Car salespeople get a bad rap. Too many people assume that all automotive salespeople are like the sleazy ones you see in movies: fast-talking hustlers trying to talk you out of your money.
But this assumption is unfair. In reality, the majority of salespeople are hardworking professionals trying to provide for their families and should be treated better than they are. But in case you need a better reason to be nicer to car salespeople, here are five:
- They are your friends, family, and neighbors
The number of car salespeople in the country is estimated to be over half a million, which doesn’t include the sales managers, and sales support teams involved in the process.
This isn’t some small niche profession. Car salespeople live and work alongside everyone else, and there’s a great chance that you have one as a neighbor, friend, or relative. Treat them accordingly.
- They’re very stressed out
Sales is a stressful profession, and car sales is one of the more stressful sales jobs out there. Long hours, a high volume of customers, intense competition among dealerships, and pressure to earn a living make car salespeople a stressed-out bunch. Being nice to an overworked salesperson will probably make their day.
- You’ll get a better deal
You catch a lot more flies with honey than you do with vinegar, but lots of people seem to forget that when shopping for a vehicle. Treating someone politely and with respect can go far when you’re trying to get a better deal, and it will absolutely serve you better than being rude or hard-nosed. Humans are naturally inclined to help those who are nice to us, so don’t forget that when working with an automotive sales professional.
- If you don’t buy, they’re working for free
Unlike other professions, salespeople oftentimes only get paid if they close a deal. So that salesperson who is spending time answering your questions and potentially dealing with abuse is probably doing it for free. That’s not to say you should feel obligated to buy anything, just that you should treat auto salespeople with respect since their time is costing them money.
- Their goal is to make you happy
There has been a marked shift in automotive sales in the last decade or so. High-pressure sales tactics have been replaced by a more consultative sales model, and since pricing has been made comparable across dealers due to the internet, salespeople understand that they need to earn their business through superior customer service. This means that the salesperson sitting across from you understands that their goal is to make you happy, so let them.
