Real-Life Communication
As with a lot of industries, automobile sales has its own language.
Here are some examples of some fun and interesting terms used on the lot.
An up
is a potential customer who has walked onto the car lot.
Buyers
remorse is when a buyer has second thoughts about their purchase.
A quarterback
is someone they have brought along with them to help out.
A laydown
is an easy customer who buys at the first price the salesperson gives them.
Upside down refers to a person owes more money
on the vehicle they're attempting to trade in than it's actually worth.
A today
buyer is that rare person who is ready to buy the same day they walk onto
the lot.
It's your first day on the job. One of the more experienced
salespeople says to you, "There's an up, just walked on. He looks young --
might be a laydown, might be a today buyer, just watch out for the quarterback."
What
exactly is he saying?
"Communication skills are absolutely important,"
says Sherry Linton, a product specialist selling automobiles. "If your communication
isn't great with your customers it can ruin your reputation fast. It's always
best to make sure everyone is on the same page at least a couple times before
they leave, on the price agreed to, the promises you make on the vehicle,
accessories, etc."