What a salesman needs from a buyer. Preparation.
It was no secret—at least to some of the local auto salesmen who regularly were calling us—that we were looking for a car. The trouble is, we were patiently waiting for the right car to come along, and they wanted us to make an appointment to drive and hopefully buy one of their vehicles.
While I’m on the buying side of the equation, hoping to find a salesman to help me out, I’ve never thought much about how I’m supposed to behave as a prospective buyer.
That changed when I came across a piece titled “10 Things You Should Tell Your Car Salesman’’ by former salesman Matt Jones who now works for Edmunds.com. His tips, combined with car searching assistance on Globe automotive partner Cargurus.com, helped get us to the showroom and the bargaining point.
My editor was dubious. “You’re dragging this car search out to have something to write about all winter,’’ she said. She was kidding, but the truth is often spoken in jest.
However, if you could get into my head and experience me trying to make a decision, you’d think she was being optimistic about such a short time frame. But it turns out we did put some of these tips into our actual purchase.
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The Best Cars for the Money according to U.S. News
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With the Presidents’ Day Weekend promotions upon us, we pass along Jones’ guidelines of what to tell a salesman. We found they worked when the time came.
1. “I plan to get my new car this weekend.’’ Jones says being up front makes you a hot prospect and likely to get better offers. Conversely, telling the salesperson you’re six months away from a purchase can slow down the inevitable follow-up calls and emails.
2. Not only making an appointment to drive the car but confirming it and then showing up. This not only can verify the car is in stock but also can save time.
3. I’d like to have my trade-in appraised. This lets the dealership know that trade-in value is important to you, and, if you’re far apart, saves a lot of wasted time.
4. What you really want. If a car is like a refrigerator to you, say you want the cheapest one that has the basic features you need.
5. If you make me a great deal, I’m ready to buy right now. (Self-explanatory.)
6. My credit is bad. This helps the dealership work at getting you in a car that can be financed.
7. If you can sell me that car for this price, we have a deal. (This always has been my approach. Glad we’re in agreement here.)
8. Was something left out of the deal? Ask for it. It can result in both parties winding up satisfied down the road.
9. This isn’t the car/brand I want. This can end a part of the search and (hopefully) save you from those follow-up contacts.
10. I’m in love with this car. We’ve always been told that will make you wind up paying more. Actually, it makes you a more attractive customer, one who likely will become an advocate for the brand or dealership.
Here are a pair of additional tips. Do your homework. Besides researching the vehicle(s) you’re interested in seeing, check your credit score and even contact your bank or credit union to see what they’ll give you for an interest rate.
A Throwback Holiday
Though not quite as festive as auto fetes of the past, the Presidents’ Day weekend still is considered the start of the spring selling season with plenty of deals and large inventories on dealer lots.
So it made this curmudgeon smile when the folks at Village Honda sent along an old-timey photo of some of the sales staff dressed in Uncle Sam suits.
Everyone who closes a deal at Village Honda this weekend gets to pop a balloon (I know, what if the kids want to bring it home?).
But the balloons contain certificates for the likes of:
• An oil change
• A remote starter
• $100 towards accessories
• A Village tool kit
• A wireless mouse
• Vehicle detailing
And, yes, the refreshment table with pastries and bagels is back.
Can someone let us know if the cherry pies are back, too?
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