Automobile sales?

[Hillbeans]

Ok, I know this is way OT, however i've been in a career rut and am looking to get into a new line of work. I've been in the corporate world for about 9 years now, yet I find I miss that interaction I had years ago when I used to wait tables/bartend/work retail during college. I am thinking about going into automobile sales, PT at first and if I like it, FT. Does anyone (preferably female) have any advice for a novice like myself?

 

[Dan Murphy]

No advice, just wishing you good luck in whatever you do, Hillbeans, and remember, nothing OT here on the CB, anything is fine. Best wishes.

 

[monkeyboy]

The last 2 cars I bought were from female salespeople.

I don't care what your sex is as long as you know your stuff and can cut me a good deal.


Best of luck

 

[Hillbeans]

Thanks for the information Monkey Boy and Dan.

I'd love to hear from someone who has done this as a career, and/or can give me some advice what kind of background and training is needed. I do have a College degree, work experience, etc.,

Is this something where I can start PT during the evenings and saturday? I assume the answer to that is yes.

Thanks again!

 

[DawnCt]

Have you considered RV sales? The advantage of RV sales is that a good sized RV dealer offers a lot of choice and different brands from pop ups, travel trailers, fifth wheels and Class C and A motor homes. There is something for everyone and the profit margin tends to be a bit larger. Also you are selling something that people don't need and they are parting with their discretionary income.

 

[luvindisneyworld]

Hi, I was in auto sales for 2 years.I Loved it,But the hours were so long and you were never gauranteed a day off except Sunday when the dealership was closed.My DH said we were not spending enough time together and he missed me being home when he got here.So after alot of thinking I decided to stay at home,Which I love.I would do it again in a Heartbeat if I were single or could just do it part-time,but that was not an option where i was working.
Misty

 

[LindaR]

Hillbeans, I did this for a short period of time.

First off, they "tested" us. It was an actual psycological test. To see if you had the "right" personality traits to sell cars. I scored pretty high on the test. They use it to base how many cars they expect you to sell a month.

Then, we had actual classes. They teach you subtle questions to ask to get alot of info about the person(s). You are taught what to say and what not to say. How to direct the person to spend more (and make them think it was their idea) and how to not get personally involved. Meaning, push them to the limits of affordability and do not worry if they have buyers remorse.

I found the hours to be very, very long. I was just returning to the workforce after having a baby (she was 3 mo.). This is a very male dominated field, lots of good ole boys. There were no facilities (no electrical outlet in the bathroom) for me to express milk.

For ME, this was not the right job. There is a whole lot more detail that I could go into. I was in the military prior to this experience and can "hold my own" and am not easily offended. Very rough business, very long hours...............very little pay (more on that if you're interested PM me)

 

[Hillbeans]

Hmmm...maybe I have a different idea of what this career is as related to what it's "really" like. I do feel that this is a "male" dominated field, but that being said, I can hold my own and am very smart and savy.

I already work 10 hour days, 4 days a week, and wouldn't have a major issue working on Saturdays if I have a day off during the week. I just assumed that PT would be alright at first, but that too may be an incorrect assumption.

Perhaps I should contact a few places and get a better idea of what types of opportunities they offer and go from there.

 

[LindaR]

That's a very good idea. I don't really think that there would be too many differences between here and there as far as how the business is operated.

Good luck!

 

[luvindisneyworld]

I would suggest that to.The place i worked wanted you there full time.You would be scheduled off a day through the week but most of the time could not take it,because that is when you would start working up a deal the day before and have to go in to finish it up .So, I never knew when I would have a day of but Sunday.I just dont know whather they really hire anyone part time.If you have kids and a DH i would definetly think long and hard about it.
HTH,
Misty