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Forum: Idea Exchange
Topic: Internet Manager Position and Internet Sales Departments
Topic Posted by: Randy May (rmay@dickscountrydodge.com )Organization: Dick's Country Dodge
Date Posted: Sat Jun 17 15:02:53 2000
Topic Description: Ideas and discussions on the sales processes for the Internet Sales Manager and Internet Sales Department.
Previous message
Posted by: Tom T. Abil (tomtabil@yahoo.com )
Date posted: Wed Jun 22 12:04:53 2005
Subject: Internet Lead Providers
Message:
I recently thought I'd try Autobytel. It turned into a nightmare. It went like this; $$$$ per month for 100 leads or more that turned out to net two more sales a month at the very skinniest margins. Most of the leads were 60 miles away or more. When we initially signed up I heard the price and left the room with my manager and the vivacious female rep. nose to nose. I was sure we weren't going to do it. My jaw dropped when I found out we were going to do it.
Anytime I would ask for better leads, the sales reps. kept asking my closing rates, monthly sales figures, number of contacts per client. I had to buy ACT to be able to even keep up.
A pattern developed where anytime I said "these leads are weak" the Autobytel reps would take me to the woodshed for another beating about my performance, lack of 90 day follow-up, whatever.
To top it all, they sent copies of all my missed leads to my manager's manager which threatened my job. They kept trying to cut around me for a private meeting with the GSM.
So I told the manager it wasn't worth it and prepared a termination of service letter, had him sign it and said goodbye to the rep. The very next day I see her in with the manager and sure enough I'm back on the carpet. She was really working me over too, I said maybe I'm not doing as good as I thought; playhouse 90ing her a little and she chewed right into it. Then the manager "who reads me like a book" tells her nonetheless we aren't continuing with you and sent her away.
My little secret that I forgot to share with her was that I was salesman of the month last month and already have eight on the books for this month. I wonder how many guys she has cost their jobs with this routine through unwary managers?
Not to toot my own horn anyway. I thought I would find incremental business through them. Instead I got the business. I deal with a lot of internet reps. from all vendors,(some are close, some distant). Notice how most of them are the vivacious type trying to confuse you with their looks. Take my advice and don't fall for it.
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