[ this article was previously posted on MartijnRijk.nl and still relevant. ]
In my search for a new, used car I noticed something on: once you get in the showroom does the seller everything for you to get the deal. Once you get the door is the relationship over and there are no contact moments more.
And that surprised me: in a time where the customer is more reachable than you ever expected that.
First of all, I pass all my contact details through the form on the website for a test drive, I am then to the dealer easily reachable by phone and e-mail. A quest on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn give excellent insight into who I am and what I do.
My tips:
– Follow, read and connect: Stay on the radar.
– Stay in touch: Ask when the next step is taken and be reachable.
– Ask for the choice! Even if they don't buy from you, the answer will teach you again.
I remembered an article years ago what I wrote. The article is old, the content is reality.
A relocation:
The car industry gets hard hits. In the showrooms is not a customer in sight. As soon as someone enters through the showroom door, this would be ' pounced '. Investigation of Measurement proves the contrary.
I stand at the front desk to my car after a great turn on to pick up and ask the receptionist: "until what time is Saturday the show room open?" The man replies: "until 16:00."
"Almost" I had said then: "You could have asked better, what time do you want to come, because then I rule that someone will receive you and Rondleidt!"
Do I get another showroom within, I hear in the distance a call. Moments later, as a couple, the call again. The crazy thing is that there is nothing else happens. In the show room are nicely polished cars with standards on which the technical specification per model is displayed.
A little further on is an increased Office-island. Let's say a counter followed by a Mrs. They talk to a gentleman in shirt and gestures to pressure each other. The couple has already sat in a model. He behind the wheel and they are next to. They do the rear door open. And close it again. The man has a short fuse and they talk out loud: "they want here apparently no auto sales!" The couple get to outside. At the moment the door opens door, goes the Bell. I decide to follow their example.
"Almost" I was on the two rotating around each other on the raised Office-Island moved away and said: "If you are ready with GABA, would any of you two want to sell me a car?"
I get a mailing of a car brand that I have never driven. It is an invitation for a test drive with the latest model. If I wanted to call in advance. I call, set myself for and refer to the invitation. Asks the Lady on the phone: "when would you make a test ride?" I reply: "Friday." The Lady says, "fine, then state the car (they called it model) starting from 8 am for you and you will get the car all day at your disposal. Don't forget to bring your driver's license! "
"Almost" I had called by the phone: "Terribly enthusiastic madam, why don't you ask me if I intend to buy a car. What am I riding now and what appeals to me in this invitation? "
I bring the car back at a quarter to five where that this morning. Walk inside to the same lady behind the reception. They recognize me and asks: "have a good day?" I confirm the beautiful sunny day and give the keys back. She thanks me and wish me a nice week end.
"Almost" I had pulled her over the counter with the words, "where is the seller now willing to sell me this car?"
It is now two weeks later and the test drive dealer I heard nothing more.
"Almost" I picked up the phone to call the director.
"Almost" I had bought a car, only no one wanted to help me.
Comments:
These experiences were recorded during a survey of 300 Autodealer companies in the first months of 2009. It seems as though all the experiences have taken place at one dealer. That is not the case. The ' almost ' comments are a variation on the beautiful radio commercial that in these months the car radios popped up. In all situations is "not nearly", but directly linked back. Sometimes it was ashamed of the salesman on the jaws. Sometimes one became angry. For that last group is not a future.
