It’s common to encounter negative portrayals of the life of a car salesman in articles and stories. Often, these narratives paint a picture of a difficult and unrewarding career. However, such depictions likely come from individuals who either lacked the skills for car sales or weren’t committed to the effort required for success in this field. The truth is, being a car salesperson can be a dynamic, financially rewarding, and stimulating profession. While it’s important to acknowledge the challenges, the potential benefits for those dedicated to the craft are significant. Many find being a car salesman to be a fulfilling career path.
Over the years, interactions with customers, both on the phone and in the showroom, have revealed a common theme. Many customers, claiming past experience in car sales, often assert their understanding of the process and expect preferential treatment. These individuals frequently recount their time as car salesmen, often offering familiar excuses regarding long hours, fluctuating commission structures, economic downturns, or poor management. In many cases, these rationalizations suggest a lack of success in their previous sales roles, leading to a less-than-ideal experience in the day in the life of a car salesman. Ironically, these self-proclaimed experts often prove to be receptive to sales tactics, readily paying profit margins when they feel they are receiving special attention – the very approach that should be applied to every customer.
A Glimpse into the Daily Life: More Than Just Sales Pitches
The daily life of a car salesman, especially for someone considering Part Time Car Salesman roles, is anything but predictable. Each day presents a unique set of circumstances. If one were to meticulously document every activity, a diary of a car salesman would quickly become voluminous. While a basic routine might exist, the individuals encountered, the vehicles involved, and the situations that arise are constantly changing. A typical workday often begins with a brief sales meeting involving fellow salespeople and the sales manager on duty. These meetings serve various purposes, from updating the team on the previous day’s sales figures, current incentives, and available inventory, to providing valuable tips on effective car selling strategies.
However, if the preceding day’s sales performance was lackluster, the sales meeting can sometimes take on a more critical tone, potentially involving the sales manager highlighting areas for improvement or even addressing specific mistakes made by individual car salesmen. Following the sales meeting, the focus shifts to the showroom and car lot, identifying customers who haven’t yet been assisted and engaging them using the techniques learned during car sales training. Being a car salesman, whether part time car salesman or full-time, fundamentally means prioritizing customers. After attending to immediate customer needs, managing phone calls becomes the next priority, followed by checking messages and promptly returning calls.
Stepping onto the Lot: Inventory and Opportunity Await
A crucial aspect of the life of a car salesman is maintaining a thorough understanding of the dealership’s inventory. This involves regularly checking for newly arrived vehicles, reviewing the previous day’s sales to track sold units, and inspecting any trade-in vehicles received. Possessing comprehensive inventory knowledge is a time-saving asset, enabling salespeople to efficiently locate suitable vehicles and even facilitate sales by suggesting alternative options when necessary. Now comes a task that some might find daunting in the life of a car salesman: proactively seeking out potential car buyers. This pursuit of customers is rarely a solitary endeavor. Colleagues are likely engaged in the same quest, making it essential to differentiate oneself within the team.
Life of a Car Salesman Motto: If You’re Not Engaging with a Customer, You’re Missing Opportunities
Throughout the day, a part time car salesman, just like their full-time counterparts, remains engaged in a variety of tasks. This includes diligently checking phone messages and emails, following up with customers who have recently made purchases to ensure satisfaction and cultivate relationships, and strategically reaching out to potential customers who left the dealership without buying a vehicle. Continuously refining sales techniques and striving to improve customer interactions are also integral. Building a network of past customers and actively seeking referrals are vital for sustained success. Furthermore, proactive prospecting for new clients extends beyond dealership hours, encompassing personal time as well. Relying solely on walk-in customers can limit earning potential and hinder the achievement of a substantial car salesman salary.
The Climax: Customer Engagement and the Art of the Deal
Without warning, a customer arrives, and the essence of the life of a car salesman truly unfolds. This is the moment to apply honed skills, facilitate a car sale, and earn commission. Engaging with the customer according to established sales processes leads to one of two possible outcomes. Ideally, the first outcome – and the desired result in the life of a car salesman – is a successful vehicle sale. While closing the deal independently is the goal, there are times when the assistance of a sales manager becomes necessary. The second potential outcome is that the customer, for various reasons or excuses, decides not to purchase a car. Common refrains include needing more time to think, consulting with a spouse, or even attributing the decision to perceived shortcomings of the salesperson. Promises to “be back” are often made, but rarely kept. It’s crucial to remember that income in car sales is directly tied to completed sales. Therefore, diligent follow-up with potential buyers is essential until they either make a purchase, become unresponsive, or explicitly request no further contact.
Navigating the Monthly Sales Cycle
The automotive industry operates on a monthly cycle. Sales figures are reset at the beginning of each month, creating a fresh start for all salespeople. This monthly rhythm significantly shapes the life of a car salesman. Each month presents opportunities to earn bonuses and spiffs based on sales volume, incentivizing high performance throughout the month.
The monthly life of a car salesman encompasses the daily activities previously described, but it also necessitates strategic attention to the timing within the month, particularly in relation to bonus targets and overall earnings, impacting how much a car salesman makes. Some dealerships also impose monthly minimum sales quotas, with failure to meet these targets potentially leading to termination. While occasional slow months are understandable, performance is often evaluated based on a rolling three-month average. Thus, the monthly cycle becomes a central focus in the life of a car salesman, influencing both financial incentives and job security.
Beyond the Basics: The Rewarding Facets of Car Sales
While the outlined routine might seem somewhat monotonous, it represents the foundational aspects of a car salesman’s profession, presented without embellishment. However, the life of the car salesman extends far beyond this basic framework. It’s crucial to acknowledge the enjoyable aspects, the meaningful relationships forged, the financial rewards, and the career growth opportunities inherent in this field. The financial potential, in particular, stands out, offering significant opportunities for substantial earnings within the car industry. These positive dimensions, along with important cautions and warnings regarding the life of the car salesman, are explored further in the subsequent part of this series on the car salesman blog.
Continue to Part 2 – The Life of a Car Salesman – Warnings, Fun and Financial Rewards
