Should I Sell Cars?

Wow, thats a tough decision, but an even bigger risk. I think that if you could dedicate more time to IM, it could bring better profits for you. Thats all I can think of

Hmm...if it's something you really want, maybe give it a shot. But if things are like they are here in the USA, the economy is shit and not a lot of people are buying cars. If you are only getting commissions, think hard about the current economy and the demographics of people in your area. But of course, you know this

"No sales - no paycheck."

That's the way it SHOULD be.

Seriously, when you live without a net
you become better at what you do much
faster.

Failure is not an option.

I took the Rich Dad advice some years
back when I reached stagnation - don't
work for money, work for the knowledge
to learn how to make money.

If you think that improving your sales
skills is going to take you up a level or
two (it will), then give it a shot, do your
best and absorb like a sponge.

I took a telemarketing job (which I HATED)
but the experience was invaluable - and
I think about doing it again from time to
time just to get more in-person experience.

If you can sell something to someone
where you've interrupted their peace at
home with something they didn't go
looking for - then this IM thing is easy.

X

I will say do whatever you think will bring in the cash. Sometimes IM might not be the best career choice..it happens.. Ultimately, its your choice, and you are in the predicament, so i suggest that you sit down and think about it long and hard.

Whatever you choose, i wish you good luck

Suthan

Who knows it just might be worth a try. After all who says you could not just up and quit after a week or two if things are not panning out. As long as you still keep up with some of your IM stuff you will have something to fall back on and the car sales thing is just extra cash.

I'm surprised any dealerships are hiring, considering how the market is for cars. Maybe all their other salesmen quit.

A lot of loans are getting declined now that would normally be approved. At least one major finance company is requiring a 700 credit score to get a car loan, which is unheard of.

This is one of the last types of jobs I would go for right now.

Hi Alex,

I took that route in the late 1980's and the education was priceless. Back then it was like getting paid $30,000.00 a year to go to 'salesman school'.

I learned a ton of stuff that has helped me with selling even to this day.

Here's where you have a fantastic advantage over all the other salespeople at that dealership...

99% of those other folks will simply wait for a potential customer to walk on the lot so they have a crack at making a sale. YOU on the otherhand, will build a minisite featuring the benefits of coming into the dealership and buying a car that fits their needs from YOU.

If I was younger and knew what I know now, instead of being the 6th best salesperson out of the 35 that worked there, I would have been the #1 guy. The difference? MARKETING!

Take what you have learned, the knowledge, the skillset, and your attitude, and give it a shot.

Your people skills will be taken to new levels, and if you never compromise your integrety for the sake of a sale you will get a ton of referrals.

The first thing I was told when I went to work in the car business was "To leave my conscience at home". (No kidding!) That was bull poop I just ignored. Remember to never sell out to greed. Those will be real people you will be dealing with face to face. Treat them with respect.

Now, go get 'em tiger!

KJ

I think you should try it out at least for a week or two and see how things operate and work out...never know you may like it. I think you could easily transfer what you've learned from internet marketing onto a sales position. Best case scenario you would have another source of income, which is never bad, and meeting other people who may even be interested in your home business. This could be a win-win for you. I think you should give it a shot! You don't know what you like unless you try it

Good Luck

I think you so go for it. You are in a position none of the other sales people will be in. You can quit anytime without worry.

Howard Hughes took a job at an airline just to see and learn. I see nothing wrong with you doing the same.

Do It!

I sold cars for two years (around 300 vehicles all used) in US. Loved it and made me a better consumer and I am ready to write an ebook for either second chance financing or how to become a better salesman.

It's not for everyone - You can be the best consumer electronics salesman and miserably fail as a car salesman. But you feel so happy to find someone a car when they're turned down everywhere else.

I worked bit differently though, I was already doing IM back then and had a list of customer database so if you do something like that, you'll be strong. Do a little bit of blogging and you'll be the car guy to go in your city so easily.

It's a perfect gig for people who have side income coming in like yourself.

In Japan, half the cars are sold door to door, in US, more than that are sold on the first day on the lot. Interesting huh?

Do it as if you're going to be the one to rise above the noise -- people hate going to a dealership, but not when they come see you -- you can do it.

Fall in love with your customers and just help, help, help - everything else will take care of you!

Thanks for all the replies - they are priceless!
There is one thing I forgot to mention... I know Volkswagens inside out, I have over 3,000 posts on a local VW Enthusiast website, I run my own VW forum and I know MANY folks that drive these cars...

I'd say go for it. IM is mostly sales anyway and more experience,
especially face to face contact really gives you a lot of feedback
about what works and what doesn't. One of the liveliest threads
on the old forum The Warrior Forum - was started by someone
asking about door to door sales. It was also one of my all time
favorites.

Also on the days when you don't have someone come in for a while,
you can get some writing done or some reading done about whatever
project you are doing online next.

Edit: sorry the link on longer goes directly to the old forum threads.
The topic id was 57930 if that helps anyone who would like to see it.

Yes you are right - they are quiting. Between the fact that some people have lost their jobs, others are worried about the job they have and with the finance companies giving out less loans - the sales staff of a lot of these dealerships have gone on to other jobs where they can count on a pay check.

If you already have an income that pays the bills, this might be a great opportunity to get in and see if you can do this sales job. Just know that due to the present economy your success rate is going to be a lot less then if the economy was good.

As for your experience in IM - hmmm maybe some of it will help but you need to know that most of the sales techniques used in car dealerships are extremely high pressure - those types of sales methods are not for everyone and the dealership is going to expect you to perform and get results.

There is no such thing as down time - you will be expected to cold call and followup on the people who stepped onto the lot before but got away. You will have to account for your time.

I would go talk to a few car salesmen before making the leap. You might find the time investment is more than you want.

Let me put it this way - My husband sold cars for years. Managed a Dodge dealership. Was top salesman more times than not. He now sells boats (another thing people aren't buying). Our local dealerships know his reputation and have been trying to get him back into cars. He won't do it - even though he was successful at it, its not the type of sales techniques he likes to use.

Think about it hard before taking the plunge. If you get in and decide you don't like it and quit that never looks good on your resume.

I personally didn't want to try out car sales just yet, the local dealership told me that sales were pretty much down across the board, which sucks, if you're happy with your IM income however, heck why not!

Alan you're absolutely right, everyone needs a challenge, good point

I know several people that were car salesmen and some that still are. The one's that are no longer doing it, couldn't take the hours and the commissions didn't justify the hours they worked (I'm talking about they were working 60 hours to bring home $400-500). The one's that are still selling were doing great as late as the middle of last year, but since then they are struggling. It's a mixture of some alright months and some horrible months.

I have heard success stories from car salesmen, but none of them this year.

I do a lot of work in the retail car industry and car loans are certainly not as hard to get as people are making it out to be.

It's mostly the media overhyping everything. Toyota, Honda and VW dealerships are hardly taking a beating at all.

It's sad to hear so many people aren't even making the trip to car lots because of what's going on, when there's still a fine chance many of them will qualify for a loan just fine.

Back on topic, to the OP I say go for it if it's something you really want to do. If it doesn't work out you can always quit and it will be an experience either way.

only if you really want to. if you think it is going to take away from your business you have to decide what you want more, follow your heart and do whatever you feel will make you happier

Just as the dealership has nothing to lose if they hire another salesman on commission, what do you have to lose except a little time?

...is your internet business income going to disappear if you take the car job? I'm assuming it won't, right. ...So, why not see what selling cars in this environment is like.

There's usually some unseen or unanticipated benefit in almost every experience.
_______
Bruce

Ask yourself: What will I learn from the experience if I take the job?

If the answer is something that you truly want to learn and/or can benefit from, go for it. Experience is a powerful teacher.

If it's just for the check, you don't really need that any more (good for you).

So if it's just about the money, personally I would pass on it and focus my time on the IM income. If it's about some experience that can make you better at what you do or add to your income potential, then consider making a run at it.

With your level of expertise you would probably be very effective. Combine your knowledge with solid marketing and lead generation. Realize up front that to make money as a car salesman, you've got to be willing to work hard and you can be paid quite handsomely for it.

Don't listen to all the junk about it being hard to get financing. Car dealers have many options available to acquire financing. Why? They're not actually "selling cars". They're selling loans. The cars are just the collateral.

They'll find a way to get somebody in to a car loan. If the customer defaults, they'll take the car back and finance it again ... and again ... and again ...

to be honest, I think you already know what you want to do
the question is will you?

IIRC Ed Dale once took an offline sales position long after he had experienced massive success online in order to learn more about buying patterns and customer behavior.

Worst case? You don't like it and quit after a week. As I see it you have nothing to lose and everything to gain.

If your looking to develop your sales skills I recommend electronics retail sales. Or similar.
Look for a very busy store. Not for the $ because the margins are weak.

Being able to "be at bat" 20, 30 or even more in a single day,if you "pay attention" will get your sales chops up fast. Sell in a store during the xmas shopping season(during a good economy) and the experience is priceless.

"Joe Plumber" can be an incredible difficult sale if your "pushy" so, avoid it.
However, if he told you his requirement and you can meet them,be very firm in your recommendations, call that pushy if you wish.

Often beginners start pitching products and just do not listen to the prospect/customer. REALLY listen to the words they say and the way they act. They will give you clues to the deal that will be like fireworks going off but, you have to get out or your own head and listen to and watch them.

Then sell cars if you wish, you'll kick butt.
I looked at dealerships to sell autos myself but, when they told me the commission for a Pinto and a Lincoln Continental paid the same, $100+, I said no thanks buh by.And joining 10 other guys staring out the window looking for the next body would suck pond scum.

Good luck on what you decide.Sorry for the rant.

Actually you have to take this decision by yourself.
But I will give you my advice.
If is your dream to sell cars go for it because now is your chance.

Mario

Hi Alex,

Do it.

You will get amazing people skills and organization ability.

Don't worry about the market - you can outsell the other salespeople.

When you go well you will be promoted

When you are promoted you will learn how a real business runs.

Car dealerships are a great training ground - they are very complex businesses:

You sell stock - cars / parts / accessories
You sell time - service
You sell money - finance

You deal retail - clients
You deal wholesale - buying trades and dealing with manufacturers

You also learn about other staff and internal politics and you will get trained externally and also at the dealership.

Best of all you can make six figures selling cars PLUS your internet marketing business. It has been done a few times before.

Good luck.

Hey Alex,

Why not approach the dealership with this proposition? Tell them you will list there used cars on Ebay for $50 per car. You are paid whether they sell or not. You will take pictures of the cars, give a description (your knowledge of VWs should make that easy) and put in contact details for the dealership.

The dealership will create their own Ebay account (legalities...) and you can pop these listings out in about 30 minutes each (less time spent taking pictures of cars).

In the old west, during the gold rush, the real winners weren't the miners, it was the guys supplying the shovels. Position your self where you benefit the most.

Offer to list the cars that have been on the lot a few months. They are destined for the Auto Auction, anyway. They've got nothing to lose.

Just a thought,

Adam

I work as the internet director for a dodge chrysler jeep dealership... I don't deal with customers, as all the leads I generate for the dealerhip are worked by sales staff (accroding to follow-up processes I lay out). So I'm a bit of an outsider who gets to see the inner workings

I would seriously consider internet sales if I was in your position. The BIGGEST thing in internet car sales is FOLLOW-UP, which most IM'ers understand (well, those who build lists ). And you could leverage your internet interests in your emails, mentioning your an enthusiasist who runs a vw forum, etc.. it would not only lower their shields, but you would stand out vs the other dealers who they submitted a lead too

The ebay idea mentioned above is intersting - but I don't see getting $50 a pop. The normal rate for outsourcing picture taking and listing of cars for websites seems to be around $20 (which gets the pics on the dealer website, plus autotrader and cars.com). You might think about craigslist for their used inventory - it works really well.

Regarding pay: dealers pay a small 'draw' against your commissions (usually around 2k/month where I live), which is an advance, so your usually covered somewhat if you have a bad month. Most dealers won't get rid of you for not covering your draw consistantly, as they're usually making around $2k profit per sale when they include the backend profits - so your commissions might not be covering your draw, but your actual sales profits certainly will.

I know I'm jumping around here, but I also wanted to point this out: most car salesman are not good at sales.. They're order takers, just lurking, hoping to get walk up traffic that's ready to buy THAT SAME DAY. They don't follow up, they don't try to build relationships with their customers. Our top salesman sends out b-day cards and holiday cards to every customer of his - and sells about twice as much as most do. He's laid back and friendly - his customer's genuinely like him, and reward him with their repeat business and referrals.
You need VERY thick skin (fact: I have seen WAY more abusive customers then salesmen), but if you understand sales then you could do very well.

oh - and don't let them fool you - the hours are long. If there's a customer in front of you, you don't go home.

Joe Gerard Guiness book record holder for most car sold has a nice sale book relating his methods.
One Major key was just like Jason said, was contacting by sending out cards and giving everyone plenty of his business cards to pass out.
I believe he worked only by appointment too.
So, he didn't stare out the window hoping for a warm body to show up.

He MADE it happen.
Great book.

Dude,

This is a no brainer. Would take the job!

As mentioned by others here, you'll gain valuable experience in sales. You'll also improve your social skills which will no doubt really show when you write online (blogs, articles, etc.)

It obviously would not hurt your pocketbook either. Make that extra cash you need.

Here's what I would do....

Get some PLR on "How to Buy a Car". Pull together a nice report or e-book and build your opt-in list of OFFLINE sales leads. You could put up a simple website on it's own domain. Slowly drip content and you might even outrank the local dealership in Google. Now that would be too cool!

I'm telling you, car salesman are NOT bridging online marketing offline.

Good luck!

Dennis

Well if you like working with people face to face and if you are good at convincing people face to face, you could probably make a decent amount of money doing it. And of course you could become a lot better at both doing it. However as a nice experience, I don't know about that. There are a whole lot of annoying people out there.
Just a thought.

Alex:

Doing it over the internet and doing it face to face is not the same!

If you want to do it, go for it. But don't delude yourself into thinking you're going to make six figures out the gate either. More than likely, you're going to have to start all over again learning a new game. And it's going to be a tough uphill climb as well.

Either way, I wish you well.

it will be great training for you Alex. A steep learning curve and challenging.

Others are right - most car sales people are not that switched on to followup.

You can develop your negotiation. reasoning and sales skills.

I guess you will be dissatisfied at the un-leveraged side of it and the actual physical work involved - but that will be a great experience.

It is also boring showing people over the controls and test driving the same places all the time with people who can't drive.

That aside, it will teach you about business and also you will be exposed to may unique people and the way they live etc...

Some of my best lessons were learned from clients when I was in Sales.

True!

Have fun!

This is what I would do...

Take the job selling cars to get a real insight from the salesmen's point of view. See how other sales people at the dealership are lacking, etc..

Create membership/coaching site for Car salesmen so they can learn how to sell and get prospects etc... You could even have dealership membership access were the dealership pays a premium to have their entire sales staff as members...

Just a thought!

Mike Hill

Yo, be sure to check out "How to Sell Anything to Anybody" by Joe Girard

"Timid Salesmen Have Skinny Kids" by Judge Ziglar and "Advanced Selling Techniques" by Brian Tracy.

Why don't you work with me on my site and have a french section -

I believe that "preown" automobiles is a very competitive biz, but cars are a great arena to learn sales. Retail sales experience should help you sell over the net. Most of the advice people gave you like setting up a web site is good, but talk to your boss first and find out if it is OK.

You can do what a real estate friend is doing. She makes DVD movies of high value homes and sends them to prospects. One thing you can do is get emails from prospects and send them pictures of cars that meet their criteria as they come in.

Many used car dealers get cars from automobile auctions at real low prices, due to all the repos and these cars often have low miles and look nice. These are perfect for sending out photos to clients over the net.

If you have a website, place your cell phone on it and when people call you. Set up an appointment so you do not have to fight for walk in traffic. You will quickly learn to qualify candidates as to what they are {tire kickers or buyers}.

It is good to sell a product you can believe in. I have a great deal of trouble selling if I do not believe in the product. VW makes excellent cars. You should be OK.