Dealers are really not that bad.  They’re like everyone else… out there trying to make a buck.  They have families, bills, and have to deal with the stress of trying to ‘make it work’ just like you and me.

You always hear the horror stories about what dealers have done to people. But the opposite can’t be said as the focus is barely on a dealer’s misfortune up until recently.

After surveying Oregon dealers*, it was found that working with the public is more nightmarish than one would think. A dealer in Newberg, OR shuddered as he recalled taking a test drive with an elderly gentleman behind the wheel. He’s still wondering how a semi-truck on the road barely missed them on the highway when the gentleman neglected to yield.

Along with the tales of auto thieves taking advantage of lots without video surveillance, and discovering “lemon” trade-ins after contracts were signed, are the stories about betrayal and time wasted. It’s common for a dealer to have a promising customer go to a different dealership and buy the exact same car the original salesperson was saving for them. Sales-people at luxury car dealerships often deal with people who are there to simply drive a fancy car.

Contrary to popular belief, dealers aren’t always trying to work people over. They’re just at work, and have some crummy days like the rest of us.

- – -

Content contributor:  Flora-Richards-Gustafson

*Dealer names and places of business undisclosed to protect their privacy.