just seen the advertisement, and it closes on Tuesday. However it looks interesting and a nice change from what i'm doing now.

I've already emailed an old school friend who worked at the same dealership and has since moved onto sell a more prestige brand.

Any comments are welcome, even the 'use the search you idiot' type!

Thanks in advance.

i'm off using the search function now

Edited by Stedman on Sunday 13th May 16:23

[Butter Face]

Hard work.

Explain how you're interested in cars but are primarily motivated by performing well and achieving targets.

Yoy are ok with calling customers, maintaining a database of customers and prospecting.

Normal stuff.

[rog007]

Stedman said:

As above, what should I expect?

Edited by Stedman on Sunday 13th May 16:23

Can you be a little more specific with your query to help those who may be able to offer an insight: What should you expect if you get to interview; salary; promotion prospects; workload, etc, etc?

[Stedman]

rog007 said:

Can you be a little more specific with your query to help those who may be able to offer an insight: What should you expect if you get to interview; salary; promotion prospects; workload, etc, etc?

Thanks. I wrote the OP in a rush.

I'm interested in what the salary could be like, workload, prospects but also how easy it is to deal with potential customers. Also, how much 'fun' is it? I love speaking to new people and building relationships with customers in the workplace, so hope I suit it.

The job is for Mini, and just down the road from me in fact. I don't mind long hours - I do 14 hours plus a sleep in and another 14 hours already, as part of my shift pattern - and with it being so close, I can't imagine it will be too much.

Thanks again,


Stedman.

[T66ORA]

One of the best CAR salesmen ive ever worked with had NO interest in cars what so ever He could just sell sand to the Arabs

[M3Charlie]

Basic salary could be around £9000 to £12000 with around £25-30k ote and expect to get paid around £100 per car that you sell. Be prepared to sacrifice all your Saturdays!!!!

[M3Charlie]

Working for MINI is great fun, I did it back in 2006-2008 when the facelift car came out and the clubman. I reckon it was the best years. I was the only salesman in my dealership and would sell about 10 cars a week. Sadly now though the MINI bug has slowed down a bit. Gone are the days of no discounts an it's more cut throat and competition out there. However the MINI and BMW brand are great to work for and there are some great perks. I worked for MINI and BMW in sales for 6 years and loved it.

[Stedman]

Charlie - thank you for your insight. Bank Holidays and weekends really don't exist to me any way

How many cars would I be expected to shift, would you think? (Per month/week/year, whatever).

[Kudos]

Have you got shiny shoes, a suit from Next and a tie with a big knot?

[M3Charlie]

You will probably be expected to sell between 120-150 cars per year depending on the size of dealer. This breaks down in to quarters an you will have a target for each month. Generally you can earn extra money with finance and add on products like GAP etc

[Stedman]

M3Charlie said:

You will probably be expected to sell between 120-150 cars per year depending on the size of dealer. This breaks down in to quarters an you will have a target for each month. Generally you can earn extra money with finance and add on products like GAP etc

Thank you Charlie - I really appreciate your replies so far.

Kudos said:

Have you got shiny shoes, a suit from Next and a tie with a big knot?

No, I have a more traditional Marks and Sparks suit. Shoes must always be shiny though!

[petrolveins]

I can't see you wearing suit, wouldn't look right. But then I wouldn't buy a car off you, so perfect potential car salesman on both fronts.

[BlackBeastT5]

A Michael Jackson Thriller jacket and a pair of leather riding shoes is much more you style than an M&S suit

[StyleTechnik]

Being a 'car guy' is probably a downside.. need to get it into your head not everyone wants a cooper 's' too many salesman miss salse as they assume top of range is the seller. so many people have a set criteria which can be cost, running costs etc there buying hot spots are not the quickest nicest looking model

[Stedman]

Cheers guys.....

Yup - well aware not every one wants a cooper S. I approach things quite 'holistically', this would be no different

[80quattro]

I've just handed in my notice after doing a very successful 11 years with mainly Renault, and with a couple of forays into M-B and BMW. Be prepared to organise and motivate yourself. Be knowledgeable, and be nice to customers. The key things you need are Product (the right cars) Price (cars at the right price) and People (your skills). Get all these elements right all the time, and it will be like shelling peas.

Another tip I would suggest is - it's critical to correctly qualify a customer. Base your questions on who/what/were/why/when and you'll hit the ground running.

Good luck. I'm off to sell expensive sports cars.