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Old 08-16-2007, 11:31 PM
DamitBob DamitBob is offline
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Join Date: Feb 2005
Posts: 230
Default Re: Tips for a beginning car salesman

Congrats on the new job. I have 15 years as a rep, closer,trainer in the car biz.

I think the best thing for you to do first is find a helpful manager or top salesman or 2 to watch and learn from. Many dealers don't train, its sink or swim. They take your pulse, hire you and hope you are 1 of the 15% that make it. If they are not going to spend much effort training you (most common) buddy up with a friendly top rep and ask for tips and maybe buy him a nice lunch or 3. You buy and fly.

Ask him for his best walkaround on the top selling nissan. Try to learn the top 2 best sellers first. stats, features, benefits, awards.

Listen to how pro reps talk to "phone pops" (sales calls). They sell the appt and get rapport with the customer quickly if they are good. Find common ground (kids? soccer? hiking? what you using that truck for?)

Are you in Vegas? Business is slow here (WA) but nissan, honda, toyota are doing well. Vegas should be a great town to sell in.

Be "real" with yer customers. Look them both right in the eye and talk to the woman at least as much as the man. I always ask ladies to drive first then switch. They really appreciate it and many are watching to see if you direct your pitch to the man and ignore them. Hubbys appreciate it that you include wifey too.

You will make the most cheese on used cars so learn your used inventory and work on switching from new to used for better commission (and often better deal for customer).

Don't be afraid to tell all you are new. They would rather have the nice new guy then the "charkk"

I "don't know much, but i'll find out everything you need before you leave" Take notes, shake kids hands and write down names and ages. On test drives don't talk much. Take long test drives.

Don't get down if you struggle at first. You have no follow up and no customer base. It takes a month to build some follow up. Hussle and work hard and they won't dump ya if ya struggle for a few months. Work your day off if ya can when ya struggle, gotta pay yer dues and managers see your extra effort.

Try hard to test drive every customer. A strong rep can test drive 85%. Weak/passive guys drive 20%.

50-60K first year is good. 70-80K second, then you can make much more if you are strong or become a manager.

Fire some more questions if ya want. Where are you working?
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