Buying a new vehicle can be stressful. You have to decide whether to pick new or pre-owned, what kind of financing to use, which model fits your lifestyle best- the list goes on and on. At Michigan Heidebreicht we want to take the hassle out of your car-buying process. Our sales staff is highly trained and knowledgeable, but that isn’t the case everywhere. We want you to know what to look for in a quality salesperson to give you the best experience possible.
- Willingness to talk on the phone. A good salesman should be willing to give you ballpark estimates over the phone if you know what make and model you’re interested in. They should also be willing to talk about what sales are running and give you an overview of the dealerships’s trade-in policies. Of course, you will usually be able to negotiate a better price at the dealership, but don’t trust a sales staff who refuse to even discuss pricing with you by phone. That’s not standard practice.
- Friendly yet direct approach. No salesman worth his salt is going to be rude to a customer. Of course they’re going to be polite when they talk to you; otherwise you’d turn around and leave. What you want to look for is whether they provide actual answers to your questions or whether they try to redirect you. Redirection could be a way to disguise their lack of knowledge about a car, or it could be an attempt to hide a flaw in a certain vehicle.
An important part of the “friendly direct” approach is a lack of pressure. Salesmen should suggest options for you to consider without pushing. You know your lifestyle and what you need. A salesperson’s job is to find the right car for you, not to sell you whatever they want to move off the lot. Be wary if your salesperson tries to insist your family of six can fit in a sporty convertible, or that you need a minivan when a good sedan is just fine.
- Familiarity with the product. It’s a good idea to do your research before you head to the dealership, but that doesn’t mean you won’t still have questions. Trained salespeople are confident in their inventory, able to answer general questions about performance, features, and financing. It’s okay if they need to look up a few specific details, like antenna gain, just don’t be impressed if they’re carrying around a stack of owner’s manuals.
- Provides a variety of estimates based. You might be undecided about protection plans, extended warranties, and additional features when you decide to buy. Expect sales staff to offer you several estimates (both full price and monthly with financing) when sitting down to negotiate.
- Offers to give you a walk-through. Today’s Chevys have a huge variety of features, from everyday conveniences like cruise control to new treats like the amazingly comprehensive Chevy MyLink. Some people go years without fully realizing what their vehicle can do. A good salesperson should be willing to go over your new vehicle’s features with you even after the contract is signed.
Don’t accept less than excellence. If you’re in the Washington area, stop by our showroom on Van Dyke Avenue, talk to our trained sales associates, and experience the difference. Our expertise is your advantage!
