Sales People - Does Your Car Matter?

[milee]

I've been lazy and let the maintenance get away from me on my runabout powerboat.  It doesn't look horrible, but it's not as shiny as I'd like it and since I'm going to be using it a lot this weekend, called a boat detailer to do some cleaning.  The guy was highly recommended and professional and gave me a reasonable quote.  Anyway, as he left just a few minutes ago, I looked out the window and noticed he drives a Mercedes convertible in very nice condition.  Not new but still a pricey car.  And - OK lightning may strike me, I'm not normally this judgy - but I briefly wondered just how much money boat detailing pays anyways.  Maybe that quote wasn't so reasonable?

Of course since then, I've thought a little more and know darn well that what a person drives isn't a true indicator of someone's financial condition.  It could have been a gift, it could be someone else's, he could be someone's boy toy, whatever.

So back to the original question - do you think it's important to drive the right level of car as a salesperson or company representative?  One of my good friends who is a good salesperson always said you want to drive a less than 3 year old spotlessly clean American sedan.  Doesn't offend anyone, new car says you're good at what you do but not overcharging.  What do you think?

[midjd]

So back to the original question - do you think it's important to drive the right level of car as a salesperson or company representative? One of my good friends who is a good salesperson always said you want to drive a less than 3 year old spotlessly clean American sedan. Doesn't offend anyone, new car says you're good at what you do but not overcharging. What do you think?

Seems reasonable.

My mom's boss owns an insurance agency and has a WCP-esque real estate empire on the side. He is likely a multi-multi millionaire.

He drives a 2011 Honda Accord. Past vehicles have included a GMC Jimmy, VW Passat, and a Chrysler 300. They are always in good condition, but definitely average-priced. His wife has driven the same GMC Yukon for the last 8-10 years. His philosophy is that people in a small, economically-depressed town don't want to see their insurance guy driving a $60K car. I definitely see his point, but I have to wonder how his wife feels when she sees one of his customers pull up in a Jag.

ETA - I also know that in this area (conservative, lots of older folks) there is still a huge segment of the population who is mortally offended by any car that isn't made by Ford/GM/Dodge... so that's probably also a consideration.

[Abby Normal]

Aug 28, 2013 14:23:30 GMT -5 milee said:

So back to the original question - do you think it's important to drive the right level of car as a salesperson or company representative?  One of my good friends who is a good salesperson always said you want to drive a less than 3 year old spotlessly clean American sedan.  Doesn't offend anyone, new car says you're good at what you do but not overcharging.  What do you think?

It depends on the profession.  In most cases a nice car makes an impression of success.  If it's my CPA's car- I want to see an older car in good shape and I don't care what model. 

[tskeeter]

Aug 28, 2013 14:47:40 GMT -5 Abby Normal said:

Aug 28, 2013 14:23:30 GMT -5 milee said:

So back to the original question - do you think it's important to drive the right level of car as a salesperson or company representative?  One of my good friends who is a good salesperson always said you want to drive a less than 3 year old spotlessly clean American sedan.  Doesn't offend anyone, new car says you're good at what you do but not overcharging.  What do you think?

It depends on the profession.  In most cases a nice car makes an impression of success.  If it's my CPA's car- I want to see an older car in good shape and I don't care what model. 

So my classic Rolls Silver Shadow wouldn't offend you?  It's older and my driver keeps it washed and waxed. 

[muttleynfelix]

Aug 28, 2013 14:33:41 GMT -5 midjd said:

So back to the original question - do you think it's important to drive the right level of car as a salesperson or company representative? One of my good friends who is a good salesperson always said you want to drive a less than 3 year old spotlessly clean American sedan. Doesn't offend anyone, new car says you're good at what you do but not overcharging. What do you think?

Seems reasonable.

My mom's boss owns an insurance agency and has a WCP-esque real estate empire on the side. He is likely a multi-multi millionaire.

He drives a 2011 Honda Accord. Past vehicles have included a GMC Jimmy, VW Passat, and a Chrysler 300. They are always in good condition, but definitely average-priced. His wife has driven the same GMC Yukon for the last 8-10 years. His philosophy is that people in a small, economically-depressed town don't want to see their insurance guy driving a $60K car. I definitely see his point, but I have to wonder how his wife feels when she sees one of his customers pull up in a Jag.

ETA - I also know that in this area (conservative, lots of older folks) there is still a huge segment of the population who is mortally offended by any car that isn't made by Ford/GM/Dodge... so that's probably also a consideration.

At my Grandma's funeral, there were only 2 "foreign" cars - our Nissan Murano and my dad's cousin's Rav-4.  It was weird. The only dealership in that town is Chevy, Buick, and Caddy and pretty much every local car was one of those 3 brands.  

Dh's cousin is a saleswoman and when she went car shopping she was very contentious of what her clientele would be receptive to. She ended up with a Chevy Sedan.

[Deleted]

I think it depends also on where you live.

One of my good friends who is a good salesperson always said you want to drive a less than 3 year old spotlessly clean American sedan. Doesn't offend anyone, new car says you're good at what you do but not overcharging.

You drive that around So. CA selling real estate and some people think you don't sell much.

[milee]

Aug 28, 2013 16:37:21 GMT -5 @bonnap said:

I think it depends also on where you live.

One of my good friends who is a good salesperson always said you want to drive a less than 3 year old spotlessly clean American sedan. Doesn't offend anyone, new car says you're good at what you do but not overcharging.

You drive that around So. CA selling real estate and some people think you don't sell much.

No joke.  A realtor around here that showed up with even a new mid-level American sedan would be viewed as a newbie.

[Phoenix84]

I don't know for sure, but I heard that some employers will even restrict what their employees drive.  I don't know if it's true or not, but it would be hard to imagine a banking executive going to work on a harley. 

I'm just glad I'm not in sales and don't have to project an "image."  Though maybe that's what I lack success in the dating world.  Maybe my 10 year old dented Corolla doesn't wow the ladies and make them think I'm "successful."

[kittensaver]

Aug 28, 2013 16:51:24 GMT -5 milee said:

Aug 28, 2013 16:37:21 GMT -5 @bonnap said:

I think it depends also on where you live.


You drive that around So. CA selling real estate and some people think you don't sell much.

No joke.  A realtor around here that showed up with even a new mid-level American sedan would be viewed as a newbie.

Tru dat! One does not drive a mid-level sedan (even a new one) when one is selling multi-million dollar properties in Beverly Hills, Malibu, Palos Verdes Estates, Bel Air, Hollywood Hills, Westwood/Brentwood, Pacific Palisades, Manhattan Beach . . . there is a different reality here

[Abby Normal]

Aug 28, 2013 17:03:13 GMT -5 Phoenix84 said:

I don't know for sure, but I heard that some employers will even restrict what their employees drive.  I don't know if it's true or not, but it would be hard to imagine a banking executive going to work on a harley. 

I'm just glad I'm not in sales and don't have to project an "image."

I'm sure some do.  If you work at a Chevy manufacturer, I can bet they wouldn't want you driving to work in a ford.

[kittensaver]

Aug 28, 2013 14:33:41 GMT -5 midjd said:

So back to the original question - do you think it's important to drive the right level of car as a salesperson or company representative? One of my good friends who is a good salesperson always said you want to drive a less than 3 year old spotlessly clean American sedan. Doesn't offend anyone, new car says you're good at what you do but not overcharging. What do you think?

Seems reasonable.

My mom's boss owns an insurance agency and has a WCP-esque real estate empire on the side. He is likely a multi-multi millionaire.

He drives a 2011 Honda Accord. Past vehicles have included a GMC Jimmy, VW Passat, and a Chrysler 300. They are always in good condition, but definitely average-priced. His wife has driven the same GMC Yukon for the last 8-10 years. His philosophy is that people in a small, economically-depressed town don't want to see their insurance guy driving a $60K car. I definitely see his point, but I have to wonder how his wife feels when she sees one of his customers pull up in a Jag.

ETA - I also know that in this area (conservative, lots of older folks) there is still a huge segment of the population who is mortally offended by any car that isn't made by Ford/GM/Dodge... so that's probably also a consideration.

The more things change the more they stay the same! I attended the wedding of a cousin in Ann Arbor back in the very early 80's, right when the first of several waves of massive layoffs were happening in the auto industry. I was politely warned in no. uncertain. terms. to be sure to rent ONLY an American car when I reached the airport. I was told that there had been "numerous" incidents around the area of non-American cars being vandalized and/or the drivers being verbally and physically acosted for driving a "foreign" car. "You are taking food out of someone's mouth when you drive a foreign car." Those folks took their industry downturn pretty seriously/deadly.

[bean29]

Well, I think your car and they way you dress matter, but your car should not be too extravagent and your dress should be in line with what your customers expect.

DH was driving an older BMW, customers did not seem to object now he is driving an Asian SUV (New) with vanity plates.

DH's company kind of pushes the sales people to dress in suit/tie but virtually none of DH's customers wear a suit and tie to work.  I really think they are more comfortable with DH in jeans and a golf shirt with the company logo on it.  DH's managers Acknowledge that what DH is doing with his customers is working so they have no intention of pushing him on some company guidelines that he does not follow to the letter.  DH's customer base is hispanic ESL, largely immigrant. 

The car is a concern... but I think his customers are fine with where he is at.  You don't want to be too flashy, but you also want to appear successful.  It is a balancing act.

My boss is also very wealthy and Drives an American SUV.  I think he aslo does not want to offend customers by appearing to wealthy but his house is also very conservative so it is true to his lifesyle.

[Sum Dum Gai]

You really can't go wrong with a mid level well maintained something. Unless you're in a super high end industry.

I recently had a couple HVAC guys come out to quote some work. First guy pulled up in a fully loaded crew crab truck that probably costs as much as a luxury sedan. His bid was around $6,500. Second guy came out in a generic Ford Explorer. His bid was just under $4,000. My framer was here at the time and said the second guy was recently named one of top 100 Hispanic business owners in the country. His company is far larger, and I'm sure he makes more than the first guy. He could drive anything.

[milee]

Aug 28, 2013 17:03:13 GMT -5 Phoenix84 said:

  I don't know if it's true or not, but it would be hard to imagine a banking executive going to work on a harley. 

There's some sort of exception for motorcycles.  For some reason, they're not only very acceptable but can even get one bonus points in many situations.  Several of the very high level CEOs I worked with over the years had Harleys and one was famous for his personal tank.  I'm not a big Harley fan, but for a while when I was a high level consultant (billing out at $300 - $400 an hour in the '90s, which was a respectable rate back then), I had a Ninja.  Clients loved it.  I still wore a regular business suit, but had dyed my hair red and carried in a helmet and motorcycle jacket.  Not only wasn't it an issue, but most clients wanted to talk about riding. 

[raeoflyte]

I'm in sales, but my clients come to me so my car isn't an issue thankfully.

Although somehow I earned bonus points with my motorcycle riding boss by driving a truck. I'm pretty sure I pointed to my 16 year old, beat to hell ford ranger and asked him if he meant that truck?

[tractor]

Cars are a funny thing. When I was a consultant, I bought a very used, but clean Volvo S80, I paid $8,000 for it. I loved that car. I had so many negative comments from my clients indicating that they were paying too much if I drive a nice car like that. I had to remind them that I paid less for it than they did for their new Chevy. After about two years I gave up and bought a $25,000 Chevy and the comments stopped.

I do something different with my life now, so I'm back looking for a 5-6 year old Audi/Mercedes to drive. I prefer to drive older, higher end cars that someone else has taken care of, then run them into the ground.

[Bob Ross]

Aug 28, 2013 14:23:30 GMT -5 milee said:

I looked out the window and noticed he drives a Mercedes convertible in very nice condition.  Not new but still a pricey car.  And - OK lightning may strike me, I'm not normally this judgy - but I briefly wondered just how much money boat detailing pays anyways.  Maybe that quote wasn't so reasonable?

Of course since then, I've thought a little more and know darn well that what a person drives isn't a true indicator of someone's financial condition.  It could have been a gift, it could be someone else's, he could be someone's boy toy, whatever.

How old was the car?

Many people think that luxury brand vehicles in good condition are always expensive, even if used. This is not true. Luxury vehicles tend to depreciate a lot, and you can often find a nice older one for cheaper than known reliable vehicles like generic Honda sedans and specialty vehicles like SUVs and trucks, because those are much more in demand and tend to depreciate less. For example, my car's sticker price was $44k in the late 90's, and I purchased it a few years ago for $5k with 65k miles on the odometer and in nice condition. Try doing that with a Honda.

As for the original question, I'd say it matters, depending on the profession. For the boat detailer, I'd consider it a very good sign that he drove a nice car in nice condition. If he drove a filthy rustbucket, that would make me wonder about his boat detailing skills.

[sheilaincali]

When I was working as an Interior Designer in So Cal I couldn't have gotten into half of the gated communities that I had appointments in without driving a decent car (Volvo SUV).  Even being on the list and having a scheduled appointment the guards would eye ball the car.  I went with the Volvo because it was understated enough that people didn't think I was overcharging, but sophisticated enough that they assumed I knew what I was doing.

That being said- Southern California was very car conscious.  I lived in a normal middle class neighborhood and there was a Mercedes or BMW in nearly every driveway.  Coming back to MN and it's a whole different lifestyle.  DH's coworker just got a lower end BMW sedan and they have been teasing her about being uppity for months now.  They'll park way far away from it and tell her their cars weren't worthy of being next to hers.  Good natured teasing and she teases them right back.  Heck- our local billionaire drives a plain old American sedan. 

Makes it funny with the Vikes do summer training here.  The locals will ask anyone driving a fancy vehicle for an autograph automatically assuming that they are a player or coach or something. 

In the construction industry in MN they view anyone that pulls up to a jobsite in a brand new crew cab truck as a newbie.  They figure this is his first big job and he spent all of his first payment on getting a fancy new truck.  It's a badge of pride to be driving an older truck with some serious miles on it.  When the Bossman's 8 year old truck finally wore out (had like 300,000 miles on it) and he bought a new one he got one in the exact same color and basic body style as his old one so fewer people would notice.  If someone comments on his new truck he brushes it off and changes the subject. 

[greeniis10]

In my industry this is a tough balance: if you drive something upscale some clients think you are over-charging them; if you drive something low end or older some clients think you aren't good at your job.  It's a tough balance and you can't please everyone.  Ultimately, my decision is based on my own finances first, with client opinions second.

Definitely a "know your audience" thing.  Depends on each industry as some are more high-profile than others.  I've learned over the years to never judge anyone by anything outward.  I'll see how they treat me and what the quality of their work or product is first.

[whoisjohngalt]

"I" don't trust people in expensive cars.  I don't think I can logically explain it, I just don't trust them.  It's like they don't take care of their monies, so they won't worry about  mine?  I don't know....

[Bob Ross]

Alls I know is that if I were a murderer and saw Swamp pull up in her bird crap and kid vomit encrusted minivan, I'd seriously wonder about her ability to get me off the hook.

[tskeeter]

Aug 29, 2013 9:27:05 GMT -5 Bob Ross said:

Aug 28, 2013 14:23:30 GMT -5 milee said:

I looked out the window and noticed he drives a Mercedes convertible in very nice condition.  Not new but still a pricey car.  And - OK lightning may strike me, I'm not normally this judgy - but I briefly wondered just how much money boat detailing pays anyways.  Maybe that quote wasn't so reasonable?

Of course since then, I've thought a little more and know darn well that what a person drives isn't a true indicator of someone's financial condition.  It could have been a gift, it could be someone else's, he could be someone's boy toy, whatever.

How old was the car?

Many people think that luxury brand vehicles in good condition are always expensive, even if used. This is not true. Luxury vehicles tend to depreciate a lot, and you can often find a nice older one for cheaper than known reliable vehicles like generic Honda sedans and specialty vehicles like SUVs and trucks, because those are much more in demand and tend to depreciate less. For example, my car's sticker price was $44k in the late 90's, and I purchased it a few years ago for $5k with 65k miles on the odometer and in nice condition. Try doing that with a Honda.

As for the original question, I'd say it matters, depending on the profession. For the boat detailer, I'd consider it a very good sign that he drove a nice car in nice condition. If he drove a filthy rustbucket, that would make me wonder about his boat detailing skills.

So right, Bob.  I remember giving a co-worker some grief about showing up with a vintage Porsche a few weeks after receiving his first bonus check.  He pointed out to me that the Porsche was much less expensive than a new, more pedestrian car.  He didn't have to tell me that it was more fun to dirve, too.  Way to go, Dave!

[Bob Ross]

Aug 29, 2013 17:18:06 GMT -5 tskeeter said:

So right, Bob.  I remember giving a co-worker some grief about showing up with a vintage Porsche a few weeks after receiving his first bonus check.  He pointed out to me that the Porsche was much less expensive than a new, more pedestrian car.  He didn't have to tell me that it was more fun to dirve, too.  Way to go, Dave!

The one thing to watch out for that I failed to mention is the maintenance.  A Porsche, as well as many older luxury models, are generally going to cost a lot to maintain, because the maintenance costs are reflected in the car's original price, and not what it's worth now.  Parts & labor tend to be more expensive for luxury models, and even more so for foreign luxury models. 

[tskeeter]

Aug 30, 2013 11:11:47 GMT -5 Bob Ross said:

Aug 29, 2013 17:18:06 GMT -5 tskeeter said:

So right, Bob.  I remember giving a co-worker some grief about showing up with a vintage Porsche a few weeks after receiving his first bonus check.  He pointed out to me that the Porsche was much less expensive than a new, more pedestrian car.  He didn't have to tell me that it was more fun to dirve, too.  Way to go, Dave!

The one thing to watch out for that I failed to mention is the maintenance.  A Porsche, as well as many older luxury models, are generally going to cost a lot to maintain, because the maintenance costs are reflected in the car's original price, and not what it's worth now.  Parts & labor tend to be more expensive for luxury models, and even more so for foreign luxury models. 

Yeah, but it's fun to drive!

[reader79]

Aug 29, 2013 13:45:26 GMT -5 Bob Ross said:

Alls I know is that if I were a murderer and saw Swamp pull up in her bird crap and kid vomit encrusted minivan, I'd seriously wonder about her ability to get me off the hook.

I would expect some sort of Benz for a lawyer. Even my parents strip mall lawyer has one. The finance guys I know all seem to compete with truck size. Yukon Denali XL, Suburban, etc. 

I did think it was weird that when I went to the Toyota dealership a few years back, my salesman took me over to the finance building in his C-Class. It screamed out that he didn't really believe in what he was selling. But I wasn't there to look at a Toyota anyway, so ehh.