- My Forums
- Tiger Rant
- LSU Recruiting
- SEC Rant
- Saints Talk
- Pelicans Talk
- More Sports Board
- Fantasy Sports
- Golf Board
- Soccer Board
- O-T Lounge
- Tech Board
- Home/Garden Board
- Outdoor Board
- Health/Fitness Board
- Movie/TV Board
- Book Board
- Music Board
- Political Talk
- Money Talk
- Fark Board
- Gaming Board
- Travel Board
- Food/Drink Board
- Ticket Exchange
- TD Help Board
Customize My Forums- View All Forums
- Show Left Links
- Topic Sort Options
- Trending Topics
- Recent Topics
- Active Topics
Started By
Message
Handling a car salesman
Posted on 2/1/25 at 4:25 pm
Posted on 2/1/25 at 4:25 pm
This passage is part of an essay that appeared in the Wall Street Journal today.
Wall Street Journal (paywall)
Wall Street Journal (paywall)
quote:
I’ve never sold cars, but I know that selling cars is easier than going door-to-door to sell most anything else. Anyone who walks into a car dealership comes with your product on their mind. But that doesn’t make selling cars easy. I see plenty of terrible salespeople at car dealerships. They all make the same mistakes.
Not long ago I wanted to buy a red Ford F-150 pickup. An online search found only one at a nearby dealer. I went there, told the salesman what I wanted and said, “Congrats, this will be the easiest sale you’re going to close this whole month.” Then he started asking a bunch of questions.
What engine size do you want? I don’t know. How many liters? I don’t know. I don’t study engines. What trim options? I don’t know. Let me show you this white one. Didn’t you hear me say red?
He kept to the script, didn’t try to read the situation and spent more time talking than listening. It was maddening.
“Hey, I told you I want a red F-150. You only have one red F-150 on the lot. I’d like to test-drive it.” He gave me the keys and told me to find him when I got back, which I did.
“What did you think?” he asked. “I love it! It’s exactly what I hoped it would be.” “Great, now let me show you a few that are even nicer.”
I lost my patience. “I’m not looking at any other trucks,” I fumed. “And just out of principle, even though I love this one, I can’t buy it from you. Because I coach salespeople for a living and, dude, I have to tell you, you suck at this! You couldn’t even spend 15 minutes test-driving it with me. What if I had questions on the road? So you’re not getting a commission from me today. But at least you’re getting some free coaching!”
felt a little guilty, but this guy needed some tough love. If he couldn’t close this sale, how could he survive at his job? About a month later, the same salesman texts me out of the blue. “Hi Sam, I finally figured out what you meant. I really do appreciate you. Let me know if you ever want to come back.”
A car dealership was also where I met the best salesman of my life.
8
Posted on 2/1/25 at 4:31 pm to prplhze2000
I have zero love for a car salesman. From the moment you walk in they are trying to break it off in you. From the vin etching on all the windows to the financing. I can’t wait till sales at dealerships are done with and you just order offline.
Posted on 2/1/25 at 4:33 pm to prplhze2000
I’ve never met a car salesman that I didn’t want to line up against a wall and execute.
Posted on 2/1/25 at 4:40 pm to prplhze2000
The only good thing about car salesmen is you always know where you can find some coke if you’re in another town away from your dealer.
Posted on 2/1/25 at 4:46 pm to prplhze2000
Posted on 2/1/25 at 4:46 pm to prplhze2000
They have their hand in your pocket as soon as you walk on lot. They steal as much as they can and a lot don’t even know the product. They all lie.
Posted on 2/1/25 at 4:53 pm to JackieSonnier
quote:
From the moment you walk in they are trying to break it off in you.
They all come across as scum at some point in the process. That said, the dealership model in general is more to blame than the peon at the front end.
Posted on 2/1/25 at 4:54 pm to Cleary Rebels
I bought one a couple of weeks ago. Knew what I was going to get when I walked in. Salesman was nice, professional. Helped his wife is my best friend's cousin and she made a call. ;-).
Posted on 2/1/25 at 5:02 pm to prplhze2000
So, the WSJ guy HAD to have a red F-150. He finds the only one in town. He likes red so much he couldn't give a shite about the engine or the interior or the trim package. He drives it and LOVES it. It is his DREAM truck.
Then, because he is such a good life coach and he fells the need to prove a point, he doesn't buy it.
Yeah, this never happened. Or he is a chick.
Then, because he is such a good life coach and he fells the need to prove a point, he doesn't buy it.
Yeah, this never happened. Or he is a chick.
Posted on 2/1/25 at 5:08 pm to TheFonz
quote:
I’ve never met a car salesman that I didn’t want to line up against a wall and execute.
Jeez, dude.
Posted on 2/1/25 at 5:11 pm to Basura Blanco
quote:
So, the WSJ guy HAD to have a red F-150. He finds the only one in town. He likes red so much he couldn't give a shite about the engine or the interior or the trim package. He drives it and LOVES it. It is his DREAM truck.
Then, because he is such a good life coach and he fells the need to prove a point, he doesn't buy it.
Yeah, this never happened. Or he is a chick.
Agree. And I don’t believe he could only find one red F150. That’s BS
Posted on 2/1/25 at 5:14 pm to prplhze2000
guy in the article is a self absorbed POS, car salesman has a job to do and so does the buyer, it's not my job to be friends with or coach up the sales staff, just to find a vehicle I want at a price I'm happy with and go on about my business 
Posted on 2/1/25 at 5:14 pm to TheFonz
Posted on 2/1/25 at 5:18 pm to Basura Blanco
Same. And who wants a slimy salesperson with them givng the hard sell while inspecting a product? Like a good realtor, give me the highlights, then make yourself scarce while I have a good look over. I'll have my list of questions for you directly afterward.
Posted on 2/1/25 at 5:18 pm to prplhze2000
I can play car salesman and more importantly their ‘sales manager’ like a fiddle and have them squirming.
Page 1 of 1
Popular
Back to top
Follow TigerDroppings for LSU Football News