As a 27 year veteran of the automobile business I've seen it all and
heard it all. I still learn something new every day and I usually see
something every day that makes me laugh and cry.This blog entry is
meant to put a smile on your face while also busting some common myths
and misconceptions about the Automobile business. By the way if there
are any really good and funny screenwriters out there a car dealership
would make a great setting for a sitcom. I see the next Cheers or Taxi.
I'm only missing one thing, talent!
Myth # 1 -
Salespeople can't be trusted and are liars - I've met and worked with
hundreds of salespeople over the years and, for the most part, they are
hardworking family men and women who would never purposely mislead a
customer and most do try to help a customer with their automotive
needs. There are a few, however, that have given our business a bad
name but I can count on my hand the number I've personally met. If you
go to a dealership and you don't like or trust the salesperson just ask
the manager to have someone else help you. Usually they will
accommodate you and the chances are good that the next person will be
helpful and courteous.
Myth # 2 - Go into a dealership on the
last day of the month and you'll steal a car. I've heard this one
forever and it's just not true - It is true that dealers work on a
monthly basis and will sometimes offer something to entice you to do
the deal towards the end of the month (although the deals at the
beginning of the month are equally important so you can also get a
great deal then). The last day of the month, however, is the worst day,
in my opinion, to try to buy a car. First off, all the salespeople are
running around delivering the customers that have already bought cars
earlier and this is probably when most customers have a problem with
salespeople. Their minds are on making sure they handled everything
needed for their deliveries and will ask things like,"are you ready to
buy now?" and not take any time with you if you aren't. The other issue
is selection and approval with the bank. It sometimes is just too late
to make the deal work before the dealership closes so if you want to
get a great deal on a vehicle just be a good negotiator at any time of
the month and get your best price then. Also there really is less room
in many vehicles than there are in others so generally dealerships will
offer you a price that is fair when you're in the showroom at any time
of the month. (Except for those select salespeople we mentioned earlier)
Myth
# 3- Customers who come into the showroom and say they don't like the
back and forth just want a bottom line price the first time out -
Actually the opposite is true. If a customer comes in and says they
don't like the back and forth, generally, they initiate the back and
forth and continue it all the way through the transaction. It's
actually quite funny to see the salesperson's face as soon as someone
says they don't like the back and forth because the salesperson knows
they're in for a long ride!
Myth # 4 - Coming into a dealership is scary and intimidating - Well I guess that myth is true. Sorry. We're just scary!
Myth
# 5 - If you shop on the Internet you should go with the dealer that
offers the cheapest price - This is my pet myth. Actually, generally
speaking, a customer should disregard the lowest and the highest
quotes. You also have to be careful that you are comparing apples to
apples. If the cheapest quote didn't include the destination charge and
the next best quote did, then the cheapest quote is more expensive.
Also, many dealers have extra charges that could add up to make the
lowest quote the highest so go with the dealer that you like on the
phone as long as the pricing is close. Chances are if they're nice and
courteous on the phone they will also be in person. Remember initial
price is just a small part of what makes a good deal.
I'll have some more myth busters in the future. Email me at mitchell@precisionacura.com for any suggestions you may have.
Mitchell Brenner
eCommerce Manager
Precision Acura of Princeton
