Most car shoppers have the opinion that car Salespeople are basically dishonest and will say or do anything to make a sale today.  It has been that way for a long time and is the reputation of our business in general stemming from decades of car sales training based on the use of pressure to control the Customer.  Part of it comes from the automobile sales training methods that have been provided by Trainers whose only method was pressure. For some Dealerships, it is still the method they cling to today, and the reason they give as to why is “Because that’s the way they have always done it.”

Public perception of car Salespeople is that they are slick and sleazy, and will do anything to make a buck.  If they aren’t selling you a car for more than it’s worth, they are trying to steal your trade for less than it is worth.  Many believe car Dealers add outrageous fees to the factory invoices and lie about mileage and ownership of used vehicles they are trying to sell in order to rip off the buyer.  The truth is, some people in this business do just that.  This only reinforces the poor reputation that is already out there and makes it harder to turn the ship around and regain the confidence of the public.  Since they believe car Salespeople are basically liars and cheats, they will continue to come to us with their defenses on high alert.

In actuality, we have earned our poor reputation from decades of deceptive advertising and high-pressure sales tactics that were not Customer friendly in any way.  We created the monster that built this perception and we did so by the way we treated the Customers who came to us to buy their cars.  So from the public’s point of view, they are only calling it like they see it. 

Here’s what we have found:  Car Salespeople and Dealerships that adopt better methods of selling based on integrity and respect for their Customers will shed the negative aspects the public image has and will be recognized by their satisfied Customers and rewarded with their loyalty.

What are your thoughts?