<VV> Salesmen---No Corvair

[kaczmarek at charter.net]

Folks
The Auto Industry just finished their worst month of August for sales since 1983.
GM hit very hard---No Cash for Clunkers this year. 
Ford hit hard only on Focus and Escape Models, No Cash for Clunkers
Toyota hit REALLY Hard, No Cash for Clunkers and recalls have hurt sales.
Chrysler had a slight gain (single digits), but it got the smallest boost last year from Cash for Clunkers. 

Things have changed in dealerships these days.  Used to be you were assaulted by someone the minute you came in the door.  Today's consumer is different. They walk in with Consumer Reports under their arm, Reviews off the internet, and won't cotton to high pressure sales tactics. 

When I sold New and Used Buicks 26 years ago, I greeted the customer, found out what they were NEEDING (not wanted) and qualified them at the same time.  After a walk-around explanation of the car, out for a test drive you go.

  I'd get a price from Mgmt and set it in front of the customer like I didn't give a crap if they bought or not, and SHUT UP----because in that scenario, the next person to speak loses. 

The industry is in a malaise due to the uncertainty of the economy.  Any attempt to seem too anxious to make the sale by a salesperson will frighten or turn off the customer.  All the industry trades agree that just like employers don't want to hire anyone due to economic uncertainty, the public is apprehensive about purchasing big ticket items like cars and trucks.   If you want to buy, feel free to ask someone to help you, regardless of how you are dressed. They know you're serious if you seek them out. 

Lots of "tire kickin'" right now in the weatherstripping business too. 

Hank