Buying a new car can seem overwhelming. There’s a stereotype of pushy car dealers who are always out to make a quick buck, and many buyers are more nervous about interacting with honest salespeople than really makes sense. If you’re looking to buy a car and you are a little nervous, try to follow these tips for talking to salespeople when you are shopping for a new car.
Know What to Expect From a Car Dealership
One of the most important tips for talking to salespeople has to do with understanding the inner workings of a car dealership. A good dealership gives its salespeople a fair bit of leeway to make sales, but it also relies upon them to do their jobs in a way that’s going to ultimately benefit the dealership as a whole. As such, it’s important to remember that while many salespeople are friendly and do want to help you, their first duty is to their jobs and their company.
Come Armed With Knowledge
The best thing you can do is to go into the dealership with plenty of knowledge. You should not only know roughly what you want out of a vehicle, but what vehicles are in your price range as well as the promotions that the dealership has going on at the time. You don’t have to reveal all this knowledge at once, of course, but you need to make sure that you’re the person who is steering the shopping process.
Be Specific About Finances
If you’re not sure what you want, you need to be sure about what you can afford. Don’t look at things in terms of monthly payments. Instead, look at the final price. Tell your salesperson what you want and what the upper limit you are comfortable with will be. If they try to show you something that’s more expensive, remind them of your limits and ask to see something that’s more suitable.
Realize Who Has the Power
Finally, remember that you are ultimately the person who has the ability to make or break this deal. Don’t let the salesperson make you think that you’re on the lot begging for a car; instead, you’re a person who is looking to make a mutually beneficial deal. If at any point you feel like the deal isn’t favorable, you should feel comfortable walking away.
Working with a good salesperson can and should be a pleasant experience. Come in understanding what you want and what you can afford while still remembering that you can ultimately drive to another dealership if you can’t find what you need. If you can take control of the situation, you’ll be able to find a deal that works to benefit both you and the dealership.
Anita is a freelance writer from Denver, CO. She studied at Colorado State University and now enjoys writing about health, business, and family. A mother of two wonderful children, she loves traveling with her family whenever she isn’t writing. When you’re looking for a new car, she recommends checking out a Honda dealership or another dealership in your area. You can find her on Twitter @anitaginsburg.