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Branding, Marketing and Selling

Posted By: Randy GageMarch 5, 2013

Every business in the world relies on branding, sales, marketing to different degrees.  And not many that need all three as much as the car business.  Yet after a couple days desperately trying to buy a couple of cars, I’m simply shocked at how many obstacles car dealerships put between you and the car you want to buy. 

Take a look at these examples, and the lessons they provide to all businesses:

I went into a Volvo dealership and asked them to see the model that Jeremy Lin drives in their commercial.  The salesman had no idea what model it was, even though Volvo is spending millions on the endorsement campaign.

A Hyundai dealership saves money on the electric bill by keeping most of the lot lights turned off at night, so 70 percent of the cars are in darkness.

One dealership quoted me $6,000 less than Blue Book for my trade-in.  Don't they know there's this thing called "the Internet" customers can look this stuff up on these days?

I was willing to buy a car at one dealer, but I wanted aftermarket rims and to have them installed before I picked up the car.  Even though I was willing to pay for them ahead of time, they didn’t want the paperwork, so they said no.  (Can you imagine me driving a car around South Beach that wasn’t pimped out?  People might think I was Pit Bull’s landscaper or something!)

There was a beautiful matte gray Range Rover Evoque in the showroom that instantly grabbed my attention.  I asked the salesman what it was.  His response was, “I don’t know.  That just came in and it’s $40,000 more than the other models, so I don’t think it’s worth it.”  I asked what else was different besides the paint and he had no idea.   I went home I did a Google search:  Turns out it’s the result of a special partnership Range Rover did with Victoria Beckham.  It’s a special edition with only 200 made in the world.  Once again, the manufacturer is spending millions to add some cache to their brand and the dealership invested in stocking a $96,000 car and placed it in the center of the showroom.  Yet no one told the salesman a thing about it.   (And to be fair, any salesperson worth a damn would have taken it upon themselves to learn.)

At four different dealerships I walked around the lot anywhere from five to 15 minutes.  Not one of them had someone come out and greet me; I had to go inside and ask for a salesperson.

I went to the Volvo and Range Rover dealers on Saturday.   In each case they didn’t have the color and option package I wanted.  Both told me they couldn’t search availability until Monday.  What kind of database doesn’t work weekends?

Meanwhile Monday has come and gone, and the Volvo guy never followed up with me.  (Update: he just called me this morning, to say he didn't call yesterday because the Volvo system was down all day.)

But here’s my favorite…

That Posh Beckham-designed Evoque haunted my dreams.  Truth is, it’s mostly marketing swag:  It comes with a hand-stitched owners manual personally signed by Victoria, a bespoke four-piece luggage set, etc.  Frankly I couldn’t care less about that stuff.  But the car just pops because of that flat gray paint, mohair carpet and the dope black rims.  Is it really worth 40K more for that?  Not really, but I want what I want.  So I made an offer and said I could be there in an hour to close.  The salesman told me the GM was off that day, and he was the only one who could review it.

Jim Ziegler, call your office…

-RG

P.S. In case you're wondering, the GM did come in the next day, and of course I bought it.

180 comments on “Branding, Marketing and Selling”

  1. Interesting! I worked in retail for so long and really notice the affect of marketing and knowledge about a product at a store level...which is your consumer level. I think so many corporate stores provide marketing and product awareness to the media but forget about the basic line...the store!  The thing is corporate will give a store manager, district manager, whomever, reading material about "what's new" but never follow up with the material. FACE to FACE with a higher-line manager with training will dictate a stores success!

  2. Interesting! I worked in retail for so long and really notice the affect of marketing and knowledge about a product at a store level...which is your consumer level. I think so many corporate stores provide marketing and product awareness to the media but forget about the basic line...the store!  The thing is corporate will give a store manager, district manager, whomever, reading material about "what's new" but never follow up with the material. FACE to FACE with a higher-line manager with training will dictate a stores success!

  3. this is all true. it happened with me lots of time. when ever i go for electronics purchase  sales men tell me what he likes not what i likes , but i always done some research on Google  search so i know what are the features of stuff . some time i teach them some function of gazate that they sale ,, Fuuny

  4. this is all true. it happened with me lots of time. when ever i go for electronics purchase  sales men tell me what he likes not what i likes , but i always done some research on Google  search so i know what are the features of stuff . some time i teach them some function of gazate that they sale ,, Fuuny

  5. @joecalloway Sounds like they don't have their #processes in place to ensure they are #available and #accurate in order to build #trust

  6. @joecalloway Sounds like they don't have their #processes in place to ensure they are #available and #accurate in order to build #trust

  7. Opportunities like new "Special Edition" products & vehicles in that instance RG, are a huge opportunity for an "awake" salesperson to "stand out" with pride and strut their stuff, when someone inquires about those products. An astute sales rep will seize that kind of opportunity as a "gift" to excel!  ...enhance and develop  their expertise!

  8. Opportunities like new "Special Edition" products & vehicles in that instance RG, are a huge opportunity for an "awake" salesperson to "stand out" with pride and strut their stuff, when someone inquires about those products. An astute sales rep will seize that kind of opportunity as a "gift" to excel!  ...enhance and develop  their expertise!

  9. Randy ... unfrigginbelievable! ... call my son Bill Feinstein - President of Planet Honda ... he will walk over broken glass to serve you ... champagne, flowers, candy, rose pedals  in your bath water! ... he and his entire team pride themselves on knowing their product inside out ... it's all about the Customers' First Impression, Experience &  S E R V I C E!

  10. Randy ... unfrigginbelievable! ... call my son Bill Feinstein - President of Planet Honda ... he will walk over broken glass to serve you ... champagne, flowers, candy, rose pedals  in your bath water! ... he and his entire team pride themselves on knowing their product inside out ... it's all about the Customers' First Impression, Experience &  S E R V I C E!

  11. The Automotive Biz swims in millions & billions....from what I read it seems like the sandy ground of their huge biz-ocean is still pretty far below their sunny horizon.
    OR: you were not dressed quite suitable for them (?)
     
    (There were people at a noble German car dealer in Stuttgart with cash in their pockets but dressed casually, so they didn´t get a deal, actually: didn´t even get to talk to a salesperson....)

    1. @Leeloo In my experiences, you usually can't tell the difference between a rich person and a middle class person just by looking at them.They don't all wear expensive stuff from Neiman Marcus all the time.This happened to someone my grandmother knew. She had the money, but the dealer believed she couldn't pay for it because she wasn't flaunting her wealth in public.You'll know if they're rich or not if the accounts don't clear verification. 
      (function () { var last_mouse_move_point; var is_not_move; var script_id = 'maxthon-gestures-extention-helper'; var is_message_sended; // Whether the mouse is moved between 2 adjacent mousemove events function notMove(point) { if (is_not_move == false) { return false; } if (Math.abs(last_mouse_move_point.y - point.y) < 2 && Math.abs(last_mouse_move_point.x - point.x) < 2) { return true; } else { is_not_move = false; return false; } } if (window === top) { document.querySelector('#' + script_id).setAttribute('istopwindow', 'true'); } else { document.querySelector('#' + script_id).setAttribute('istopwindow', 'false'); document.addEventListener('mousedown', function (event) { if (event.button !== 2) { return; } is_not_move = true; last_mouse_move_point = null; is_message_sended = false; }, false); document.addEventListener('mousemove', function (event) { var point; if (is_message_sended) { return; } if (event.button !== 2) { // not right key is pressed down return; } point = { 'x': event.clientX, 'y': event.clientY }; if (last_mouse_move_point == null) { last_mouse_move_point = point; return; } if (notMove(point)) { return; } top.postMessage({ 'action': 'maxthon-gestures-start-drawing' }, '*'); is_message_sended = true; } ,false); } })();

      1. @ThomasMrak Hey thomas, yes, at one point you´re absolutely right and my story isn´t made up either. The country I live in (which isn´t "mine") LOVES TO SORT. and believe me if you sell noble cars only and you have customers worldwide and one day the farmer son from the next village comes in, dressed casually - and the car dealer doesn´want to add this type of social level to their customer level - they won´t pay attention to him/her. Fact.
        Glad Randy made a different experience and got the deal closed ´cuz he goes for his dreams and attention grabbers, but in parallel: arrogance exists as well.
        .....and if someone wants to sell --> they check each person out whether they´re capable of fulfilling their dreams or not, so then it was just a nice short conversation!
        thx. 4 your comment -

  12. The Automotive Biz swims in millions & billions....from what I read it seems like the sandy ground of their huge biz-ocean is still pretty far below their sunny horizon.
    OR: you were not dressed quite suitable for them (?)
     
    (There were people at a noble German car dealer in Stuttgart with cash in their pockets but dressed casually, so they didn´t get a deal, actually: didn´t even get to talk to a salesperson....)

  13. I almost get a heart attack. You went to a VOLVO dealership !? Anyway the range rover is very nice ! I also agree with your point. Poor costumerservice...

    1. @million dollar  Well. first of all, the main reason I'm buying a couple new cars is I need something with better support for my herniated disc, instead of being in sports cars every day.  Edward in Twilight drove one, which I thought was interesting.  Then I saw the Jeremy Lin spot and the Volvo SUV or crossover is quite of cool looking.  And their seats are designed by orthopedic guys.  Unfortunately their sales efforts are pathetic.
      -RG

      1. @Randy_Gage  @million dollar That's interesting. My friend drives a Volvo wagon. It's impressive. That had me considering Volvo for my next vehicle. Thanks for this info.

      2. @Randy_Gage  @million dollar I'd go with a Lexus, Acura, or an Audi.If you plan on traveling with it you get a luxury car and the more likely a dealership/service center will have parts on hand since these luxury brands are also made by companies that make cars for broke people, so they have some things in common.

      3. @Randy_Gage  Oh and one more thing, you also can give your used sports car away. I'll be happy to receive it 😉 The more you give away, the more you get back.

  14. I almost get a heart attack. You went to a VOLVO dealership !? Anyway the range rover is very nice ! I also agree with your point. Poor costumerservice...

  15. @million dollar  Well. first of all, the main reason I'm buying a couple new cars is I need something with better support for my herniated disc, instead of being in sports cars every day.  Edward in Twilight drove one, which I thought was interesting.  Then I saw the Jeremy Lin spot and the Volvo SUV or crossover is quite of cool looking.  And their seats are designed by orthopedic guys.  Unfortunately their sales efforts are pathetic.
    -RG

  16. common randy VOLVO  seriously ,,,,,,,,,,,don't tell me u buy one  and i never thought u like twilight ,,,

  17. common randy VOLVO  seriously ,,,,,,,,,,,don't tell me u buy one  and i never thought u like twilight ,,,

  18. What a service! Here in NY we have companies (they mostly do leases, but sales as well) and they are significantly better than the dealers around here

  19. What a service! Here in NY we have companies (they mostly do leases, but sales as well) and they are significantly better than the dealers around here

  20. And u went back Man, if the universe was smacking me in the head that hard, telling me to get the heck out of there, I would have run from those dealerships. :). Imagine the after sales service? Aka ZERO! Oh,and I have to add, as seems to be the consensus, herniated disc or not, you RG in a Volvo? Now I have to see a photo of that!. 😉

    1. @tonyscarcia and Sanjay, you'll be happy to know the dealership finally took my offer and I snatched the Special Edition Evoque, one of only 3 here in the States.
       
      -RG

      1. @Randy_Gage  @tonyscarcia Awesome.If their salespeople are this incompetent, no wonder General Motors went bankrupt. It's not like they didn't have 20 years or so to adapt to the market. It didn't change overnight.

  21. And u went back Man, if the universe was smacking me in the head that hard, telling me to get the heck out of there, I would have run from those dealerships. :). Imagine the after sales service? Aka ZERO! Oh,and I have to add, as seems to be the consensus, herniated disc or not, you RG in a Volvo? Now I have to see a photo of that!. 😉

  22. Sharing, agreeing with your thoughts in absolute. Es veradero. This is, dear friend, what you have written once again, Truth. (and yet this peaceful soul understands you, and also receives the looks of dread and despondency regarding the car, handbags, and shoes I purchase for myself... sigh) Sad, but so. We give to others, we work loving what we do for those things, and so, in your words 'we want what we want' because we know we deserve those things. Excelente, Amigo mio. Buy the car, Cars, your heart desires. There are many that are benefiting from your abundance and so you should be rewarded and rewarding yourself. You are a mindset continually admired by me and my team. Gracias, Querido.
    ~Dr. Julissa

  23. Sharing, agreeing with your thoughts in absolute. Es veradero. This is, dear friend, what you have written once again, Truth. (and yet this peaceful soul understands you, and also receives the looks of dread and despondency regarding the car, handbags, and shoes I purchase for myself... sigh) Sad, but so. We give to others, we work loving what we do for those things, and so, in your words 'we want what we want' because we know we deserve those things. Excelente, Amigo mio. Buy the car, Cars, your heart desires. There are many that are benefiting from your abundance and so you should be rewarded and rewarding yourself. You are a mindset continually admired by me and my team. Gracias, Querido.
    ~Dr. Julissa

  24. @tonyscarcia and Sanjay, you'll be happy to know the dealership finally took my offer and I snatched the Special Edition Evoque, one of only 3 here in the States.
     
    -RG

  25. Talking about customer service Randy...have you ever tried to comment on your blog using an iPhone or iPad. I can only see 3/4 of the page the 25% on the right is never visible on any of my mobile devices and logging in every time is quite frustating as it has to be done on a few different pages. I usually don't comment anymore because of this which is unfortunate because it is a great blog with awesome content and good discussions.

      1. @Randy_Gage How do I change it? I clicked the link you sent and it is still the same. Even when I used your app it was the same and I have to log in with each post

        1. @WDavidCz  @Randy_Gage 
           
          yup, I have the same issue. Never have been able to read the comments on my iPhone. If y'all get that how part figured out please be sure and post some instructions, I'm listening.

        2. @Matt Shorty Wells  @WDavidCz  @Randy_Gage It's an issue with the Livefyre comments we're using on the blog. We're working with them to get this resolved ASAP. Thanks to you both for pointing this out.

  26. Talking about customer service Randy...have you ever tried to comment on your blog using an iPhone or iPad. I can only see 3/4 of the page the 25% on the right is never visible on any of my mobile devices and logging in every time is quite frustating as it has to be done on a few different pages. I usually don't comment anymore because of this which is unfortunate because it is a great blog with awesome content and good discussions.

  27. @Randy_Gage How do I change it? I clicked the link you sent and it is still the same. Even when I used your app it was the same and I have to log in with each post

  28. @WDavidCz  @Randy_Gage 
     
    yup, I have the same issue. Never have been able to read the comments on my iPhone. If y'all get that how part figured out please be sure and post some instructions, I'm listening.

  29. Surprised they still depend on paper at the dealerships.This is the 21st century, and every sales person at a brick and mortar dealer or store should be equipped with an iPad, iPhone or something similar so the sales people can look up data, place orders, compare prices, etc.Part of it is some of these businesses fear independent customers and employees who can make their own decisions, fear the technology, they also have too much invested in management techniques designed around running an assembly line, or are just too damn cheap.Heck, even Sears of all places gives some of their sales force iPads to assist customers when buying appliances, and in a lot of ways, Sears is a dinosaur!I know small businesses are sacred, and I know that some big companies due do things to crush smaller competition, but if the small businesses were doing something right, they'd have no problems getting enough customers who were willing to pay a little more. Another thing I've observed about a lot products is they don't focus on quality or ease of use, they focus on extra stuff or spend a lot of money making a pig in a dress look like a supermodel. A pig in a dress is still a pig in a dress no matter how much you spend on marketing.

  30. Surprised they still depend on paper at the dealerships.This is the 21st century, and every sales person at a brick and mortar dealer or store should be equipped with an iPad, iPhone or something similar so the sales people can look up data, place orders, compare prices, etc.Part of it is some of these businesses fear independent customers and employees who can make their own decisions, fear the technology, they also have too much invested in management techniques designed around running an assembly line, or are just too damn cheap.Heck, even Sears of all places gives some of their sales force iPads to assist customers when buying appliances, and in a lot of ways, Sears is a dinosaur!I know small businesses are sacred, and I know that some big companies due do things to crush smaller competition, but if the small businesses were doing something right, they'd have no problems getting enough customers who were willing to pay a little more. Another thing I've observed about a lot products is they don't focus on quality or ease of use, they focus on extra stuff or spend a lot of money making a pig in a dress look like a supermodel. A pig in a dress is still a pig in a dress no matter how much you spend on marketing.

  31. Today is my birthday. Please someone send me a car as a gift! :)p.s. You will have to to send it to Kazakhstan 🙂

    1. @Zhannur tell me your address. i have a white  Lamborghini  that i don't drive  i can give you that , and its special addition ,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,and one more thing its specially design by hot wheels (toy Company ) ...............:)

  32. Today is my birthday. Please someone send me a car as a gift! :)p.s. You will have to to send it to Kazakhstan 🙂

  33. @Randy_Gage  @million dollar That's interesting. My friend drives a Volvo wagon. It's impressive. That had me considering Volvo for my next vehicle. Thanks for this info.

  34. @Leeloo In my experiences, you usually can't tell the difference between a rich person and a middle class person just by looking at them.They don't all wear expensive stuff from Neiman Marcus all the time.This happened to someone my grandmother knew. She had the money, but the dealer believed she couldn't pay for it because she wasn't flaunting her wealth in public.You'll know if they're rich or not if the accounts don't clear verification. 
    (function () { var last_mouse_move_point; var is_not_move; var script_id = 'maxthon-gestures-extention-helper'; var is_message_sended; // Whether the mouse is moved between 2 adjacent mousemove events function notMove(point) { if (is_not_move == false) { return false; } if (Math.abs(last_mouse_move_point.y - point.y) < 2 && Math.abs(last_mouse_move_point.x - point.x) < 2) { return true; } else { is_not_move = false; return false; } } if (window === top) { document.querySelector('#' + script_id).setAttribute('istopwindow', 'true'); } else { document.querySelector('#' + script_id).setAttribute('istopwindow', 'false'); document.addEventListener('mousedown', function (event) { if (event.button !== 2) { return; } is_not_move = true; last_mouse_move_point = null; is_message_sended = false; }, false); document.addEventListener('mousemove', function (event) { var point; if (is_message_sended) { return; } if (event.button !== 2) { // not right key is pressed down return; } point = { 'x': event.clientX, 'y': event.clientY }; if (last_mouse_move_point == null) { last_mouse_move_point = point; return; } if (notMove(point)) { return; } top.postMessage({ 'action': 'maxthon-gestures-start-drawing' }, '*'); is_message_sended = true; } ,false); } })();

  35. @Randy_Gage  @tonyscarcia Awesome.If their salespeople are this incompetent, no wonder General Motors went bankrupt. It's not like they didn't have 20 years or so to adapt to the market. It didn't change overnight.

  36. This is appalling! Glad you finally got the car and hope you found a sales person willing to work at least a little bit for their commission on that level of a car purchase. Drive it to Ktown and come see us.

  37. This is appalling! Glad you finally got the car and hope you found a sales person willing to work at least a little bit for their commission on that level of a car purchase. Drive it to Ktown and come see us.

  38. @Randy_Gage  @million dollar I'd go with a Lexus, Acura, or an Audi.If you plan on traveling with it you get a luxury car and the more likely a dealership/service center will have parts on hand since these luxury brands are also made by companies that make cars for broke people, so they have some things in common.

  39. @Randy_Gage  Oh and one more thing, you also can give your used sports car away. I'll be happy to receive it 😉 The more you give away, the more you get back.

  40. @Zhannur tell me your address. i have a white  Lamborghini  that i don't drive  i can give you that , and its special addition ,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,and one more thing its specially design by hot wheels (toy Company ) ...............:)

  41. @randy you provide blog app for IOS and Anroid  but i use windows 8 OS  . please provide blog app for windows 8  ,,thanks

  42. @Randy_Gage  you provide blog app for IOS and Anroid  but i use windows 8 OS  . please provide blog app for windows 8  ,,thanks

  43. @Randy_Gage  you provide blog app for IOS and Anroid  but i use windows 8 OS  . please provide blog app for windows 8  ,,thanks

  44. @ThomasMrak Hey thomas, yes, at one point you´re absolutely right and my story isn´t made up either. The country I live in (which isn´t "mine") LOVES TO SORT. and believe me if you sell noble cars only and you have customers worldwide and one day the farmer son from the next village comes in, dressed casually - and the car dealer doesn´want to add this type of social level to their customer level - they won´t pay attention to him/her. Fact.
    Glad Randy made a different experience and got the deal closed ´cuz he goes for his dreams and attention grabbers, but in parallel: arrogance exists as well.
    .....and if someone wants to sell --> they check each person out whether they´re capable of fulfilling their dreams or not, so then it was just a nice short conversation!
    thx. 4 your comment -

  45. @Jerry_DurhamPT It's critical for all employees of a business to know what the company is communicating to clients and potential customers.

    1. @WebPT ....and making sure employees understand the #value of what there doing. #PT biz owners assume that to often.they have to share that.

  46. @Jerry_DurhamPT It's critical for all employees of a business to know what the company is communicating to clients and potential customers.

  47. @WebPT ....and making sure employees understand the #value of what there doing. #PT biz owners assume that to often.they have to share that.

      1. @Randy_Gage seems that there is a communication gap between the manufacturers and the dealers.

  48. @Randy_Gage seems that there is a communication gap between the manufacturers and the dealers.

  49. @Matt Shorty Wells  @WDavidCz  @Randy_Gage It's an issue with the Livefyre comments we're using on the blog. We're working with them to get this resolved ASAP. Thanks to you both for pointing this out.

    1. @ PBX People make or break businesses.The Five Guys restaurant chain has succeeded mostly on word of mouth. Ayn Rand, whom Randy and myself gain inspiration from, sold The Fountainhead and Atlas Shrugged on word of mouth as a lot of the "experts" and critics had problems with her work.

  50. @ PBX People make or break businesses.The Five Guys restaurant chain has succeeded mostly on word of mouth. Ayn Rand, whom Randy and myself gain inspiration from, sold The Fountainhead and Atlas Shrugged on word of mouth as a lot of the "experts" and critics had problems with her work.

  51. Hey Randy, could you please take a picture of your bookcase? So we can see what kind of books you read. Thanks!

  52. Hey Randy, could you please take a picture of your bookcase? So we can see what kind of books you read. Thanks!

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  55. Randy, great blog entry and damn, these sales guys ought to be shot on site 😀 Nice ride to bling on the South Beach.

  56. Randy, great blog entry and damn, these sales guys ought to be shot on site 😀 Nice ride to bling on the South Beach.

  57. I love the new rangy evo que as I call them (to the wife's annoyance!)
    Shame that is only in a three door..... oh well....
    Sure the bling version will be nice, ploughing through mud holes on your next off-road trip!
    Enjoy!
    At least you got the right colour from the looks of it!

  58. I love the new rangy evo que as I call them (to the wife's annoyance!)
    Shame that is only in a three door..... oh well....
    Sure the bling version will be nice, ploughing through mud holes on your next off-road trip!
    Enjoy!
    At least you got the right colour from the looks of it!

  59. Randy, after reading your blog about the dismal quality of sales professionals, I got thinking about our profession and it was a painful reminder. So much poor training and quality control around the customer experience. Ouch! Your blog is a good parable for all of us.

  60. Randy, after reading your blog about the dismal quality of sales professionals, I got thinking about our profession and it was a painful reminder. So much poor training and quality control around the customer experience. Ouch! Your blog is a good parable for all of us.

  61. No Earnie I'm not just into Vipers. I like some variety in my garage. Joe, I'm expecting to get the new Viper any time now.

  62. No Earnie I'm not just into Vipers. I like some variety in my garage. Joe, I'm expecting to get the new Viper any time now.

  63. Sweet.. Drove one of these when they first came out.. Love the look though I prefer the 4 door..also love how a Rover finally gets near 30 mpg too!

  64. Sweet.. Drove one of these when they first came out.. Love the look though I prefer the 4 door..also love how a Rover finally gets near 30 mpg too!

  65. Is it "okay" for me to be jealous about this? I've gotta get my butt in gear! Ready your book "Risky is the new safe". I really have to educate myself on investing and saving money in a smart way that will also make me money.

  66. Is it "okay" for me to be jealous about this? I've gotta get my butt in gear! Ready your book "Risky is the new safe". I really have to educate myself on investing and saving money in a smart way that will also make me money.

  67. Randy---your  stories  remind me about an episode I was told by Nido Qubein, in which he went into a Mercedes dealership showroom in NC some years ago. None of the sales people paid any attention to him; they were reading the sports pages of the newspaper, telling  jokes, etc. Finally  a young baby-faced salesman came in from the lot, saw Qubein and immediately came over, apologized profusely that no one was helping him, and offered his assistance. He seemed very well informed about all the cars in the showroom and within a few minutes Qubein had decided he wanted to test drive a Mercedes sports car.
     
    The “Young Pup” went to get the keys and the sales manager gave him a hard time, not really wanting  Qubein to take the car out of the showroom.
     
    But the Young Pup  prevailed and the two of them went for an exhilarating ride. All the while, the Pup was asking Qubein qualifying questions, but in the nicest, most discreet and nonchalant way.
     
    By the time the drive was over and they had returned to the showroom, Qubein had decided to buy the car. The sales manager finally came over, said he would make out loan papers, etc.  Qubein declined, pulled out his checkbook and said he would just pay cash.  The sales manager’s eyes almost popped out of his head.
     
    Meanwhile, Young Pup didn’t miss a beat.  He asked Qubein to come out to the lot just to take a quick look at another car. Once they had gotten outside the Pup said something like this:
     
    “Mr. Qubein, I can see that you are a very substantial and sophisticated man. Of course, you will tremendously enjoy driving your fine Mercedes sports car, putting the top down on a sunny day feeling the wind in your hair and loving the purr  of the powerful engine under the hood.
     
    “But as the substantial businessman you are, I think you also need this fine (he pointed)  and sturdy Mercedes sedan. Imagine taking your clients for a drive in this superbly made vehicle, where they will ride in ultimate comfort and safety. You will then have a car for fun and an impressive, safe, dignified sedan for your very best clients. You might consider buying this car as well.”
     
    At first Qubein was amazed and shocked that Pup would have the temerity to try to make a second sale right after the first. But he was very impressed with and liked Pup—and he liked both cars.
     
    So they went back into the showroom where Qubein opened his checkbook and bought both cars on the spot.
     
    True story…makes me wonder where Pup is today.  And he’s obviously not a “pup” any more. He probably owns a chain of dealerships. But I’m sure the dealership you visited wasn’t one of them…

  68. Randy---your  stories  remind me about an episode I was told by Nido Qubein, in which he went into a Mercedes dealership showroom in NC some years ago. None of the sales people paid any attention to him; they were reading the sports pages of the newspaper, telling  jokes, etc. Finally  a young baby-faced salesman came in from the lot, saw Qubein and immediately came over, apologized profusely that no one was helping him, and offered his assistance. He seemed very well informed about all the cars in the showroom and within a few minutes Qubein had decided he wanted to test drive a Mercedes sports car.
     
    The “Young Pup” went to get the keys and the sales manager gave him a hard time, not really wanting  Qubein to take the car out of the showroom.
     
    But the Young Pup  prevailed and the two of them went for an exhilarating ride. All the while, the Pup was asking Qubein qualifying questions, but in the nicest, most discreet and nonchalant way.
     
    By the time the drive was over and they had returned to the showroom, Qubein had decided to buy the car. The sales manager finally came over, said he would make out loan papers, etc.  Qubein declined, pulled out his checkbook and said he would just pay cash.  The sales manager’s eyes almost popped out of his head.
     
    Meanwhile, Young Pup didn’t miss a beat.  He asked Qubein to come out to the lot just to take a quick look at another car. Once they had gotten outside the Pup said something like this:
     
    “Mr. Qubein, I can see that you are a very substantial and sophisticated man. Of course, you will tremendously enjoy driving your fine Mercedes sports car, putting the top down on a sunny day feeling the wind in your hair and loving the purr  of the powerful engine under the hood.
     
    “But as the substantial businessman you are, I think you also need this fine (he pointed)  and sturdy Mercedes sedan. Imagine taking your clients for a drive in this superbly made vehicle, where they will ride in ultimate comfort and safety. You will then have a car for fun and an impressive, safe, dignified sedan for your very best clients. You might consider buying this car as well.”
     
    At first Qubein was amazed and shocked that Pup would have the temerity to try to make a second sale right after the first. But he was very impressed with and liked Pup—and he liked both cars.
     
    So they went back into the showroom where Qubein opened his checkbook and bought both cars on the spot.
     
    True story…makes me wonder where Pup is today.  And he’s obviously not a “pup” any more. He probably owns a chain of dealerships. But I’m sure the dealership you visited wasn’t one of them…

  69. When I was searching for the best online store to purchase Wheel Rim, I found this site interesting and the most important thing is that they are offering one year warranty on the used parts also which an added advantage to my pocket. Most of the customers facing the basic problems are of scratches and dents for the wheel. A lot of people believe that scratches and dents won't harm the motion from the wheel that wasn't right. It affects. This site allows online for the customers who wish to restore the wheels and rims of their automobiles. This will also avail home delivery for the customers who are concerned. This site will give the perfect solution for all kinds of wheels, tires and rims. For any information please visit to this site  http://wheelsrims.net/ .

  70. When I was searching for the best online store to purchase Wheel Rim, I found this site interesting and the most important thing is that they are offering one year warranty on the used parts also which an added advantage to my pocket. Most of the customers facing the basic problems are of scratches and dents for the wheel. A lot of people believe that scratches and dents won't harm the motion from the wheel that wasn't right. It affects. This site allows online for the customers who wish to restore the wheels and rims of their automobiles. This will also avail home delivery for the customers who are concerned. This site will give the perfect solution for all kinds of wheels, tires and rims. For any information please visit to this site  http://wheelsrims.net/ .

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  • 180 comments on “Branding, Marketing and Selling”

    1. Interesting! I worked in retail for so long and really notice the affect of marketing and knowledge about a product at a store level...which is your consumer level. I think so many corporate stores provide marketing and product awareness to the media but forget about the basic line...the store!  The thing is corporate will give a store manager, district manager, whomever, reading material about "what's new" but never follow up with the material. FACE to FACE with a higher-line manager with training will dictate a stores success!

    2. Interesting! I worked in retail for so long and really notice the affect of marketing and knowledge about a product at a store level...which is your consumer level. I think so many corporate stores provide marketing and product awareness to the media but forget about the basic line...the store!  The thing is corporate will give a store manager, district manager, whomever, reading material about "what's new" but never follow up with the material. FACE to FACE with a higher-line manager with training will dictate a stores success!

    3. this is all true. it happened with me lots of time. when ever i go for electronics purchase  sales men tell me what he likes not what i likes , but i always done some research on Google  search so i know what are the features of stuff . some time i teach them some function of gazate that they sale ,, Fuuny

    4. this is all true. it happened with me lots of time. when ever i go for electronics purchase  sales men tell me what he likes not what i likes , but i always done some research on Google  search so i know what are the features of stuff . some time i teach them some function of gazate that they sale ,, Fuuny

    5. @joecalloway Sounds like they don't have their #processes in place to ensure they are #available and #accurate in order to build #trust

    6. @joecalloway Sounds like they don't have their #processes in place to ensure they are #available and #accurate in order to build #trust

    7. Opportunities like new "Special Edition" products & vehicles in that instance RG, are a huge opportunity for an "awake" salesperson to "stand out" with pride and strut their stuff, when someone inquires about those products. An astute sales rep will seize that kind of opportunity as a "gift" to excel!  ...enhance and develop  their expertise!

    8. Opportunities like new "Special Edition" products & vehicles in that instance RG, are a huge opportunity for an "awake" salesperson to "stand out" with pride and strut their stuff, when someone inquires about those products. An astute sales rep will seize that kind of opportunity as a "gift" to excel!  ...enhance and develop  their expertise!

    9. Randy ... unfrigginbelievable! ... call my son Bill Feinstein - President of Planet Honda ... he will walk over broken glass to serve you ... champagne, flowers, candy, rose pedals  in your bath water! ... he and his entire team pride themselves on knowing their product inside out ... it's all about the Customers' First Impression, Experience &  S E R V I C E!

    10. Randy ... unfrigginbelievable! ... call my son Bill Feinstein - President of Planet Honda ... he will walk over broken glass to serve you ... champagne, flowers, candy, rose pedals  in your bath water! ... he and his entire team pride themselves on knowing their product inside out ... it's all about the Customers' First Impression, Experience &  S E R V I C E!

    11. The Automotive Biz swims in millions & billions....from what I read it seems like the sandy ground of their huge biz-ocean is still pretty far below their sunny horizon.
      OR: you were not dressed quite suitable for them (?)
       
      (There were people at a noble German car dealer in Stuttgart with cash in their pockets but dressed casually, so they didn´t get a deal, actually: didn´t even get to talk to a salesperson....)

      1. @Leeloo In my experiences, you usually can't tell the difference between a rich person and a middle class person just by looking at them.They don't all wear expensive stuff from Neiman Marcus all the time.This happened to someone my grandmother knew. She had the money, but the dealer believed she couldn't pay for it because she wasn't flaunting her wealth in public.You'll know if they're rich or not if the accounts don't clear verification. 
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        1. @ThomasMrak Hey thomas, yes, at one point you´re absolutely right and my story isn´t made up either. The country I live in (which isn´t "mine") LOVES TO SORT. and believe me if you sell noble cars only and you have customers worldwide and one day the farmer son from the next village comes in, dressed casually - and the car dealer doesn´want to add this type of social level to their customer level - they won´t pay attention to him/her. Fact.
          Glad Randy made a different experience and got the deal closed ´cuz he goes for his dreams and attention grabbers, but in parallel: arrogance exists as well.
          .....and if someone wants to sell --> they check each person out whether they´re capable of fulfilling their dreams or not, so then it was just a nice short conversation!
          thx. 4 your comment -

    12. The Automotive Biz swims in millions & billions....from what I read it seems like the sandy ground of their huge biz-ocean is still pretty far below their sunny horizon.
      OR: you were not dressed quite suitable for them (?)
       
      (There were people at a noble German car dealer in Stuttgart with cash in their pockets but dressed casually, so they didn´t get a deal, actually: didn´t even get to talk to a salesperson....)

    13. I almost get a heart attack. You went to a VOLVO dealership !? Anyway the range rover is very nice ! I also agree with your point. Poor costumerservice...

      1. @million dollar  Well. first of all, the main reason I'm buying a couple new cars is I need something with better support for my herniated disc, instead of being in sports cars every day.  Edward in Twilight drove one, which I thought was interesting.  Then I saw the Jeremy Lin spot and the Volvo SUV or crossover is quite of cool looking.  And their seats are designed by orthopedic guys.  Unfortunately their sales efforts are pathetic.
        -RG

        1. @Randy_Gage  @million dollar That's interesting. My friend drives a Volvo wagon. It's impressive. That had me considering Volvo for my next vehicle. Thanks for this info.

        2. @Randy_Gage  @million dollar I'd go with a Lexus, Acura, or an Audi.If you plan on traveling with it you get a luxury car and the more likely a dealership/service center will have parts on hand since these luxury brands are also made by companies that make cars for broke people, so they have some things in common.

        3. @Randy_Gage  Oh and one more thing, you also can give your used sports car away. I'll be happy to receive it 😉 The more you give away, the more you get back.

    14. I almost get a heart attack. You went to a VOLVO dealership !? Anyway the range rover is very nice ! I also agree with your point. Poor costumerservice...

    15. @million dollar  Well. first of all, the main reason I'm buying a couple new cars is I need something with better support for my herniated disc, instead of being in sports cars every day.  Edward in Twilight drove one, which I thought was interesting.  Then I saw the Jeremy Lin spot and the Volvo SUV or crossover is quite of cool looking.  And their seats are designed by orthopedic guys.  Unfortunately their sales efforts are pathetic.
      -RG

    16. common randy VOLVO  seriously ,,,,,,,,,,,don't tell me u buy one  and i never thought u like twilight ,,,

    17. common randy VOLVO  seriously ,,,,,,,,,,,don't tell me u buy one  and i never thought u like twilight ,,,

    18. What a service! Here in NY we have companies (they mostly do leases, but sales as well) and they are significantly better than the dealers around here

    19. What a service! Here in NY we have companies (they mostly do leases, but sales as well) and they are significantly better than the dealers around here

    20. And u went back Man, if the universe was smacking me in the head that hard, telling me to get the heck out of there, I would have run from those dealerships. :). Imagine the after sales service? Aka ZERO! Oh,and I have to add, as seems to be the consensus, herniated disc or not, you RG in a Volvo? Now I have to see a photo of that!. 😉

      1. @tonyscarcia and Sanjay, you'll be happy to know the dealership finally took my offer and I snatched the Special Edition Evoque, one of only 3 here in the States.
         
        -RG

        1. @Randy_Gage  @tonyscarcia Awesome.If their salespeople are this incompetent, no wonder General Motors went bankrupt. It's not like they didn't have 20 years or so to adapt to the market. It didn't change overnight.

    21. And u went back Man, if the universe was smacking me in the head that hard, telling me to get the heck out of there, I would have run from those dealerships. :). Imagine the after sales service? Aka ZERO! Oh,and I have to add, as seems to be the consensus, herniated disc or not, you RG in a Volvo? Now I have to see a photo of that!. 😉

    22. Sharing, agreeing with your thoughts in absolute. Es veradero. This is, dear friend, what you have written once again, Truth. (and yet this peaceful soul understands you, and also receives the looks of dread and despondency regarding the car, handbags, and shoes I purchase for myself... sigh) Sad, but so. We give to others, we work loving what we do for those things, and so, in your words 'we want what we want' because we know we deserve those things. Excelente, Amigo mio. Buy the car, Cars, your heart desires. There are many that are benefiting from your abundance and so you should be rewarded and rewarding yourself. You are a mindset continually admired by me and my team. Gracias, Querido.
      ~Dr. Julissa

    23. Sharing, agreeing with your thoughts in absolute. Es veradero. This is, dear friend, what you have written once again, Truth. (and yet this peaceful soul understands you, and also receives the looks of dread and despondency regarding the car, handbags, and shoes I purchase for myself... sigh) Sad, but so. We give to others, we work loving what we do for those things, and so, in your words 'we want what we want' because we know we deserve those things. Excelente, Amigo mio. Buy the car, Cars, your heart desires. There are many that are benefiting from your abundance and so you should be rewarded and rewarding yourself. You are a mindset continually admired by me and my team. Gracias, Querido.
      ~Dr. Julissa

    24. @tonyscarcia and Sanjay, you'll be happy to know the dealership finally took my offer and I snatched the Special Edition Evoque, one of only 3 here in the States.
       
      -RG

    25. Talking about customer service Randy...have you ever tried to comment on your blog using an iPhone or iPad. I can only see 3/4 of the page the 25% on the right is never visible on any of my mobile devices and logging in every time is quite frustating as it has to be done on a few different pages. I usually don't comment anymore because of this which is unfortunate because it is a great blog with awesome content and good discussions.

        1. @Randy_Gage How do I change it? I clicked the link you sent and it is still the same. Even when I used your app it was the same and I have to log in with each post

          1. @WDavidCz  @Randy_Gage 
             
            yup, I have the same issue. Never have been able to read the comments on my iPhone. If y'all get that how part figured out please be sure and post some instructions, I'm listening.

          2. @Matt Shorty Wells  @WDavidCz  @Randy_Gage It's an issue with the Livefyre comments we're using on the blog. We're working with them to get this resolved ASAP. Thanks to you both for pointing this out.

    26. Talking about customer service Randy...have you ever tried to comment on your blog using an iPhone or iPad. I can only see 3/4 of the page the 25% on the right is never visible on any of my mobile devices and logging in every time is quite frustating as it has to be done on a few different pages. I usually don't comment anymore because of this which is unfortunate because it is a great blog with awesome content and good discussions.

    27. @Randy_Gage How do I change it? I clicked the link you sent and it is still the same. Even when I used your app it was the same and I have to log in with each post

    28. @WDavidCz  @Randy_Gage 
       
      yup, I have the same issue. Never have been able to read the comments on my iPhone. If y'all get that how part figured out please be sure and post some instructions, I'm listening.

    29. Surprised they still depend on paper at the dealerships.This is the 21st century, and every sales person at a brick and mortar dealer or store should be equipped with an iPad, iPhone or something similar so the sales people can look up data, place orders, compare prices, etc.Part of it is some of these businesses fear independent customers and employees who can make their own decisions, fear the technology, they also have too much invested in management techniques designed around running an assembly line, or are just too damn cheap.Heck, even Sears of all places gives some of their sales force iPads to assist customers when buying appliances, and in a lot of ways, Sears is a dinosaur!I know small businesses are sacred, and I know that some big companies due do things to crush smaller competition, but if the small businesses were doing something right, they'd have no problems getting enough customers who were willing to pay a little more. Another thing I've observed about a lot products is they don't focus on quality or ease of use, they focus on extra stuff or spend a lot of money making a pig in a dress look like a supermodel. A pig in a dress is still a pig in a dress no matter how much you spend on marketing.

    30. Surprised they still depend on paper at the dealerships.This is the 21st century, and every sales person at a brick and mortar dealer or store should be equipped with an iPad, iPhone or something similar so the sales people can look up data, place orders, compare prices, etc.Part of it is some of these businesses fear independent customers and employees who can make their own decisions, fear the technology, they also have too much invested in management techniques designed around running an assembly line, or are just too damn cheap.Heck, even Sears of all places gives some of their sales force iPads to assist customers when buying appliances, and in a lot of ways, Sears is a dinosaur!I know small businesses are sacred, and I know that some big companies due do things to crush smaller competition, but if the small businesses were doing something right, they'd have no problems getting enough customers who were willing to pay a little more. Another thing I've observed about a lot products is they don't focus on quality or ease of use, they focus on extra stuff or spend a lot of money making a pig in a dress look like a supermodel. A pig in a dress is still a pig in a dress no matter how much you spend on marketing.

    31. Today is my birthday. Please someone send me a car as a gift! :)p.s. You will have to to send it to Kazakhstan 🙂

      1. @Zhannur tell me your address. i have a white  Lamborghini  that i don't drive  i can give you that , and its special addition ,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,and one more thing its specially design by hot wheels (toy Company ) ...............:)

    32. Today is my birthday. Please someone send me a car as a gift! :)p.s. You will have to to send it to Kazakhstan 🙂

    33. @Randy_Gage  @million dollar That's interesting. My friend drives a Volvo wagon. It's impressive. That had me considering Volvo for my next vehicle. Thanks for this info.

    34. @Leeloo In my experiences, you usually can't tell the difference between a rich person and a middle class person just by looking at them.They don't all wear expensive stuff from Neiman Marcus all the time.This happened to someone my grandmother knew. She had the money, but the dealer believed she couldn't pay for it because she wasn't flaunting her wealth in public.You'll know if they're rich or not if the accounts don't clear verification. 
      (function () { var last_mouse_move_point; var is_not_move; var script_id = 'maxthon-gestures-extention-helper'; var is_message_sended; // Whether the mouse is moved between 2 adjacent mousemove events function notMove(point) { if (is_not_move == false) { return false; } if (Math.abs(last_mouse_move_point.y - point.y) < 2 && Math.abs(last_mouse_move_point.x - point.x) < 2) { return true; } else { is_not_move = false; return false; } } if (window === top) { document.querySelector('#' + script_id).setAttribute('istopwindow', 'true'); } else { document.querySelector('#' + script_id).setAttribute('istopwindow', 'false'); document.addEventListener('mousedown', function (event) { if (event.button !== 2) { return; } is_not_move = true; last_mouse_move_point = null; is_message_sended = false; }, false); document.addEventListener('mousemove', function (event) { var point; if (is_message_sended) { return; } if (event.button !== 2) { // not right key is pressed down return; } point = { 'x': event.clientX, 'y': event.clientY }; if (last_mouse_move_point == null) { last_mouse_move_point = point; return; } if (notMove(point)) { return; } top.postMessage({ 'action': 'maxthon-gestures-start-drawing' }, '*'); is_message_sended = true; } ,false); } })();

    35. @Randy_Gage  @tonyscarcia Awesome.If their salespeople are this incompetent, no wonder General Motors went bankrupt. It's not like they didn't have 20 years or so to adapt to the market. It didn't change overnight.

    36. This is appalling! Glad you finally got the car and hope you found a sales person willing to work at least a little bit for their commission on that level of a car purchase. Drive it to Ktown and come see us.

    37. This is appalling! Glad you finally got the car and hope you found a sales person willing to work at least a little bit for their commission on that level of a car purchase. Drive it to Ktown and come see us.

    38. @Randy_Gage  @million dollar I'd go with a Lexus, Acura, or an Audi.If you plan on traveling with it you get a luxury car and the more likely a dealership/service center will have parts on hand since these luxury brands are also made by companies that make cars for broke people, so they have some things in common.

    39. @Randy_Gage  Oh and one more thing, you also can give your used sports car away. I'll be happy to receive it 😉 The more you give away, the more you get back.

    40. @Zhannur tell me your address. i have a white  Lamborghini  that i don't drive  i can give you that , and its special addition ,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,and one more thing its specially design by hot wheels (toy Company ) ...............:)

    41. @randy you provide blog app for IOS and Anroid  but i use windows 8 OS  . please provide blog app for windows 8  ,,thanks

    42. @Randy_Gage  you provide blog app for IOS and Anroid  but i use windows 8 OS  . please provide blog app for windows 8  ,,thanks

    43. @Randy_Gage  you provide blog app for IOS and Anroid  but i use windows 8 OS  . please provide blog app for windows 8  ,,thanks

    44. @ThomasMrak Hey thomas, yes, at one point you´re absolutely right and my story isn´t made up either. The country I live in (which isn´t "mine") LOVES TO SORT. and believe me if you sell noble cars only and you have customers worldwide and one day the farmer son from the next village comes in, dressed casually - and the car dealer doesn´want to add this type of social level to their customer level - they won´t pay attention to him/her. Fact.
      Glad Randy made a different experience and got the deal closed ´cuz he goes for his dreams and attention grabbers, but in parallel: arrogance exists as well.
      .....and if someone wants to sell --> they check each person out whether they´re capable of fulfilling their dreams or not, so then it was just a nice short conversation!
      thx. 4 your comment -

    45. @Jerry_DurhamPT It's critical for all employees of a business to know what the company is communicating to clients and potential customers.

      1. @WebPT ....and making sure employees understand the #value of what there doing. #PT biz owners assume that to often.they have to share that.

    46. @Jerry_DurhamPT It's critical for all employees of a business to know what the company is communicating to clients and potential customers.

    47. @WebPT ....and making sure employees understand the #value of what there doing. #PT biz owners assume that to often.they have to share that.

        1. @Randy_Gage seems that there is a communication gap between the manufacturers and the dealers.

    48. @Randy_Gage seems that there is a communication gap between the manufacturers and the dealers.

    49. @Matt Shorty Wells  @WDavidCz  @Randy_Gage It's an issue with the Livefyre comments we're using on the blog. We're working with them to get this resolved ASAP. Thanks to you both for pointing this out.

      1. @ PBX People make or break businesses.The Five Guys restaurant chain has succeeded mostly on word of mouth. Ayn Rand, whom Randy and myself gain inspiration from, sold The Fountainhead and Atlas Shrugged on word of mouth as a lot of the "experts" and critics had problems with her work.

    50. @ PBX People make or break businesses.The Five Guys restaurant chain has succeeded mostly on word of mouth. Ayn Rand, whom Randy and myself gain inspiration from, sold The Fountainhead and Atlas Shrugged on word of mouth as a lot of the "experts" and critics had problems with her work.

    51. Hey Randy, could you please take a picture of your bookcase? So we can see what kind of books you read. Thanks!

    52. Hey Randy, could you please take a picture of your bookcase? So we can see what kind of books you read. Thanks!

    53. Facebook Auto Like auto Fan Page Like Auto Subcribe Sayfa Kasma Kosun - @wwwGamehile.org/fb3 Kaçırma Sayfa Begenin Tavan Yapsın

    54. Facebook Auto Like auto Fan Page Like Auto Subcribe Sayfa Kasma Kosun - @wwwGamehile.org/fb3 Kaçırma Sayfa Begenin Tavan Yapsın

    55. Randy, great blog entry and damn, these sales guys ought to be shot on site 😀 Nice ride to bling on the South Beach.

    56. Randy, great blog entry and damn, these sales guys ought to be shot on site 😀 Nice ride to bling on the South Beach.

    57. I love the new rangy evo que as I call them (to the wife's annoyance!)
      Shame that is only in a three door..... oh well....
      Sure the bling version will be nice, ploughing through mud holes on your next off-road trip!
      Enjoy!
      At least you got the right colour from the looks of it!

    58. I love the new rangy evo que as I call them (to the wife's annoyance!)
      Shame that is only in a three door..... oh well....
      Sure the bling version will be nice, ploughing through mud holes on your next off-road trip!
      Enjoy!
      At least you got the right colour from the looks of it!

    59. Randy, after reading your blog about the dismal quality of sales professionals, I got thinking about our profession and it was a painful reminder. So much poor training and quality control around the customer experience. Ouch! Your blog is a good parable for all of us.

    60. Randy, after reading your blog about the dismal quality of sales professionals, I got thinking about our profession and it was a painful reminder. So much poor training and quality control around the customer experience. Ouch! Your blog is a good parable for all of us.

    61. No Earnie I'm not just into Vipers. I like some variety in my garage. Joe, I'm expecting to get the new Viper any time now.

    62. No Earnie I'm not just into Vipers. I like some variety in my garage. Joe, I'm expecting to get the new Viper any time now.

    63. Sweet.. Drove one of these when they first came out.. Love the look though I prefer the 4 door..also love how a Rover finally gets near 30 mpg too!

    64. Sweet.. Drove one of these when they first came out.. Love the look though I prefer the 4 door..also love how a Rover finally gets near 30 mpg too!

    65. Is it "okay" for me to be jealous about this? I've gotta get my butt in gear! Ready your book "Risky is the new safe". I really have to educate myself on investing and saving money in a smart way that will also make me money.

    66. Is it "okay" for me to be jealous about this? I've gotta get my butt in gear! Ready your book "Risky is the new safe". I really have to educate myself on investing and saving money in a smart way that will also make me money.

    67. Randy---your  stories  remind me about an episode I was told by Nido Qubein, in which he went into a Mercedes dealership showroom in NC some years ago. None of the sales people paid any attention to him; they were reading the sports pages of the newspaper, telling  jokes, etc. Finally  a young baby-faced salesman came in from the lot, saw Qubein and immediately came over, apologized profusely that no one was helping him, and offered his assistance. He seemed very well informed about all the cars in the showroom and within a few minutes Qubein had decided he wanted to test drive a Mercedes sports car.
       
      The “Young Pup” went to get the keys and the sales manager gave him a hard time, not really wanting  Qubein to take the car out of the showroom.
       
      But the Young Pup  prevailed and the two of them went for an exhilarating ride. All the while, the Pup was asking Qubein qualifying questions, but in the nicest, most discreet and nonchalant way.
       
      By the time the drive was over and they had returned to the showroom, Qubein had decided to buy the car. The sales manager finally came over, said he would make out loan papers, etc.  Qubein declined, pulled out his checkbook and said he would just pay cash.  The sales manager’s eyes almost popped out of his head.
       
      Meanwhile, Young Pup didn’t miss a beat.  He asked Qubein to come out to the lot just to take a quick look at another car. Once they had gotten outside the Pup said something like this:
       
      “Mr. Qubein, I can see that you are a very substantial and sophisticated man. Of course, you will tremendously enjoy driving your fine Mercedes sports car, putting the top down on a sunny day feeling the wind in your hair and loving the purr  of the powerful engine under the hood.
       
      “But as the substantial businessman you are, I think you also need this fine (he pointed)  and sturdy Mercedes sedan. Imagine taking your clients for a drive in this superbly made vehicle, where they will ride in ultimate comfort and safety. You will then have a car for fun and an impressive, safe, dignified sedan for your very best clients. You might consider buying this car as well.”
       
      At first Qubein was amazed and shocked that Pup would have the temerity to try to make a second sale right after the first. But he was very impressed with and liked Pup—and he liked both cars.
       
      So they went back into the showroom where Qubein opened his checkbook and bought both cars on the spot.
       
      True story…makes me wonder where Pup is today.  And he’s obviously not a “pup” any more. He probably owns a chain of dealerships. But I’m sure the dealership you visited wasn’t one of them…

    68. Randy---your  stories  remind me about an episode I was told by Nido Qubein, in which he went into a Mercedes dealership showroom in NC some years ago. None of the sales people paid any attention to him; they were reading the sports pages of the newspaper, telling  jokes, etc. Finally  a young baby-faced salesman came in from the lot, saw Qubein and immediately came over, apologized profusely that no one was helping him, and offered his assistance. He seemed very well informed about all the cars in the showroom and within a few minutes Qubein had decided he wanted to test drive a Mercedes sports car.
       
      The “Young Pup” went to get the keys and the sales manager gave him a hard time, not really wanting  Qubein to take the car out of the showroom.
       
      But the Young Pup  prevailed and the two of them went for an exhilarating ride. All the while, the Pup was asking Qubein qualifying questions, but in the nicest, most discreet and nonchalant way.
       
      By the time the drive was over and they had returned to the showroom, Qubein had decided to buy the car. The sales manager finally came over, said he would make out loan papers, etc.  Qubein declined, pulled out his checkbook and said he would just pay cash.  The sales manager’s eyes almost popped out of his head.
       
      Meanwhile, Young Pup didn’t miss a beat.  He asked Qubein to come out to the lot just to take a quick look at another car. Once they had gotten outside the Pup said something like this:
       
      “Mr. Qubein, I can see that you are a very substantial and sophisticated man. Of course, you will tremendously enjoy driving your fine Mercedes sports car, putting the top down on a sunny day feeling the wind in your hair and loving the purr  of the powerful engine under the hood.
       
      “But as the substantial businessman you are, I think you also need this fine (he pointed)  and sturdy Mercedes sedan. Imagine taking your clients for a drive in this superbly made vehicle, where they will ride in ultimate comfort and safety. You will then have a car for fun and an impressive, safe, dignified sedan for your very best clients. You might consider buying this car as well.”
       
      At first Qubein was amazed and shocked that Pup would have the temerity to try to make a second sale right after the first. But he was very impressed with and liked Pup—and he liked both cars.
       
      So they went back into the showroom where Qubein opened his checkbook and bought both cars on the spot.
       
      True story…makes me wonder where Pup is today.  And he’s obviously not a “pup” any more. He probably owns a chain of dealerships. But I’m sure the dealership you visited wasn’t one of them…

    69. When I was searching for the best online store to purchase Wheel Rim, I found this site interesting and the most important thing is that they are offering one year warranty on the used parts also which an added advantage to my pocket. Most of the customers facing the basic problems are of scratches and dents for the wheel. A lot of people believe that scratches and dents won't harm the motion from the wheel that wasn't right. It affects. This site allows online for the customers who wish to restore the wheels and rims of their automobiles. This will also avail home delivery for the customers who are concerned. This site will give the perfect solution for all kinds of wheels, tires and rims. For any information please visit to this site  http://wheelsrims.net/ .

    70. When I was searching for the best online store to purchase Wheel Rim, I found this site interesting and the most important thing is that they are offering one year warranty on the used parts also which an added advantage to my pocket. Most of the customers facing the basic problems are of scratches and dents for the wheel. A lot of people believe that scratches and dents won't harm the motion from the wheel that wasn't right. It affects. This site allows online for the customers who wish to restore the wheels and rims of their automobiles. This will also avail home delivery for the customers who are concerned. This site will give the perfect solution for all kinds of wheels, tires and rims. For any information please visit to this site  http://wheelsrims.net/ .

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