Originally Posted by Joe 97RA

You are correct. How do we retain them? By treating them like family and gold. Statistics show that the main reason most people stay with their current job is that they like their manager/boss and the rest of the employees. By management giving their all in helping the individual become successful, making them feel like an important part of the team and taking a personal interest in them as people, not just as employees goes a long way toward retention. Eventually when your dealership becomes well staffed with happy and productive employees, your hiring criteria changes. That's when an interesting situation occurs..... successful salespeople from other dealerships begin applying because they see your place as THE place that they wish to work. A happy and productive staff attracts successful applicants.

Originally Posted by Darth Xed

Sounds like a simple and straight forward plan of action.

What I don't understand, though, is how it seems that basically *NO* auto dealerships follow this model.

Yes, there are some good dealerships and bad dealerships... but as a whole, I think the whole "7 salespeople to every 1 customer, who stand around loitering and staring down showroom visitors" is pretty much the norm.

For every Jason E out there, we have 7 people who are probably more counter-productive than productive.

It always amazes me how people in a line of work who get paid based on production can know so little about the products they sell, and be so terrible interacting with people.

Originally Posted by Darth Xed

Sounds like a simple and straight forward plan of action.

What I don't understand, though, is how it seems that basically *NO* auto dealerships follow this model.

Yes, there are some good dealerships and bad dealerships... but as a whole, I think the whole "7 salespeople to every 1 customer, who stand around loitering and staring down showroom visitors" is pretty much the norm.

For every Jason E out there, we have 7 people who are probably more counter-productive than productive.

It always amazes me how people in a line of work who get paid based on production can know so little about the products they sell, and be so terrible interacting with people.

Originally Posted by falchulk

Studies have found that dealers are LESS likely to hire salesman that know cars/trucks well. They want them to be motivated by the sale, not the product.

Originally Posted by 1990 Turbo Grand Prix

Pipedream? More like nightmare.

As I'm sure Jim and Jason agree, how would you like to take that car you bought off the internet and have warranty work done by, wait......nobody!

That's right folks, the dealers need customers, but the customers need the dealership in return. You read this correct. Not every dealer is bad to deal with, it is up to you, the customer, to find a dealer that makes you feel comfortable and treats you fairly. If you find that you are getting screwed with, go to another dealer. And as has been mentioned many times before, go to a smaller hometown type dealer for some of the best treatment (in most cases) that you'll find.

The one thing I'll never get over (and I'm sure Jim and Jason know what I'm talking about) is how people feel it's ok to screw the dealer in anyway possible, as if that's ok, but if the dealer does, "Oh oh oh, I don't think so, only I (the customer) can do that" attitude that is all too common place amongst car shoppers.

Here's a helpful hint for free: be educated before you shop for a FAIR deal (Stress the fair), but also realize that the person on the other end has to make a living too. By grinding the salesperson down to dust, you are making a situation worse for yourself (as well, others) in the long run. Just remember, who's getting better service after the sale, a customer who was fair and fun to deal with, or the person who wanted to deal until the salesperson made nearly nothing because of being ground to dust and was determined to make the dealer "stick it"? Look beyond your noses people.

Every person on this board wants to make this a one way street of "let's get the big bad dealer". Why not make a little effort and find a dealer that'll treat you right? They're out there. It's up to you to determine what kind of expirience you want to have before, during, and after the sale.

Originally Posted by Buickman

That makes it hard to decide between you and Lew. Glad that, near as I can tell, I'm the only Buick salesman here. Now the plug, I offer nationwide delivery!