Overhaulin'

Femail buying a new car in a male dominated sales market?

Hi I am buying a new car, I know the type I want & spending quite a lot of hard earned money too, but in one showroom I visited the sales guy practically ignored me, was condescending towards me and spoke directly to my dad even though Im the one paying for it and Im an adult. Another place I went the only question I was asked was what colour would I like nothing about engine size or any similar particulars. I finally ordered the car from somewhere else and they told me to pick it up today HOWEVER I called only to find out its not there yet. Nobody was even going to call me to let me know! With salespeople reluctant to give me the cars technical specs, warrenty information unless I really push for it and treating me so badly I am beginning to wonder is it because Im femail or is it just bad salesmen? My brother never had this problem. Has anyone got any advice on the best way to approach buying a car as a femail in this male dominated world of car sales....? Thank you for all your really helpful answers, I really really appreciate it. Lots to consider when I visit again. x To the guy who corrected my spelling....It must be awesome being as perfect as you, Its a spelling mistake - get over it

Public Comments

1. it could be bad salesmanship or maybe they do not know the specs themselves (this part i know happens). the best thing to do is do your research online, get notes and use that when you are at the dealership. yahoo autos and klly blue book even list invoice prices so you know how much the dealer is paying for the vehicle.
2. Could be that you can't spell female correctly. It sound like your trying to mail a FE but I';m not sure what that is.
3. The information that you want first can be found here. http://www.nadaguides.com/home.aspx?l=1&w=28&p=0&f=5000&aid=80698&iid=58778&nozip=1 Then: Meet the salesperson or seller and write down his or her name. Look for the models you are most interested in. If asked how much you would like to spend, say, "it depends on the car." Do not be afraid to say that you are looking for cars at other places. Make an offer. It should be 15% to 20% below the maximum amount you would pay so that there is room to bargain. You may be asked about a trade-in or be urged to sign up for dealer financing. To both questions, say you are undecided. Your goal at this point is to get agreement on the car price. If the seller accepts your offer, you have a deal. The salesperson will then prepare a Buyer's Order or Purchase Agreement to be signed by you. Insist on a readable document, not a first draft. A preprinted form or computer-generated form may automatically charge you for things you have already refused so examine the contract before you sign. Check the purchase agreement for arithmetic errors, mistaken prices, extra charges, omissions, and blank spaces. Be sure that the information on the purchase agreement is consistent with the information in your notes. Get all verbal promises in writing. There is no three-day cooling off period for auto contracts so do not sign any automobile contract without understanding it. Your signature is legally binding.
4. Car sales persons for the most part are equal opportunity abusers. I call them frustrated horse theives. It is your car, your money, keep going to different places until you find someone who treats you like a valued customer. If they treat you badly, chances are if anything goes wrong you will not get satisfactory service either. good luck
5. Nah I don't blame you. They think we females don't know enough about cars and they think that they can rip us off because we wouldn't know better.
6. Yeah, I just think it was those particular sales people you dealt with who had attitudes. Not all of them are like that towards women. When my mom and I went car shopping a little over a year ago for her Toyota Avalon, we didn't have any sales people with attitudes; In fact it was the complete opposite. There were nice and accomadatiing, and they were men. Just as others stated though, do alot of research online for you can know all the specifics ahead of time before you go to the dealership.
7. Find a sales person you trust. I know that can be hard. I am a car sales person and I don't trust 90% of us : ) Feel free to ask me any questions about what you are buying and I will try and help you if you would like.
8. Having been involved in the retail end of the Automobile business for almost 30 years and having trained many Automobile Salespeople, I can tell you that the reason for the treatment you received comes down to the quality of the Salesperson. We just do not get the same quality of people applying for sales jobs that we got 20 years ago. Years ago auto showrooms were manned by professional salespeople who made a career of sales and were concerned about repeat business and referrals. We dressed in suits and ties, catered to our "prospects" and tried to maintain professionalism. Unfortunately today we see a much younger, less caring, sloppy group of applicants who are looking for a quick buck before they move on to another job. Every General Manager, Sales Manager and dealership owner knows how you feel and sympathizes with you. We are earnestly looking to change it. Frank Retired