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As clear as mud

Guest post by: Trent Leyshan

Article Overview: I was recently car shopping for a 4WD for my partner, Kellie. Looking for a good deal we went into two competing dealers situated near each other. The first was a KIA dealer and the second, Holden. With less than a kilometre separating the two yards, my experience between them dealers could not have been further apart.

As clear as mud

I was recently car shopping for a 4WD for my partner, Kellie.

Looking for a good deal we went into two competing dealers situated near each other. The first was a KIA dealer and the second, Holden. With less than a kilometre separating the two yards, my experience between them dealers could not have been further apart.

Let me start with Holden. My partner and I armed with our two young kids entered the lot. We went inside the showroom to find a salesperson to speak with. The showroom wasn't that busy, but there were a few people floating around distracted and not paying us much attention.

The friendly receptionist asked if were needed help and pointed us in the direction of a salesperson. Michael then approached and gave us a raise of the eyebrows an expectant shrug, as if to say, ‘can I help you?' I introduced myself and asked about their 4WD range. He grabbed a brochure and then led us out to a model that fitted my description. Not paying any attention to Kellie or the tin-lids.

He then asked me, "What do you want to know?" in a you tell me kind of tone. I thought, my God! this is like pulling teeth talking to this guy. After a brief tour inside and out which wasn't detailed or memorable, we then headed back to Michaels office and sat down.

He proceeded to ask me when I wanted to buy? I responded sarcastically, "How about you give me a price first?" He gave me a glazed over stare and with a poker face replied, "Well that depends when you want to buy?" We do have advertised prices, but they are not the real prices. He proceeded, "Do you want to buy today?" I responded, "I want to know the price first" in an ironic tone. He said if you want the best price, come back when you're ready to buy."

I then sat there with my eyes now also glazed over in disbelief. At this stage, Kellie my partner, chimed in with. I've heard enough, this guy is hard work, let's go. And so we did, but not before I attempted to provide Michael with some sage sales advice, to which he acerbically dismissed.

Thirty minutes earlier, I met Kate from KIA, a middle aged and very engaging lady. She approached us in the yard with a big smile and greeting for not only me but Kellie and my two kids. She enthusiastically showed us the different models that fitted my family needs. She even helped my son into a seat so he could get involved. She highlighted the five-star safely rating that no doubt is the most important feature for a young family.

She was very open and transparent, in fact trotting inside to photocopy a printout for us with a full pricing breakdown. She asked for my email address to keep my up to date and to follow up. To which I respectfully declined.

There is no need to follow me-up; Kate's already won my business.

We haven't purchased the car yet, but when we do we are heading straight to Kate at Kia Werribee. Good on you Kate, keep out the great work. As for Michael at Holden, he should pop down and see Kate at Kia around the corner, I'm sure he would benefit as would Holden's future customers.

There is a lot to be said for transparency in business. Not only does it build trust it demonstrates you believe if what you sell and the price at which you sell it. I'm not interested in playing poker with sleazy salespeople like Michael. I want to buy from a person who treats me as a friend like Kate.

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