Lauren Wants To Know

When it comes to stereotyping a car salesman, I think it is important for consumers to understand and see a different side to the people behind the bad plaid pants and slicked-back hair. We’re not all bad guys.

So I decided to do a quick interview with one of my favorites sales associates from McCarthy Chevrolet. His name? Jamie Harrigan. Jamie has been working at McCarthy for around 5 years and is passionate about selling cars.

Listen to Jamie talk about what he wishes customers would ask when they come into the dealership and give other insider insight in his video interview:

I look forward to introducing you to more of the staff from all stores. But get ready … we have a lot of characters here in the McCarthy organization. Most importantly, a lot of great, hardworking men and women who are passionate about what they do.

Do you have a question for our sales staff?

How do you like to be approached when you walk into a dealership? That was the question of the week! And the overwhelming response came was for the first option: “I like to be left alone, but an employee is easy to fine when I need help.”

It seems that consumers would like to cruise the lot on their own, but have the comfort of a salesperson in arms distance. Seems fair and reasonable. However, nearly 20 percent of voters chose to have immediate help from an employee, whereas only 2 voters chose to be completely left alone.

So I guess it’s different for everyone. A friend from Facebook came up with a generic approach for approaching customers. Just say “Welcome to _________. My name is _________.” And then let the customer know they are here to help. It seems like a fairly standard and non-confrontational greeting!

“I approach in a friendly and non-combative way. The customer will tell you what they want … if you just listen. It’s a listening approach,” said Pres Taylor of McCarthy Chevrolet.

Do you have any other tips or advice on how to approach our customers?