thinking about becoming a car salesman?

Question

Going to talk to a perspective employer tomorrow. They know I have absolutely no experience in selling anything, but they say thats ok they will train me. My question is what should i expect out of the job? what should i be prepared for? And how good at math do you have to be? Don't really have any other prospects right now and the 355 a week i get from unemployment just aint cutting it. I have a wife thats a full time nursing student and works part time plus 7 yr old twins. Is this a risk worth taking? She supports me. just would like to know what it all involves.

Answer 1

You can expect a great career if you work hard at it. The top salespeople in auto industry earn over 100k. The industry average though, is around 30k. You need to be prepared to be competitive with your co-workers and get used to handling rejection. You'll lose more customers than you'll sell, especially in the beginning of your career. But, you will have a job where there are alot of opportunities to further your career other than a salesman. The main thing is that you'll have a job, and won't be on unemployment!!!!

I started in the car biz 10 years ago with no sales experience and I am now the Finance Director of a dealership making well over 100k per year....if I can do it, anyone can!

Answer 2

I am currently a commercial truck salesman and started as a salesman in a car store.

To make decent money in car sales you have to be: knowledgeable about your product, aggressive, good at getting people to like you.

Starting out follow the training and do exactly what you are taught. If you do not like their business style, another dealership may be more your style, after you get some experience.

The biggest downsides to car sales are the long hours & weeks and the waiting for customers to show up. I got fired once years ago for waiting for customers at the bar next to the dealership!

If you work for a quality, ethical dealership that cares about their people it is not bad work and you can make good money. If you are good at it and can work into sales management or finance you can earn really good money.

Car selling is tough because most sales are made on the customer's first visit. They all say they are just looking and you have to take them through the process to a buying decision. People want to buy a new car if they feel they are being taken care of and not taken advantage of.

Good Luck!

Answer 3

Depending on the dealership expect to work long hours and be bored at times. You don't need any math skills, but you need to be good at sales, because all you get is commission. There is no risk, except that if you suck as a salesman you waste a lot of time. Don't worry, you'll figure out pretty quick.

... and good luck! It maybe the job you will absolutely love, because if you are good at making deals you can have a 6 figure income annually.

Answer 4

The main job of a car salesman is selling... Most of the math is done by financing people so I wouldn't worry about that. Be prepared for lots of stress and ups and downs. Car salesman is a difficult job, meeting quotas and making sales is stressful. But I don't think it is fair to make your wife support you, and there is really no risk is pursuing a job.

Answer 5

First: You haven't sold before, so now figure you're not going to make any money until you are fully trained. Are you aggressive??

For myself, I would never take a job making commission.
Its too risky. I have not sold before, but have worked in an office and have watched other people. It is a frustrating job. I personally think you should reconsider. Maybe pick this back up again when your family finances are in a better state.

Not sure what your field is. But Im sure you can find another way to support your family.

GOOD LUCK