RBK

A member on the Ferrari forum started what became a lengthy thread when asking what people thought about him driving his Ferrari to meet with a client. He wants to build his business and wondered how this might impact the attitude of the client.

It started me thinking given that some responded with ," live your life and screw what others think", to, you need to be careful about "image".

I know many here are loyal to the Corvette brand, as others may be to other brands. I suspect there are some people who view those who drive Corvettes, especially a $100,000 Corvette, in much the same way some view those driving a Porsche, Ferrari, etc.

What are your thoughts regarding driving your $100,000 car? Do you ever think "should I take it" to wherever? Does it suggest status or speed or accomplishment?


I would add we tend to "defend" our choices and view others as making the wrong and at least a less desirable choice. This can range from Religion to car buying.

We all have "preferences", We are viewed as "different" as soon as we distinguish ourselves from others. Driving an expensive car meets this criteria. Best

davepl

Honestly? Nobody knows your Z06 is a $100,000 car. It's a "fast" Corvette which most people think of as a $50K car.

I've been married 20+ years, but I'd call it a "second date" car. I don't know if you want it to be part of your first impression just because it might look like you're trying too hard. I wouldn't take my Ferrari or Corvette on a business meeting unless I was trying to recruit someone and trying to give the impression we pay well and there are opportunities.

It depends on the industry too. If you're in a commission business, people might think you're doing "too" well and resent paying their commission. Conversely, if you're in a commission industry like real estate then buyers don't care (seller pays) so they just want the aura of success.

Short answer is "don't give a crap" if you don't. If you do care, it really depends on the situation.

docb

Here's a simple solution. Don't worry about what other people think. It's very liberating.

vetteb_96C

Yeah, nobody really knows the MSRP on my ZR1 was $128K (I did not pay that). The average guy sees it as a Corvette. None of my friends understand Z06 or ZR1 they just know I have "Corvette".

My SS is worse, everyone thinks it's a Malibu.

DJackman

I saw a SS with the Holden logo on front and rear. Let me tell you. It changes the way it look.

jvp

Truer words couldn't be spoken or written.

punky

I fully understand not being concerned about what others think as they are judging at that point but what do you think of the guy who pulls into Starbucks in his Lambo?

jvp

I think (and likely approach him and say,) "Hey, cool car. Can I take a look?"

mdz06vetter

so, he likes his morning joe just like you do

Busa Dave

Ok--don't pummel me but have had more than one person say that "hey Dave did not know you were old enough for a vette yet". Now that it has been modified and sounds like a sick panther with a slight shake no more comments but then everyone who knows me saw it before the modifications.

punky

Yeah, pretty much what I would do but the non car enthusiast world tends to instantly stereotype a guy like that on sight. I've come close several times to acquiring one of these Euro exotics(pre owned) but don't want to deal with that stigma and believe me it exists.

khoeysr

My two business partners never want me to drive the Corvette to any client meetings. And I usually don't.

Clients could think that you charge high prices to afford Corvettes and so maybe not do business with you; they could be jealous and not want to do business with you; and any other crazy ideas that people can think up.

sunsalem

Depends on the circumstance and client, but generally, it's not a good idea.
It would convey a lot that probably wouldn't be helpful.

In that art of business persuasion, it's not the gift wrapping (the car) that counts, it's what is inside (pitch/message/sell).

JDC PDX

I once worked in a building where a guy parked his bright yellow C6Z06 with the license plate "MY FEE". That seemed a bit much to me.

I won't drive mine to client meetings.

spearfish25

The euro supercar owners who are labeled as ****** usually earn it. Like the guy at my last track day who when asked what he is driving said 'a ferrrrrrrAAAARRRRReeeee' in a bull$hit attempt at an Italian accent. The whole room sighed quietly on the inside with annoyance.

jklein7

I don't think that owning a Z06 is that special. People don't know if it is leased or borrowed or being repossessed. I think it's something going thru your head. Most people could care less and there are many more expensive cars out there. Most people don't know a z06 from a regular vette or even what year you are driving. So don't sweat it and drive it if you want to meet with customers. Just my opinion OP.

99HRDTP

Personally, I buy cars for me, so I have never paid any thought to the impact they have on how others judge me.

At one time, all of the vehicles I had were Corvettes, so I didn't have a choice as to the matter.

Disclaimer, I'm not in a profession where what car I drive would matter, however, when dealing in certain businesses, I can understand that the brash sports car is best left for after-hours fun, not important client meet-and-greets.


----
Mike

tzoid9

You have a lot of varying comments here and at the end of the day, you'll have to follow your gut. I do understand what you're asking and have experienced the animosity from fellow workers and executives over what I drove into work..."we must be paying that guy too much" comments were replayed to me. Regardless of what the others here say, there will be jealousy from some others when they see you in a new C7 and if they know what a Z06 is, it will be magnified. If you're in the kind of position where you are the boss, or own the company and you want to thumb your nose at them, have at it. For me, playing the low key end, blending in with the troops and being thought of as a solid employee who gets results...they're generally positive thoughts. Avoiding baiting the hook, just asking for comments by your actions, generally has a negative affect on your success. Not all of us can make it work the way Donald Trump has apparently managed to make it work for himself...but he can walk the talk with his successes. Whatever you decide, first and foremost, you have to be comfortable with your actions. "F-them and what they think", never worked for me.

RBK

With all due respect to you, I will bet you $1000 to a $100 if I followed you around all day, I would see you being (occasionally or frequently) being "diplomatic". I have found in life those who make such statement are the last ones to go around offending anyone. Best

RBK

I got say what I said to the other fellow. Please read it. I assure you, you care what other people think or (a) you would have no friends, (B) you would be in prison or (c) in a psychiatric hospital. Best