how do you feel when you first enter a dealership to buy a vehicle?

Question

I sell cars/trucks and I would like to know the feelings of a customer when they walk into a dealership

Answer 1

I feel that I know I'm going to get screwed but try to minimize how badly I get screwed.

Honestly When I enter a dealership I have all the information about the vehicle I'm looking to buy. I could sell the vehicle myself to myself. But I like to look at other vehicles I have no intention of buying and can spend quite a long time on a lot. See I buy cash and know what I have to spend. This is an advantage to me for I will start off at lower valued vehicles and allow the sales person to lead me along, almost off the start "so how much are you looking to spend, or what monthly payments are you looking at" Yes its evident that they are feeling you out. So I respond with either "my allowance is $200 a month and I guess I could go with a $4000 vehicle.. And most of them know the game is on, lol. So next question "do you have a trade in?" I answer yes and then I quickly ask If they have good financing companies?" The salesman eyes start lighting up then. So after about 10 vehicles and so much BS it becomes sickening. I tell them Well I'll think about it. This is the break point to me, to see how the sales person reacts. One that is willing to let me go and come back later is a keeper.. And I will go in and and start the numbers game. (after I go retrieve my papers) I still lead on about financing and trade in (a vehicle of the same model just 2 to 3 years older). let the numbers come back of the cost of the vehicle and then keep talking them down on price. Once the price is right and I agree I like the price of the vehicle I pull out the papers I had stating all my information. I tell them I going to have to keep my trade in and I think I'm just going to pay cash for it seance they are giving me such a good deal. And get this I tip, I will tip between $500 to $1000 to the salesman for how they treat me.
Have I ever walked away from a Sales person yes and asked for another. And even have asked for a third. If things aren't going right I'll leave and come back another day. See some people hate buying a vehicle but look at it like this I spend 2 to 4 hours on research and getting my paperwork in order. An hour at the bank getting funds lined up and talking to the insurance co getting a binder ready. I will spend 5 hours on a lot working and wearing a person out. So lets say 10 hours work and I save $10,000 I'll do it every month. but really I get to do it once a year for myself and assist friends and family when ever passable.

I know you have seen alot and will see a lot more. thanks for the challange.

Answer 2

If I'm coming in with the idea of buying a car, I'll find a salesman myself. If I just want to look, then salesmen can get in my way. When I was about 21 I went into a Porsche dealership, just to dream. And one of the salesmen there treated me in such a way, that he has become the yardstick to which I now judge every salesman I meet. He took me around and showed me all the nicest cars they had, he opened the doors for me, he let me look in every nook and cranny until I was satisfied. He wasn't selling to me, he knew I wasn't buying anything, but he also knew that maybe one day I would, or maybe some one I knew would. Giving the customer what they want, even if you don't get something out of it right then, can go a long way. I've been back twice since, and purchased two cars from them. So when I walk into a dealership, I expect the same treatment, that you'll treat me like I've been a customer for years. I want to be treated like I could buy every car on the lot if I felt like it. Because really, you never know...

Answer 3

I'd say happy anticipation.

I actually like shopping for a new car, and I like to have a sales rep at hand. Typically, I've really done my homework, and know as much as I can cram into me about the vehicle I have in mind. I look forward to getting the sales rep's point of view, and I've found that car sales folks are almost always well informed.

Answer 4

I always wish the prices were on the vehicle so I don't have to ask a salesman for what I need to know. I feel like I'm about to be pushed into buying something I don't really want or can afford.I just wish the salespeople would stay away so I can look in peace. If I need one I know where to find one.

Answer 5

Nauseous. Mixed with a little excitement. I like the cars but the enviroment makes me feel ill. The urgency, I understand your doing your thing to eat; but it gives me the creeps. I don't care for pressure, not that I'm suggesting that you engage in such practice; this has been my experience though in the past. I hope I haven't offended you, I've been sincere; but I wouldn't want my experiences to reflect upon you, we've not meet and I don't make blanket desisons about any group; including car salespeople.

Answer 6

Defensive.... I'm on the lookout KNOWING that the vultures are eyeing me salivating at the chance to pounce on me.

They don't let you have 30 seconds before jumping on you.

It would be nice to just look around first and THEN find someone to help me.


Salesman can tell if a customer is looking for someone to help them or are just looking at a vehicle.

Answer 7

Sometimes I feel like a fish with a shark patrolling the area. I can almost hear the scary music as the smiling salesman comes over to size me up and find out if I am edible.

Answer 8

I feel a little nervous because I never know if the salesmen are going to "hound" me. If I just came there to look, I want to be given that opportunity without feeling any pressure to fill out a credit application.

Answer 9

Like a piece of raw meat thrown into a pit with starving Tigers.

Answer 10

I feel like I can't move without some dealer coming over to me. I tell them, when I have a question, I'll come get them, until then, I want to look on my own. ~