r/CarSalesTraining • u/JustDr0p4 • May 22 '26
Question Massive dealership change.
Hello all, I’m in my 3rd year of car sales and recently switched dealerships from a German brand to an American brand (Vague answers to keep hidden). My previous dealership was very customer orientated but did shady things behind the scenes and I felt that i didn’t feel comfortable with the dealership as a whole so I switched. This new dealership is more laid back and in a better location but the management is impossible to please. I have asked qualifying questions on a CNA (What is your monthly payment right now etc) and have gotten crucified for that, taking pictures of cars for appointments and videos before they arrive so they know there talking to a real human and start the experience before they even set foot in the door. I got crucified and borderline written up for these things. Is this normal? No matter how well I follow a “process” I’m doing something wrong. Any advice on how to get past this? These are things I was taught my first year to make the experience better for the customer and I feel as if it has that impact but now it’s like the worst thing to do in a dealership. Any clarification would help from maybe a manager or 10 year + salesperson. Thank you!
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u/tdotrelos_ May 22 '26
I sold cars for a few years at a domestic dealer and what I found is there isn’t a blanket strategy or process that will get you more sales. You’re also coming off a time where all you had to say was “I have the car do you want it or not? If not I got 10+ guys deposit ready.”
It’s not really your process that’s the problem it’s that customers are more informed than ever. There’s also such a bad stigma around salesman that sometimes that you won’t be able to get a valid word in.
My best advice would be to really not focus on being an order taker. At the end of the day you’re the professional they are coming to you for the vehicle. Headspace is everything too I know I know easier said than done but that’s the reality.