nrdempress

Today I went to the local Audi dealer by myself to look at the A3, which I intend to buy in two months. I was just looking to establish a relationship with some salesperson so the whole sales process would be easier later on. The lot was relatively empty (in comparison to the Lexus dealer across the street). I was looking at many different cars, getting in and out with cars in the showroom, and just looking completely interested in the car. I was on the lot for about 20 minutes, and not once did a salesperson say a word to me. They would actually walk away from me when they saw me, even though they clearly were not helping anyone. I do look like I am 18 years old, but I had just come from church so I was dressed pretty nicely. What gives? I realize I could have gone up to talk to someone to ask for help, but I was pretty ticked off because this has happened to me before at the dealer, and I always had to go and find a salesperson myself.

So I'm looking for some insight from people who actually work at car dealers. When you see people walking around the lot, are there certain types of people that you just don't want to deal with at all? Even if they are genuinely interested in buying the car? Sorry for the rant, but I'm just upset that I am willing to spend all this money and no one seems to want to help.

April

Salespeople get lazy. They fall for stereotypes. They get worn out by some days which are just one big test-drive-o-rama. Plenty of reasons to avoid people, but no really good ones ;-)

Call the sales manager and explain what happened. Ask to speak to an ABS (Audi Brand Specialist).

I know I would have "upped" you, because even if you looked 18, you could have money, or you could know somebody else who has money. There is no point in blowing off somebody unless they have already proven themselves to be a PITA.

The usual customer no-nos are:

Two guys shopping together - unless they are gay. Reason is rarely do guys want to be seen by friends or co-workers as being potentially weak during negotiations.

Gay is good BTW. Usually means friendly negotiations, good credit, and ready cash flow.

Carrying a large soda and/or wearing flip-flops. Neither says you're ready to test drive a car.

Asians in groups of more than 2 or 3. Even then, if it's youngish people accompanied by older people, it's a bad sign. Usually means a confusing bargaining marathon with little chance of making money (hey, it's true - hubby agrees and he's one of "the people" ;-).

People arriving within 30 minutes of closing, and yet giving serious signs they want to buy a car. Usually bargain hunters looking to play mind games by making salespeople stay late.

Walk on the lot with a newspaper in hand. Says you've just read whatever car ads there might be, and you've swallowed the latest sales spiel hook, line, and sinker. Problem is, there is usually a catch to those deals.

Light green cars tend to bring out bargain hunters with some odd characters traits. If you plan on getting a light green car, break it to the salesperson gently after you've had a chance to prove you're not some introverted geek ;-)

______________________________

People often buy cars either late on Saturday after a day of car shopping, or on Sunday morning after having slept on their info gathering from the day before. Friday nights and Monday mornings are busy with people taking care of stuff before the weekend, or wrapping up details post-sale from the weekend. The best time to visit a dealer is often mid-morning to mid-afternoon in the middle of the week. Beginning or end of the month doesn't matter much - but showing up when it's busy does. It's dead during the weekedays, so the managers would like to see some sales on the board before the weekend. That means they usually give extra consideration to deals worked on weekdays.

Just something to note.

sohjah

Dealerships spend a TON of money trying get people on the lot. At our dealership all customers get at least two looks, even if it's a thanks-for-coming-in "turn."

nrdempress

Yeah, that's what I thought... I mean, I WANT to give my business to this dealer, that's why I keep going back. It just seems like they don't want it. The one time I did get good service here was when I went with my dad a few months back, because he knows much more about cars than I do (did). A salesman was on top of us in about 2 minutes. But even though we made it known that I was shopping for my own car, he kept directing his comments to my dad. So I guess even that wasn't really good service.

I figured that everyone thought I was too young and wouldn't have enough money to buy an Audi. But here in the Silicon Valley, any random person walking the street could be an internet millionaire (not that I am), so shouldn't they give me the benefit of the doubt? And even if I was actually 18 years old, many parents here buy their kids very expensive cars. Oh well. I am just ranting for the sake of ranting, I needed to get it off my chest.