Edmunds hired a guy to become an undercover car salesman and write about his experience in order to give people a behind-the-scenes look at the mystery of car sales. He called his article, confessions of a car salesman.
I didn’t read every word (he can be a long-winded undercover car salesman at times) but it was still extremely educational. The next time I buy a car, I plan to use the knowledge I gained from this article to get a better deal. I like having a better understanding of what really goes on when they go off to talk to their manager and leave you drumming your fingers on the desk.
I’ve worked at a dealership before and this all sounds very familiar — even the terminology. Sometimes if I’m testdriving or something and under a lot of pressure, I’ll tell the salesman that and he usually lets off. Nice trick.
» Comment by Cameron on February 13, 2004 @ 3:24 amNice. I’ll make sure to print this for later. Thanks.
And the thing about salesmen making the customer wait is something I recognized from my experience buying my last car. I didn’t realize it was a sales tactic though. I thought he was just slow.
» Comment by Jan on February 13, 2004 @ 5:36 amCam, what do you say to get them to lay off?
» Comment by Renee on February 13, 2004 @ 10:34 amI recognized some of this stuff from the last time I went to buy a car. It was good to know. Thanks!
» Comment by carlene on February 13, 2004 @ 1:38 pmRenee, the most important thing is for you to stay in control (even if it seems rude or mean). You can always walk out, and doing so will often make them drive a better bargain.
With me though, telling them I worked at a dealership and I know the whole sales process seems to take away a lot of their power and mystique. They usually tone down after that.
» Comment by Cameron on February 13, 2004 @ 6:45 pm