Idea for American Car Companies?

Question

GM, Ford are going down the tubes because of foreign competition. The public has got it into their heads that the quality of foreign cars are on a higher level. There is more then a little truth to this. I don't know what to do about this. But- why not get rid of car salesmen! Probably the biggest pain in the butt for a new car buyer is having to see the dealership car salesman. Why not lose him? You should not believe anything a car salesman tells you. What if there was an option to purchase the car direct from the factory over the internet and take them, their commissions, dealer prep, rustproofing, and other lies out of the equation. Of course there are some small problems that will have to be solved. Like someone to hand you the keys when you pick the car up. Would it be enough incentive to you, the foreign car buyer, to consider buying an American car if the painful experience of dealing with the salesman and paying their commissions is elimanated?

Answer 1

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Foreign car dealerships have salespeople too.

& an "internet manager" is a salesperson that knows how to use the internet.

Answer 2

Interesting idea, but if you look at the difference between MSRP and dealer invoice, you'll find that most American cars have very little profit. Therefore, the dealership needs a lot of volume... therefore you get the aggressive salesman.

If all of the dealerships were to disappear, where would you get your vehicle serviced? Who would sell your used car?

I think a better idea is better training for salespeople of American cars. I worked in a dealership (several years ago) that sold both American and European cars. The training between the two was the amazing...Perhaps that is why Chevy has to give away their cars every year and Mercedes never lowers their prices.

Answer 3

Great concept. Unfortunately, car makers and dealers have been doing business the same way since the early 1900's and don't know how to do it any differently. Most have not recognized the use of the Internet as a powerful buying tool -- they still think it's a marketing tool.

Answer 4

God, I couldn't agree more. All you need is a warehouse, a service dept. and a clerk to sign the papers. I cannot understand why in America we feel we have to 'haggle' over the price of a car? We don't do it in Walmart! I would LOVE to see a factory-direct sales outlet set up somewhere just to see if the public would really use it.

Answer 5

Actually my wife and friends have searched for used car directly in the internet, they usually give you discounts if you take the ad to the internet manager. You know the price and you don't have to haggle with anybody. We finance from our credit union so we know it is almost impossible they try to offer a "better" deal.

Answer 6

You can do it now!

I bought my Toyota by contacting the internet sales dept of my favorite dealer, getting a quote, then picking it up for that price. (invoice + $50.)

I still had to deal with the finance dept, but I just said "NO" to everything they asked me to purchase, including the overpriced alarm system etc etc, but I NEVER had to talk to a "salesman"
AKA thief, liar, crook.

ALSO, there is a web site called www.carsdirect.com that does the same thing, but their selection is not as good.

Answer 7

Interesting idea. I'd definitely consider buying direct from factory.