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Forum: Idea Exchange
Topic: High Line vs Domestic
Topic Posted by: Tom Cotter (tjc45@aol.com )Date Posted: Tue Jan 14 11:16:49 2003
Topic Description: I'm in the process of considering an auto sales career. In my search I've talked with a reputable BMW dealer in the local area. The sales manager told me he offered no training and that his dealership was a sink or swim atmosphere. He advised me to cut my teeth at another dealership, but warned me off domestic brands. He told me that he and most of the area's other high line dealerships will not consider someone with domestic experience. What's up with this? What's the difference between selling Saturns or Mercedes? Why would being a successful Chevy salesman not qualify you to be a great Lexus consultant? Can somebody please explain?
Original Message:
Posted by: Randy May
(rmay@dickscountrydodge.com
)
Organization:Dick's Country Dodge
Date posted: Tue Jan 14 14:37:46 2003
Subject: Sales Career
Message:
My first thought is why would anyone work for a dealership that is short sighted enough to not be interested in developing its most critical assett and the most potential filled source of income and success, it's employees. I work at a Dodge dealer. I have been here over 5 years. They have invested a lot of money and time in me personally and I have in return consistantly showed up for work and ensured them a return on their investment. We are both better off for it. As far as selling a certian make of vehicle. I think that is a personal decision. I want to believe in the product I sell. I also want to sell something thing that I can and will buy myself. I know very successful salespeople that work at Lexus stores, Dodge stores, Chevy stores and BMW stores among others. The difference in usally the attitude of the salesperson not the name plate on the vehicle. I have gotten very bad service at a store selling very expensive products and great service at a lower line product store. When I chose to get in the industry I checked out the dealers and interviewed several times. I found a store that sold a product I believed in. Then one that I could align with on an ethical level. From there I looked at the business model and their future and what my future might look like there, ie turn over, training, advancement, pay, location, etc. It has worked out well. I will tell you that I know not all dealers subscribe to the same attitude in assett development and training. I have heard of one BMW dealer that spends a ton of money on training and coaching for the salesstaff. The only problem is there are few openings as people do not often leave........Good Luck and I hope you find your spot in this challanging but rewarding industry.
Previous reply
Reply:
Subject: high line vs. domestic
Reply Posted by: Larry Betts
Date Posted: Fri Jun 20 21:36:08 2003
Message:
I work at a Chrysler dealership and with the recent changes in Chrysler's line-up, I can tell you that customers that are used to buying at a BMW or Volvo store are not the same as that we would have looking for a 300M or PT Cruiser. We haven't been able to move a single Pacifica yet, we're still trying to figure out how to react to customer statements from people that are used to a differant type of service. I had a customer that was sold on Pacifica, but since I wouldn't tell him how much his trade was worth until he was ready to buy, he went to a dealership that would tell him anything he wanted to know. Even though he had to settle for a vehicle that he didn't like very much. They just knew how to take care of that kind of customer.
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