How NOT to get new buyers to the brand.
#41
Pro
I went to 5-Star in Warner Robins to look at the C7 on their showroom floor. Not one salesperson in the store could tell me anything about the car other than it was $10K over sticker. I started showing them the features of the car and the GSM came out and offered me a job. I told him I'm not interested in selling cars, just Corvettes. I told him to send me to the "Q" school in Vegas and I'll sell them in my spare time. Seriously, Corvette people are not your run-of-the-mill car shopper. There's a connection, a seriousness about the machine and technology that a salesman has to have in order to communicate and close a Corvette deal.
#44
Now here may be the paradox. The exceptional sales people at Chevy dealerships are truly exceptional, beyond what you would find at a higher end dealership. Why? Because they have exceptional talents that they have developed mostly without extensive corporate support. They have great focus, reasoning, problem solving, and intuitive people skills. They really know how to deliver what a customer wants, and what a customer can afford. They know more about the customer than the customer does.
In the high end dealerships there is not as much room for creativity. You sell a vehicle the company way, (which is scientifically the best way to sell most of the product line) but it may not be the best way to sell a specific vehicle.
We have some exceptional Chevy sales guys that frequent the board, and based on their own self training, they could sell the pants off some BMW robot, and deliver something to a customer that they really want. And, make customers for life, as well as great referrals.
I will also say that the forum is very fortunate to have some dealership owners that are truly interested in the wellbeing of Corvette owners. From personal experience, I have never seen a BMW dealership owner on a forum help out a BMW owner from another part of the country answer a question about a car they bought from someone else.
Bottom line, the consumer has to search out the right dealership and the right salesman. What might be the general rule about Chevy dealers vs. high end dealers is broken every day here on the forum by both exceptional Vette sales people and exceptional Chevy dealership owners. Thanks guys.
In the high end dealerships there is not as much room for creativity. You sell a vehicle the company way, (which is scientifically the best way to sell most of the product line) but it may not be the best way to sell a specific vehicle.
We have some exceptional Chevy sales guys that frequent the board, and based on their own self training, they could sell the pants off some BMW robot, and deliver something to a customer that they really want. And, make customers for life, as well as great referrals.
I will also say that the forum is very fortunate to have some dealership owners that are truly interested in the wellbeing of Corvette owners. From personal experience, I have never seen a BMW dealership owner on a forum help out a BMW owner from another part of the country answer a question about a car they bought from someone else.
Bottom line, the consumer has to search out the right dealership and the right salesman. What might be the general rule about Chevy dealers vs. high end dealers is broken every day here on the forum by both exceptional Vette sales people and exceptional Chevy dealership owners. Thanks guys.
#45
Race Director
Member Since: Sep 2013
Location: Ft Lauderdale
Posts: 10,434
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Tech Contributor
Now here may be the paradox. The exceptional sales people at Chevy dealerships are truly exceptional, beyond what you would find at a higher end dealership. Why? Because they have exceptional talents that they have developed mostly without extensive corporate support. They have great focus, reasoning, problem solving, and intuitive people skills. They really know how to deliver what a customer wants, and what a customer can afford. They know more about the customer than the customer does.
In the high end dealerships there is not as much room for creativity. You sell a vehicle the company way, (which is scientifically the best way to sell most of the product line) but it may not be the best way to sell a specific vehicle.
We have some exceptional Chevy sales guys that frequent the board, and based on their own self training, they could sell the pants off some BMW robot, and deliver something to a customer that they really want. And, make customers for life, as well as great referrals.
I will also say that the forum is very fortunate to have some dealership owners that are truly interested in the wellbeing of Corvette owners. From personal experience, I have never seen a BMW dealership owner on a forum help out a BMW owner from another part of the country answer a question about a car they bought from someone else.
Bottom line, the consumer has to search out the right dealership and the right salesman. What might be the general rule about Chevy dealers vs. high end dealers is broken every day here on the forum by both exceptional Vette sales people and exceptional Chevy dealership owners. Thanks guys.
In the high end dealerships there is not as much room for creativity. You sell a vehicle the company way, (which is scientifically the best way to sell most of the product line) but it may not be the best way to sell a specific vehicle.
We have some exceptional Chevy sales guys that frequent the board, and based on their own self training, they could sell the pants off some BMW robot, and deliver something to a customer that they really want. And, make customers for life, as well as great referrals.
I will also say that the forum is very fortunate to have some dealership owners that are truly interested in the wellbeing of Corvette owners. From personal experience, I have never seen a BMW dealership owner on a forum help out a BMW owner from another part of the country answer a question about a car they bought from someone else.
Bottom line, the consumer has to search out the right dealership and the right salesman. What might be the general rule about Chevy dealers vs. high end dealers is broken every day here on the forum by both exceptional Vette sales people and exceptional Chevy dealership owners. Thanks guys.
#46
Melting Slicks
Car salesmen aren't known to be the most refined personalities you will meet. I hope you/your friend don't let that d-bag turn you off.
The worst dealership sales rep experience I've ever had was at a Mazda dealer. The best walk-in experience was at a Lexus dealer.
Cheers,
JB
The worst dealership sales rep experience I've ever had was at a Mazda dealer. The best walk-in experience was at a Lexus dealer.
Cheers,
JB
#47
Burning Brakes
The setup at Paramus Chevrolet is great. There's the main showroom, for everything from the Sonic to the Impala to the Silverado and then the "Corvette Salon" upstairs, where Corvette specialists will help you with whatever you're looking for. I used to go in there as a kid when previous models were debuting, and they've always let me check out the cars. The salespeople there are mainly Corvette enthusiasts. One rep in particular started chatting with me last time I was there; he owned a '59 and '65 and if I recall correctly, he has ordered a C7.
#49
Le Mans Master
#50
Racer
goooood ones and bad onnes
Speaking of knowledgeable sales people....I was on the way back from Houston to Austin yesterday and on a whim I stopped at Hennessey's "factory" to find out about a $18k power job they offer on a C7 that kicks it up to 700hp.
The fellow that helped me knew WAY more than I did about the c7 and was a treasure trove of good solid info not only about the vette but could answer my questions on the GT500 and the killer Camaro. He also let me know that they were receiving a c7, that day, from a customer to have it altered to the higher HP. The fellow's name was Chris and if I decide to alter my car he is the one I am going to take it to.
A few years ago I was in charge of operations for a company with over 700 stores some of which were franchised. A sobering pitch I would give the franchisees centered around what they wanted to spend their money on. They would pay top dollar for the building, equipment and marketing but shy away from spending money training their front counter people. This operation was a 24hr one and I would call to the owners attention that their very existence depended on a 18-to 20yo's execution of customer service. This while they were home fast asleep.
Sooooo GM ( and others of course) spend some of your money and TRAIN your folks especially those that act as a personal reflection of your company. RRM
The fellow that helped me knew WAY more than I did about the c7 and was a treasure trove of good solid info not only about the vette but could answer my questions on the GT500 and the killer Camaro. He also let me know that they were receiving a c7, that day, from a customer to have it altered to the higher HP. The fellow's name was Chris and if I decide to alter my car he is the one I am going to take it to.
A few years ago I was in charge of operations for a company with over 700 stores some of which were franchised. A sobering pitch I would give the franchisees centered around what they wanted to spend their money on. They would pay top dollar for the building, equipment and marketing but shy away from spending money training their front counter people. This operation was a 24hr one and I would call to the owners attention that their very existence depended on a 18-to 20yo's execution of customer service. This while they were home fast asleep.
Sooooo GM ( and others of course) spend some of your money and TRAIN your folks especially those that act as a personal reflection of your company. RRM
#51
Le Mans Master
That salesman was The Brand's first line of execution in providing a positive experience. Each person working there is responsible for GM just as much as GM is responsible for producing new cars!
The dealership hawks are the main guys I never talk to when entering the lot!
The dealership hawks are the main guys I never talk to when entering the lot!
#53
Safety Car
Sorry but this story had absolutely nothing to do with getting new buyers to the Corvette brand. What it did contain is that car salesman can be douchey. Color me surprised.
That said, lets go about the right way to get new buyers to the brand new Stingray.
Show them this car in person. Absolutely anywhere. Doesnt need to be at a dealership. It could be in a McDonalds parking lot.
Say absolutely nothing else.
That said, lets go about the right way to get new buyers to the brand new Stingray.
Show them this car in person. Absolutely anywhere. Doesnt need to be at a dealership. It could be in a McDonalds parking lot.
Say absolutely nothing else.
"COME HERE. LOOK AT THIS."
Done.
#54
Melting Slicks
Yes. I got my last Corvette from a CF sponsor dealer. Done entirely over the phone and internet. Best price by far, Dave at Kerbeck knew exactly what he was talking about, no BS, quick & easy. All the local dealers around me were clueless, and acted like I was clueless too.
Cheers,
JB
Cheers,
JB
#55
Burning Brakes
Thread Starter
#56
Le Mans Master
Yes. I got my last Corvette from a CF sponsor dealer. Done entirely over the phone and internet. Best price by far, Dave at Kerbeck knew exactly what he was talking about, no BS, quick & easy. All the local dealers around me were clueless, and acted like I was clueless too.
Cheers,
JB
Cheers,
JB
I do agree with you about Dave Salvatore at Kerbeck. When I got my first C6 in 2005 I purchased from a Canadian dealer but I needed some additional information. I contacted Dave and the "other" popular salesguy on the forum by email. Dave was the ONLY one that answered my email and helped me out. He is a class act and I have sent American friends to him. I only wish I could order a new C7 from him but cannot do that from Canada.
#57
Melting Slicks
Member Since: Nov 2007
Location: Pittsburgh PA
Posts: 2,127
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St. Jude Donor '10-'11-'12-'13-'14
Sure, ignorant salespeople are annoying. That said, I wouldn't go anywhere to buy any car without researching it first. At that point I have no need of a salesperson that knows anything more than where the keys are to give me a test drive.
#58
No salesman good or bad will not influence me buying a Corvette . Most Corvette buyers know more about the car then your average salesperson. The car does all the selling as they say in racing ". When the green flag drops the bull **** stops ".
#59
Burning Brakes
Thread Starter
Stopped by Munday Chevy and the experience was a total 180, I know where I'm placing my order.
#60
Burning Brakes
I have only dealt with the General Sales Manager of the dealership I purchased from. When I first called and said I wanted to order a 2014 C7, I was directed to him. He's been honest and up front on everything, including constraints, written price guarantee, and telling me that they have only 1 guy who will ever work on my Corvette. That's all the one service guy does is Corvettes ('course I knew this having talked to a friend who has had is C6 serviced there exclusively).
Seems like the other sales guys at the dealership are guys I would chase out of the house if my daughter brought them home (she wouldn't), but you get my drift.
Seems like the other sales guys at the dealership are guys I would chase out of the house if my daughter brought them home (she wouldn't), but you get my drift.