Selling BMWs. Yes, no, and why.

Originally Posted by SLVR JDM

Did you get an offer?

I basically had the offer yesterday. They just wanted me to interview with one other manager today to get his input.

Isn't this the second time you've come to the Board to get permission, then backed away when everyone told you it was a bad idea?

Originally Posted by Brucifer325

Isn't this the second time you've come to the Board to get permission, then backed away when everyone told you it was a bad idea?

It seemed like a better one this time around.

Originally Posted by tock172

Good luck! I'm often disappointed at BMW dealerships because the sales staff only knows sales, and doesn't care to take any interest beyond that. The more brand enthusiasts working at dealerships, the better.

This is why my local-ish dealer is so great. The guy I got my first car from was the first to take me to a DE and we went with the owner of the dealership and his son. They were running a brand new M6 an 87 M3. I'm friends with one of the techs and he built and ran drag cars when we were in high school, and I know a couple of the other sales reps track their cars too. I've been to every dealer in the state except one and these guys are above and beyond the rest.

Originally Posted by SPDSKTR

This whole "I hate my job" thing really sucks.

I know the feeling all too well.

if you are miserable at your job, leave. if selling BMWs intrigues you, try it. I have attempted a few different career moves. took me til my late 30s to finally find a rewarding, good paying, stable career. I have no regrets at my past career failures. at least I tried. who knows, this could be the greatest career move you ever made. don't let people's negative view deter you. it's your career, not theirs.

Think hard if this is something you want to do long term. If you are good at it but don't want a career there it will be hard to find time for study or schooling in another career. Car dealerships are demanding of your time. I've never been in the business but a family member was. I could never be a good sales man, that's something I just know. Commission jobs are ruthless. Lots of stepping on people.

Weeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeell how did it go?

I really sat down and thought long and hard about it all. I like my Saturdays, holidays, and guaranteed pay.

If I had nobody to care about but myself, I could see myself doing it. When I heard him practically begging me to work there, something felt... odd about it. We ended the conversation with, "Well... there will always be opportunities with car sales, so when you're ready, you know where to look."

Welp, sounds like you listened to your gut. Usually the right thing to do.

^Yep. But you are still in a job you hate. Sounds like this is the beginning of your next journey, not the end of an interview. Don't get discouraged. You have to figure out what you love to do. It takes a lifetime. The trick is to learn to have fun while you do it.

Originally Posted by SLVR JDM

Most of the stories I've heard from guys who have had sales positions at dealerships end with them saying it sucks and was nothing like they expected.

I have a buddy whose family owns a BMW dealership, so he has it made and grabbed the finance manager position at an early age. I suspect if you don't have nepotism working for you, it would suck.

Does your buddy's last name start with an N?

Originally Posted by SPDSKTR

I really sat down and thought long and hard about it all. I like my Saturdays, holidays, and guaranteed pay.

If I had nobody to care about but myself, I could see myself doing it. When I heard him practically begging me to work there, something felt... odd about it. We ended the conversation with, "Well... there will always be opportunities with car sales, so when you're ready, you know where to look."

Good decision.

Keep concentrating on the aspects of your job that you appreciate. You have a lot of perks, and it would be a shame to throw away 6+ years of tenure.

Originally Posted by SPDSKTR

When I heard him practically begging me to work there, something felt... odd about it. We ended the conversation with, "Well... there will always be opportunities with car sales, so when you're ready, you know where to look."

That doesn't make sense to me. Sales is a tough job to get, especially for someone who isn't experienced in sales. Tom Williams (I suppose where you were going) gets their pick of the litter in terms of salesman in the Birmingham area. The premier auto groups are a picky lot.

I don't see anyone begging a non-sales person to take a job. I am sure they only wanted someone who (they felt) would make them money. If they were that confident to hire you (and beg you), I would take the job. I don't think they would hire you to fail.

Obviously you're unfamiliar with Sonic corporation's employment culture.

They might as well install a revolving door for their sales force.

Originally Posted by Lair

Obviously you're unfamiliar with Sonic corporation's employment culture.

They might as well install a revolving door for their sales force.

So do they hire people who they think are going to suck at sales? That would be a reason to doubt their motives.

In most buinesses when in sales the purpose is to sell, sell, sell and bring in the revenue. Making money is good.

Originally Posted by 325seeeye

So do they hire people who they think are going to suck at sales? That would be a reason to doubt their motives.

Have you ever interviewed for a sales gig?

A lot of sales places will hire anyone with a hint of potential, then put them out and see what happens. If they sell, great. If they don't, bye.

Originally Posted by 325seeeye

So do they hire people who they think are going to suck at sales? That would be a reason to doubt their motives.

They'll hire anyone who shows a glimmer of intelligence.

A new GM took over last month and shltcanned all the BMW store's managers - even in the parts department. Again.

They know there's a never-ending stream of warm bodies that they can use up and throw away, and they treat their employees accordingly.

Wow. Well, there is always barber college SPDSKTR.