What To Look For In A Car Salesman

There’s probably no profession with a more negative perception than the car salesman. But the truth is, you’re likely going to deal with one if you buy a car. No matter how you might feel about them, car salesmen are people too. Let the BuyingAdvice Team show you the traits to look for in a salesman.

Now, the more astute of you may be asking why it matters what kind of salesman you have, since they’re essentially just messengers for the higher ups at the dealership. That may be true, but they’re also the dealership’s starting line. You’re going to be spending a good deal of time with them up front, so you want to find someone that you’re not only comfortable with, but who will be honest with you.

Bear in mind that auto negotiations are a two way street. “Buyers are liars”, is standard lingo in the world of car salesmen, according to Edmunds. You can’t seriously expect a salesman to be honest when he thinks you’re pulling his leg. Be straightforward about your intentions up front. If you’re just browsing, say so. The salesman will respect your honesty, and you’ll be starting on the right foot.

Another good way to start off on the right foot is to ask the salesman for the dealership’s Consumer Satisfaction Index score. The CSI score is based off surveys that the manufacturer sends to buyers. Every week, the dealership is graded on sales, service, and parts, and a report is issued every month based upon those scores. Asking for the score not only gives you an indicator of the dealership’s quality, but lets the salesman know up front that you’ll report any dissatisfaction to the manufacturer.

The CSI score will give you a clue about the dealership’s quality, but what about the salesman’s? Here’s what to look for:

Patient
They don’t jump at you as soon as you get out of your car, and once they’re with you, they don’t mind strolling the lot with you, showing you models that catch your interest.

Honest
They give honest, helpful answers, and if they don’t know something, they tell you. Try asking some questions that you already know the answers to, so you know the salesman’s being straight with you.

Knowledgeable
A good salesman does his homework. Some of them used to work on cars themselves. They can tell you the benefits and drawbacks of a particular feature, or the reasoning behind a design choice. The best ones will tell you if a car is a bad choice and why.

Attentive
Salesmen are supposed to be there to help you. A good one listens to your needs and desires and suggests models that will satisfy them. Even if you have some models in mind, ask for their recommendations, and see what they say.

So, in short, keep the following in mind when you meet the salesman:

• Be honest with the salesman. Treat him how you’d like to be treated.

• The salesman should be there to serve you, not the other way around. You’re the one spending the money, after all.

• Ask lots of questions, even if you already know the answers.

• He should make you feel relaxed and comfortable.

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