Clues

The biggest issue with casual dress, is that there is way to much personal interpretation involved. Even Khakis and a collared shirt looks terrible if they are not pressed. It is inevitable that someone thinks a T-shirt with a Polo logo is okay to wear as 'Casual dress'

Anyone in a customer/client sales function needs to look the part. Traditional business attire is the safest route. No one will be offended or turned off dealing with a salesman who is wearing a decent pair of slacks, shoes, shirt, and tie. However, there are many people that would prefer not to deal with someone who is wearing wrinkled khakis with a golf shirt that is not tucked-in. The typical buyer of an A6/A8 will probably be expecting a more professional look.

One acceptable option would be for the dealer to issue Audi golf shirts and require pressed pants/slacks and acceptable dress shoes (not sneakers/tennis shoes/boat shoes).

Then again, this is coming from a guys who has spent 14 years in Corporate life....

Chris

Žob

I feel more relaxed when the other person is. I go in the dealer ship most of the times in jeans and tennis shoes and polo or button up shirt.
If the sales guy wore khakis and casual shoes and shirt that would be cool with me. Suit and tie makes me feel like I'm in a bank....and I don't like that feeling.

RickM

The "stereotypical" car salesman is in a short sleeve white shirt and regimental stripe tie. This needn't be you. There's so much variety in shirts and ties, you should be able to find something that you can be comfortable in while not feeling like a dork. I disagree that all customers want a salesman who dresses like them. I might go car shopping in jeans and a t-shirt, but if my salesman were dressed that way I'd wonder WTF is up with him and the dealership. I know you weren't suggesting anything so casual, but I said it to make a point: once you accept that the theory of dressing like the customer is not acceptable (as this example illustrates), the only remaining question is what style of dress should be acceptable. My feeling is that you can't go wrong with a shirt and tie. Who told you that customers are "uncomfortable" dealing with a salesman wearing a tie? If I'm forking over $30K for a car, hell, you oughta look like someone I'd give that kind of money to. And needless to say, as a salesman who wants to have the power of persuasion, the first thing you need is credibility. I think a shirt and tie helps with that on a subconscious level.

I notice some people here are saying they don't like a car salesman in a <i>suit</i> and tie. I agree; you don't want to look like a lawyer. You don't want to look stiff <i>or</i> too slick. You just want to look professional.

Wir fahr'n auf der Autobahn

business casual.. slacks and a nice shirt.. or go nekkid!

nick n

everything should be pressed. The belt should match the shoes, the undershirt should be white, the socks should be black; etc. Most of this should go w/o saying one way or another. Knowledge about what you're selling is essential as well imho.

Plasticar

In my business, I wear business casual every day. My customers see me in crisply pressed pants, pressed twill or other cotton button shirts with a tie or vest in winter, and company logo golf shirts in summer. Simple, professional, and comfortable.

I think that golf shirts and similar are OK if and only if they are Audi (Audi Sport, Auto Union) logo shirts. If they are required, they should be issued same as a uniform.

You don't have to look like you are going for an interview.

BlueDog

uh...yeah...whatever...guess we should even talk about guys who wear flip flops.

collins1707

Sneakers with the soles coming off.
Mismatched dirty socks.
Jeans that have a hole in one knee and are covered in dirt/grass/food stains.
Superman underpants sticking out from the jeans.
Dirty 49er's T-Shirt with a big yellow cheese dog stain.
Bed head from not taking a shower after you woke up.
And bad breath from not brushing your teeth after you didn't take a shower.

C'mon just wear something nice that says Audi somehere on it.

-Brian Collins

wnut

the buyer wear?


i bought mine in sandals, cargo shorts, and some kinda t-shirt...with sand here and there, and the fresh sent of salt in my hair =)...(beach is good...)

Audi2Ody

be more knowledgeable than the customer about your product and treat people with dignity and respect.