I'm in the market for a new '04 or exceptional '02-'03. It amazes me when I call a dealership and speak with a salesperson and they don't know a simple question like what the current incentives are!!! How long does it take to look up that information each morning, write it down and put it in your pocket??!!

It seems anytime you ask a question it's, "Uuuuhhh, let me get back with you on that!"

. . . and technical questions?? Don't even go there!

Heck, I know it's a new product, but how much time does it take to study the material, make a few notes to carry around with you, review it once in awhile and be ready to take a few simple questions.

It just infuriates me to deal with people who don't take their job seriously.

Geez!!
I feel better, now . . sorta.

 

I know what you're saying ("write it down each morning and put it in your pocket..."), but Ford changes rebates continuously. I know I'd hate to tell you that the rebate is $1,000 (based on yesterday's information), check the computer an hour later and it just went to $1,500. Then you call another dealer, and he tells you $1,500. What do you then think of me? I made an honest mistake, based on 24-hour-old info, but you don't know that. You've GOT to think that I'm either a schmuck or a thief, or both, trying to screw you out of $500. When it comes to rebates, don't blame the salesperson: blame FORD.

As to technical info, you're right; there is no excuse for not knowing the basics. Now, if you call and ask for the diameter of the rear rotors on an F-550, I'm gonna have to look it up and "get back to you." Any salesman that has THAT type of info memorized- well, he needs to get a life! I can't memorize everything, but I should know where to go to look it up in a reasonably-short amount of time, and be able to discuss it intelligently. If I can't do that, then I shouldn't be in this business, plain and simple.

 

Major pet peeve of mine is when I ask the axle ratio of a particular truck and the salesman say "Low, just perfect for towing." Over the years, I've found few salemen that really know their product. When I do, I try to remember him when I'm in the market for another rig. Most salesmen try to polish their sales technique and spend little time learning anything about the new models. I remember a salesman telling me that I didn't really want a V10 6 speed 4.30 geared combo because it would be terrible on gas. When I asked him how "terrible", he responded with "probably as bad as it gets, maybe 10 mpg!" I asked if he had a V10 6 speed 3.73 geared model, "No, they're just as bad." I then asked if he had any V10's. "Oh yes, we have 2 with automatic transmissions and they get very good mileage because they also have overdrive." Needless to say, I didn't hang around long.

 

I agree with both of you and your points. I too am a little confused when I visit the showroom and make small talk while I'm waiting for the sales dude to help me out with a price on a new F-150. It's really simple things like they don't know what all comes with the trailer tow package. You'd think that would be a popular subject here in northern KY. And you'd think the sales people would be able to answer most of these simple, non-technical questions. It's not even questions really. My experience has been that the sales person wil make comments about the truck while we're looking at it and I nkow his comments are off the mark because I've read the F-150 brochure myself. Really basic things. So anyway, that's why I always go to any dealership with the assumption that I know exactly what I want and the guy/gal I'm talking to is really just interested in making a few bucks and couldn't care less about the details. Nothing wrong with making money, but in my line of work, I look like an idiot if the customer asks me something fairly simple and I give them the wrong answer or mislead them with partially correct answers (knowingly or unknowingly). I would bet you a new F-150 that I'd be taking home all the new brochures that come out if I were selling cars for a living. You look and sound so much more professional when you can answer questions quickly and accurately. It puts the customer at ease since they think you know what the heck you're talking about. That would most likely translate into more sales and better relationships with your customers. Like Mark said, a salesperson shouldn't be required to know the compression ratio and goofy crap like that, but come on...at least know the everyday questions about the main features of the vehicle I don't care one lick about compression ratio, but I do care to know that I get a bigger radiator, bigger battery, transmission cooler, wiring and a trailer hitch with the trailer tow package! And you can't get the reverse sensing system without the trailer package. I know all this, but most of the sales folks I talked to don't. They've got the $$$ signs in their eyes....lol

 

it's been 25 years since i ran into a salesman that knew as much as i did about the vehicle i was shopping. Of course, the sales guy was selling many kinds of vehicles (cars, trucks, vans, etc) while i was only well versed in one particular vehicle. Some dealers just throw a few gladhanders (backslappers) on the lot and think that is sufficient. 1956MarkII, you are better informed but it is my impression there is no reason for a salesman not to know or keep up with current rebates, at least for the most popular vehicles sold from that particular dealership. From what i have read on Detroit News,etc, the manufacturers dont change the consumer rebates all that often and when they do alter the rebates, it is announced in the media. Will admit, dealer holdbacks and other incentives paid to the dealers (not to the consumer) change more often.

 

I wish that were the case. We've sold vehicles in the morning, only to have Ford change the program an hour later. Try explaining THAT to a customer. Ford's major rebates tend to stay in place, but they can change them any time they want, and their REGIONAL programs change constantly. Throw in FMCC incentives, FDAF rebates, subsidized interest rates, and lease program fluctuations- it's enough to drive one NUTS! If I could get Bill Ford to make one change, it would be this: stop the rebate nonsense and just lower the price of the vehicle. I really think most consumers are smart enough to realize that the manufacturer pumps up the price just so they can offer a rebate. Stop insulting the consumer's intelligence!

 

03f150man-

I have received your e-mails, and I'm glad I could be of help. I've tried to respond through the Club FTE e-mail system, but apparently they're not getting through, so I'm letting you know through here.

 

1956MarkII, i agree with what you say to what equates to "artificial" rebates. Ford (and other manufacturers) increase the MSRP and concurrently increase the rebate while simultaneously decontenting the vehicle. The buyer thinks the deal is sweeter even though he is buying a plainer or the same vehicle for the same or higher net purchase price.