Automotive Sales - Why Do They Expect a Sale Even before Inspection

dragonfly090 on 01/03/2016 - 13:01
Last edited 01/03/2016 - 13:01

This is my rant on Auto dealers and sales.

Even before the test drive they expect the sale to be done and then expect to the consumers to accept the quoted price or be looked up like cheapo person where they sound humiliating.

Any dealer that you walk in, the first question is are you serious on buying/are you prepared to put in a deposit/what price are you looking to pay blah blah blah..it is sort of sickening with this kind of behavior by sales.

The expectation of you is that you do your homework on models available, features on it, make up your mind, browse through pics of the car and just walkin to dealership to make payments, the only time you should be going in there is when you are BUY READY. SICK.

The least expected of these folks are to brief you on the car, allow the consumers to make choice, give them enough space and time before you start pushing and take the customers NO with a smile and stop treating customers with arrogance.

From where I come in India, had dealt with various dealers of various brands. Consumer is treated with utmost dignity and respect. You are explained well about the car, features shown and explained on a car standing in air conditioned building, you are offered a test drive even before they ask "are you serious about buying" or "are you ready to put deposit". No wonder the sales of new car in Aus is 98,000 (http://www.tradingeconomics.com/australia/total-vehicle-sale…) compared to India's sales of 2,601,111 (http://www.siamindia.com/statistics.aspx?mpgid=8&pgidtrail=1…)

Time for the dealers to grow up!

Automotive

Comments

        • dragonfly090 on 03/03/2016 - 12:51

          @Spackbace:

          Market in India works different, so educating you on that will take a longer time.

          Second, agreed when you posted Australia has large sales. does that give you the privilege of mistreating a customer, whom you are meeting for the first time

        • spackbace on 03/03/2016 - 12:56
          +2

          @deepudips:

          Market in India works different, so educating you on that will take a longer time.

          Like any negotiation it goes to and fro, it does it the whole world over. Don't try to say it doesn't.

          does that give you the privilege of mistreating a customer, whom you are meeting for the first time

          Lol cmon, no one is talking about mistreating except you. Qualifying you to ascertain where you are in the buying process isn't being pushy, it's helping us to see how genuine you are. How would you like it if I just went to your workplace and chatted your ear off for hours, wasting your time? Wouldn't appreciate it would you? No one likes their time wasted, especially at their job.

          Without knowing how pushy the other salespeople were, we're all in the dark here. No one here knows exactly what language and what they said except for you and them.

          So, bought a car yet?

        • dragonfly090 on 03/03/2016 - 13:59
          -1

          @Spackbace:

          My dear friend, I am speaking about mistreating people (refer back all posts excluding my comments), and you will see I am not an exception!

          For you chewing my ear, I would be more than happy to accommodate you in my office if you were a prospective client (irrelevant if you buy/take services of us) without any prejudice.

          If you are a friend of mine, I will still accommodate you at tell you we can catch up in a more relaxed world with a beer in hand.

          In no circumstances would I chase you away.

          One other way of being pushy is asking it repeatedly. yes, driving out this saturday

  • SupeNintendoChalmers on 03/03/2016 - 10:59
    -1

    From where I come in India,

    Therein lies the problem. Indian society is definitely more geared towards master/slave model.

    I'd dare say from my travels that was the prevailing attitude there and when Indian folk land in Australia they have the expectation that this master/slave rhetoric is acceptable in Australia, but of course we are far more egalitarian in nature.

    Having said this it doesn't excuse anyone selling something being a jerk or indifferent.

    • dragonfly090 on 03/03/2016 - 12:37

      master/slave is a culture that was long buried in India. Its called respecting others without a bias of caste, creed, culture, ethnicity or skin color. Treat everyone fairly without prejudice!

      • [Deactivated] on 04/03/2016 - 01:11

        be my slave and ill supply you with a car

  • itstuan on 03/03/2016 - 11:02

    Some dealers have great customer service, some just meh. It depends where you go. To put things into perspective, they probably had too many joy riders so they want to make sure you're serious buyer. If you both can't agree on the price then what's the point for the test drive right? If you're buying a second hand car, make sure you check its condition and happy with the price before take it out on road. There's paperworks to be done to do that and nobody wants to waste time doing all that so you can come back later and offer a crazy low price.

  • narcoleptic-haze on 03/03/2016 - 12:13

    About a year ago I bought my first car. It was the worst retail experience I've ever had due to exactly the reasons the OP stated. 5 mins after walking in the door they were trying to close the deal, and after the test drive they practically had the papers out ready for me to sign. They literally made out that the purchase was nothing more than a casual decision.

    I told them you've got to be joking, but ended up buying the car after a few days because it was honestly a fantastic deal. It was an ex-Ford company car so practically brand new, but about $8,000 less than a new one. And the top range in that model.

  • BestofOZB on 03/03/2016 - 12:44
    +2

    This is how we bought our new car:
    Looked online, did our research, compared cars, had a look at prices on caresales.com to get an idea.
    Narrowed it down to 2 cars (Ford or Kia). Rang both local dealer and booked a test drive over the phone, told them straight up I wont buy until I test drive other cars, no dramas there.
    Decided on the car and extra features colour etc.
    Last step was ringing a few close by dealers till we got the best offer, paid deposit with credit card, settled on the day we picked the key, happy wife!

    Point is, especially with cars, do your research before hand, know the price range and go to the dealer only when you are close to buying. Don't waste the saleman's time if you won't even remotely consider buying it.

    • JuryWheel on 03/03/2016 - 13:32
      +2

      I agree with this too. It can be different when you are looking at an ex-demo, last years model, last 'purple' one etc..but most deals on cars from 15k-60k shouldnt be that hard for vaguely clued in people.

      Maybe some could also take it down a notch too, put a $ figure on 'your time' when driving around to 27 dealers, talking to multiple sales staff, all for a 1% saving. At the end of the day, the staff and dealer need to make money otherwise they wont have a job. I was more then happy buying from the first guy when i bought our Rav4. I knew roughly how much i was looking at paying (online forums and carsales) went and had a look at the car, took it for a spin (really, im no mechanic, if its smooth, comfortable and changes gears well what else am i looking for?) and signed up after a little haggle. Home for lunch and plenty of time to enjoy the rest of my weekend.

  • dragonfly090 on 03/03/2016 - 15:06

    @Spacebace

    Read few of below comments, this should give you a fair picture of how car buying customers are treated. none of these are mine and I do not know the nationalities, time for retrospect?

    *About a year ago I bought my first car. It was the worst retail experience

    they probably had too many joy riders so they want to make sure you're serious buyer

    Was pressured into buying a car on the spot. Love the car btw. Not the experience.

    few cheap and arrogant sales persons

    salesman are not happy with that :p

    Yes, every car salesmen I've dealt with in Oz was an arrogant pushy bully, I've witnessed everything from them positioning themselves between the cars so that you can't even leave their yard

    I know how you feel because I've been through the same

    When I walk into a dealership, no one offers to sell me anything. I actually have to ask them

    I have experienced the "I need to put down a deposit and\or apply for finance before

    You are reading: "first to see the car has to buy it"

    I had the same experience in Mitsubishi

    salesperson's manner rubber me the wrong way

    Been through this,

    Car salesmen (plus their ming moles) and real estate agents are 2 groups of people whom I have no time for. Arrogance seems to be their common middle name.

    When I purchased my new car I went to a dealer who wanted a deposit prior to a test drive

    If you think the salesmenship is terrible, wait until you need after sale service.

    I came across a shitty sales person

    I tried to buy a Mazda once and the salesman wouldn't tell me the price until after I agreed to sign the sales contract

    The thing is, we were there to buy a car that day, but we weren't about to have the wool pulled over our eyes.

    Food for thought. Shame that a whole brand is damaged like that by one moron.

    I'd say Carsales dealers would come very close as being quite 'shady'. Quite Frankly.

    I have seen a few like you have, that are entitled and prey on what they hope is ignorance

    there are sales people who do not make buying a remotely palatable experience.

    I had the exact same experience as the op first time I ever went to dealership

    Personal experience has been mixed , some sales people are really pushy and want you to pay deposit as soon as you enquire about the particular model

    This is where all the bs artists con artists get their training

    "if you're not going to buy it there's no point doing a test drive

    car salesmen can be pricks and yet cars are flying out the door!

    it's been hot and cold for me, I wouldn't rave about it most of the time.

    Some of them are very very bad and don't even talk if your budget is not close to what they are willing to sell, some are average, one of them is the best.

    Sad but true*

  • hippies on 03/03/2016 - 15:14
    +2

    Well maybe u guys just need to stop arguing. Different person , different way to get a bargain. He bought his car, his happy with the car, good for him. Any oher issue , we might just concentrate how bad / good sales reps are… Easy simple and peace !

    Become a sales rep is not easy, im not indian, but i salute their hardwork…

    Easy example :

    What would u do when indian call u try to sell something ?

    And

    What would u do when aussie call u try to sell something ?

    Australian sales rep always get a better response from us … Why ?
    And yet Indian ppl dont give up and still trying to make dollar…

    I close this post with respect ! :D

    OP … Congrats on ur new car. Hope u love it !

  • 2ndeffort on 03/03/2016 - 18:49

    Sales guys are probably earning a large part of their wage on commissions. Spending time with people that arent going to buy anything is basically costing them money, why would they want to waste an afternoon helping you to kick some tyres when they could maybe sell 3 cars to other people and make more commission. This isnt the sales guys fault, it is the Car Company's fault for setting up the sales remuneration plan. I am sure that when you look like a real prospect ready to make a purchase any salesman will want to be your new best friend.

  • 2ndeffort on 03/03/2016 - 18:54

    This sounds like a cultural thing. Sales guys will be pushy, they have to be, they only get paid when you make a purchase. They want to sell as many cars as they can and go home with lots of money. They also know that when you are under pressure you make mistakes and worse decisions. There are car dealerships everywhere, if you arent happy with a sales guy drive 10 mins down the road and go to another dealership, vote with your feet. If you are asking for too good a deal and they wont buckle, dont blame them, they are doing this for a profit, not for charity. If you dont like the deal try somewhere else. If nobody will do the deal you expect maybe it is time to review your offer.

  • Banana on 03/03/2016 - 22:20
    +1

    Salesmen get like $19/hr and they often work overtime with no pay, expected to be answering potential clients' questions at ANY TIME OF THE DAY. They get bombarded with post sale questions like "what petrol do I use", " how do I organize an etag", when they didn't even make money on the sale.

    If they see you as a potential client, why would they waste time on you? They have got a family of four to feed too.

  • OzTightArse on 03/03/2016 - 23:52

    I have a friend who is the best car buyer I've known.

    He took a proper test drive (like 3-4 hours on the dirt, 4WD). And when asked for deposit simply said no, I'll bring the cash tomorrow.

    When suggested that the car might be gone by then, he'd just say… do what you need to do.

    So I guess when there is no apparent emotional attachment to whatever car you're buying, any high pressure sales tactic would not work.

    • salbee28 on 11/03/2016 - 10:24

      The best advice I ever received about negotiating on the purchase of a new car, is just prepared to say no & walk away if you aren't happy, don't let your emotions get the best of you in a high pressure situation as that's when you will make poor choices.

      Like the saying goes, there are plenty more fish in the sea.

  • [Deactivated] on 04/03/2016 - 01:10
    +2

    not sure if serious or troll.
    this is the dumbest forum post ive seen

    • ev3nfl0w on 05/03/2016 - 13:56

      Almost as retarded as the travel agent who was having a rant about online booking systems.

      Having worked in India for extensive periods of time, this sort of logic is nothing new and people should just stop commenting.

  • PerthectDeal on 04/03/2016 - 02:03

    Depends on the economic times as well,

    in 2001 when I was trying to decide on a car, sales people let me have the car for the weekend, another dealership let me have another car for the next weekend, completely volunteered, no questions if I was going to buy it and also told me no need to fill it up after!These dealerships gave me all the time in the world. Brought the car from one of them.

    I also remember being at a dealership (approx 2004) looking at a car and was 100% honest with the sales guy - can't afford it, more a dream car, no intention of buying it and just looking thanks. Instead of walking away he said well lets go for a drive and spent 45 minutes driving around Perth - was great. He got out of the office so was happy.

    in 2009 and 2012 it was quite the opposite, visited quite a few dealers, more to see the car in the flesh, most were the hard sell that turns me right off but found some dealers who were not as pushy and I brought cars from them.

  • poochi on 04/03/2016 - 10:49
    +1

    They only ask if you're serious about buying when you talk price. They don't want to offer you the best possible price then have you walk away and take that price to another dealer to negotiate.

    • dragonfly090 on 04/03/2016 - 13:04

      Why would I reveal some other dealers price without knowing what is on offer from this guy? What if his initial price itself is much lesser than the other dealer?

      When you buy something even the eneloop batteries, if JB offers the same at $10, while someone is ready to give you @ $7 do you still buy @ $10?

      Same here you are prepared to walk away to a harvey or a good guys or someone else to save that $3. I do the same just the margin is higher and we are talking few hundred $$. While someone doing it for $3 is fine but dont venture in saving few $$$?

      What sort of logic is that?

      • tomleonhart on 04/03/2016 - 13:34

        When you buy something even the eneloop batteries, if JB offers the same at $10, while someone is ready to give you @ $7 do you still buy @ $10?

        Yes. If that someone lives in Melbourne and JB is next door.

  • frostman on 04/03/2016 - 12:14
    +1

    Here's my take on your rant:

    If you're shopping for a common / high-demand car such as Mazda CX-5, Toyota Klugar, Camry, Toyota 86, then I can see why the dealer is annoyed. These cars are in high-demand and as such, are selling fast. He/She has no time for your [back-at-home] haggling techniques and as such, will dismiss you given they can sell it very quickly. I had to wait 4 months for my CX-5 to be delivered after ordering and coulnt take $100 off the price. They just threw in free car mats.

    If you're shopping for a low demand car, like Nissan Dualis, some Citroen's, etc, usually the dealer will be more welcoming on haggling as they know they don't get much customers

    However, the above 2 statements are underpinned by what is perceived to be your knowledge on cars. If you appear to be walking in clueless and have all the time in the world to peer through every window of a car like an artist admiring a painting, asking silly questions, then the dealership isnt a "Your Car Guide 1-0-1". They're happy to tell you about Power/Torque, and whether the car is safe for off-road and mileage/litre. But not if its "good, fast, V6? can I put 5 baby seats? etc".

    You STILL need to do some level on research on cars prior to shopping, the Dealership is there to show you the car in real life and answer some questions. If you want Window-shopping, get a magazine.

    • spackbace on 04/03/2016 - 12:58
      +1

      You STILL need to do some level on research on cars prior to shopping, the Dealership is there to show you the car in real life and answer some questions. If you want Window-shopping, get a magazine.

      That's the funny part is how our industry is changing. Few years back, we were the ones to educate you, plus whatever you read in the paper. That's all you had to go from (plus word of mouth from friends/family). Now there's so much information out there, it's possible to narrow down to a few cars or a particular segment, without walking into a dealership. Use the dealership to sit in the car, check the comfort levels, see if it's big enough for you etc (Litreage means nothing if you don't know how it's utilised), see how it drives.

      Modern car buying makes it a lot harder on a used car salesman, because they are perceived to know everything about everything. An enthusiast could very easily come in and fire questions at the salesman about a particular car, if he doesn't know everything he can be viewed as an idiot, but really he doesn't need to know everything, just enough to help. Happens too much unfortunately, where a customer thinks they 'tripped up' the salesman by asking a question he didn't know. It's all too easy for a customer to know more about a car than a salesman, and just as easy to turn that against them.

      But we are still essentially a 'necessary evil', to repeat a well-used phrase. Subaru tried selling the BR-Z as online only, didn't work so well. Obviously that's Tesla's way as well (as someone commented earlier) but it just doesn't work for mainstream car buyers! I've driven and sat in more cars than the average buyer, and I know what I do and don't like! I've hated particular features on a 2013 WRX STi, yet some people would see that as a dream car! I can genuinely help someone to make a decision. Yes there's obvious bias, but there's bias in everything!

      I've ranted enough but you get what I mean lol :)

      • dragonfly090 on 04/03/2016 - 13:13

        What sort of sales guy is that who doesnt know about the product he is selling? yet expect a buyer to know of it?

        Every manufacturer whenever they launch a car, there is some training and education provided. If only the sales guy has been attentive during those sessions would he be able to answer the question.

        Logic is very weird, a sales brochure, sales material on websites, paid journo's who speak high of the car for kickbacks from manufacturer, digital SEO companies that do their best to get those reviews on top, ad companies that do beautiful campaigns to showcase highend models. All these are to be believed and a car bought that you intend to use for 3+ yrs on average, a decision made in split second when you first meet the sales guy, else be classified as timewasters, liars, be abused without understanding what is being discussed.

        • spackbace on 04/03/2016 - 13:24

          What sort of sales guy is that who doesnt know about the product he is selling? yet expect a buyer to know of it?

          I never said there was an 'expectation'. A used car salesman has about 50+ cars in stock that he has to know about. Now that could be engine size, power, economy figures. Then there's the feature lists - airbag count, bluetooth, usb etc etc. The list goes on. Not to mention that those 50 cars are turning over every month or 2. Sure, there will be half the stock that he knows well because it's the same brand, but there's gonna be others.

          Meanwhile, customer comes in, only having researched Make & Model 'X'. As I said earlier, this could be something he knows well, it could be an outlier that he doesn't. Some customers expect the salesman to know that car from bumper to bumper. I'm saying that's not gonna be the case.

          Every manufacturer whenever they launch a car, there is some training and education provided. If only the sales guy has been attentive during those sessions would he be able to answer the question.

          Yep, referring to used car salesmen here.

          All these are to be believed and a car bought that you intend to use for 3+ yrs on average, a decision made in split second when you first meet the sales guy, else be classified as timewasters, liars, be abused without understanding what is being discussed.

          FFS get over the whole 'split second' thing. The salesman would've spoken to you for over 15 minutes, I can guarantee that!. They would not burn a customer in 5mins unless you absolutely truly portrayed a tyre-kicker attitude. Unless you said '"I'm just window shopping", or "We're looking to buy at EOFY/EOY", he would not have burnt you in the first 2 minutes!

        • dragonfly090 on 04/03/2016 - 13:28
          -1

          @Spackbace:

          15 mins? more than that mate about 60 mins. But in those 60 times he at-least asked about 20-30 times to put in a deposit. This is even before I asked the drive away price.

          That is once in 2-4 mins. Wish I could record the conversation to make you hear that.

        • spackbace on 04/03/2016 - 13:30
          +1

          @deepudips:

          You drove the car during those 60mins?

          Oh, and if he gave you an hour of his time, it means he thought you were still half a chance.

        • dragonfly090 on 04/03/2016 - 13:33

          @Spackbace:

          after 30 mins of scrambling for the car, took more than 6 mins to get the car in my hand and in 10 mins drive more than explaining about the car was all over me asking, put in a deposit.

          its not only his time its my time too. I went with an intention to buy, but every 2-4 mins asking to put a deposit its not a Jaguar or a Landrover..

          So get over. Its not only your time its my TIME too. Sales guy was in his office hours was investing time on me to make business. While I was spending my precious time on him to listen to the crap.

        • spackbace on 04/03/2016 - 13:35
          +1

          @deepudips:

          I went with an intention to buy

          No you didn't. You said yourself you bought a car for cheaper with less km's. You weren't going to put pen to paper that day.

        • dragonfly090 on 04/03/2016 - 13:35

          @Spackbace: How do you know? was I buying or you?

        • spackbace on 04/03/2016 - 13:36

          @deepudips:

          Well, you didn't buy… you didn't even buy that day… From any of the 3 dealers you visited.

        • dragonfly090 on 04/03/2016 - 13:38

          @Spackbace: well all I can say is come down to melbourne, happy to give you a free ride anywhere in melbourne in the car and show you the papers with dates and blah blah

        • ykwon10 on 04/03/2016 - 13:38
          +1

          @Spackbace: Mate, do yourself a favour and stop talking to OP. No point trying to convey/make a point to a person that can't even do proper comparison be it understanding fully what you are saying. If he is in awe of India so much, I wonder what/why is he here in Australia. OP is the reason why people stereotype certain ethnicity.

        • spackbace on 04/03/2016 - 13:49

          @ykwon10:

          I don't mind 1 bit. I trust in my character and in what I'm saying. It's good for people to see what we (car salespeople) truly are like, and they can take that how they want :)

        • [Deactivated] on 04/03/2016 - 16:40
          +2

          I'm the sort of guy that knows the car much better than my dealer (or any car salesman).

          A salesman is educated about the functions of the car and how to sell the idea/dream.

          I'm that knob that will pull half the car apart and shits himself trying to piece it back together. I eventually do (sometimes with paid help, but hey, its a hobby) and I learn heaps along the way. I doubt my salesman (and I don't expect him to) even knows where the oil drain plug is much less how to assemble a limited slip differential.

        • Lichen6420 on 04/03/2016 - 20:17
          +1

          Thing is a new car salesman need to know the ins and outs of what ?? 10 or 12 models of car… It's your job FFS. You can't master and learn the details of a 12 item product range??? Just excuses… nothing more.

        • spackbace on 04/03/2016 - 22:39

          @jg86tsv:

          When did I refer to a new car salesperson?

        • Lichen6420 on 05/03/2016 - 14:04

          @Spackbace:

          Sorry my fault, responded to the wrong comment.

          Used care salesman fair enough. New car salesman… no excuse, learn your product range inside out.

      • dragonfly090 on 04/03/2016 - 13:15

        I hope you have not skipped this post.

        @Spackbace

        Read few of below comments, this should give you a fair picture of how car buying customers are treated. none of these are mine and I do not know the nationalities, time for retrospect?

        *About a year ago I bought my first car. It was the worst retail experience

        they probably had too many joy riders so they want to make sure you're serious buyer

        Was pressured into buying a car on the spot. Love the car btw. Not the experience.

        few cheap and arrogant sales persons

        salesman are not happy with that :p

        Yes, every car salesmen I've dealt with in Oz was an arrogant pushy bully, I've witnessed everything from them positioning themselves between the cars so that you can't even leave their yard

        I know how you feel because I've been through the same

        When I walk into a dealership, no one offers to sell me anything. I actually have to ask them

        I have experienced the "I need to put down a deposit and\or apply for finance before

        You are reading: "first to see the car has to buy it"

        I had the same experience in Mitsubishi

        salesperson's manner rubber me the wrong way

        Been through this,

        Car salesmen (plus their ming moles) and real estate agents are 2 groups of people whom I have no time for. Arrogance seems to be their common middle name.

        When I purchased my new car I went to a dealer who wanted a deposit prior to a test drive

        If you think the salesmenship is terrible, wait until you need after sale service.

        I came across a shitty sales person

        I tried to buy a Mazda once and the salesman wouldn't tell me the price until after I agreed to sign the sales contract

        The thing is, we were there to buy a car that day, but we weren't about to have the wool pulled over our eyes.

        Food for thought. Shame that a whole brand is damaged like that by one moron.

        I'd say Carsales dealers would come very close as being quite 'shady'. Quite Frankly.

        I have seen a few like you have, that are entitled and prey on what they hope is ignorance

        there are sales people who do not make buying a remotely palatable experience.

        I had the exact same experience as the op first time I ever went to dealership

        Personal experience has been mixed , some sales people are really pushy and want you to pay deposit as soon as you enquire about the particular model

        This is where all the bs artists con artists get their training

        "if you're not going to buy it there's no point doing a test drive

        car salesmen can be pricks and yet cars are flying out the door!

        it's been hot and cold for me, I wouldn't rave about it most of the time.

        Some of them are very very bad and don't even talk if your budget is not close to what they are willing to sell, some are average, one of them is the best.

        Sad but true*

        • spackbace on 04/03/2016 - 13:28
          +2

          I hope you have not skipped this post.

          Yep, and? I work in an industry full of cowboys and idiots. I also work in an industry people love to hate. One that people seem to get confused by, can't seem to grasp the concept of sales.

          The salesman at JB HiFi still gets paid a decent wage if you don't buy the TV you're talking to him about. He doesn't care if you're there just to look at the pretty TVs. He doesn't care if you're looking at a 65" tv, when you're really there to buy a DVD player. He'll still accept that he's stuck there talking to you.

          We care if you're there to waste our time. We care if you're there to grab our 'best price', and get the dealer down the road to beat it by $100.

          If you can't grasp those concepts then you won't get the best service possible. Be upfront, tell us you're just looking, it means we can be helpful but we'll be using our peripheral vision to look for a genuine customer walking in. And we will drop you like a brick to get the guaranteed sale. Deal with it.

        • dragonfly090 on 04/03/2016 - 13:30
          -1

          @Spackbace:

          Grass on the other side is always greener isn't it mate? always looks beautiful. Ask the JB guys

        • spackbace on 04/03/2016 - 13:33
          +1

          @deepudips:

          Lol it was a comparison, I wouldn't trade what I do. Sure, I have to deal with idiots (the family that came in 30mins before closing last night and kept a salesperson here after closing - after a 10hr shift. Oh, and they weren't Australian.), but I also deal with the good (customer of mine came in yesterday, traded her car in that she bought of me to buy another one from me).

        • dragonfly090 on 04/03/2016 - 13:36
          -6

          @Spackbace: no wonder you aren't job ready for other roles.

          such arrogance isnt good. God imagine if you manufactured the car.

        • spackbace on 04/03/2016 - 13:38

          @deepudips:

          such arrogance isnt good.

          Oh I'm sorry, I didn't realise my time isn't valuable as well. I didn't realise that my colleagues and I aren't allowed to finish on time and get home to our own families.

          My bad.

        • dragonfly090 on 04/03/2016 - 13:39

          @Spackbace: so when you dont value others time, you get the same back.

          you get what you sow. put in a seed of neem and expect a mango in return?

        • spackbace on 04/03/2016 - 13:41

          @deepudips:

          In WA we work 60hrs/week to be here at a convenient time for customers. I believe over East they're open 7 days a week and the guys do at least 1 weekend day to cater for customers.
          But you seem to think that's expected, and expected for us to work overtime?

          Wow…

        • dragonfly090 on 04/03/2016 - 13:41

          @Spackbace: if you know its the cowboys industry stop defending.

        • spackbace on 04/03/2016 - 13:44

          @deepudips:

          I work in an industry full of cowboys and idiots.

          …

          the cowboys industry

          Do you always just select certain terms to attempt to defend yourself, rather than a whole sentence?

          'Full of' doesn't mean that's entirely all it is.

          Comprehension 101 for you there. Hey look, you learnt something today :)

        • dragonfly090 on 04/03/2016 - 13:45

          @Spackbace: it comes with job mate and you have chosen it. you work 40hrs/week you get paid for that time.

          Ask a doc, during emergency operations he works more than 10hrs a day. Does he cut your nerve and say of bad day? or does he sound arrogant and behave like a butcher and cut your skin without care?

          Dont pull the trick that you work 40hrs a week or 60hrs. Its what you have chosen.

        • spackbace on 04/03/2016 - 13:46

          @deepudips:

          Different comparison there, a hospital doesn't shut it's doors. We do. If you come here 30mins before closing, you expect the business to stay open just to serve you. What does that reflect of you? What sort of person just expects that?

        • dragonfly090 on 04/03/2016 - 13:47

          @Spackbace: of the full of makes the other good guys sound like cow boys. Because thats what the other cowboys teach and obviously they look & learn

        • Bullzye on 04/03/2016 - 13:48
          +1

          Should we start a fight club for you two…. or keyboard warrior it is

        • dragonfly090 on 04/03/2016 - 13:49

          @Spackbace: 30 mins before closing is different from 30 mins after closure.

          I have seen guys been chased away not Indians before 30 mins of closure asking them to come tomorrow, because the car is in pulled in yard or whatever reason.

          so effectively they do this all week, you are doing only 57 hrs a week.

        • spackbace on 04/03/2016 - 13:50

          @Bullzye:

          Lol not being a keyboard warrior here, at no point have I attacked, I've defended the whole point of this post as a whole. Clarifying a few things I guess :)

        • spackbace on 04/03/2016 - 13:51

          @deepudips:

          I have seen guys been chased away not Indians before 30 mins of closure asking them to come tomorrow, because the car is in pulled in yard or whatever reason.

          Yep, fair enough. For us to do our job properly and show you and sell you a car requires more than an hour

        • dragonfly090 on 04/03/2016 - 13:51

          @Bullzye: lol, not needed we have agreed to make it with a beer catchup in Melbourne soon.

          Its just though my friend knows how it is, he is still defendant of it. I dont blame him for it, I would do same if someone argued and complained of my profession that I like :)

        • ykwon10 on 04/03/2016 - 13:52

          @Spackbace: Another example of bad comparison. LOL! Hospital vs Car dealership. WOW! since when car salesman require high qualifications? Spackbace you must be honoured to be compared with a doctor.

        • dragonfly090 on 04/03/2016 - 13:52

          @Spackbace: Oh my god, finally we agree on something here

        • dragonfly090 on 04/03/2016 - 13:53

          @ykwon10: looks like you have selective reading syndrome.

          read his message and then my response.

        • ykwon10 on 04/03/2016 - 13:55

          @deepudips: If I have selective reading syndrome, you must have comprehension difficulty syndrome. If that exists..

        • dragonfly090 on 04/03/2016 - 14:03

          @ykwon10: Thank u

        • Slippery Fish on 04/03/2016 - 17:41

          @Spackbace: lol most in hospitality ;)

  • chefdillu on 04/03/2016 - 12:45

    I dont care where you are from or who you are but you got to read this , How many Aussies can boast these type of business !

    http://www.kenfolios.com/a-must-read-story-of-ratan-tata-buy…

  • eKPardesi on 04/03/2016 - 13:59
    +1

    can we bring per capita income Vs sales figures please !

    • ykwon10 on 04/03/2016 - 14:01

      don't forget to compare type/make/price of the car as well then!

      • eKPardesi on 04/03/2016 - 14:05
        +1

        sure go for it …

  • Austaurean on 04/03/2016 - 15:48
    +3

    I was a new vehicle sales person for 9 years until I saw the light and left.
    Our training was all about not pre-judging people, sales tactics, word tracks to get the responses you want and product knowledge etc,
    although it could be difficult at times not to pre-judge someone, i.e. based on their attitude and dress sense.
    example: dont go in looking scruffy and smelling bad from not showering etc, it can be hard to not to pre-judge when someone like that is looking at a 30/50k vehicle or what ever the price is. A good sales person wont pre judge, but they will be careful.

    And yes you are right a sales person should treat you with respect and listen also ask questions etc so they may discover what you are looking for and assist in the best way possible and take you for a test drive.

    Unfortunately there are some idiot sales people and some old school types as well that give most sales people a bad name.

    Yes they want to sell a car for as much as they can and the only reason another dealer will undercut is if they have to, if they can sell to you 'while you are there' they will work out a deal, if you then shop that around etc, a different dealer will only beat it if they have to, to get the deal, if you had of gone there 1st, there is no way they would sell for any less than they need to, i.e. the last place you go to will get the deal, unless you have a strong 'I like this other sales person better', even then that better/nicer sales person doesn't always get the last opportunity.

    Dealers have a strong position of 'If we can work out the right deal, would you finalise the order While You Are Here' attitude.
    The price is the price and the trade value is what it is, if you want to buy there and then, that's when they will 'talk a deal'.
    So go shop, look at cars etc work through it all and then 'talk a deal'. Be Hard, but FAIR, if they haven't gotten the 'Sales Manger' involved then you can still push for a better deal. for those with a trade in, make sure they 'shop it around'. go to some used car yards and ask how much to buy your car, you will find out real fast the actual value to a dealer, which will be much less than selling privately.

    • stevensx on 04/03/2016 - 17:35
      +3

      Totally agree.

      I'm a young guy and went looking for a car up to $40K. By choice I always wear my trackies on my days off, no need to wear jeans and impress strangers imo, I'd rather be comfortable.

      No salesman really took me seriously at all. Ended up spending $39K at a place where the service was actually good. The few salesman who were unsuccessful and called back just because that's protocol were surprised when I told them I bought from somewhere else….

      Can attest that the clothes you wear and age really do make a difference.

      If I ever win tattslotto and want to buy a lambo, I'm going there in my trackies and seeing how well they treat me.

  • tonyjzx on 04/03/2016 - 15:51

    I actually find the Indian market fascinating to study. Here's the thing, to many Indians over there, they buy a car like a Mahindra XUV300 or whatever and its a $10,000 USD car and to them if its not a once in a year experience so the dealer does go to some effort to make the buyer feel like a VIP. Because he IS a VIP.

    They put the car with a ribbon and bow on it and its a special event. Because for many Indians over thre $10,000 is a lot of money.

    Then look at Australia. Let me put us as an example. Without fail we buy two cars every 3 years (business lease). Its usually a $35-$50k Jap CUV/SUV.

    We go to the dealer, we negoitate a price and we go pick it up.

    The dealer is more excited than we are. The dealer loves us because we dont cause a fuss. Treat us fairly and we'll be back in 3yrs.

    Why would we be excited. Do you honestly think a friggen' 2017 Honda CRV is going to set your pants of fire?

    Australia is an very very mature market. We also buy a million cars a year. That's it. If they live with that expectation why do you expect them to try anything new?

    When you buy a car, doesnt matter if its a 2017 Mercedes C63, you're just another customer. No one is going to kiss your ass.

    • [Deactivated] on 04/03/2016 - 16:43

      Actually, they do kiss your ass when you buy an AMG because it is a product they are not allowed to undercut one another.

      Apart from that, very much on point.

  • dlakers3peat on 04/03/2016 - 16:41

    i just bought a car last week and the dealer I dealt had to be perfect example of how not to deal with a customer. Sales people try every tactic to get you to buy, but this dealer did everything he could think of so i did not buy. Had the worst attitude I have ever encountered and customer service was no existent. He low balled my trade in, would only take $500 of the price($37,500) and would not allow me to leave a $500 deposit, wanted $1000. I was dressed in my work clothes shirt and pants so I am not sure what his problem was. When I went to pickup of the car he did not even say hello or anything. He was the most arrogant person I have dealt with. His attitude was buy or get out.

    • tomleonhart on 04/03/2016 - 16:49
      +1

      And you bought from him ?

      • moo on 04/03/2016 - 17:20
        +1

        My thoughts exactly. Seems like these sorta buyers are enabling bad sales people by constantly rewarding them. Heh.

        • dlakers3peat on 04/03/2016 - 18:17

          Only reason i bought was i saved $7000 doing so.

        • tomleonhart on 04/03/2016 - 19:12

          @dlakers3peat: that makes sense. Normally you pay premium for good customer service. Since you got a shitty customer service rep, that must mean the saving you had come from somewhere, my guess is that guy's commission hence the attitude?

        • dlakers3peat on 04/03/2016 - 19:24
          +1

          @tomleonhart: funny thing though it wasn't the rep that was so bad. It was the sales manager.

  • stevensx on 04/03/2016 - 17:28

    Have been to Jag, Porsche, Ferarri, Lambo etc dealerships (not that I have EVER bought one I always straight out tell them I'm just tyre kicking due to being a car enthusiast).

    No one has customer service like Mercedes in the CBD & Eastern suburbs. They treat you like something of a god.
    Shows why Merc outsell similar brands like BMW & Audi. Merc sell an experience.

    • 0031nek on 04/03/2016 - 22:38

      i'm not sure which CBD and Eastern suburb that you're referring to, but if it is Melbourne CBD and Victoria Eastern suburbs, i really doubt it, been to both Merc, they didn't even pay attention to my family (yes, the whole family, with my kids and wife) due to they were too into approaching "Chinese lookalike"(no racism here ok) customers.. i eventually ended up with Land Rover and recently, BMW, saved 8k each off their advertised price. And who said no more room to play with if those new cars on specials?

  • tonyjzx on 04/03/2016 - 18:51

    Car dealers generally react to customers depending on how their product is.

    We've had Kias, Mitusbishi and Nissans and they are standouts for customer service.

    Mazda Honda Subaru Holden Ford Toyota? not so much.

    They know if you dont want to buy, then get lost and let the next guy buy.

    They have a hot product that sells. Not Holden Ford so much but they have the local manufacturer disease.

    The lux brands have a certain cache. Mercedes BMW Audi Lexus we've been treated pretty fairly, I expect them to be professional about things and they are. I expect them to not kid around as this is the level they operate at.

  • Ughhh on 04/03/2016 - 22:38

    Did you even walk in with a car of interest in mind, or even the size/type of car? Or did you walk it thinking "I need a car".

    The rant you gave really applies to any industry that involves sales and lots of money. Time is money. Who walks into a car dealership or drop a lot of money on an item without having done any basic research and knowing what you want? It's not like going shopping and buying a new t-shirt on the spot. As for the dealer asking whether you're prepared to put in a deposit, why not just say yes??? It's not like its legally binding by saying yes. If you can convince the dealer that you're a serious buyer, they'll probably offer you a better deal. Also, for your own benefit, you should always do your research and not rely on sales guys spoon feeding you. Businesses have their sales tactics and buyers have their buying tactics too- ie. you going around dealerships playing games.

  • T1OOO on 04/03/2016 - 23:03
    +3

    I love Indian food.

    • ev3nfl0w on 05/03/2016 - 13:57

      The comment that made the most sense in this entire 4 page long thread!

  • zeppeybabey on 04/03/2016 - 23:45

    You may have had some bad experiences OP, but you shouldn't generalise all dealers into the same rotten basket.

    My recent experience last year with a car dealer was exceptionally good.

    The dealership I went to doesn't open on Sundays however the salesperson offered to meet me on a Sunday so that I could see the cars and have a chat to him. When we arrived, he was in his shorts and Hawaiian shirt, he offered a coffee, snacks, was polite to my wife and didn't mind my 2 year old running rampant in the shop.

    He didn't pressure me into buying anything.

    I ended up buying the car off him that day anyway. He even gave me a substantial discount. And this was for a car that was in high demand with a long wait list at the time (MB C250).

    He kept me up to date whilst I waited for my car to arrive into Australia (eg when it was finished being built, when it was on the ship, when it landed in Australia etc). And when it finally did arrive to his dealership he even took a photo and emailed it to me.

    So yeh, no doubt there's some rotten dealers, but please don't generalise by putting all dealers under the same umbrella.

    Shameless plug if I may - the dealership was MB Mosman in Sydney and the salesperson was Brendan Kennedy :)

    • hypie on 05/03/2016 - 00:19

      On the other hand I had the worst possible experience with the Mercedes dealers in Perth (both owned by the same mob). The condescending sales person was such a (expletive) that I found a fleet dealer in the east and had it delivered for free. He lost a $75,000 sale. I would say simply, if you are treated like a (expletive) by the salesperson, then they aren't very good at sales.

    • dragonfly090 on 05/03/2016 - 00:24

      my point was never to generalize.

      I am just asking why are they pushy to which the responses are above. I have agreed not all sales are such.

  • ltjaris on 05/03/2016 - 09:55
    -1

    Is it just me that feels as soon as someone flashes the “im indian“ card, they feel the natural urge to diss everything that is not indian.
    Countless other indians jump in to support the first guys cause.

    I feel like you guys are massive hypocrites for doing so. If your country, its people, culture and even customer service is so good instead of making stupid comparisons why not go back and work to make it even greater.

    Id hate to stereotype but been on this website for quite a while and the most annoying comments do seem to come from indians.

    I sincerely hope this doesnt offend any indians who dont partake in outrageous keyboard warfare and have respecftul opinions towards all cultures.

    • dragonfly090 on 05/03/2016 - 10:24
      -1

      Its natural of you to demonstrate your bias nature and unacceptance of Indians.

      After 4 pages of discussions here we need you to summarize things or make a comment withoutv reading everything. Read through all comments happy to discuss more if you need

      You may feel most stupid comments come from Indians hut atleast they are something relevant to the discussions unlike you who try n correct english n grammer n try passing racist comments. Our stupid comments are much better than those.

  • ev3nfl0w on 05/03/2016 - 14:01

    Based on what I can gather from the op's attitude and persona throughout this post, I would have done EXACTLY the same thing as the car sales rep without hesitation.

  • John on 05/03/2016 - 18:27

    Just to add my 2 cents here.. A year ago when I was shopping for cars, I looked around dealers and always have no problem getting intro to cars and even let me test drive without getting pushed into making a sale. I walked into approximately 5-6 dealership and never had the experience you had.

  • Cluster on 06/03/2016 - 04:00

    It really depends on the dealer. When I was buying a new car some salespeople were more than happy to allow a test drive, others were more along the lines of 'well, when you're ready to buy I'll give you a test drive'. The sales person wants to get rid of the tire kickers. There are many people out there who just want to take a new car for a spin without any intention of buying.

    Overall, the problem is car sales people have a pretty bad reputation. They've earned it. So customers treat them with contempt. Sales people on the other hand know customers hate them, and return the loathing^2, especially when many customers are just there to waste their time. It's a vicious circle and a race to the bottom.

  • [Deactivated] on 06/03/2016 - 13:34

    Do you think car salesman with exist in the current form in 5-10 years? I don't to be honest.

    They are all selling the same thing. Most research I'd hesitate will be done online in the future, not driving from car yard to car yard having a look around and a chat.

    I see a world where you car dealerships don't have salesman in the current form, rather customer service managers, and a fee per service test drive and car delivery. An online comparison service would be used to see what dealer is offering the best price.

    • spackbace on 06/03/2016 - 13:52

      An online comparison service would be used to see what dealer is offering the best price.

      Maybe for used cars, but otherwise if what you're saying is true, the prices won't be negotiated. You'll put an order through online or in-store like you do your shopping at Coles. It will be a set price list, that's it. Maybe room to move on a trade in price, but the new cars would be a fixed price.

      Someone linked to Tesla earlier, who does online orders. Set price. Same when Subaru released the BR-Z a few years ago. Set price online ordering.

      Test drive will be necessary as you said, used car dealers will be necessary.

      The change won't happen in 5-10yrs,it will take longer than that. Dealership owners have millions of dollars invested in each dealership, plus what you're talking about would be at a manufacturer level. The margins would not be high enough for someone to bother owning a dealership if it was just a basic operation.

      It will all start from the US/UK anyway, and then take a further 5-10yrs to come here. It requires a big infrastructure and operational change

      • spackbace on 06/03/2016 - 13:55

        Oh and gen X/Y/Z love to think that everything is gonna go online, but they seem to forget the large population of baby bloomers who still prefer to do business in person for everything, not just car buying

        • [Deactivated] on 06/03/2016 - 14:28

          Good points above.

          I agree baby boomers generally like doing things in person, but how much of them are willing to pay for the privilege?

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