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In Reply to: Sometimes it helps to be straightforward..., Scott Paterson [Profile/Gallery] , Mon, 22 Apr 2002 18:48:43

I do not advocate playing games with the dealer either, but I do not mind shopping one dealer against the other...after all, I am the customer and I am deciding where (or if) I will spend my money. As Scott says, if you are up front with the dealer about doing your homework and that you want a fair deal (knowing that the dealer also has to make something on the car), then you should be able to find out the attitude of the dealer and the salesman.

It's too bad, though, that you had to dangle the BMW key in front of him before he took you as serious customer. When I was shopping for my previous car (the one before the 9-3), someone gave me the advice to visit the dealers I was considering on a Saturday wearing weekend work clothes (in this case, jeans, a nondescript sweatshirt, baseball cap, etc.) and pay attention to how I was treated at each dealer. At most dealerships, a salesperson approached me soon after I started looking around the showroom. Some were "hard sell", some were "soft sell". At one dealership, though, I was completely ignored by 3 salesmen who were not busy with any other customers. I practically had to beg one of them to talk to me. The distinct message was "we don't think you can afford one of these cars so don't bother us". The last dealership I visited that day was an Acura dealership, and even though I was "underdressed" compared to the other customers in the show room, a salesman immediately approached me and politely asked which car interested me and could he answer any questions. I thanked him and mentioned the reception I had received at another dealer and he said, "I have learned to never assume a customer's financial status based on his or her appearance." I smiled and we had a pleasant conversation and test drive. Guess where I ended up buying my car (after a little haggling, of course)?

Mark

posted by 129.33.49...

• How 'bout $29,499?, Mike Lynch , Tue, 23 Apr 2002 01:36:30
• Bad leasing experience in Twin Cities area, Vegeta, Mon, 22 Apr 2002 18:09:59
  • Re: My excellent leasing experience in Twin Cities area, Loran, Fri, 26 Apr 2002 10:37:56
  • Re: Bad leasing experience in Twin Cities area, Brent, Wed, 24 Apr 2002 02:48:57
  • Re: Bad leasing experience in Twin Cities area, Glenn, Tue, 23 Apr 2002 01:22:26
    • Wah Wah Wah!, Ken , Tue, 23 Apr 2002 20:04:35
  • It isn't that easy. Give 'em a break - Puleeeeeeeze, Mike Lynch , Mon, 22 Apr 2002 20:49:44
    • well said, sales isnt easy these days, nickR, Tue, 23 Apr 2002 11:48:30
  • Sometimes it helps to be straightforward..., Scott Paterson , Mon, 22 Apr 2002 18:48:43
    • Good advice, Scott, Mark Anderson, Tue, 23 Apr 2002 12:10:42 <-- Viewing This Message
    • Re: Sometimes it helps to be straightforward..., Patrick, Mon, 22 Apr 2002 20:53:32
      • Let's hear it for small dealers ..., r-2, Wed, 24 Apr 2002 13:10:15

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