If I am a day behind, it is because I am inundated with other pressing matters, or have to recharge my creative battery. I’m only a day behind, and I will be caught up today…hopefully.
As you know, I was a bit dilatory due to the fact that I spent most of Saturday purchasing a car. The salesman Larry was great and the selection of cars was plentiful. The process went as seamless as it could, and we were still out from 9 – 4. Now, some of that was commute, and some of that was detailing the car and even adding a giant red bow. Am I in a coffee commercial? No real complaints but the whole process got me thinking about unctuous salespeople and the “games” that they play.
LARRY
There is a reason for the pejorative stereotype of a “used car salesman,” but I do not really get it. We had already looked at cars online and set a ceiling for cost. We worked with an online representative, and we showed up to buy a Toyota from a Toyota dealer. No need for smoke and mirrors. No need for the old song and dance. After a bit of give and take, we (the buyers) cut to the chase. The salesman presented the script, and, of course, came back with an offer above our ceiling.
A simple conversation ensued. We will buy the car at our price and take the hit on the fees. If not, have a nice day. Larry told us he had to run it by his manager, and then, he would come in to negotiate. To his credit, Larry acknowledged the farcical ruse, and basically presented our no concession offer. Sold.
IAN
Ian was also an exception. He sold us our new phones, and because we were armed with a direct mail discount offer from another company, he provided a comparable price without necessitating a switch of carrier. We purchased phones in a phone store.
On the other hand, we went into a runner’s apparel store just to look at the offerings, and we were beset by the salesman trying to finagle a purchase. I had no need for knee braces, or camel water bottles. I needed shorts, but not for over 100 dollars a pair. I do not run long distances. I am okay with chafing.
I do not blame salespeople. They have a job to do, and I may become one sooner than later. I guess what I don’t appreciate is the drama. I am here to buy an item. I am at this specific location to buy a specific item. Don’t tap dance or beat around the bush. Tell me the lowest you will sell the item or the lowest you can tolerate without me leaving. If you are in a retail store that has prices, make sure you have items people need and want for a reasonable price.
I guess the other lessons in these interactions are do your homework, have a plan and stay convicted. I have as much empathy as the next person, but I refuse to buy something based on pure emotion. That is how you go broke. I also refuse to haggle for a price that is already way above worth.
COLLEGE
This philosophy on sales also relates to college. Comparing costs of colleges with a guide like Barron’s or Fiske’s, they estimate and annotate all of the costs. Some are unrealistically low, and some are too high. The overall figure is a nice starting point, but that is when the game begins.
There are loans, endowments, scholarships, special circumstances and ways to cut cost. Yes. Do your homework and make sure the school has your major. That is kind of an essential. They have buyer’s guides for almost every product, but college, someone’s second biggest expense after their home, tends to obfuscate net costs.
Much like the used car salesman or the guy selling self-printed concert shirts outside of the venue, all you have to do is tell me exactly what I am going to pay. Well, we have to look at load expenses, and actuarial charts. I get it, but the person representing the business, knows the bottom line, so start a lot closer to it. It will save everyone concerned, false smiles and an aggravating loss of time.
That’s the bottom line because Stone Cold said so.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Community colleges should have free tuition, and all state colleges should offer in-state tuition for out of state students. I also believe that high school graduates should be more purposefully directed toward trades and technical colleges. I am pretty sure I have not used my Viking Age of Britain class much in my life (and I am a former English teacher). Is college worth it? A discussion for another day.
Love and laughter,
P.