It takes a special kind of personality to be a salesperson. I have a lot of respect for them because I know I couldn't do it. I honestly couldn't face that much rejection every single day. Not without feeling about two inches tall every time I went home.
I've been looking at new cars recently. It's just that time. In looking at the cars, I've done a bit of research on-line to find the one that is the safest (you can always earn more money, you can't replace yourself or friends and family should you get in a wreck) and that I can afford. I've looked at a number of options, done some test driving and am now in the process of making that most vital of all decisions--what color car do I want for the next couple of years?
It's interesting how you come in, test drive a car or two and suddenly you have a new best friend. I have to admit there are a couple of dealers that have impressed me in a good way, one being a Nissan dealer. I got a hand-written note from the salesman and he talked about the Redskins losing on the last second week and he was sorry to hear that for me. It's not a big thing, but it's one of those things that makes you feel like--hey, the guy observed that I had on a Redskins shirt, we talked football during the test drive and he took the time and interest in me as more than just a dollar sign for him. Of course, he lost a few points yesterday when he called right after the Vols game and said he was sorry we'd lost but maybe a good deal on a car would make me feel better. Yeah, not so much. Binge buying after a loss by the Vols is a shake from Sonic or a DVD out of the cheap bin at Wal-Mart, not a new car. A new car is binge buying for people like Donald Trump.
I also went to the local Kia dealer last weekend. According to a search on Vehix.com, the Kia was comparable to the Civic I've been researching. I knew little about Kias so I thought I'd go in for a test drive. It was a high-pressure sale and I felt like a dollar sign on legs. I know that part of car buying is to not let you off the lot without buying a car. A lot of car buying is impulsive and if you have time to think it over, you may change your mind. Interestingly enough, I have heard nothing from the Kia dealer since I left the lot--no follow-up. Not even a note or a postcard. It makes me wonder if that's how they treat you when the car comes in for service. I don't want them coming out and kissing up to me from the time I come on the lot to the time I leave but I also like that a salesperon shows interest in me as more than just a dollar figure for him or her.
I'm still figuring out what I want for a car. I know where I'm leaning and now comes the game...finding a good deal and the one that works best for me.
posted by Michael Hickerson at 11/20/2005 05:12:00 PM |
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