Lauren Wants To Know

Giving my girls a little pep talk!

It’s almost the new year! And seeing that it is one of the most popular purchase times for car buyers, I thought a pep talk was in order.

Think about your sweet sixteen! Quite a milestone in your life, huh? After completing and passing that driver’s test … and being handed the keys to your freedom.  I want you to remember the way you felt during that time in your life. You should have that feeling every time you make such an important buying decision.

It’s not about entitlement – it’s about empowerment. Feeling empowered to make the best decision for you and your family. Feeling empowered to ENJOY this experience, not dread it. Most of all, feeling empowered that you are purchasing a new car with confidence, independence and excitement. You’re buying an automobile! It should be fun!

So … in case you need some back-up while you’re looking for a new car, here are some tips for you first time car buyers out there.

And if you’re thinking about buying or leasing a car and need a one-on-one pep talk, come on in …I can be very motivating to ensure you have a great experience. I do coach girls basketball, after all!

All right, back to the basics today. I’ve got a couple of simple questions that may give me some insight into making the car buying experience great for every person that walks in our door. So tell me:

1. Where did you buy your last car?

2. Why did you decide to buy there?

and

3. What was the experience like?

Don’t be afraid to share your real thoughts and concerns. If it was great, tell me about it. If it was not great, tell me about it.

I wanna know why people choose a certain dealership or buyer … is it based solely on price, selection, location, reputation or experience? Or, is it a combination of it all?

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

Mimi Srivisay

I’ve gone around to the 6 McCarthy locations asking female employees to answer some simple questions. I wanted to interview these women, in hopes of getting a better understanding (beside my own) of working in the male-dominated work environment of a car dealership. I wanted to gain some insight to the advantages and disadvantages these women face day in and day out.

I have asked women of all different job descriptions and titles and with job longevity. I think these women have a unique perspective on the car business … as do the men working beside them! So let’s hear what they have to say!

Q.  Do you think women prefer a female salesperson?

Gretchen Jammiggeh, Sales Associate at McCarthy Chevrolet: “Yes, because women feel that I can relate and identify with them. And that makes them feel more comfortable with the car buying experience.”

Versa Larrick, receptionist for McCarthy Auto Group: “No, I think women feel more comfortable dealing with men – women intimidate other women; especially when talking about vehicles.”

Mimi Srivisay, Used Car Assistant Manager: “Probably feel more comfortable with a woman associate because they may not feel as pressured.”

Q.  Do you think women and men want the same out of the car-buying experience?

Jammiggeh: “Women car buyers motives are a little different. They are more concerned with their families needs; safety, security and reliability. They are the same when it comes to brands.”

Srivisay: “Women focus on appearance of the car, options … versatility of car .. whereas men focus on muscle/power and options of a car.”

Larrick: “More direct … want to be dealt with here and now … men as well as women, want to be told the truth.”

Q. Being a woman, do you think you have any advantages or special skills when dealing with female customers?

Jammiggeh: “As a woman, a unique skill that I use is to be a very good listener. And I have a great knowledge when it comes to products, features and benefits.”

Srivisay: “Organizational skills, team effort and strong work ethic…”

Larrick: “Must be more knowledgeable about everything, but softer and with a sense of humor.”

So, ladies (and gentlemen, of course) … do you agree or disagree with what these women have said? Also, if you haven’t't seen it yet – check out what the rest of KC said about how women are treated in the dealership.

Next round of Q & A’s will be coming up … Stay Tuned!

Gretchen Jammiggeh