Lot porters

If you are told to participate in lot parties, then you are working at the wrong dealership. You are a salesman, not a lot jockey. Write that down somewhere so you don't forget.

3PM Saturdays in the car business

Why does the bulk of the day's business on Saturday happen beginning around 3? I think the answer is that car buying is not the big deal it used to be. Now, it just has to be worked in with people's regular Saturday stuff. It's not the first priority. Sort of like buying a washing machine or box of cereal.

Beware of payment questions

If a customer asks how much the weekly payment is including the late fee, you probably want to dump this particular customer and go on to something else.

Sit near the door during sales meetings

If you're first out of the sales meeting, you'll be first to see if there are any ups on the lot and maybe work in talking to the receptionist about any phone ups or other prospects that might be around.

Yes, this is a new location for CarGirlUSA

I got tossed off the blogsite for 'advertising' and will copy everything to this site. Thanks for bearing with me, my fellow lot dogs.

Avoid customers shopping for a hybrid

Total time wasters unless the supply is very small and the demand is very big. Then, you can knock the heads off of these idiots.

Tactics

When it comes time to put out balloons, lot party, or other such stupidity, tell the manager you have cramps and then go find a telephone to catch any phone ups that come in while everyone else is out on the lot.

Yes, the trophy IS real

The trophy is nice, the money's better. Gross put me over the top of the unit weenie.

Destroy the trade-in

'Inspect' the trade while the customer is watching. Use clipboard. Make up a form if you have to. Remain silent as you touch every crappy looking part of their car. It's ok to do a few 'hmmms'. The customer knows there is stuff wrong with the car and they now know you know.
Whatever the appraisal comes back as, knock off a thousand or two. Give the customer a chance to agree. You have nothing to lose and a pound or tow of commission to gain. Do it. Don't be a weak suck girl about it. Ok?

Pick the right day off

If you get days offs and are allowed to select, always go for Wednesday. Statistically, it's when the fewest cars are sold. Tuesday and Thursday are in a dead tie for the second slowest days. Monday is 'finish day' for the weekend. If you have Monday as a day off, you end up splitting a lot of deals.

Watch for the ring

If a woman comes onto the lot along and wears a wedding ring, wait on someone better. The odds say she's low percentage and almost certainly a one legger. But, hey, if she's the only action there is, then work it. You can always walk away if a better up appears.

Let the trade-in talk to you

Once you make sure the is actually owned by the customer, let it tell you a story. What bumper stickers are on the car? What radio stations are programmed? What CD's are in the car? What's on the Ipod? What's in the glove compartment? Learn how to read who the customer is by what they drive and what's in their ride. If you see Modern Bride in the car, you'll have a clue. Instead, if you see Guns & Ammo, you have another clue. Read the car and learn. Got it?