Selling cars? Is this a good career? How do I get into it? I love my Saturn so might want to sell those.....?

Question

I am having a mid-life career change. I have decided to go to school full-time in 2007 to be a paralegal. I thought car sales might be a way to earn good money while going to school. Does anyone know if auto sales is a good field with a flexible schedule? Don't most people buy cars in the fall and winter? What would be the most lucrative car to sell? How does someone get started? Thanks for your answers.

Answer 1

My advice is to think a little longer on this. Car salespeople work long hours and are under tremendous pressure, although they don't let potential buyers see that. I just don't see how you could do that and go to school and do well. Plus, there's always the chance that you'll see some good money short term and it will throw you off your goal of going to school.

I don't know where you live, but a company like FedEx is good, because the hours are shorter, and the benefits are great (including tuition reimbursment). I don't know what your physical capabilities are or your financial needs, but that's a great company to work for while you're in school.

Answer 2

Auto sales is a tough business to be in, many employers require that you be at the place of business all of the hours they're open, including late Mondays and Thursdays.

Of course, the more expensive car you sell, the more income you make, because of the commision structure.

If you want to make good money and keep your days open, get a chauffeur's license and work for a limo company - the tips can be fabulous, if you know your way around town you can be someone they "ask" for - my cousin did this, he made a mint.

Answer 3

sales person huh...you have to be really aggressive and on top of your game. most companies don't take part timers but you never know. people have to feel comfortable and trust you. it takes years to become a succesful sales person, but if you're a natural, all you need is a little training and a few tricks and you are ready to go. you have to be able to handle rejection. always be creative, and change ball game when the other one is not working. your looks are very important, no slobby, lazy looking person. go into car dealerships and watch how sales people work and ask questions if you can. this is a very demanding job and so are the hours. my dad works at a car dealership and he used to be a sales person before he became one of the managers. I work there for a few weeks during the summer and decided its not for me, good money but not for me. wish you luck