Lauren Wants To Know

Over the past couple months, I have been working hard to get an insight into the car customer’s mind. I have posted questions, polls, read numerous comments, suggestions and stories, but it’s possible that I haven’t gotten to your question or concern about cars yet.

This project is about you. You make the “car world” go round. You are the reason we are here!

So, what do you most want to know about dealerships? Are there things I haven’t asked? Send me your burning questions and stories related to buying a car … cause I want to know! You can contact me via my contact page or simply comment on this post.

Let’s not leave anything out!

What NOT to do!!!

What a winter! This past December, a winter storm set a record in Kansas City and with all the snow on the ground, it’s a hassle to even leave home.

I think I actually stayed inside three days in a row … not once stepping foot outside. To say the least, I have seen every Blockbuster hit out there!

But sometimes you have to venture out. Here are some tips for driving your car in the winter wonderland.

• Drive slow! Big shocker … but rapid movements lead to skids and loss of control. Even you, big four-wheel drive SUVs!
• Remember — in the snow — the tires are just barely grabbing the road.
• Clean off your car — you need to see to drive!
• If you have AWD use it! If not, front-wheel drive will do.
• Snow tires: If you can’t afford four, two is better than none.
• When looking to buy a new vehicle, anti-lock brakes and vehicle stability control are good things to keep in mind during the snow season.

Here’s a quote I read somewhere : “Drive as if there were eggs on the bottoms of you feet. Step on the gas and brake pedals so gently that you don’t break the eggshell.”

Have you had any close calls on the road this winter? If so … share your tips for winter driving.

The Attack of the Salesmen

Okay … here’s your chance to influence the process of buying a car. If you could change one aspect, one thing, one step about the car buying process, what would that be?

Is it the amount of time spent in the finance office? Is it to install the no-haggle policy at all stores? Is it to get rid of plaid pants and greased back hair?

Think long and hard about this because here’s the thing: The whole purpose behind this project is to find out what you think and take those suggestions back to the McCarthy dealerships. For the past (almost) 2 months, I have been asking questions and posting polls. I truthfully want to know how to do business better … as the saying goes, ‘help me help you.’

So tell me what you would change about the car buying process?

Morgan Hotze, Hyundai Business Coordinator

As promised, here is round two on my search to gain some insight inside the dealership. I have gone around to the 6 McCarthy locations asking some questions to women employees in hopes of getting some insight about women and dealerships. Here’s what these women had to say.

Q. Do you think you have any disadvantages being a woman in the car business?

Gretchen Jammiggeh, Sales Associate at McCarthy Chevrolet: “I have to be the best at what I do to compete with my male counterparts. My product knowledge, listening skills, and customer service skills allow me to listen to the customers concerns, wants and needs and land them on the proper vehicle.”

Mimi Srivisay, Used Car Assistant Manager: “Not any different from a male associate – just maybe a change of face and personality.”

Susie Self, Service Manager at McCarthy Blue Springs Nissan: “I have no negative comments or feelings towards being a women in the car dealership.”

Jammiggeh: “Sometimes it hurts you because they assume you don’t know the product as well as a man. And we know that’s just not true!”

Q. Do you help more men or women?

Srivisay : “Probably help more men.”

Jammiggeh: “I would love to say that I help more women. But, I help more men customers. There just seems to be more men that shop for cars.”

Self: “I focus entirely on my customers.”

Q. What are women looking for when they buy a car?

Jammiggeh: “Safety, security and reliability. And they want the best value for their money.”

Srivisay: “Women are broader-minded … thinking about space for family and options suitable on a car.”

Q. Have you had any interesting stories about being a woman in the car business?

Jammiggeh: “Yes, I had a male customer come in looking for a salesman. He wanted to look at a truck. I told him that I could help him with that. You could see that he was resistant. But after looking at the trucks and answering all of his questions and concerns, he purchased the truck from me. He also expressed to me how impressed he was of my knowledge of trucks. He did not expect it from a woman.”

Q. Would you recommend working in the car business to other women?

Jammiggeh: “I love my job! I find it exciting and very challenging. But, it does require a lot of time and dedication to it. So, if you have a family, it sometimes can be hard to create a balance between family and career … but I manage.”

Self: “I have a lot of energy – a big personality – I wouldn’t be able to work in an office. I need to be in the public, with people. My customers always have a big smile on their face when they leave.”

So guys and gals … do you agree of disagree with what these female employees are saying?

If you havn’t seen it yet, check out the first part of my interviews with McCarthy’s women employees.

Heather Benedict, Sales Associate at McCarthy Hyundai in Olathe