How does one get started in car sales?

[Kiohtee]

And not the Craigslist type. Who do you approach at a dealership to talk employment opportunities? Is it done by setting up an appointment with said person? What would one expect during the conversation with said person?

All feedback welcome. Tagging @13COBRA for his potential insight as well. Thanks in advance SVTP!

 

[13COBRA]

Fill out an application on a dealer's or multiple websites. Then, if you don't get anything back within a day or so, just go in and ask to speak with a GM (small store), GSM (slightly larger store), or HR department (large store).

At that point, the number one question any car guy will ask you is "why this, and why now?".

It isn't like car sales is the hardest job in the world; it's actually rather easy and fun. It does demand a lot of time and patience, just like any job dealing with the general public on a regular basis. It is stressful, the stakes/expectations are typically high (especially depending on what company you work for). There is a lot of money to be made in car sales, but you definitely have to put some time in to get there.

I loved selling cars, you get to hear all kinds of interesting stories from all types of people.

So, what makes you interested in the car business?

 

[IronSnake]

I don't suggest you do it. It's a dying art form, and unless you're well established in the trade, you're going to be traveling from dealership to dealership every month.

Frame of reference: Family has operated a dealership for 35 years. It's the last job I would take.

 

[13COBRA]

I don't suggest you do it. It's a dying art form, and unless you're well established in the trade, you're going to be traveling from dealership to dealership every month.

Frame of reference: Family has operated a dealership for 35 years. It's the last job I would take.

I don't believe that's fair advice.

It is not a dying art form, it's a changing art form. If you don't change, of course you're going to get left behind. Sales consultants today are more or less product specialists; and a LOT LESS hardcore/pushy salesmen.

Either your family does a shit job running a store, or you're blind to all the benefits that come from the business, OR you just don't care. Any of those options, or even a combination are fine, and that's your prerogative.

 

[Kiohtee]

Fill out an application on a dealer's or multiple websites. Then, if you don't get anything back within a day or so, just go in and ask to speak with a GM (small store), GSM (slightly larger store), or HR department (large store).

At that point, the number one question any car guy will ask you is "why this, and why now?".

It isn't like car sales is the hardest job in the world; it's actually rather easy and fun. It does demand a lot of time and patience, just like any job dealing with the general public on a regular basis. It is stressful, the stakes/expectations are typically high (especially depending on what company you work for). There is a lot of money to be made in car sales, but you definitely have to put some time in to get there.

I loved selling cars, you get to hear all kinds of interesting stories from all types of people.

So, what makes you interested in the car business?

Firstly, my love of cars. Not working on them, but always being surrounded by the newest and best on the road. Secondly, I want something more of a career that doesn't necessarily have a roof on income/rank (I get that it all stops somewhere, but hopefully you get the gist of what I mean). I want to grind and grind hard and see where I get in life. Thirdly, I love seeing people get new/new to them things that they are excited about. It's the same feeling for me as paying it forward in a drive thru or something similar.

 

[13COBRA]

Firstly, my love of cars. Not working on them, but always being surrounded by the newest and best on the road. Secondly, I want something more of a career that doesn't necessarily have a roof on income/rank (I get that it all stops somewhere, but hopefully you get the gist of what I mean). I want to grind and grind hard and see where I get in life. Thirdly, I love seeing people get new/new to them things that they are excited about. It's the same feeling for me as paying it forward in a drive thru or something similar.

You would love car sales then.

I would take a second and reflect on what brands you truly like and believe in. Nothing is worse than trying to sell something that you don't believe in.

Then I would apply to one or two stores in your area and try to get interviews. What part of NC do you live in? I know a few guys that own stores down there.

 

[Buckwheat 1]

I think you they ask 2 questions.
1. Can you lie like a mofo.
2. Can you lie like a mofo.

 

[13COBRA]

I think you they ask 2 questions.
1. Can you lie like a mofo.
2. Can you lie like a mofo.

Depending on the store you go to, that may or may not be asked.

But at this point, he gets to decide where he would like to work and see if their ideals align with his morals and beliefs.

 

[Kiohtee]

Nick, wanna text me? I know we have before. (336) 257-9623 if you don't still have my number.

 

[pierce88]

Anyone ever do this part time? I have a great full time job but who couldn't use some extra money working nights and weekends.

(Ref. Civil Engineering Degree, Construction Project Manager is my full time Job).

-Pierce

 

[Kiohtee]

Anyone ever do this part time? I have a great full time job but who couldn't use some extra money working nights and weekends.

(Ref. Civil Engineering Degree, Construction Project Manager is my full time Job).

-Pierce

I've always heard there's no such thing as a part-time car salesman.

 

[13COBRA]

Nick, wanna text me? I know we have before. (336) 257-9623 if you don't still have my number.

Incoming.

Anyone ever do this part time? I have a great full time job but who couldn't use some extra money working nights and weekends.

(Ref. Civil Engineering Degree, Construction Project Manager is my full time Job).

-Pierce

The only guys I have ever known to be worth a shit working part time, are guys that have already been in the business for 15+ years.

 

[Zemedici]

I'd go for it zach. As nick said the hours are long, and you get out what you put in. From my experience, there were 2 types of salesmen : the kind that sold the product, and the kind that sold themselves. The first was always more successful.

Go for it!

 

[13COBRA]

I'd go for it zach. As nick said the hours are long, and you get out what you put in. From my experience, there were 2 types of salesmen : the kind that sold the product, and the kind that sold themselves. The first was always more successful.

Go for it!

I kinda agree with that.... but at the same time, people can go anywhere and buy the same car at relatively the same price. If they trust you though, they will buy from you.

 

[Kiohtee]

I'd go for it zach. As nick said the hours are long, and you get out what you put in. From my experience, there were 2 types of salesmen : the kind that sold the product, and the kind that sold themselves. The first was always more successful.

Go for it!

Thanks for the encouragement bud! I would ideally love to sell for Ford or Honda. Not saying anything bad about other brands, but these are two that I have the most personal experience with and wouldn't doubt sending a friend/family member out in.

 

[pierce88]

The only guys I have ever known to be worth a shit working part time, are guys that have already been in the business for 15+ years.

10-4 I was just curious. It's always something I've wanted to dabble in as I've been "selling" Friends, Family, and Co-Workers on all different types of vehicles for years.

-Pierce

 

[Zemedici]

I kinda agree with that.... but at the same time, people can go anywhere and buy the same car at relatively the same price. If they trust you though, they will buy from you.

that's what I was getting at, the last Ford store I worked at was a family owned establishment out in the country, and the same salesemen had been there 25+ years, so every few years the same people would come in to see them, and buy a new car, like clockwork. The trust is what sold the cars.

 

[13COBRA]

10-4 I was just curious. It's always something I've wanted to dabble in as I've been "selling" Friends, Family, and Co-Workers on all different types of vehicles for years.

-Pierce

Unfortunately it's not really a career you can dabble in.

that's what I was getting at, the last Ford store I worked at was a family owned establishment out in the country, and the same salesemen had been there 25+ years, so every few years the same people would come in to see them, and buy a new car, like clockwork. The trust is what sold the cars.

Completely agree.

 

[mc01svt]

Im not sure why salesmen even exist anymore. I can find 20 cars in the color/options i need with a 5min web search.

 

[Kiohtee]

Im not sure why salesmen even exist anymore. I can find 20 cars in the color/options i need with a 5min web search.

But who are you going to buy them from?