The term "tire kicker" represents the customer who floats from dealer to dealer, strolls the lot, looks at stickers, peeks in windows, asks questions, gives you a blow-by-blow history of his past/present car/cars, possibly even takes a test drive, and leaves without even trying to buy... often with no intention of buying. Basically, he is a guy burning my uncompensated time. Cynical, yes, but remember: no sell, no eat! (Unless you've lived there, you might not understand!)
I've never actually seen anyone kick a tire. The term "tire kicker" is, therefore, not literal... until today!
I met him. The tire kicker.
He was strolling the used car lot while leaving his car door open and the engine running (one of their classic trademarks). As I introduced myself, he turned to a 2008 Chevy Impala and asked, "Whaddaya need for this one?" (actually kicking the tire for punctuation!)
Wow! I finally met him... the head spokesman for "Team Tire Kicker"!
Needless to say, he shook my hand (I do get tired of that) and uttered the line every commissioned salesperson loathes, "thank you for your time".
Disclaimer: This post was written at the end of one of many frustrating 12+ hour workdays with no sales made and no commission earned, and may, or may not (but probably does), represent the views and opinions of
(Blushing)...
ReplyDeleteYou asked.... So, here is my take.
When I go shopping for a car (and it's something I HATE doing) - my personal preference is to be left alone until I am ready to start asking my questions.
I do realize that salesmen (or saleswomen) can also help me locate the right car to fit my needs and my budget - so I don't want to completely avoid them - I just prefer to do a little "tire kicking" before I have someone watching over me.
You seem like you would be a "low pressure" sort of guy, and that is EXACTLY what I'm looking for in an Automotive Sales Consultant!
FoF--
ReplyDeleteAs a shopper, I totally agree with everything you just said. However, management requires that we talk to everyone that enters the lot... even if you show up at 9:00PM on a Monday... hence the stereotype of the attacking salesman... I can't really help it!