by: Lost Literati
Source: Quora.com
The ploy, “Let me go talk to my manager" is called a T O or a turn over. Most dealerships require that a salesperson do a T O before letting the customer leave, in other words, if they cant close the deal then they turn it over and let someone else try.
However, an experienced salesperson will use this as a tool and when they go into the managers office they will talk about lunch, weather, sports, whatever. My typical conversations with the sales manager consisted of the boss asking me what I had going, to which I'd typically reply something along the lines of…just another UP (customer) thinking they are a master of the game. I'd bullsh*t with him for a bit, then go back to my customer wearing a smile and saying…Great news!
You see, I already hit the customer high, I had room to move, but by acting like I got the ok on a deal from the manager, I let the UP think he out foxed me. Hell, I still had room for a couple more drops if needed and I'd bullsh*t longer with my boss each time…I'm here all day anyhow, I'm not going to get worn down.
An inexperienced or under producing salesperson doesnt use the TO as a tool, they use it as a life preserver when they simply cant close and already lost credibility by dropping the price themselves (Bad idea, if I act like I have such authority, then I look like a crook because I gave you a high price then dropped it on my own). They go to the manager, he comes out, usually pissed at the salesperson, greets the customer and practically gives the car away. The salesperson earns very little.
Back to the question, no a salesperson is not going to bat for you, being commission based, they are trying to earn a living.
I sold used cars for eight years, my biggest commissions came from those who thought they were experts in negotiating. The simple truth is we did this six days a week, 12 hours a day, 360 days a year. We sold or we starved. The typical person who put in a few hours on the internet reading up on how to beat a salesperson or brought his uncle louie who knew a guy whose brother sold cars for a few months along, really hasnt a chance if they come in with a attitude.
You want a fair deal?
Be straight up, be honest, be firm, and dont plan on buying on the first day out.
Tell your salesperson you're looking, you're serious, and you're ready to buy. Do not let them run your credit or take your license, just assure them your credit is fine and that you wont be test driving anything until a deal is agreed upon. Period.
Explain that since you are serious and ready to buy, you will be comparing prices at a few dealerships and that you hope they understand. Assure them you're not here to waste their time and that you would appreciate the same courtesy.
Get their price, thank them, ask for their card and tell them you'll be in touch no matter what decision you make.
Then leave. Visit a few more places. Compare notes, decide on the best deal for you, then call that dealership, ask for the salesperson you talked to before and say you're close and ask if they can do better.
All done? No, beware the finance TO, but that's another story.
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