| Dealers are smart, since they know that their job is | | | | tell the salesperson not to try and rush you into the |
| to sell cars. They will do every thing that they can to | | | | deal. Do not allow yourself to be treated so, since |
| convince the buyer. Most dealers are honest about | | | | there are any numbers of dealers you can approach. |
| their business, and there is nothing wrong in | | | | Reputation Matters |
| convincing a buyer to buy their product. However, in | | | | When you are determining the car brand that you |
| their own interest, buyers should go fully prepared | | | | may ultimately purchase, make simultaneous efforts |
| for the car deal. | | | | to select a dealer who is good in the trade. After all |
| As mentioned above, the dealer's job is to sell a car. | | | | reputation matters in this field, and your relationship is |
| So, this salesperson is trained to do just that. You | | | | not limited to buying the car from the dealership. You |
| can expect salespersons to try and do a bit extra to | | | | will be required to service your vehicle from the |
| convince you or bear pressure on you to clinch the | | | | same dealer, and should a problem arise, dealers are |
| deal on day one itself. Be prepared to handle the | | | | known to entertain customers better who have |
| situation and be patient towards the over-eager | | | | purchased the vehicle from them. |
| salesperson. After all, a salesperson is doing a job; | | | | It is therefore in your interest to choose a good |
| you do yours by not giving in to his tactics. | | | | dealer to continue receiving good service for your |
| Do not buy a car on impulse or under the influence | | | | car. Moreover, the nearer the dealer from your home |
| of the dealer or his staff. You may have to visit a | | | | or office, the better it is from the viewpoint of |
| number of dealers to get first-hand information on | | | | convenience. Having purchased your vehicle from a |
| different car brands and models. Do not miss an | | | | faraway dealer, and servicing it from a dealer nearer |
| opportunity to test drive cars. You will be able to | | | | home can always put you at a disadvantage. Dealers |
| understand the car better, if you handle it personally. | | | | normally set priorities for their own customers. You |
| No matter what their brochures say, it is only | | | | might be deprived of special offers on that account. |
| through a test drive that you will experience first | | | | What, you may ask, should you be looking for in a |
| hand the car's handling, comfort and safety features. | | | | dealership. Everyone likes to be treated politely, and |
| Studies show that most car buyers feel | | | | with respect. You, of course, would be looking |
| uncomfortable visiting a car showroom. Most of their | | | | forward to meeting salespersons and staff who are |
| fears are related to handling dealers and salespersons. | | | | courteous in their manner. A well-organized unit is |
| They would not like to be 'convinced' into buying a | | | | what you will be expecting. Any signs of chaos |
| car they did not intend buying. That is the reason car | | | | should be a fore warning for you that all is not well |
| buyers should go prepared. | | | | with the dealership. Be sure that the dealer has a |
| Car manufacturers, understanding the apprehensions | | | | large variety of vehicles so that making a pick gets |
| of the buyer, are making all out efforts to make car | | | | easier. |
| buying a nice experience. Consumer relations are now | | | | You can always ask for a copy of the Customer |
| one of the priority issues with car manufacturers. | | | | Satisfaction Index (CSI). The CSI will determine how |
| They recognize that word of mouth publicity is a | | | | the customers rate the dealer's services, both pre |
| force to reckon with, and providing with the best | | | | and after sales. You will have a fair idea about the |
| possible service to the customers will help them get | | | | services after going through the CSI. However, you |
| more business. After all today's car buying market is | | | | can also form your own judgment from the way |
| a buyer's market. | | | | your are treated at the showroom. You may also |
| Dealers are trained and issued guidelines on customer | | | | check up with the service department and go |
| relations. However, you may find variations in the | | | | through the CSI maintained there. Carry a check on |
| manner you are treated at different dealerships, | | | | the number of staff deployed at the service center. |
| depending ultimately on the individual approach of the | | | | This may give you a fair indication of how good the |
| dealer and his salespersons. You can make out from | | | | after sales service will be. An adequate, efficient and |
| the behavior of the staff how a dealer approaches | | | | well-organized staff force is a good sign. Make sure |
| his business. If he is the type interested in making a | | | | that the technicians are ASE certified, and have |
| fast deal and maximize his profits, the salespersons | | | | received updated training from the manufacturers. |
| will go all out to convince you into making a quick | | | | JD Power is a customer research organization that |
| decision to buy. A dealer interested in developing | | | | specializes in customer satisfaction surveys. They |
| good customer relationship will approach you with | | | | send questionnaires to thousands of new vehicle |
| more patience, giving you ample time to make your | | | | buyers every year, including questions on their |
| decision. | | | | experience of buying. The reports rank vehicles and |
| Your preparedness will determine how you want to | | | | dealerships on satisfaction levels of the vehicle, |
| be treated. If you come well prepared, you cannot | | | | dealership, sales experience, financing, leasing, staff, |
| be pushed around by the salesperson. If you feel | | | | and service department. Dealerships related to the |
| that you are unnecessarily being pushed into buying | | | | same manufacturer may be ranked differently, |
| something you are not sure about, you can politely | | | | depending on the various aspects of their service. |