The greeting, the first "step to the sale".  It's supposed to be warm and friendly, it's supposed to be the beginning of a possible relationship.  A chance for the buyer and seller to get to know each other, even if only on a basic "I need this/I have that" basis.  So often this process is interrupted by tertiary things, I'd like to address a few of those.  This hub is short and sweet, but for a good reason.

I understand that, that's why you are here. (I'd be a touch confounded if you weren't "looking", to be honest.. You are standing on the lot of a car dealership!)

The truth is that everyone is "just looking" until they find something that they like, right? This response is welcomed by a good salesman for what it is; a notice. It says:

"I recognize what you do, and at this point in my process I don't want to waist your time or mine with your sales process right now."

The question is what does the salesman do with this declaration? Does he shrug his shoulders and hand you a card non-committally (then walk back inside), does he immediately insult your intelligence by telling you what you should want, or does he engage momentarily to thank you for stopping in and then gives you space to decide what you want next (about 20 feet)? The latter seems to work pretty well. Folks always tend to end up with a question or two before they leave, and they certainly welcome the low pressure attitude with open arms.

I'll keep this simple, and hope it doesn't come off as too rude:

I don't care if it's you that pays me or your bank or your aunt Flo who got a great deal from me last week on a cheaper model, the price is what it is. Cost factors are what they are. Period.

There are also those that use this phrase to remind you that they are "serious" about a purchase.  I address that below.

 Again, not to be too curt, but:

Every person who talks to you about a purchase is a serious buyer, to a salesman anyway.

Simple as that, isn't it?

Not that I am one to grill people or care either way, but I don't understand why people insist on telling me that they don't have a trade in and then backtracking later. Seems contentious to ask me to be honest with you while all the time lying to me.

I am not out to steal your wallet. I am here to earn your business and the business of every person that you know. To do that it seems like it's just common sense that rule #1 is always give 'em a great deal! Keep 'em coming back being #2.

I understand the premise behind the suggestion, but I don't understand why anyone would think there is a difference. Wouldn't it be better to say "I know that's your MSRP, but I don't intend to pay that. If you are willing to deal with me on your overall price first, I would appreciate negotiating the trade afterward. Is that possible?"

Now was that so hard? How much you wanna bet you'll still get the same results?

 C'mon..  Even if it is true (which is sometimes is), it's still an issue that I have to address before a complete evaluation can be made of your engines issue.  You don't want me to guess, because guessing requires deducting the amount I think it would cost to replace (possibly) your entire engine.  That certainly won't help either one of us to complete this transaction, eh?  Better to just allow me to do my job and find out why the light is on, isn't it?

I could easily toss that advice out to a customer, and it would be true. But I didn't give the full disclosure, which is that you only need to make sure that the dexcool antifreeze has been flushed regularly, or the intake gaskets will leak and you'll have a chunky repair bill.

When giving advice, whether to a customer or just to some anonymous person on a chat room somewhere, don't give incomplete advice. If you aren't sure of the full story, refer that person to someone who will know the answer. This happens in all things, but regarding auto purchases I sometimes have a customer that will be adamant that I am mistaken because someone else that they know better has said it was so.

I am a professional at my job, and I am also courteous. What this means is that I don't want to get into an argument with a customer (ever). When I say something regarding an auto or purchase it is because I know it to be true. Period.

As a consumer, if you don't know the full story simply refer the questioner to someone who you know and trust that will be able to answer it. Auto purchases are expensive and important, don't give discounted or incomplete information, it isn't your money that person is spending.

As I said, this was a short and sweet (if incomplete) rant of sorts, so it will have to be continued in another hub on another day, but:

The moral to the story, as always, is to do your self a favor when it comes to auto purchases. Carefully consider the advice of the barber, baker, neighbor, blog/hub poster or the old retired guy at face value and for what it's usually worth, and allways check the facts at a dealership you can trust that has a product that you like at a price you can afford.

Thanks for listening!