Over the years, my hubby and I have noticed a trend at our local Toyota dealership. When we go to look at a car and my hubby test drives it, the salesperson does NOT go with us, they say 'have fun bring it back whenver'. Then when I test drive it, the salesperson always goes with us. I find this very disturbing - I think they go with me because I'm a woman. This has happened over and over again. I wrote three letters of complaint, and Toyota didn't even respond with an apology or recognition of recieving the letters. I know, there are plenty of other car dealers out there, but I'm just wondering if anyone else has noticed this going on? What would you have done?
2006-11-12 01:39:19 · 8 answers · asked by Anonymous in Cars & Transportation ➔ Buying & Selling
I have only tested one car, and that was a 2000 Mustang Convertible, that I did NOT have a salesperson go with me.
As far as "discrimination", it may very well be, or it may be a corporate culture thing within the company.
But, I think, that if you test drive (without your husband) with you, then the salesman, might be trying (wether unconsciously or not) see "what develops"...
I would take it as a partial compliment if I were you.
I HAVE seen discrimination in regards to repairs.
The know-nothing lady goes in and gets charged for parts and labor for changing the blinker fluid...
I have seen an almost girlfriend get charged 300.00 for a less than 20.00 part. (the 300 included labor) but it was an easy repair.
2006-11-12 01:49:05 · answer #1 · answered by wi_saint 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Sold used cars at several "car lots" for a few years and this is a common practice. Car salespersons have traditionally been very conservative as evidenced by the stereotypical car salesman in "plaid pants" and sport shirt. However this also applies to such things as "women being bad drivers", etc. The fact that ladies have often appeared "confused" with the controls in a strange vehicle has probably been the cause of this in the past. All this is a mute point nowdays though as most ladies can jump from vehicle to vehicle and are everybit as adept at this as guys are, and even more so with some. hahaha SInce you mention that this is a "toyota" dealership then I suspect that they are very conservative too as most major dealerships don't like to alter policy from something that has appeared to "work in the past". I would complain in person to the dealership general manager though in a polite way though as only way that this will change. While Toyota franchises the dealers, it is the dealer him or herself that controls what happens on their lot. I was victim to a similar discrimination when I went to buy my first car in the early 70's. Am a guy, but had a pocket with cash money and wanted to buy a 68 Sport Fury off a Ford dealer's lot down the street. They would not let me drive the car as they only allowed test drives for folks 21 and older. My Dad would have had to drive. He told them point blank that "my son has cash in his pocket and if he can't drive the car he can already pay for then we will go elsewhere". They didn't budge and I would up buying a 67 Grand Prix convertible for about 150 dollars less from the original owner. They had actually done me a favor, but left a sour taste in my mouth and always advised my friends (all who were also young at the time) to stay the heck away from that dealership. A similar threat to "warn off" ladies from going to that dealership might change their mind. You would be surprised as heck how "superstitious" some car sales personnel can be when it comes to doing business. Hard as heck to get them to change their ways. Something about living completely off commission I reckon.
2006-11-12 09:51:49 · answer #2 · answered by mohavedesert 4 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Apology for what ? They did'nt do anything wrong ! Sounds like you've bought alot of new cars to notice anything at all ! Letters of complaint ? Why ? I would'nt have done anything. You're seeing things that don't exist.
2006-11-12 09:47:25 · answer #3 · answered by Vinegar Taster 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
you say that but i am a male and they bring two people with them but i am also a teen but when my love come with me she gets good deals and can drive just about any thing she wants so i thank its the sales people
2006-11-12 10:39:18 · answer #4 · answered by rew06 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I will bet you anything that it's because your hot! They all want to go with you so they can have your company.
2006-11-12 15:01:20 · answer #5 · answered by Andrew B. 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
face the truth , you may be so hot so they want you to come and complain so they can see your ****** or you are so ugly and they want you to go off the sales point for good ...
2006-11-12 09:42:48 · answer #6 · answered by SAYCORAXZ 3 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Don't be so sensitive - it's probably not true in most dealerships.
2006-11-12 09:41:50 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
yep all the time
2006-11-12 09:42:40 · answer #8 · answered by T C 3 · 1⤊ 1⤋