Ford advice and general car sales stories

[beeniesmom]

Congratulations on your new job. I'm sure you will do well because you have a super personality.

I have to be honest though, I'm not a fan of Fords or actually of american cars in general. I think they are unreliable and leave you stuck in the worst possible moment. I've never had a problem with the Toyota's, Renault, Volkswagon or Rovers I've owned. I sold them because I got tired of them.... not because they've left me stranded. You never see a Toyota stuck on the side of the road hehe.

Anyway, returning to your job, I think the best approach is to be polite and not pushy. Since you don't work for commission, I think you'll do great. When you work on comission, you tend to be more pushy. Good luck and don't worry. You'll be great!

[finn's mom]

Originally posted by Ginger's Mom
I am not sure that the question does have to be asked. But let's just say for the moment that it does. I think it may have been better to ask if I was going to be solely responsible for the payment, period. That may be pertinent in working out any type of payment or price range (but not necessarily). But when I go in to buy a car, do not pat me on the head and ask me if I need to check with my husband first. It may be something that needs to be discussed between two people, but I am the one who is here now getting the information we need to make a decision. If you do not want to provide that information to me alone, than that is your loss. Sorry Kari, that is obviously not directed at you, but let me just say that the next time I was looking for a car, I did not go to that dealership.

I didn't take it personally, don't worry. But, I know, like I said with the insurance thing, they wouldn't even let us visit someone if they couldn't make the decision without someone else being there. It was not good time management to visit a husband without the wife and vice versa. Apparently, it's the same with cars. I wasn't under the impression that the guy asked you if you would need to discuss it with your husband. Sorry, I misunderstood that part. I'm guessing I'm just going to ask every person that comes in if they are going to be the one solely responsible for the vehicle's payments, as I can't spend an hour with someone who can't make that decision alone, ya know? I don't know, I don't think I'll ever ask if someone needs their parent or spouse, though. But, it does seem to happen that all the information given to the person alone usually ends up being repeated to the other person if they indeed do return. I'll just ask a few of the other salesmen what they do...Again, I'm not offended, stuff like this doesn't get to me. You're going to offend someone with something you say, that's just a given. I mean, some people don't want you to even approach them on a lot, whereas most people feel that it's rude not to at least meet and greet them. Can't please everyone. I'll do my best, though!

[finn's mom]

Originally posted by beeniesmom
You never see a Toyota stuck on the side of the road hehe.

Ha ha, that is so funny that you said that! On my way home, I saw a Camry on the side of the road. That sucks that you've had or known of people that have only had unreliable Fords! Or any type of vehicle for that matter. I look at it like with people or animals...no matter how many bad experiences someone may have had with people of the opposite sex or race, or with certain breeds or whatever...it's hard for me to lump them all together. But, like I said earlier, I know everyone has their prejudices against car manufacturers, for one reason or another. I knew that when I started this thread...but, differences is what makes the world go 'round. And, thank you so much, Carmen, for the good luck! I'm trying something new, and, it may not be for me...but, you never know til you try. If it doesn't end up being my cup of tea, I'll just get up and dust myself off...and, try something new. Actually, this is a quote off of a pretty little print I got from A.C. Moore (a craft store)...I thought it fit me perfectly! Hope you like it, too...

"I get up. I walk. I fall down........Meanwhile, I keep dancing."

I love it!

[beeniesmom]

See, you have a great attitude!

As for the Camry on the side of the road.... Ooops, poor guy/gal!

[finn's mom]

Originally posted by beeniesmom
See, you have a great attitude!

As for the Camry on the side of the road.... Ooops, poor guy/gal!

I know, I always feel so bad when that happens. I've had to be picked up once when I picked up a nail and my tire went flat on the highway. That was so fun! And, thank you, Carmen...it's easy to keep a good attitude when you surround yourself with the same.

[JenBKR]

Yikes, hate being stuck on the side of the road. Happened to me once (slid on ice, got a flat tire). My mom's old car broke down pulling out of the mall parking lot once three days before Christmas...she blocked an entire lane until the tow truck came.

[catnapper]

I understand the whole issue of asking if someone is buying the car alone, or would have to consult with a partner. I've had work in my life where I got all excited over a deal... only to have the wife call me back and say their husband isn't happy with whatever the arrangement might have been. And here I'm only talking about $200, not a $20,000 purchase.

A car is a lot of work, both physically in showing the person the car and paperwork-wise. Its a necessary and very valid question. Perhaps to cut down on the condescending edge to it, you might say "now I hate asking this question, but the dealership requires I ask.... would this purchase be something you are soley responsible for, or do you have a partner that needs to have an opinion?" Hoe can a person take offense to that? Its honest and takes the edge off before you ask. They know that you're uncomfortable asking, therefore making them more comfortable with you, they realize you know the question could be insulting and you are considerate of their feelings.

[finn's mom]

Originally posted by JenBKR
Yikes, hate being stuck on the side of the road. Happened to me once (slid on ice, got a flat tire). My mom's old car broke down pulling out of the mall parking lot once three days before Christmas...she blocked an entire lane until the tow truck came.

Ouch. Thank goodness I was able to pull over and off the highway completely onto the shoulder. And, my car was only "stranded" for a few hours. I was picked up by my ex husband's niece (the tire went flat about five minutes from her house) about ten minutes after it happened, so, I wasn't out there for very long. Blocking traffic is something I never hope happens to me!

[finn's mom]

Originally posted by catnapper
I understand the whole issue of asking if someone is buying the car alone, or would have to consult with a partner. I've had work in my life where I got all excited over a deal... only to have the wife call me back and say their husband isn't happy with whatever the arrangement might have been. And here I'm only talking about $200, not a $20,000 purchase.

A car is a lot of work, both physically in showing the person the car and paperwork-wise. Its a necessary and very valid question. Perhaps to cut down on the condescending edge to it, you might say "now I hate asking this question, but the dealership requires I ask.... would this purchase be something you are soley responsible for, or do you have a partner that needs to have an opinion?" Hoe can a person take offense to that? Its honest and takes the edge off before you ask. They know that you're uncomfortable asking, therefore making them more comfortable with you, they realize you know the question could be insulting and you are considerate of their feelings.

That's an excellent suggestion. Thank you! And, yeah, I'm learning about all the paperwork, there is a lot of it. And, I remember sitting with this girl and she's already told me before I get down there that she's not married...so, I go and talk to her for a couple hours about insurance. THEN she tells me she can't even tie her shoes without daddy's permission. Argh. Ha ha, it wasn't that big of a deal at that point, but, it would have been nice to know so that I could have scheduled the appointment with her and her dad.

And, it's not like if someone tells me they'd have to wait for their spouse or parent or whoever to make the decision...I won't just walk off because they're not buying a car that day. But, I won't spend an hour with them going over every detail or whatever, either...because again, I'd have to go over it all again if the other person comes back. The only thing I know for sure I'm good at at this point is customer service. The car thing will definitely be a challenge and a learning experience for me.

[JenBKR]

Originally posted by finn's mom
Ouch. Thank goodness I was able to pull over and off the highway completely onto the shoulder. And, my car was only "stranded" for a few hours. I was picked up by my ex husband's niece (the tire went flat about five minutes from her house) about ten minutes after it happened, so, I wasn't out there for very long. Blocking traffic is something I never hope happens to me!

I know, that would be really embarrasing!

[JenBKR]

Originally posted by finn's mom
And, it's not like if someone tells me they'd have to wait for their spouse or parent or whoever to make the decision...I won't just walk off because they're not buying a car that day. But, I won't spend an hour with them going over every detail or whatever, either...because again, I'd have to go over it all again if the other person comes back. The only thing I know for sure I'm good at at this point is customer service. The car thing will definitely be a challenge and a learning experience for me.

That would be frustrating, and a waste of time. I like catnapper's idea

[catland]

First, I think its great that you show an interest in being good at your job and are seeking advice.

As for the married thing - you could ask "and who is going to be the primary driver?" - followed by "just as a formality, is there anyone else who's name will be on the paperwork?"

I think one big thing would be to be honest and not bluff when you don't know the answer to something. If you can't answer the question - saying "I don't know, let me find out" is much better than a b.s. answer.

Another thing I don't like is when salespeople bash another brand. Especially if its a brand that I own or have owned. Say for example that I was trying to decide between an Explorer and a Honda Pilot - I would have much more respect for the salesperson who said - "yes, the Honda is also an excellent choice".

anyway, best of luck to you in your new job.

[JenBKR]

Originally posted by catland
Another thing I don't like is when salespeople bash another brand. Especially if its a brand that I own or have owned. Say for example that I was trying to decide between an Explorer and a Honda Pilot - I would have much more respect for the salesperson who said - "yes, the Honda is also an excellent choice".

anyway, best of luck to you in your new job.

I totally agree, the bashing almost sounds desperate...

[finn's mom]

Originally posted by catland
First, I think its great that you show an interest in being good at your job and are seeking advice.

As for the married thing - you could ask "and who is going to be the primary driver?" - followed by "just as a formality, is there anyone else who's name will be on the paperwork?"

I think one big thing would be to be honest and not bluff when you don't know the answer to something. If you can't answer the question - saying "I don't know, let me find out" is much better than a b.s. answer.

Another thing I don't like is when salespeople bash another brand. Especially if its a brand that I own or have owned. Say for example that I was trying to decide between an Explorer and a Honda Pilot - I would have much more respect for the salesperson who said - "yes, the Honda is also an excellent choice".

anyway, best of luck to you in your new job.

Yeah, I totally agree with you. I told the interviewer that I won't lie to or cheat anyone. If I can't have integrity with this, I don't want to be a part of it. He liked my answer, they've fired people for lying to customers. About the product and other things as well. It's a very open, honest dealership, on and off stage.

And, trust me, I'll be real honest with people as far as my experience goes, and, I will be having to get the answers to many things at first. I won't bs anyone, though.

Last thing, about the car bashing. I have always felt this way (about everything)...if you can't make yourself or a product or your favorite sports team look good on your own...without having to say something or someone else sucks, then there's something wrong with that. It's always bugged me. Root for your team, you don't have to boo someone else's. I mean, I'm all for comparing facts...like this engine has more torque than that one, this car has a better safety rating...you get more miles to the gallon with this car, etc...I don't see anything wrong with that, those are facts. But, I hope to never get to the point where I trash talk other vehicles. It's never been my style, and, I hope to keep my personality throughout this venture.



Thanks again, everyone, for such amazing advice! I'm surprised by all the replies, but, so grateful! Maybe if this goes well, I'll finally be able to participate in a gift swap!

[JenBKR]

I think you'll do great at this job. The dealership sounds honest and reliable - I think we need more of those! Be yourself and keep your personality, and of course keep us updated! Good luck!