Quote:
Originally Posted by CountChoculitis
You're absolutely right. Some sales people are jack wagons.
That being said, you need to understand something about sales that you're over looking, and maybe don't know, and please remember I'm not trying to be smug or rude.
We're looking at selling maybe 10 FR-S', and maybe 100 Scions in general for the year - for example at my dealership - vs. say.... 2000 Toyota's and Toyota has about 70+ models/trims/packages 'sitting on the showroom floor' - it's a lot to learn and keep track of.
For someone who sells these cars, they are focused on what's available and what makes money so they can pay they're bills. I don't know why that seems like such a crime to people, that a salesperson want to make money. That's how we get paid, that's how we keep the lights on and our kids fed.
Dealerships are supposed to have Scion Certified salespeople, and Scion managers, and some don't have that. It just gets lumped in with Toyota. In that situation Scion gets neglected and yes, the customer [and the stores potential sales] suffers.
And honestly, I don't know why I'm a salesperson you would walk from. Because I'm willilng to give someone the benefit of a doubt? Because I'm tired of people indirectly bashing me on here? If you're not in car sales, it's hard to understand how difficult it can be.
Being on top of a truck in Iraq with a machine gun wasn't as stressful as this job is. But I get treated the same way - like shit by the people I'm trying to help, because you have preconceived notions about who I am.
Anyways, enjoy your FR-S where ever you get it tho, I can't wait to get mine!  |
Thanks for serving. For what it is worth I am ex-military (Army 101st Airborne Division) and have worked at a car dealer (but not as a salesman, but was around the dealer enough to know what goes on). And I apologize if I came off as being abrasive. You are 100% correct, it is a two-way street. I never treat cars salesmen/women like dirt. I treat them with the same respect, and I expect that same respect in return. That said, I have bought my last 5 vehicles almost exclusively from the Internet. I found it took away a lot of stress for both the salesman and me. Negotiate over email or phone, come in for a test drive, and sign the paperwork and leave.
And you are right. Not all car salesmen/women are jerks. I have had very good ones and very bad ones. My advice to those in this thread is if you get a bad dealer, buy from another.
That said, I guess we will have to agree to disagree on the salesman needing to know the basics of the car. I am not talking about understanding the intricate details, but at a minimum, they should know the basics (amenities, horsepower, fuel consumption, etc).
My local Mazda dealer did something pretty cool. All the sales personnel had iPads. They could look up any car at the dealer and give you details and specs at their fingertips. Very helpful.