I was recently working for a company that owns around 18 car dealerships. I learned a thing or two about the gimmicks and decided, hey, I bet you guys would like to know, too. You're welcome.
1. Tell us to quit calling. There is a 28 day process that everyone has to follow, which means we have to attempt to contact you for 28 days. We will inevitably blow up your phone and email like a middle school girl with a crush. The only way around this is to answer and tell us to quit calling. After 28 days you're put on a "Long Term Contact" list, so we will still continue to call from time to time.
2. No, you cannot buy a car and get another one for $1.00, this is what is known as a "gimmick" and I honestly feel bad for you all that think it's true.
3. Fine print. Dealerships know fine print better than anyone, so even if you think the deals you see on TV or hear on the radio are gospel, there is fine print that covers the dealers arse in order to not actually follow thru on that unbelievable deal.
4. "I left my cards in the store, would you come up there with me so I can get you one?" He didn't leave his cards in the store. They feel as though once they have you in the store you are mush. Suggestion? Ask the salesperson for their name and number to put in YOUR phone. Do not give out your contact information...this will also help prevent #1 from happening.
5. "Let me introduce you to my manager." No offense to the mangers, but it's just a title. Everyone in the auto industry gains a fairly decent title. Meeting the manager is no honor and it's just another devious strategy to make you believe they value you. They want your money, that's it.
6. Most online prices are not accurate. They normally include all rebates and discounts, some of which you don't even qualify for. There is also small print to cover this shameless tactic.
7. "You're prequalified for $25,000" You're not special. We pay for statistics based off of available credit information and then you receive this piece of paper making you think your credit score has gone from 400 to 800. It hasn't. We are just trying to get you into the dealership and get you to spend money you and I both know you don't have. Normally you won't be approved and if you are, it's certainly not for $25,000.
8. I often spoke with customers who would start off with, "I have really bad credit, my house went into foreclosure and my car was repossessed. I'd like to see what I qualify for." We follow up with this response: "We have multiple finance options that fit most any situation. Would you like to schedule a time with our finance manager?" See...always trying to get you into the store. What I want to say is, "Do you really think you should be trying to purchase a vehicle in your current financial state?"
9. While your debating signing the paperwork for a new vehicle, another sales person comes in and says, "Hey, did they buy that car? There's a guy here that is ready to take it." YAWN. This is a tiring maneuver they pull to put the pressure on. Don't fall for it. You need to respond with, "Let him have it."
10. If you think salesman and dealerships are slimy, so are their corporate offices. They basically all went on that Nickelodeon show and got slimed together. They are not only dishonest with their customers, but also with their employees. So all those negative thoughts you have about dealerships, I'm here to confirm their validity.
With all of this, I hope you'll go into your next vehicle purchase a little wiser and less naïve. I do have dealerships I would suggest avoiding, but you can direct message me for the names.
Vroom-Vroom,
April
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