What do we think about Auto Sales as a new career?

[melodymatters]

My background is primarily in Theater. I started a Co. that I still run write/direct/produce/act/ etc, but the money will never be great,and my mom has a theatre background and has run it successfully when I was in Florida.

 

In FL. I was a Realtor and rode the market up...and all the way back down. I loved the people and sales part, but when people wanted to see a listing you had to drop EVERYTHING and run if you wanted that sale,so you were never ever off the clock.

 

Interviewed today with one of the hottest dealerships in town and likely will be offered a job. I think I'll thrive in the shark tank atmosphere, but they are 60 hour weeks and every weekend.

 

My husband would be supportive, but bummed. Any personal experiences to share?

[d0nnivain]

My husband sold cars for a while & he hated it. He felt like he was talking people into stuff. (he's not really a salesman if you know what I mean). He particularly hated the antagonistic customers who came in with chips on their shoulders who assume all car salepeople are dishonest. In contrast people think their realtors are there to help them so this may be a change for you

 

 

It's a tough way to make a living. In contrast to real estate you do get Sundays off. lol

 

 

I understand the profit margins & commissions are bigger in used cars rather than new.

 

 

Also it is still a good old boys place with a lot of dirty jokes, not too many women etc. A lot of dealerships around here end up in the paper after being sued by female employees for sexual harassment.

[preraph]

I did it for a year. Here's the problem: They hire new salespeople all the time and there's always 15 salespeople to every customer, so no one can make enough money. That way they don't have to pay bonuses often and the whole point to hiring so many people is because each new hire often either buys a vehicle or has a friend who will come buy one from them. The hours are horrible and boring. Most of them spent doing nothing.

[melodymatters]

Thank you both so much for your replies. When I started selling real estate in the hot Fl market everyone assumed I was out to rip them off. I had to repeatedly explain to buyers that the seller paid the commission and it cost them NOTHING to talk to me.

 

This joint has self financing so anyone can walk out with a car. A bit assembly line like, but seems like a successful business model.

 

Don, as a biker bar bartender at one point in my life, there is noting a dude can say that will gross me out or offend me. People learn quickly that I can verbally castrate them quicker than they can scratch their balls.

 

But Preraph, That is EXACTLY what I am worried about ! It was similar in RE, but some people must make money, how can I be one of those people ? What DOES one do during those 12 hr shifts ?

[alphamale]

as long as it is new car sales I would recommend it. you'll be a natural. try to get into a honda or toyota dealership and if not a korean dealership.

[preraph]

 

But Preraph, That is EXACTLY what I am worried about ! It was similar in RE, but some people must make money, how can I be one of those people ? What DOES one do during those 12 hr shifts ?

 

In our big dealership, two or three guys made money. Two of them it was because they were in used cars and were Hispanic, with lots of Hispanic customers. The top guy in new car sales just looked trustworthy. He'd stand out front at getting off work time and not even try to talk to customers and they'd just walk up to him when there were 4 other people standing there or who'd already asked if they needed help. On hire, my boss did say its seemed like you either have "it" or you don't. But if they'd not overhired , everyone could have made money, so it was their fault.

[amaysngrace]

My exH sold cars and has been a General Manager for years. He gets split days off every single week and works bell to bell every day except one when he goes in late.

 

He makes okay money and did even when he sold. New car sales is the way to go but the job itself sucks because the hours aren't worth the money.

 

No way.

[pink_sugar]

I understand what you mean about the real estate market. My dad is a broker and works around the clock. Nice thing is is that it is on his schedule and he is in full control of his time, which is what you don't have working for someone else. It honestly sounds like you would be working just as much in this auto sales position (60 hour weeks and every weekend). I can definitely see why your hubby would be bummed, especially if he works a normal 9-5 schedule. At least with real estate, though you might need to do it spur of the moment as needed, you control your schedule and you're working from home and can manage your schedule as such that you have time to do things with your husband or have personal hobbies.

 

If you're tired of the real estate market, consider insurance sales. Also independent contract work and there is a lot of potential if you're good with sales and networking. My dad's ex went from real estate to insurance and she makes quite a bit more now.

Edited March 27, 2015 by pink_sugar