Consumers have an adversarial attitude towards car dealers, and I can’t say blame them. The retail auto industry has done so many things to create an atmosphere of confusion and intimidation that many car buyers understandably dread the buying experience. Not only do some dealerships encourage their sales staff to engage in dishonest tactics to fleece customers, many have proven themselves to be sexist as well. I always wondered how the salesmen for those particular dealerships came home at night and looked their wives or daughters in the eye.
Being a dealer myself, I have encountered the best and worst that the business has to offer. While my turnover is quite low compared to most, I have hired sales associates with prior experience over the years. I have also fired more than a few of these “professionals” within a week of hiring them. Why, you ask? I don’t mean to sound trite, but I do business by the golden rule. As a result, I won’t tolerate dishonesty on the part of my sales staff or the condescending attitude that I notice many dealers and salespeople take toward their customers. I also refuse to use the dubious tactics that...