Sales Staff and Tattoos....Do they mix or still Taboo?

With the growing popularity of numerous Tatoos for both men and women, I would like to know your thoughts/feelings of salespeople who have them. I understand times change but as a Recruiter/Trainer, your opinion would be Valuable!!

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Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Mark Proctor on December 29, 2010 at 12:21pm

A customer who spends $10k to $50k on a vehicle would prefer to spend it with someone who reminds them of

a Banker, Accountant or other professional looking type than the local tattoo artist. Common sense usually prevails.

Permalink Reply by Robert Linkonis Sr on December 29, 2010 at 12:45pm

I agree with Mark. The social stereo-types against spending a large amount of money with someone who has visible tattoos are still prevalent. It's the same with any other appearance modification away from the norm (long hair, piercings,
unprofessional dress).

I think a sales floor needs to be filled with motivated individuals who are dressed professionally, with no visible tattoos, who are selling themselves, the house and the product.

Permalink Reply by Dennis M. Sims on December 29, 2010 at 1:43pm

I've never heard of a Customer stating they did not buy a car from a Salesperson because they DIDN'T have tatoos, an earring in their ear, or some other "cultural" fad, but I know there have been potential Customers who have not buy from a person because THEY DID!

Bottom line is there is nothing "politically uncorrect" with men wearing earrings, or men or women having tatoos, or even wearing gaudy jewelry, BUT, the place for that is at the Night Clubs, NOT in a Professional Business environment.

quoting one of my highly respected Motivational Speakers and Philosophers, Mr. Ziz Zigler, I would would go to war and risk my life for a person's right to appear any way they want; but I wouldn't give them a job!

Permalink Reply by Craig Lockerd on December 29, 2010 at 1:52pm

Glenn if you could guess what % of salespeople you interview have tats?.....and whatever that % is,would it then make sense the same % of people they would be waiting on have tats as well?...Just a question.

Permalink Reply by Mark Proctor on December 29, 2010 at 2:07pm

Good question Craig... At that time; you compliment your prospect's ink and flash yours. You have found a nice "common ground" to move forward.
Always play the odds. If wearing a Mohawk would have sold more cars for me (and I still had the hair...) I would have one. Otherwise... keep the tats hidden and fly your freak flag if and when needed.

Permalink Reply by Craig Lockerd on December 29, 2010 at 2:23pm

lol......yes I dont agree with tats at all..my feeling is if God wanted ink on our bodies He would have put it there in the first place.....but....we are dealing in a very different world with many different people now.I remember growing a nice trimmed beard when I was selling..I asked my Gm if it was ok first,he said no,20 times, but I was selling 35+ a month so he finally relented...I grew it,sold 22 next month and shaved!

Mark Proctor said:

Good question Craig... At that time; you compliment your prospect's ink and flash yours. You have found a nice "common ground" to move forward.
Always play the odds. If wearing a Mohawk would have sold more cars for me (and I still had the hair...) I would have one. Otherwise... keep the tats hidden and fly your freak flag if and when needed.

Permalink Reply by Abe Hopper on December 29, 2010 at 6:25pm

Most publicly traded automotive groups require that tattoos are covered by clothing ... if the tattoo is above the neck they will not be hired. Piercings are to be removed during business hours. Piercings and tattoos are not included in the corporate image that is desired by most Dealerships, and certainly not within the Manufacturer corporate culture.

Permalink Reply by Rick Bryant on December 29, 2010 at 9:03pm

I do not feel tatoos to be professional, we stress to our trainees to be professional. Totoos in my opinion seems like something done on a whim, I don't know anyone in their later in life that didn't regret getting them

Permalink Reply by Brent Abdulla on December 29, 2010 at 10:15pm

You know what they say..."Elbows and !#$4*!!s! Everyone has 'em! It's the quality of service, perceived customer value and experience of the process that determines the outcome according to my elbows!

Permalink Reply by Fran Taylor on December 30, 2010 at 9:20am

To me it's not where you start it's where you end up. If the person is willing to do what ever it takes to sell cars, thats my guy/gal. I personally don't like tatoos but see more women having them than ever before.

If a highly decorated Navy man came in with tatoos of mom , his ship and others would we think different of him. Probally.

That person is going to get his own customers to be successful. So they know a lot of people with a tattoo. They buy cars too. Give me someone with a want and a desire and they can overcome what others won't. Look at the inside as much as the outside. Great question Gene and best of luck.

Permalink Reply by Paul Hardy on December 30, 2010 at 10:22am

Well..... Most everyone that has posted here knows me personally. And guess what? I have 6 tats! Getting ready for # 7. I have no problem with them at all. I started getting them while I was still in the Marine Corps. Its not if they have tats or not its if anyone can see them. Most people we are talking about have used poor judgment when placing the tatoos. The reason none of you knew I had them was because they are not visable in a bussiness dressed attire. The people that I have gotten into dealers have gone in with the mentality that they would have to wear long sleeves for the rest of their career. In sales we have to sell the way people want to buy. If anything,clothes,jewelry,ear rings, piercing,smoking,long hair, dread locks and in some cases facial hair, offends the client then "WE" need to make a change.Employers may not be able to discriminate but customers can.

Permalink Reply by NANCY SIMMONS on December 30, 2010 at 6:42pm

This conversation is really based on a very current topic that needs to be discussed! I hired a receptionist years ago on a Friday after two interviews. Both times she was dressed in business suits, with her hair perfectly styled and makeup applied to create a very professional look. We discussed attire on both interviews and I snickered..."Looks like I don't have to really discuss this with you in great detail, as it is evident that you know how to dress!" Well! Monday morning, she shows up with her brown hair bleached platinum and spiked, a belly shirt with a huge tatoo of the sun sported on her back! I was certain that she purposely did this for the "reaction factor" alone! Well, I sent her to the local women's clothing store to purchase a new outfit as her ride home was about an hour!

I do believe that many clients would find this offensive and inconsiderate! Whether they are at your dealership to purchase a vehicle or to get an oil change, they deserve to be welcomed into a professional and respectable environment and this includes the accents of how the employees there present themselves!