How To Spot a Bad Salesperson

"Tom McParland" (tommcparland)
03/06/2014 at 09:50 • Filed to: Car buying, stealerships, articles, automatch consulting

As an automotive buyer's consultant I have dealt with a lot of salespeople. Most of them are good, some of them not so good. In my last installment, !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! Sometimes we are not so lucky. The absolute worst sales experience I ever had didn't happen at a car dealership; it happened when I needed windows for my house.

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We had a few local installers come out and give us price quotes both of which were a little higher than we wanted to spend. I then made the mistake of contacting a large company that shall remain nameless that "guaranteed top notch products with professional installation." I will spare you the complete two hour ordeal but here are the highlights:

The salesman comes into our house and sees my wife working on her laptop on the kitchen table he says "Oh, nice to meet you. I know exactly what you two are going through, my wife is challenged too." My wife is a wheelchair user due to paralysis from a car accident. She has a Master's in Library and Information Science and is an avid prone paddle-boarder, she is far from challenged. Strike 1

He asks what types of windows we were looking for. My wife gives him the brand that we would like and asks if they carry them. "Oh we do, but you don't want to get those windows; they are going out of business soon." My wife, the librarian, quickly researches more info on our chosen brand. She says, "There is something here from 2010, but I'm not seeing anything about that company in financial problems now." The salesman says, "Oh trust me. They are in trouble you will buy their windows, and in a year or two they will be gone. Then who is going to back you up if you have a problem?" Strike 2

After talking in circles for over 2 hours and not directly answering our questions, he brings out the price sheet.

"If we can agree on a price, will you sign a contract today?"

-"Well, we want to see an itemized breakdown of the costs."

"Uh, yeah but what if I give you a really good price, will you agree to a contract? " He writes down a number on the paper

-"Maybe, but I want to see it all in writing, you just gave us a final figure."

He reluctantly scribbles more details on the sheet. " So will you sign it now?"

- "No, we will think it over and get back to you."

"Well, I'm not allowed to leave you with an unsigned contract." Strike 3

- "O.k. then you can have it back."

"Alright you can think it over, but I need to know today."

- "Fine we will call you later."

The man leaves and not 5 minutes after the door closes my wife and I look at each other and say, "No way are we going with them." Then about 30 minutes later we discover he "accidentally" left his tape measure behind.

I give the guy a call, "Hey, you left your tape behind if you are still in the area I can put it in my mailbox if you like."

He says, "It's o.k. I'll pick it up on Monday when I get your contract."

- "Yeah...about that, we have decided to go with someone else."

Now things get really interesting, the man is clearly upset on the phone. "WHAT? I CAN'T BELIEVE THIS! YOU SAID YOU WOULD SIGN IT. I'M GONNA LOSE MY JOB OVER THIS. I TOLD YOU I WAS NOT ALLOWED TO LEAVE YOU WITH AN UNSIGNED CONTRACT AND THIS IS WHAT YOU DO TO ME?"

- "Hey, it's not that big of a deal I can just throw out the paper and you can pretend you never gave it to us."

"Can you at least tell me what I did to make you change your mind?"

- "To be honest...it was the sales tactics you used. We just aren't comfortable going with a company that represents themselves that way."

"SALES TACTICS? I didn't use any sales tactics!"

-"Yeah you did, in fact you used pretty much every one in the book."

"NO. YOU ARE A LIAR. YOU ARE A DISHONEST MAN. I CANNOT BELIEVE YOU DID THIS TO ME!"

-"Whoa, don't take it so personally it's just windows."

"YOU DON'T UNDERSTAND. YOU ARE GOING TO MAKE ME LOSE MY JOB. I WANT YOU TO DRIVE THE CONTRACT TO MY HOUSE."

-"That's not going to happen. I can mail it to you. What is your address?"

"I"M NOT GIVING YOU MY ADDRESS; I DON'T TRUST YOU."

-"Well, I have the fax number here for your corporate office; I'll just fax the contract with VOID on it that way there is no confusion. Have a nice day."

"NO, YOU LISTEN TO ME…." and I hung up the phone.

The rest of the day my wife and I just felt aggravated that we spent over two hours with what seemed like a con-man. I have a hard time believing anyone on a car lot would be this bad.

I would like to reiterate again that most salespeople are not the devil and genuinely want to do a good job. However, we all have our horror stories so in order to avoid another car-buying hassle here are some behaviors to look out for-

1. Lack of product knowledge-

I'm an enthusiast and I live and breathe information about cars. So I don't expect the sales staff at a dealership to know every minute technical detail about their cars. But I do expect them to be knowledgeable enough about their own products to tell me what makes them worthwhile. Not long ago I had a customer looking to get a Subaru Forester she asked the salesperson "What's the difference between the regular and the XT?" He replied, "The XT has a V6." (Subaru does not make a V6, and there is no 6 cylinder option on the Forester)

2. Not properly addressing a complaint/critique-

A few yeas back, I was helping my mom shop for a new Jetta (I know, let's not go there). I found it odd that the 24k SEL model she was going to get had rear-drum brakes. When I brought up the fact that rear-drums were strange on a 24k car the salesperson said, "Oh man, they are the newest thing. All the brands are switching to rear-drums. They are much safer." When I asked why all the Audis on the lot still had 4-wheel discs he didn't quite have an answer. Again this comes back to product knowledge but the correct thing to say was, "The front brakes do the large majority of the work and most drivers probably won't notice the difference."

3. Not giving you a straight answer-

If you ask for the best price on a car and they return with, "Well what do you want your monthly payments to look like?" That is not acceptable, you can do the monthly math later. I get that most folks on the floor need to talk to the manager before giving a price but if you ask for the sale price they should give you the sale price not the runaround.

4. Insulting your intelligence-

One time I considered buying a new Honda Fit Sport. I had the price worked down and then saw an $500 "executive package" fee applied to the car. I asked about it, and the manager said, "Oh that includes our VIN etching and paint protectant."

-"Really? Remove that fee or no sale."

Then the manager said, "Well, our customers appreciate those types of extras on their cars."

-"Ma'am, with all due respect, your customers are idiots. You just lost the sale."

5. Being too pushy-

I get it is the end of the month and the incentives change which could change the price. But if I want to walk away and think about it, let me walk away and think about it. And if anyone tries to play the, "We can't find the keys to your trade" trick, RUN AWAY!

Most car-buyers want to be nice about it and not make a big deal when then encounter the above behavior, but if you feel uncomfortable do not hesitate to request a different salesperson. Here is a little industry insider info that is sure to get me some nasty messages from dealerships… you know those phone calls and surveys that ask about your experience? Sales staff and manager bonuses often depend on you giving the dealership high scores on those surveys. So, it is in their interest to get you someone competent.

I wanted to keep the red-flags to a top 5, if you have any more be sure to drop them in the comments.

My name is Tom and I run !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! I am a professional car-buying consultant, which means people pay me to help them select the right car (NO YOU CAN'T HAVE A PRIUS) and negotiate with the dealerships to get them the best price. If you have any other questions or suggestions for future posts about the car-buying process please let me know. You can find some of my other car-buying articles !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!!

You can also find me !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! and !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!!

DISCUSSION (100)

RamblinRover Luxury-Yacht > Tom McParland
03/06/2014 at 09:56

Window sales guy may not have been going to lose his job before the second try at a sale push, but he certainly deserves to lose it now. Sweet mammary melons, what a crook.

Party-vi > Tom McParland
03/06/2014 at 10:04

1) This is why I do all my home improvement work. Seriously, if you've got a spare weekend and a Home Depot or Lowe's close buy putting in windows is easy.

2) What is the "we can't find the keys to your trade" trick?

Jayhawk Jake > Tom McParland
03/06/2014 at 10:05

Great article.

I'd like to add another bad salesman scenario, one that I've experienced because of one factor: I'm young.

The salespersons I particular despise are those who make assumptions based on your appearance. I've had some especially frustrating experiences in that regard. In fact, it was the very first thing that happened to me the first time I went to look at buying a car.

I was still in school, my senior year, but I had a job offer that I had accepted. I knew how much I would be making, I'd already found an apartment, and I knew that one of my first purchases would be a new car (hey, I'm young, I'm allowed to do dumb things).

So one day I take my Honda to the dealer for service (oil change/tire rotation, standard stuff). Since the Chevy dealer was across the street and I knew I wanted to shop the Camaro, I walked over. I was wearing shorts and a t-shirt, so I didn't exactly look like a businessman, but that shouldn't matter. I started eyeballing some Camaros on the used lot when a salesman approached.

"What can I help you with today?"

'Oh, I'm looking at the Camaro'

"Well, you're going to have to save up for a few years or have your parents co-sign if you want to afford one of those"

I'm not paraphrasing. Those were literally the first 3 sentences said between us. This guy knew nothing about me: he didn't know my major, if I was even in college, if I was working, what my job was, how much money I had, if I had parents, what I wanted, nothing. All he knew was I was a young guy who had walked onto his lot that day. He assumed that I couldn't afford a Camaro, and yet 2 months later I drove off a car lot in a brand new car that cost the same as the Camaro I was looking at that day.

I've had other experiences just like that, salesman questioning what I can and cannot afford without knowing anything about me, sales managers flat out saying they don't allow test drives for people as young as me (without actually knowing my age, mind you).

There's a few dealerships in town that I won't ever buy a car from because of that crap, because when I was honestly shopping for a car they brushed me off or insulted me just because I'm young.

Tom McParland > Party-vi
03/06/2014 at 10:07

The window install was not that easy it actually needed to be re framed and sealed. The "lost keys" trick is you take a car for a test drive...in the meantime the dealership takes your keys to "Evaluate your trade" when you get back they "can't find your keys" it is a delay tactic so you are stuck at the dealership longer so they wear you down. I haven't heard of it happen recently but I'm sure some shady places still try it.

jariten1781 > Party-vi
03/06/2014 at 10:09

It's classic. They take your trade in keys so that a mechanic can 'inspect' it. Then, if you're ready to walk out without buying they suddenly can't find the keys to your car and essentially hold you hostage while continuing to push the sale.

Tom McParland > Jayhawk Jake
03/06/2014 at 10:09

Yeah it is common in the industry often they thing young people are just there for joy-rides.

Tentacle, Dutchman, drives French > Tom McParland
03/06/2014 at 10:14

We had a car buying experience 2 weeks ago. We went to check out two cars on two dealerships about 15 minutes appart, but a two hour drive away. We had appointments with both, both between 1 and 2 PM, to check out a specific vehicle at each dealership.

Dealership A was an alltogether pleasant experience. The guy was to the point and (at least as far as we could tell) honest. And he offered a sweet deal on the car.

Dealership B however... Even though we arrived little before 2 PM, the car still wasn't outside, ready for a test drive. OOPS.

I put it down to inexperience of the sales guy that he didn't put his camera away. No problem if you are taking photos of new cars to put online, but at least give the appearance of paying full attention to potential buyers when you're with them.

The big black mark however, was caused by the fact that the particular car had been in use as company car while for sale , so the actual mileage was a few thousand more than advertised. 4k km isn't all that much, but it definitely works against getting the car sold.

Dealership B could not match the other candidate. While it was advertised for considerably less (€11.909 against €12.500) he could not drop the car preparation costs of €595. The other car (same make, model, age) was a net price. Oh, and over 25k km less on the odo. So price-wise it was a tie, but we went with the car from dealership A. Who even delivered it at home! (2 hours drive away, remember?)

Jayhawk Jake > Tom McParland
03/06/2014 at 10:14

That's fair, and I can't really blame them but I'd like to be treated with a modicum of respect, especially when I'm shopping for a reasonable car. If I walked into a dealer inquiring about a ZL1? I deserve it. If I'm looking at a base model V6 Camaro, it's at least reasonable to assume I'd actually buy one.

Drsweetdik > Tom McParland
03/06/2014 at 10:15

While being "pre-qualified" on a lot.... "Do you have a job?" from the same guy... "Why do you think you need a new car?" Really? Aaannndd finally... "Are you sure you can afford this car?" Just a heads up, I was 30 years old, driving a 2 year old car, dressed well and accompanied by my wife. We were on a GM dealer lot looking at a 4 year old Cadillac. I had the means to buy the same model, new, with cash.

Also... "We are not interested in taking your car in trade."

Yowen - not necessarily not spaghetti and meatballs > Tom McParland
03/06/2014 at 10:15

Kinja'd!!!

They have a shit stain on their shirt? Oh wait. That's an unfortunately colored pen?

Party-vi > Tom McParland
03/06/2014 at 10:16

Ah good to know. Luckily the joke would be on them because I have nothing of value to trade!!!

Edit: Yep. Sounds like every window install I've ever done haha.

Party-vi > jariten1781
03/06/2014 at 10:17

I see. Good to know.

Tom McParland > Drsweetdik
03/06/2014 at 10:17

Was this a Cadillac dealer? In my experience Caddy dealers don't quite have the interactions down like some other luxury dealers do.

OPPOsaurus WRX > Tom McParland
03/06/2014 at 10:20

I went with my wife to get an Escape. The sales guy wouldn't give us the price until we drove it. I knew it was too much but we entertained him. We were looking to spend 12-15, and this was 20. Come on. He points to another, I want the price he wants a test drive. Since it looked like one we could go for we drove it. It was closer to our price but still too high. At this point we had had enough of the guy and wanted to leave. Escape #3 ok test drive? F.U!!!!!!!!!! I wouldn't have been surprised if he grabbed our legs like a 2 y/o and let us drag him to our car as we were leaving.

Yowen - not necessarily not spaghetti and meatballs > Tom McParland
03/06/2014 at 10:20

For my car I asked:
"Can you come down $1,000"
"I'll ask my manager"
*Goes to manager, comes back, goes of on an entirely different tangent*
Me: "That's great, but what about that $1,000?"

It was like pulling teeth to get him to ask his manager, he clearly didn't want to do it. I can understand his reluctance, but I had to insist more than twice. On top of that he was similarly vague about plenty of other things.

Right then and there I decided I hate this sales person, but stay at it, because I want the car, it's the best deal in a 500 mile radius. But still, I will never recommend that dealership. In the end I ended up getting it down by $500, the car had been sitting for a while and the price had already been lowered by 2k, so that $500 was plausible at least... right?

Tom McParland > Jayhawk Jake
03/06/2014 at 10:20

Also you never know what someone can afford.

Jake - Has Bad Luck So You Don't Have To > Jayhawk Jake
03/06/2014 at 10:21

What dealer was this? Please tell me it's Rusty Eck or Midwest Kia so I can have even more of a reason to hate them besides their awful commercials.

d00mZ > RamblinRover Luxury-Yacht
03/06/2014 at 10:21

Whoops sorry Ramblin!

Jonathon Klein > Tom McParland
03/06/2014 at 10:22

I used to work for a Mitsubishi Dealer as a Salesman for awhile and they used to do it all the time. I would talk people out of buying cars if I knew they couldn't afford it. One kid came in, was underwater on 4 other cars, couldn't get anyone to cosign, finally got his handicapped, dementia ridden grandmother to come in and sign for him. Not one of my deals, I would have punched him in the face and told him to GTFO. What human filth. Both the kid and the Salesman that did the deal.

Storz > Tom McParland
03/06/2014 at 10:22

Lack of product knowledge is my biggest gripe. I was test driving a V6 Charger and got on it a little bit, the sales guy said "man that V8 is nice eh?" I told him we were in a V6 and he didn't believe me.

Makoyouidiot > Tom McParland
03/06/2014 at 10:24

It happened to a buddy of mine a couple of years ago, he was looking to trade an old police Impala that he'd had for a while on a new 4Runner, when the dealer tried to tack on a bunch of crap he didn't want, he tried to leave and they claimed they lost the keys to the Impala. He told them they had 5 minutes to find them or he'd call the cops. Keys magically appeared a couple of minutes after that. Needless to say, he left, and told everyone he knows. A lot of the dealers in my area that aren't domestic are the only ones for an hour or more's drive in any direction, so they think they can play hardball.

d00mZ > Tom McParland
03/06/2014 at 10:26

Car salesmen are the worst imo. Awhile back, I was with my mom getting her a new car and I wanted to test how well these salesmen were at a dealership. Keep in mind, we already did our research and resulted in 2 different cars: Honda Accord and Honda Civic. 2 BAD experiences:
1) We came in the dealership, walked around, and not a single person came up to us after 20 minutes. Someone finally came and asked, "So did you guys finally make a choice?" Seriously? Just like that? We both said yes with discerning eyes and I asked, "What's the best selling car here? We were thinking the Accord, but I want to know more about this car (The Fit)." Then he said, "Look, I'm not going to stand here all day, it looks like you guys don't even know what you guys want so let me know when you're ready." Fuck this guy. Immediately I thought of the race card. As soon as a couple of white people came by, he immediately serviced them. *For a widely diverse city, this asshat decided to be rude. This is the first time in my life I've witnessed this and didn't know how to acknowledge it.
2) Walked in another dealership after that and was approached in no time with any help. Thing is, I asked, "What's the torque and horsepower between the Civic and Accord?" He told me with these exact words, "Oh they're both the same. I believe 200HP and 200 Torque except the civic is more faster. You should get the Civic. It's really great." WTF is going on...

In conclusion I had enough and just got the Accord for a great price.

Big Bubba Ray > Tom McParland
03/06/2014 at 10:26

Great article. It's reminded me of when my sister was looking to buy her first car, we (foolishly) went to a dealership first to look instead of craigslist.

The first salesperson we encountered kept referring to my sister as "sweetheart, darling," etc. The second time I heard him call her sweetheart, I asked him "are you always this condescending and disrespectful to women that want to buy a car?"

I caught him completely off guard and he immediately apologized for his words then offered for us to test drive any car on the lot. I then told him that we absolutely wouldn't be buying a car from him purely because of his demeanor. We promptly left with him begging us to reconsider. Needless to say, we did not.

CounterTorqueSteer > Jayhawk Jake
03/06/2014 at 10:28

This past year, the same gentleman bought both an S8 and RS7 from my dealership in Rockville, MD. Both times that he came in, he was wearing sweats and a ball cap. As easy as it may seem to use as a "customer filter", appearance should never be considered.

Brian Silvestro > Tom McParland
03/06/2014 at 10:29

Cool story:
If you buy a BMW from Orange County BMW, the sales guys know you by name, and if they have a recently traded in 911 on sale, they'll give you the keys by yourself for an hour if you ask. That was fun.

Tom McParland > Brian Silvestro
03/06/2014 at 10:32

There is an Acura dealer near me that was the same way I drove the RSX-S and 1st gen TSX as soon as they hit the lots. They handed me the keys and said "Be back in an hour."

When my MINI was getting fixed I took it to a MINI/BMW dealer in PA I was checking out an E90 325 the guy says "Hey I think your car is going to be awhile you want to take the 3 for a spin?" I took him up on his offer and he showed me were some nice mountain roads were.

Brian Silvestro > Tom McParland
03/06/2014 at 10:35

Man it's great to see there's some really good dealerships out there.

ADabOfOppo; Gone Plaid (Instructables Can Be Confusable) > Tom McParland
03/06/2014 at 10:36

Was the nameless home-improvement company named after one of the Great Lakes?

I have a feeling I know which one you dealt with. Their sales people are very, very aggressive. We bought some reflective attic insulation several years ago, and while it has helped lower our heating bills, I haven't felt comfortable with that sale ever since.

Jayhawk Jake > CounterTorqueSteer
03/06/2014 at 10:37

Exactly

Tom McParland > ADabOfOppo; Gone Plaid (Instructables Can Be Confusable)
03/06/2014 at 10:40

Nope...it was Global or something

ADabOfOppo; Gone Plaid (Instructables Can Be Confusable) > Tom McParland
03/06/2014 at 10:41

Salespeople must have been taught at the same school then...

Jayhawk Jake > Jake - Has Bad Luck So You Don't Have To
03/06/2014 at 10:44

Neither. I bought my Kia when it was still Stevens, but even they were scumbags when it came time to buy. They were great through every phase but actual purchase, when I went in to buy the car my salesperson wasn't there but they sat me down with someone else and did everything wrong .

Sold me on monthly payment, which I didn't allow. Tried to sell me all their extras like paint protection which I got off. Tried to charge me nearly $1000 to go pick up the car from another dealer which I told them to not do. Tried to tell me I wasn't eligible for Kia promotions that I very much was eligible for.

Eventually they got the price about right and sent me to the finance guy, and I actually left not sure I was going to buy. The finances weren't working out like I'd hoped. Fortunately for them the finance guy was fantastic, extremely nice and personable and worked very hard to get me a good price and deal. He called me in the next day and had actually gotten the dealership to give me a better price and got the financing lined up properly, so I was happy.

Rusty Eck has always been nice, but pushy. "What if I could lower your payments today?" type pushy salesman tactics.

Super Car Guys has by far the worst commercials in town though...their Buck Dynasty campaign made me want to shoot someone in the face.

spanfucker retire bitch > Tom McParland
03/06/2014 at 10:45

When I brought up the fact that rear-drums were strange on a 24k car the salesperson said, "Oh man, they are the newest thing. All the brands are switching to rear-drums. They are much safer."

I can't believe you managed to keep a straight face with that kind of answer. I don't know that I could have stopped myself from laughing right in the man's face.

I hate that extra cap that always gets added on to try and boost the price. When I was looking for the Mazda3 hatch I currently have, every car on the lot had wheel locks and a rubber applique between the bumper and the rear door. I asked my salesman if you could remove those as I had no need for them - he said he couldn't remove factory options so instead I just told him straight up I wasn't paying for them. He went back to his manager and 2 minutes later he came back and said; "OK, we'll remove that from the price."

I get it is the end of the month and the incentives change which could change the price. But if I want to walk away and think about it, let me walk away and think about it.

I actually felt bad about this one. There's only two Mazda dealerships in my area and the first one I went to, I told the salesman I was just looking at a test drive at the moment - still gathering information and forming my opinions before I decided to make a choice as far as what kind of car I wanted.

The salesman completely respected my wishes - never tried to push me to make the sale today. But his manager? Wellll, his manager decided to come over before I left and asked me what it would take for me to drive home today. I could actually see the look of exasperation in the salesman's face as he knew his possible sale just flew out the window.

He was right. I went to the other dealership where they let me take the car home for the entire weekend on an extended test drive. That's how you sell a damn car.

MazdaMonkey > Tom McParland
03/06/2014 at 10:45

Yeah. Totally agree. As a former car salesman, I think the biggest problem is it's a terrible job and so attracting talent is very difficult. Only the most successful car salesmen make decent money - most of them make around minimum wage when you take into account the 60 hour work weeks. The hours suck and you usually have to work most weekends. Most sales managers are under tons of pressure and often treat the salesmen like crap. Your job is entirely dependent on your brand and the economy. There is very little training other than the computer classes the manufacturers provide. And most importantly, the customers treat salesmen like utter crap.

It is no wonder the dealerships can't bring in top talent. Most salesmen only have a HS diploma or equivalent. Most salesmen will bolt the second they think another dealership will pay them better (hint: they wont). Most salesmen hate their job. Even a talented, smart salesman works 60 hour weeks. When are they supposed to learn the product to know about every element of their cars?

Until salesmen are all paid 6 figures and are truly rewarded for knowing the product and treating the customer nicely, nothing will change. Yes there are customer survey bonuses, but what do you expect to happen when the average person is faced with a $25 customer survey bonus v. $1000 extra commission for making some money off of a customer?

Jayhawk Jake > Tom McParland
03/06/2014 at 10:45

Exactly. I dream of one day winning the lottery and walking into an Audi dealership looking as bad as I possibly can. Tell them I want to order an R8, and when they laugh at me whip out a briefcase with $150,000 in cash

GRawesome > Tom McParland
03/06/2014 at 10:46

I ran into a similar issue when we were looking to tent our house for termites. I got quotes and visits from about 10 companies from little places to the big players like Terminex. The guy from Terminex was rude the whole time and saying anything but his company is a waste of time because we use the best poison and all that. Of course I did my research ahead of time and all the companies use the same formula they just market it under their own different brand names. Of course their quote came in the highest by far and they nickel and dime you over everything. Trying to charge for the giant ziplock bags you use to put dishes and clothes in to protect them. When the rep called to ask when he should schedule the trucks to come do the tenting (just assuming we were going to end up with them) I told him we went with another company because they had a much better price and much better customer service. He just said "good luck with that, we'll probably hear from you soon". It's like if they act cocky enough people are just going to hand their money over to these fools. The company we ended up with was great and we have since recommended them to 4-5 other people. They were truthful the whole time - telling us that all the companies rent the tents and equipment from the same suppliers and then try to make profit based on that, seeing how much people were willing to pay. Their policy is to charge a fair price and get more business based on recommendations. It's worked very well for them so far I think.

Tom McParland > MazdaMonkey
03/06/2014 at 10:48

If only there was another way...

Kinja'd!!!

But I agree and like I said most of the people I deal with are alright.

yamahog > Jayhawk Jake
03/06/2014 at 10:52

Ughhh those are awful, but a blessing in disguise to see their true colors before getting involved. I'm 24 and plan on using it as a filter when I'm trying to decide between a new Mustang and a Challenger next year. If they're the type to assume I don't have money or don't know what I'm talking about because I don't look like an older car guy, I can find someone else to take my money.

jariten1781 > Tom McParland
03/06/2014 at 10:55

I can only think of one time recently that a salesman was notably pissed at me.

When I was out test driving before my latest purchase I went to look at an ATS 2.0t 6mt. I figured they'd be happy to have someone specifically interested in the combo since I doubt they move quickly. Anyhow, getting into the test drive was quick and easy and the salesman did not come for the ride along. I liked the car quite a bit and was ready to get some numbers before I went on to the next dealer. Came back and waited for a bit in the aisle in the front and the guy didn't come back. Figured, what the hell and parked the car back where it was before the test drive then went into the lobby.

Young girl at the desk asked me if I was here for new or used car sales. I explained that I had just come back from a test drive. More than 10 minutes later the salesman finally showed up and I gave him the keys back. He didn't say anything beyond 'How'd you like it?' then walked out the front door. A couple seconds later he comes in and goes 'Where's the car?' I'm like 'I parked it where it was before the drive'.

You'd have thought I killed his puppy or something. "What? You're not supposed to park it. Leave it in the aisle! Now I have to go check it out. We're rearranging cars and it's not supposed to be parked there anymore." Then he turns to go back out and says under his breath, but quite audibly as he's leaving 'I don't have time for this shit'.

I was too bemused about the whole thing to even be angry. The girl at the desk was super apologetic and asked if I wanted her to grab another salesman or a manager. I passed, got some brochures, and just moved on.

yamahog > Big Bubba Ray
03/06/2014 at 11:01

Good big bro move calling him out on that!

Jayhawk Jake > yamahog
03/06/2014 at 11:02

You'll get two types, since I made that cross shop (all 3 ponies actually). The 'fuck this person, they are young, they can't buy shit'. Those are the worst IMO.

Then there's the 'well, this person is young, so they must not know anything. I will LIE ABOUT EVERYTHING'. Like saying the Mustang handles better than the Camaro because it has a solid axle, or that Chevy lies about its power rating on the Camaro because they test at the wheels and not the crank like Ford (seriously, someone told me this. I told him he was an idiot).

Then you have the 'they're young so I have to pretend to be young a cool' type. These are funny. I went to Hyundai to look at the Genesis Coupe after driving the Mustang and Camaro. Upon telling that to the Hyundai dealer one salesman said, and I quote 'You should buy the Genesis, it'll smoke the shit out of a Mustang'

*sigh* car shopping is fun...

TillTheWheelsFallOff: Brocoma > Tom McParland
03/06/2014 at 11:08

I don't understand some salespeople. I hold in contempt how many of them treat women, be it a saleswoman or man. Though I've used this story many times, it sums up perfectly how unprofessional dealers can be.

My mother was in the market for a new car. She is partial to SUVs, but does not like boring, large ones. With fuel prices on the rise, we were able to convince her to give the C-Class a look. She was smitten by the C63. No wonder, mom drives with a lead foot, we all thought. While my mom is inside of the car, a salesman approaches my father:

"Hello sir, how are you doing today? Looking at the AMG model I see."

My father-"Quite well. I'm not looking, she is." Points to my mother.

My mother (who can be way too friendly)- "Hello there! This is a great car!"

The salesman is now unnerved with a woman as his customer for a model of car he obviously sells to men.

"Hello ma'am, what can I do for you?" *forcing a smile*

"I want to drive this one."

"This model is more sport oriented, so it won't be as comfortable. I'll let you test drive a C300, it's a model better for women ."

"Um, ok..."

He pulls around the front in this bare looking C300. Looked inside, it was pretty basic, other than leather. Disgusted, my father and I refused to sit inside the car as my mother and brother took the test drive. When they come back, my father asks what my mother thinks:

"It was ok, nothing special."

Just like the dealership.

"Honey, if you like it, you should get the black one inside, it's more for men, so I've heard."

My mom ended up getting an Evoque, which she drives in Sport mode all the time.

Moral of the Story?

Never assume your target customer.

Don't be a sexist pig.

CAR_IS_MI > Tom McParland
03/06/2014 at 11:09

It's insulting for a sales person whom you called to think that you haven't done your research.

With the internet being so readily available today, consumers tend to know exactly what they are looking at. Whether it be a car, windows, or an MP3 player, it's safe to assume SOME research has been done.

Being a lying salesman to try to make the sale is probably the scummiest of scum.

When I sold cars, if there was a specific question I did not know I would tell the customer, "I don't know, but I will find out for you".

Some people didn't like this (you are supposed to be the expert, but when you sell 5 major brands of new vehicles plus an unlimited supply of used, its not always easy to remember which sub model has some random feature this customer is looking for). Many customers, however, appreciated the honesty and presuming I got them their answer, they left happy.

For this reason, when I buy anything that will involve me talking to a sales person, step one is research the product and common questions. Step two is ask the salesperson those common questions, even though I already know the answer. Depending on how that person answers those questions will decide if they get the sale or if I go find another salesperson / place to buy.

Sn210 > Tom McParland
03/06/2014 at 11:14

Nothing bothers me more than a salesman that doesn't know their products! While shopping for my wife's CRV, we dealt with one guy who couldn't figure out how to un-sync the dual zone AC. I watched him struggle for a minute before I reached over and hit the defroster button.
We were also in negotiations at one dealership that had a used 2013 CRV. The sales lady said the sales manager was laughing at our offer. We got the last laugh when we walked out and got a brand new one for only $1000 more!

MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner > Party-vi
03/06/2014 at 11:16

Now I know who to call if i need windows done.

I'll provide a helping hand and free beer afterwards lol

Party-vi > MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner
03/06/2014 at 11:18

If it's light beer your new "windows" will consist of clear plastic stapled to your house :P

Drsweetdik > Tom McParland
03/06/2014 at 11:18

Yes sir. It was many years ago, 15 maybe. It really burned my bacon. The salesman was maybe 25. It really made me wonder who trained the guy. The questions were legitimate, but for God's sake have some tact. If this happened today I would get his manager and the general manager together for a little sit down.... Or not. Let them all learn the hard way.

MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner > Tom McParland
03/06/2014 at 11:20

Nailed it with this list. Loved it.

With the vehicle knowledge one, I tend to be a little easy on the used car guys, it's hard to know all the details on all of the different brands you might be involved in.

For instance, we test drove a Hummer H3 at a Jeep dealership when comparing a pile of Jeeps when we bought my wife's Commander last spring. Sales guy thought it was a V6, obviously we all know it was an I5. I (just playing with him) asked him to tell me about the car on the test drive, since he rode along. He's like "well you can feel the power of that V6, can't you!" I replied with, "No I can't, but this Inline 5 is doing great!"

He was very knowledgeable about the Jeeps though so I gave him a pass.

Tom McParland > MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner
03/06/2014 at 11:21

Yeah used car lots with all different brands are tough.

MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner > OPPOsaurus WRX
03/06/2014 at 11:22

Wow I probably would have told him to fuck himself if he required a test drive before the price. You are a more patient person than me.

Sn210 > Jayhawk Jake
03/06/2014 at 11:22

I hate ageism. My wife and I went through it when were were shopping for her CRV. I guess they weren't too bad, but negotiations went a lot easier when her father went with us.

Atl_boiler > Tom McParland
03/06/2014 at 11:28

One of the worst sales experiences happened in my house too (it was either windows or some other home improvement thing). My wife was sleeping in on a Saturday and the salesperson refused to continue the conversation without her present. He said it was against company policy to not have both of us there. I informed it that our household policy for decisions of this nature was for me to do the research, hear the information, get the price, and then report back to my wife. He was flabergasted that I refused to budge and I asked him to leave - I told him we were in my house and our rules superseded his companies (and that he was welcome to do the same if I had gone to him).

This has actually happened on multiple occasions and it is now something I question the business about before having them out to the house.

shop-teacher > Tom McParland
03/06/2014 at 11:31

The one I would add, is if they keep you waiting more than 10 minutes when they go to check with the manager, just leave. Several years ago, I was thinking about buying a Wrangler. After getting the, "It's the end of the month, so we'll give you a great deal line," I waited 39 minutes to be offered sticker price, minutes an $800 rebate if I financed it through Mopar. I was too stunned to yell at them and call them the names that they deserved.

MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner > Tom McParland
03/06/2014 at 11:31

Maybe one of your next features should be dealing with used car guys?

A lot of us can't afford brand new cars. :(

Atl_boiler > Jayhawk Jake
03/06/2014 at 11:32

I hope you didn't buy it from that dealership - I also hope you sent the manager/GM a note letting him know that you bought it someplace else.

I had a similar experience when buying my first car in 2002 - it was an SVT Focus - special, but not THAT special. The first dealership refused to let me drive it until I had bought it. So I went to a different dealership, bought it, and then sent a note to the first place letting them know that their salesperson and/or policy on this vehicle ~20k at the time, lost them a sale.

TheCraigy > Tom McParland
03/06/2014 at 11:32

Why oh why dear Lord why do these type of salesmen always seem to find my grandmother, mother-in-law, and grandmother-in-law?

CAR_IS_MI > Jayhawk Jake
03/06/2014 at 11:32

The Local Porsche dealer did similar to me.

When I was looking to get rid of both my truck and mustang, I drove my Mustang over to the dealer and was wearing a t-shirt and jeans. Started looking at used Caymans and a salesman came out, and we spoke for a few minutes, never once speaking about price. He then continued to say "Well I'm not sure we have anything in your price range, but sometimes the Carmax down the street has older Porsches on their lot". I was slightly offended but the reality was, they actually did not have anything that fit my need on the lot at the time, so I left and bought an Audi.

I later decided to rid myself of the Audi and yet again stopped by the Porsche dealer. Pulling in in a $60,000 almost new Audi wearing nice(er) clothing (as I was coming home from work). The salesman immediately came out and greeted me (Amazingly enough, the same exact guy, I remembered him, he did not remember me) and we discussed what I was looking for (a mid range sports car with a manual transmission, preferably a used Cayman but was open to 911's / other things they had on the lot) and again, never discussed price point. We walked around the lot, he tried up-selling me into a $130,000 991 C4S, when I said it was a bit too much he tried getting me into a ZR1 they had on the lot for $80,000. Took me inside and had a chat, learning I was 'into' cars he told me about the 918 test mule that had stopped by days before and how they had 2 people in the area put in orders for the 918. Showed me around the shop, took me to the back lot where the owners CGT was stored, etc. etc.

Totally different experience with the same guy. And why? Because I pulled up in a car that looked more expensive and I was wearing nicer clothes? I mean maybe the guy was just having a down day the first time around, but it seems unlikely.

Tom McParland > MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner
03/06/2014 at 11:33

To be honest I try to avoid those low budget used car lots like the plague. I really don't deal with cars under 15k...too many headaches. But I think the above warning signs still apply to all salespeople.

Tom McParland > TheCraigy
03/06/2014 at 11:34

Because they think older people are easy targets. My father-in-law has the same problem.

Jayhawk Jake > Sn210
03/06/2014 at 11:34

When I first moved out here my Dad came along to help with the move/hang out for a few days. After we were done moving, we went car shopping together. Most dealers were assuming my Dad was buying me a car.

MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner > Party-vi
03/06/2014 at 11:35

LOL

I wouldn't do that to you!

Installers choice...or an upgrade to a nice Whisky

Sn210 > Jayhawk Jake
03/06/2014 at 11:37

Same thing happened when we were looking for retail space when she was opening her dance studio. The real estate agent would turn to her dad and start talking numbers. He used to shut them down and say talk to her, it's her business!

Jayhawk Jake > CAR_IS_MI
03/06/2014 at 11:37

That sounds similar to some of my experiences. When I'd go in after work, I generally got better attention because I was dressed better, and I got bonus points if I had a shirt with my companies logo on it.

TheCraigy > Tom McParland
03/06/2014 at 11:37

They are the easiest targets, and they buy into the bullshit sales pitch, lies, threats etc. everytime. Half of the time they realize they're being cheated but just go along with it. I think I'm going to have them all interdicted.

CAR_IS_MI > Tom McParland
03/06/2014 at 11:38

I actually had a Jeep dealer do something like the 'can't find your keys' trick. The manager was trying to force a terrible deal on me and I was having none of it. He had my keys in his hand, but wouldn't give them back. Kept saying things like "hold on, hold on, lets try to work this out" when I asked for my keys. The deal was so so so wrong it wasn't even worth attempting to negotiate. Finally I stood up and said loudly (so other customers could hear, and yes, it WAS that bad) "you are holding my property against my will so either give me my keys back or I will call the police to settle this". Got my keys back and pretty sure I lost those scum bags a few sales that day.

Jayhawk Jake > Atl_boiler
03/06/2014 at 11:39

I didn't, too much effort required.

What really pains me is there's a salesman at a local Hyundai dealer who has been amazing both times I've shopped for a car. He even remembered me 2 years later. Unfortunately for him, Hyundai hasn't made something I'd buy, so I haven't found a car to buy from him. At some point I'd like to ask him to keep an eye out for cheap Miata's, I'd pay a little bit more to get it from him because he's been so nice to me, and not in a 'I'm nice to make the sale' sort of way.

MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner > Tom McParland
03/06/2014 at 11:39

Oh I agree. And I'm not talking about the budget "b lots". I mean the Used Car Department of major dealers. The one I was just referencing the Used and New Car sales floor was even shared (normally it's an out building). And our 2 current DD are a 2007 Mercury Milan bought used for 12k and a 2008 Jeep Commander bought used for 16k. They've been great so far, Milan is almost at 2 years for me, Commander is 2 months away from a year for my wife. *knocks on wood like a maniac*

Commander was a CPO though.

Rico > Tom McParland
03/06/2014 at 11:47

I've got to say the way you handled the window sales guy took an incredible amount of restraint. After all this shitty tactics if you have the nerve to yell at me over the phone I'm going to invite you to come back so that I can punch you in the mouth. I would've been glad to call his employer and file a complaint and ensure he lost his job.

MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner > TheCraigy
03/06/2014 at 11:54

same with my grandparents, who are down south literally a thousand miles away from me so I couldn't go with.

Thank god I got them a Ford Discount on their Fusion when I told them to go basic and the dealer slipped in the Sync/Sound/Sun package with a sunroof, upgraded stereo and sync.

They haven't turned the radio on in the 2 years they've owned it.

Rico > Jayhawk Jake
03/06/2014 at 11:56

I have a similar dream, it involves being insanely rich from hitting the lotto and applying for jobs and showing up at the interview on some Step Brothers shit, just genuinely not giving a fuck and seeing if they say "You've got the job!"

STREPITUS > Jayhawk Jake
03/06/2014 at 12:01

When I was shopping for my Mustang around October/November of 2012, I actually had a dealer refuse to order me one, I assume because of my age (I was 22 at the time). They were really nice and all while I was looking at the cars on they had on the lot, but when I said I wanted to order one from the factory built exactly how I want it, the salesman said "oh, no, its not Mustang season, so we're not going to order your car". What the hell does that even mean? Its not Mustang season? Someone should tell the factory that its not Mustang season and they should stop building cars. That and he tried to convince me that it was more expensive (I work for Ford, it isn't).

Come to think of it, a different Ford dealer was also a dick to me during the process. I was going to trade my 2005 TT Roadster for the Mustang, and went to 4-5 dealers (theres a Ford dealer every 50 feet in Southeast Michigan) to get trade-in quotes. The dealer in question offered me about half of what my best offer was ($5000 vs $11000), and then went on to assure me that the other dealer was scamming me, that it was fishy, that there was no way their deal was legitimate, and that if I didn't take their shit offer right there and then, and the other deal fell through, they would offer me $2k less when I went back. I laughed, because IF the other deal fell through (which it didn't), I still had 3 dealers that offered me more than these guys' $5k.

I ended up going back to both those dealers with my new Mustang and pointing out to the salesmen that their dickishness lost them a sale.

Jake - Has Bad Luck So You Don't Have To > Jayhawk Jake
03/06/2014 at 12:48

"We're out to be number one in the U S AAAA—"

*shuts off radio*

SuperCarGuys actually used to have one or two decent commercials, but they went bad *quick*.

Jayhawk Jake > Jake - Has Bad Luck So You Don't Have To
03/06/2014 at 12:51

I don't even think they're bad, they're just so god damn annoying

GoPDemon > Tom McParland
03/06/2014 at 14:57

Heh. you just reminded me about the rust proofing thing. I remember when I was in highschool, my friend who's dad owned a used car dealership offered me rust proofing for like $600.... It's been 8 years and the car hasn't rusted at all, except the wheels.

shop-teacher > Tom McParland
03/06/2014 at 16:15

Yep. I went in with my father in law last time. They tried to short him 30% on his trade in value.

shop-teacher > Party-vi
03/06/2014 at 16:20

There was a dealer near me that had a reputation for throwing your keys up on the roof.

His Stigness > Jayhawk Jake
03/06/2014 at 22:48

Being young I've been fortunate to not have a bad experience like you, which is surprising.
I remember one time I was actually encouraged to test drive a brand new CTS Coupe, and I was only 18, and I went in not to look at cars, but to get a free cycling jersey if I went on a test drive. But since I had no interest in buying a Cadillac I told the salesman I didn't have to do the test drive, the jersey would be fine, but they insisted, so I of course drove it.
Another time I went into a Chrysler dealership for another "get something free with test drive" promotion (I like free stuff), but this one didn't require a test drive, just that you come in, and the salesman helping me offered to let me take a Challenger out, I declined as I didn't want to waste his time, and I didn't have any time to waste.
I've also gotten to drive a new Mercedes GLK with no questions asked, and I probably even looked more disheveled than you did with the Camaro.
But that doesn't mean one day I won't run into a problem. And I hope that your bad experiences are over.

Rico > Sn210
03/07/2014 at 09:20

Will there be an Oppo review of this CRV? You should do it from the experience you've had behind the wheel of your Type S. And speaking of your Type S, how has it been lately? No issues?

Rico > MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner
03/07/2014 at 09:22

All of these "Whoa can you hear that V12 roar?!" "Uh actually this is a 4 cylinder diesel." posts have got me laughing. If you don't know anything about the car you're selling at least know what kind of engine is in it!

Sn210 > Rico
03/07/2014 at 10:25

Haha no one wants to read that! The Type S has been just fine thank you. No issues so far, but I'm still getting used to it. It's a lot tighter than the civic, I can't fling it around in parking lots, I have to take my time. I figured out my torque steer issue; two different types of tires on the drive axle. The dealer had put only two new tires on it and the shop that fixed the curb rash mixed them up. My inlaw's actually went away for three weeks over February and they let me park it in the garage to keep the salt off it, so I haven't been driving it that much. Still discovering new things, which is cool. There's a light in the console! How's your hunt going?

Rico > Sn210
03/08/2014 at 10:22

Happy to hear the Type S has been serving you well. Ah those different tires will definitely affect the driving dynamics. Were the new tires rated differently too? What do you mean a light in the console? Like one of those fancy ambient lights?

As for the hunt. It's on permanent hold. Last time we spoke I mentioned things were heating up at my job, well 2 Vice Presidents "resigned" (aka fired) so the whole management has been in flux for the past month and will be until they replace them. I'm trying to wait for that to happen before starting the search again because some VPs like to make there mark by getting their own people in. I'd hate to take the risk and find out "Hey we don't need you anymore we've got our own people!"

On a related note, a rather nice dark blue Acura TL (not Type S) was parked across the street from my house, seemingly taunting me this morning.

Sn210 > Rico
03/08/2014 at 10:33

Yep, the new tires are low rolling resistance all-season Michelins while the old tires look like the stock summer tires, which are also Michelins. When I checked out the car, I noted all four tires were the same brand and I only checked the tread on one, which happened to be a new tire. I assumed I was all set; but lesson learned.
I remember you mentioning a brewing storm at your work. I was hoping it was straightened out by now! That sucks I hate uncertainty. I hope it all works out for you

Rico > Sn210
03/08/2014 at 10:59

Thanks I hope it does. If anything this just gives me more time to save up for the Type S or any other car that may catch my eye.

Are you going to get the same low rolling resistance Michelins to replace the summer tires or just going to replace all 4 with something else?

Sn210 > Rico
03/08/2014 at 13:54

Idk I haven't decided. They are nice tires, and I'd save a little money just getting two so I'll probably just stick with them. My fuel economy is still only 20mpg so not sure how much of a benefit the LRR tires really are

Rico > Sn210
03/08/2014 at 16:34

What I always assumed with LRR was it only works if you coast a lot, I barely ever coast since I don't often take highways when I drive and if I do it's for a rather short period.

Victorious Secret > Party-vi
03/09/2014 at 15:29

You know what happened the last time I tried home improvement on my own?

Chernobyl.

bradledy > Brian Silvestro
03/09/2014 at 15:57

Unless they write up a loaner agreement, the insurance company isn't going to cover them if they get into an accident with no one from the dealership in the car. It may be cool but it's actually a big no no.

sm70- why not Duesenberg? > Jayhawk Jake
03/09/2014 at 15:57

So it is Camaro salesmen?

Back in 2010 or whenever they came out, my dad went out to look at one. He's businessman in his upper forties, and would definitely look to any salesman like the sort of person who would buy a Camaro as a weekend driver. So he pulls onto the lot, where there are several new Camaros sitting (this was maybe three months after the release), and he says to the salesman (who practically pulled him out of his car before it was turned off), "I'm interested in seeing a Camaro." The immeadiate reply was, and I'm more or less quoting here, "I'm sorry sir, but we are only showing Camaros to serious customers." He then tried to steer him towards an Impala or something, which my dad had no interest in for a variety of reasons, not the least of which as it isn't really the same as the Camaro. He left, of course, and went to another dealer who did show him one.

I'm sorry, but if a person in normal business clothes walks in and asks to see a $200k Ferrari, you can be skeptical. If a person in normal business clothes asks to see a $35k Camaro, you do not assume that he could never afford/would never actually buy said car.

bradledy > d00mZ
03/09/2014 at 16:00

Most of them aren't awful. I'm a jalop through and through and I sold volkswagens for two years. It's a job and I've run into my fair share of awful customers. Like borderline abusive customers. Please just try to go in with an open attitude next time you shop for a car and don't let those experiences ruin it for you every time.

bradledy > MazdaMonkey
03/09/2014 at 16:11

Yeah I sold volkswagens for two years and I actually worked for a great dealership but it was still brutal. I actually liked the guys I sold cars with so it was manageable but the customer/ salesperson relationship was tough to balance. I probably knew more about the cars than any other salesperson so my customers liked my knowledge and honesty but they were borderline abusive sometimes. I had a couple come in 30 minutes before closing on a Saturday to specifically ask to test drive a fully loaded Jetta SEL Hybrid. Usually if you're looking for a specific model/ car you have a general idea of price. I was engaging and helpful and nice and patient and really got into the whole process. We sit down and are ready to talk numbers. It's the end of the day and my managers want to close up soon and it was a model we were really looking to move. I gave them invoice minus ALL hold back. An awesome price. They kinda laughed and I was like sooo are we close? They were looking to spend about $10,000 less than that. They ONLY wanted to buy new and I was like honestly I doubt you could get a basic Toyota Yaris for that- literally one of the cheapest new cars you can buy in the US. Really?? How could you have so little idea of how much these cars cost?! Everything blew up in my face and the guy ended up being a major asshole. I always treated people with respect and with an open mind and sometimes it just doesn't work out. /rant. Do you have any good stories?

Jayhawk Jake > sm70- why not Duesenberg?
03/09/2014 at 16:16

Even with a Ferrari you shouldn't assume, but it's at least slightly more understandable.

Salesmen really need to figure out their customer before they say crap like that. A few questions take them from being an asshole to being a good salesperson

RichardNixon72 > Tom McParland
03/09/2014 at 16:18

If you ask for the best price on a car and they return with, "Well what do you want your monthly payments to look like?" That is not acceptable...

Wrong. Try selling cars to people with bad credit and you'll quickly realize down payment and monthly payment are ALL everything is about.

SteveMarsh > Tom McParland
03/09/2014 at 16:21

"YOU DON'T UNDERSTAND. YOU ARE GOING TO MAKE ME LOSE MY JOB. I WANT YOU TO DRIVE THE CONTRACT TO MY HOUSE ."

-"That's not going to happen. I can mail it to you. What is your address?"

" I"M NOT GIVING YOU MY ADDRESS ; I DON'T TRUST YOU."

So how do you drive to his house if he won't give you his address???

boobaru > Tom McParland
03/09/2014 at 16:35

My worst car salesman experience was at a Jeep dealership. The salesman relied heavily on the "woe is me" guilt trip tactic. He gives you his life story about how he hasn't sold a car all month, his girlfriend just totaled his car and can't afford another until he makes his sales numbers, and if you leave without going inside at least to talk, his manager will be mad.

The nail in the coffin for me was when I had enough, thanked him for his time, and started to leave. He throws a guilt trip hail mary and tells me that if I leave, he is taking food out of his kid's mouth, that he won't be able to pay rent this month, and that if doesn't sell a car today he will be fired (it was the end of the month). I should've just left, but I had to tell him where he went wrong.

The next day I get a call from his manager saying that the salesman is no longer with them, and asked if I was still interested. I told him no, and that was that. I think the manager knew why I wasn't interested, and didn't pester me further.

thecontrarian > Tom McParland
03/09/2014 at 16:40

Many years ago, I worked in sales at a VW dealership. It was a small franchise in a large multi-brand operation. The GSM trusted me enough to make my own deals - I only "touched the desk" about 10% of the time, when there was something out of the ordinary.

Despite being small, we were in an affluent area, and we were one of the first dealers to get the (then-new) R32s. And you know what? My general policy was to turn down test drives. I made a couple exceptions when I thought there was genuine interest (not just age), but they were few and far between. And I'd never let one out for an hour.

Why? Because an R32 with under 50 miles is worth a lot more than one with 400 miles. Why would I rack up miles on the two I had in stock, and then let someone go somewhere else to purchase? I knew those would sell, if only because there weren't that many in the area. They did, and because they were in just off the boat condition, they commanded a decent price.

My job wasn't to play silly games with customers, but it also wasn't to play silly games with our owner's investment.

Marcel Kozak > Tom McParland
03/09/2014 at 16:44

I received a phone call from Hyundai sales person who had in paperwork that I owned Hyundai Genesis.His usual chitchat moved to try to sell me some of his cars.I've told him I no longer own that vehicle and I'm happy with what I have.Him still confident asked me what I drive that he could upgrade me to better car.I told him laughing that I have Porsche Panamera so what exactly he wants me to get upgraded into.That stopped him cold and his only response was Wow you're on top of the mountain I hope I will be there with you some day,have a nice day.It was a good laugh that day.

Built BMW Tough > Jayhawk Jake
03/09/2014 at 16:52

There's a lot of homeless people in downtown Chico, so it's quite hard for me to hold back assumptions that someone who walks in looking like a sack of smashed assholes is a customer. I treat everyone like a potential buyer, but my god it's difficult sometimes. Some of these people who dress like bums actually have money. Like, lots of it.

The World of Vee > Tom McParland
03/09/2014 at 16:59

I know we all hate bad salespeople but I can't really blame the man for trying to get you to sign right then and there. Yelling at you after was a bit uncalled for, but assuming the customer knows nothing is one of the tenants that salespeople tend to live buy.

I know your job is to help people avoid getting taken when buying a car, but don't you kind of run on the same assumption? That the customer (who you've sold your services to) knows nothing about the product they're looking to buy? Sure being knowledgeable and generally not an ass or too pushy is admirable for a salesman to be, but if you go with the assumption that they will be you'll tend to not be offended when they try their tricks.

It's better that you be informed (like you were) so that when they try their tricks you don't fall for em.

Jayhawk Jake > Built BMW Tough
03/09/2014 at 17:00

It's difficult, sure. I don't mind questionable looks or a salesman asking me how serious of a buyer I am, it's the instant 'you can't afford this, please leave' attitude that I hate.

It got pretty bad when I was shopping for the sonic because not only do I not look like a car buyer, I was pulling up in a new car. Once the salespeople understood why I was shopping, they were helpful, but more than a few brushed me off without even figuring out why I was there

FireFrost > Tom McParland
03/09/2014 at 17:01

There was a Chrysler dealer in my small hometown that I test drove the then new 2009 and 2010 300C and Charger at. I knew what they were all about going in and so I asked the salesman what the difference was with the trims, Touring/Limited/C | SXT/R/T, etc. He said, 'the lower trim levels are front-wheel drive while the upper levels are rear-wheel drive.' I don't even...seriously? I was out of there so fast.