Intimidated going into car showrooms?

[Tipmethewink]

Is it just me or do other people feel intimidated going into car showrooms? I've never really shopped for a car before, especially one that costs so much money, but even just wandering around outside makes me feel uncomfortable. It's so bad that on a number of occasions I've driven up, looked through the window and driven off again without stopping, it's a proper nuisance. Just me?

 

[Parisien]

.......TMTW.....they are only salesmen.........it is only a car.....albeit a Maserati.........you've got something they want and vice versa........so no worries.....


P

 

[Paulm]

Hahaha, you wanna be me.... Long hair, wear jeans.... before you start Frank !!! I pop in every now and then just for a dream. No one ever bothers me .....Take one look and think....scruffy G1T no cash and leave me alone. Only downside is they maybe a bit reluctant to let you in the car !
Try this one next time: don't just stand by the window, go in and pretend you have £1000000 in your back pocket. Dream it's a nice feeling and that brings a lovely smile. They are only there to sell not eat you alive !

 

[Parisien]

Paulm......I sport a ponytail..........its only 6 or so yrs old now.....hacks off all my peers at they are completely grey or bald..............I always carry cash.....though I struggle to get £100K in cash into my man bag.....


P

 

[Tipmethewink]

So what you're both saying is I need to get a ponytail? It's worse than I thought.

 

[Parisien]

....more or less......or at least extensions anyways.........


P

 

[Paulm]

LOL
Nip to joke shop and buy a wig !
Just go in and Blaggg your way into them taking you for a spin.....Then the next time you'll go in with 100k in your back pocket....trust me you will ! The fear will leave you then !

 

[conaero]

I think that snooty feel is to make you show them that you are not a waster and do have the cash to buy it, thats how I have lost a fortune in the Gucci shop over the years....and women come to think of it.

 

[rotorheadcase]

I hear what you're saying... I wandered in to the local Ferrari dealer in shorts and a t-shirt to look at a 550 Modena. The only thing the salesman in an impeccable Italian suit commented on was my watch ( a Panerai) so I think they have the experience to be able to judge who is a potential buyer as opposed to a time waster. Go in with the attitude that you are a potential customer and you'll be fine.

Neil

 

[Paulm]

LOL
All nip down to charity shops in Chichester........Gucci clothing going cheap Then to Maser dealer !

 

[Tipmethewink]

I think that snooty feel is to make you show them that you are not a waster and do have the cash to buy it.

It drives me mad. Actually, it drives my girlfriend mad that I'd rather cut my nose off and walk out leaving them to their snootiness rather than ignore it and get what I'm actually after. I don't have a pony tail so I'm probably not their ideal customer but in all other respects, I've usually made up my mind about what I want before I've walked through the door so it's their sale to lose. That said, I'm tarring all dealers with the same brush after having only set foot in two showroows so perhaps I'm being a little precious.

 

[Parisien]

...a semi confident swagger.......and a clip on ponytail....world is your osyter.....try it........


P

 

[Elliott653]

It doesn't bother me in the slightest. They sell stuff. A car salesman has no right to be snooty towards anyone. He's a shop worker. One step up from stacking shelves.

 

[rotorheadcase]

Playing devils advocate... Imagine if you had a constant stream of people into your business who had no intention, or the means of purchasing what you were selling but insisted on making you jump through the hoops in the hope that they might grace you with their patronage... It's a fine line to walk.

Nei

 

[Parisien]

Same with most businesses who have a shop/displays/showrooms......its then up to the salesman to maximise that contact.........closing out a deal with those who can as opposed to those who patently can't , a few Qs will usually sort out the wannabes from the might bes.....


P

 

[Blox]

They still $hit between 2 shoes like the rest of us....

 

[Paulm]

Tip,
does your missus look through the window of a clothes shop and run a mile? nope!
The sales guys are not snotty nose, they are there to enhance the feeling of the marque....Maserati is a well respected name....so these guys dress accordingly.
I for one look past this, they are humans after all, all be it after your hard earned cash.
Once you have one you don't have to go back there......you have the car and smiles......they have your cash and sales figures ! simples !

 

[Tipmethewink]

Well, with all this counselling, they'll not know what hits them when I waltz in. Though I fear my girlfriend's going to be somewhat disapproving of the new look. Thanks.

 

[2b1ask1]

Tony at a certain Maserati dealership in East Essex... checks out the cars that turn up and spends his time with you bassed upon that... Oh joy when I turned up in mine he was fairly bounding over - That was till three kids climbed out in flip flops and sticky fingers!!! We were on our way back from Clacton...

 

[Felonious Crud]

Main dealer: "Well, it's possible we might be able to find something more in-keeping with your price range."
Me: "Righto. Thanks, then."

It was with pleasure when main dealer called yesterday that I could tell him how delighted I am with my Nuvola-supplied GTS. He had failed to understand that value for money is as big a decision factor as actual price. If I can get as least as good a car for 5 or 10k less from somewhere else why would I do anything but tell him his prices are too high.

PS - I'm a scruffy bast* in jeans with two sticky-fingered children. If a dealer makes a mistake by being snooty about a customer's desire for good value that is their loss. So get in there, enjoy the coffee (come to think of it I didn't get offered a coffee in the MD... hmmm) and hope that the sales guy has the good sense to qualify you accurately.

/Adam