Car sales people

[jb747]

Today I decided to wander in to a new (to me) dealer on the northern side of Melbourne. They're actually closer to home than Burwin, and as we're starting to do the homework on a new car, I had some things I wanted to look at, and a few questions answered.

It was interesting. Basically I was totally ignored. I guess it became a game after a while, to see if anyone would actually deign to offer any service, and yes, I know I could have tracked someone down. I spent about an hour in the dealers showroom. Climbed all over the Tiguan. Had a good look at the GTI, and R36. And sat in a Passat CC for long enough to read the entire Tiguan brochure.

End result is that they won't even be offered the chance to quote on the vehicle. If they can't be bothered to offer service before they have your money, then I don't expect they'll be any chop afterwards. I've seen this before, but I thought it was mostly confined to Audi and BMW dealerships.

[team_v]

Today I decided to wander in to a new (to me) dealer on the northern side of Melbourne. They're actually closer to home than Burwin, and as we're starting to do the homework on a new car, I had some things I wanted to look at, and a few questions answered.

It was interesting. Basically I was totally ignored. I guess it became a game after a while, to see if anyone would actually deign to offer any service, and yes, I know I could have tracked someone down. I spent about an hour in the dealers showroom. Climbed all over the Tiguan. Had a good look at the GTI, and R36. And sat in a Passat CC for long enough to read the entire Tiguan brochure.

End result is that they won't even be offered the chance to quote on the vehicle. If they can't be bothered to offer service before they have your money, then I don't expect they'll be any chop afterwards. I've seen this before, but I thought it was mostly confined to Audi and BMW dealerships.

My brother had this happen at Austral earlier in the year.
They had a look at every car in the lot and were ignored by staff there until they left.

In the end they went to Mazda and were spoken to straight away and signed the deal that day.

It seems to be the way VW dealers work.
Hence why car brokers are such a great idea.

[maca]

Dad had a similar experience at Audi, we concluded that it was due to the way he was dressed.

[Tim]

Same thing happened to me as well.
I just went to a different dealer and was jumped on the moment I walked in the door.

[kim.beveridge]

I had a similar experience, I was with my wife and 2 young kids when looking at a Golf GT, we were totally ignored for more than half an hour, I had to go and ask for some one to help us. We ended up buying the car, i am sure sales-guy was very surprised, as we did not fit the typical demographic.

[gregozedobe]

...... Basically I was totally ignored. I guess it became a game after a while, to see if anyone would actually deign to offer any service, and yes, I know I could have tracked someone down. I spent about an hour in the dealers showroom.

End result is that they won't even be offered the chance to quote on the vehicle. If they can't be bothered to offer service before they have your money, then I don't expect they'll be any chop afterwards. I've seen this before, but I thought it was mostly confined to Audi and BMW dealerships.

I'm assuming the salespeople weren't already attending to other customers at the time. If you really want to punish them for ignoring you, ring up and speak to the dealer principal, describe your experience, and tell him/her what you intend to buy and why you won't be buying your new car at his dealership. If you don't give feedback they will continue to believe their behaviour is perfectly fine.

[evorobin]

VW SALES PEOPLE HATE CUSTOMERS THAT DON'T LOOK MINTED

[Rileyowner]

My brother in law and his wife went to a VW dealership in Brisbane to buy a new Passat - on my recommendation. They were studiously ignored by the staff at Austral. The next day they bought a new Peugeot 407. They will never even think about purchasing a VW in the future.

[adzy]

I agree that this is very anoying as it has happened to me also. I think you will find though that the majority of all consulting is done via appointments, you have an appointment, or just the name of someone, call for them at reception and they will then have a yarn with you for hours no problem.

This is the way many dealerships are now operating and I think that they are assuming the customers are aware of this but we are not.

[blutopless2]

It was interesting. Basically I was totally ignored. I guess it became a game after a while, to see if anyone would actually deign to offer any service, and yes, I know I could have tracked someone down. I spent about an hour in the dealers showroom. Climbed all over the Tiguan. Had a good look at the GTI, and R36. And sat in a Passat CC for long enough to read the entire Tiguan brochure.

its interesting coz that would've suited me fine. I hate it when you cant even get in the door without someone pouncing on you and trying to get you to buy a car within the first 5 seconds. I prefer to be able to look around without a salesperson over my shoulder then when i am ready to ask stuff to go and get someone.

[KWICKS]

It's a catch 22. Half the population want to be left alone to make their mind up and the other half want all the assistance possible to make the same decision. I'm from the first group - let me browse and I'll give you a yell when I want some assistance. I imagine its impossible for the salespeople to distinguish the 2 groups of customers at a glance. I suspect the best approach is to greet someone after 2 minutes - let them orient themselves and find the product thatinterests them - and have open and clear dialogue about how much assistance is desired right up front.

And, having bought a few cars now and test driven multiple each time, I can say for sure I have NEVER bought a car where I was not permitted to test drive it without the dealer. I just cannot bond with a car when the dealer sits alongside of me.

[jettapilot]

I imagine its impossible for the salespeople to distinguish the 2 groups


"Hey, mate, are you happy to browse? Let me know if I can help you with anything."

That should do it!

[jb747]

I like browsing too, and I've had many a salesperson ask if I need any help, and when told I'd just like a browse, left me to my devices.

Are most interactions via appointments? I'd be surprised if that's the case. They never are with me, unless I'm arranging to drive a particular car, and normally that's not the first contact.

And no, they weren't all busy with customers. A couple were having a long discussion (not about cars). Quite a number came and went, and there was sufficient navel gazing going to to expect they'd be able to work out that there was a potential customer on the loose.

I wasn't wearing a suit, but then Essendon isn't really 'suit' country. I was well enough dressed, in my fifties, and can afford to buy any car in their showroom (or Audi's for that matter).

On a similar topic....I rang Camberwell VW on Saturday with a question. Salesman promised to ring back in 10-15 minutes (and took all of my details). It's now Tuesday...still waiting.

[triode12]

Sometimes it could be that they have filled their quota for the month and don't really need to make a sale. Best to go at the end of the month (and financial year) when they get desperate.

[jb747]

Sometimes it could be that they have filled their quota for the month and don't really need to make a sale.

By the 12th of the month? Don't think so.....