Posted on January 24, 2005 at 4:49 pm by Jeff
Give yourself time (if you can). An internet car quote is a great way to save time (and money) when buying a new car, but internet shoppers can be just as easily taken advantage of if you don’t do your homework and take your time. Unless you know exactly the make and model of car you are looking to buy, your first visit to a car dealership should be to test drive the car. Give yourself plenty of time so as not to be rushed. Have the salesperson demo the car for you - make sure they understand all of the ins and outs of the vehicle. I don’t know about you, but I wouldn’t buy from a salesman who couldn’t properly demo a car.
Prepare a list of questions ahead of time - this way you can make sure that you don’t forget anything. If you feel pressured - leave.
Unless you need to buy a car in the next 24-72 hours, here are some Dos and Don’ts to live buy (if you are looking to get a good deal):
1. DO NOT “strike a deal” without shopping around
2. DO NOT leave a deposit (most cars will still be there the next day)
3. DO NOT discuss the purchase price (not yet)
4. DO NOT tell them if you have a trade-in
5. DO NOT indicate whether you’re looking to purchase or lease
6. DO take as much time as you need to feel comfortable with the vehicle
7. DO take a test drive, kick the tires, sit in the seats, play with all of the buttons, smell the leather
8. DO let the salesperson know that you’re considering a few different options
9. DO let the salesperson know that you’re not in a big hurry
10. DO get as much information about the car or truck (if you think you might buy). Get the Make and Model name, Model number, the serial number, the options (sometimes the dealer will provide a copy of the invoice) and the salesperson’s name, phone number AND email!
Follow these simple guidelines and enjoy your time at the dealership. One more piece of good advice - call ahead and schedule some time for your test drive. This way the salesperson will be prepared and won’t waste any of your time (and if they do, leave). Remember - you always have the ability to walk out the door.
Posted on January 20, 2005 at 11:04 pm by Jeff
Beginning next week New Car Price Quotes .Info will begin a daily post entitled:
365 Tips to save money when buying your next car.
If anyone would like to make a suggestion, please post your tip as a comment. The best tips will make it on the list.
We are also looking for guest columnists - if you have car dealership experience, past or present and would like to pick a topic to write about let us know (post as a comment).
Posted on January 18, 2005 at 10:28 pm by Jeff
Filed under: General — Car Quote @ 10:18 pm
Okay…so now you’re a “lead”. But what does that mean? What can you expect now?
Well, here’s how it is supposed to work: you’ve submitted your free new car quote and hopefully within 24-48 hours you’ve received an email back from one or multiple dealers. Most car dealers don’t get enough information from the lead alone to give you an accurate quote on a new car. They will probably send you an email asking for more information: what specific options are you considering? Leather or cloth? Need a moonroof? EX or LX? DVD Player? You get the idea.
Many dealers use an ‘auto responder’ email to let you know that they’ve received your car quote and expect to hear from them in the next day or two. And unfortunately for many consumers that is all they get…an email. No phone call. No car price quote. And an experience that leaves little to be desired. Surprised? Well it’s true. Many car dealers out there do NOT call or email their leads. They set up their auto responders and hope you call them. This is lazy. This does NOT help you get a good deal on a car either. But alas, there are dealers out there that get it. And this is precisely why you want to be a lead.
Here is my list of the top reasons why you want to be a lead:
1. Some of the best dealers understand the value in buying leads - this is good for you the consumer. Good dealers buy leads.
2. Internet Sales Managers are some of the best-trained salespeople at the dealership. They understand today’s Internet consumer and how to interact with them over the phone and email. They won’t waste your time.
3. You can get competing quotes from multiple dealers without going from dealership to dealership. (time & money saver!)
4. Many internet sales departments focus on volume. This means aggressive pricing. Since the Internet Department contributes to incremental sales (additional sales they probably would not normally get) they may have more flexibility versus other salespeople working the dealership floor.
5. Some of the largest volume dealers in the country sell most of their cars over the internet. Don’t believe me? Check out Dave Smith Motors. This is the largest Dodge dealership in the world…oh yeah, and it’s located in rural Idaho. Want another example? Check out Fitzgerald Auto Mall. Compare their prices on any make/model in stock. These guys understand what it means to be a volume dealer. Other dealers can’t even touch their prices. Amazing!
So if you haven’t figured it out yet - dealers “buy” most of their leads. Many of the manufacturers (OEMs) send dealers leads generated through their websites (GM.com, Ford.com, Jeep.com, etc.) at no charge. But there are a number of 3rd party lead generators that sell their leads to dealers and the manufacturers. Dealers are “paying” for the opportunity to sell you a car. Those “free new car quotes” are not free to the dealers. So it’s in a car dealer’s best interest to call/email/engage the leads they are buying. The best dealers are very good at this. They sell more cars - you get a good deal, both parties are happy. This is the “nirvana” that all consumers should experience when buying a new car. So get your free car quote today!
