Here's what I would like to see and hear when I roll up on any car lot. Salesman: Can I help you? If the answer from me is, “I am just looking.”  Go away. Reason: I know where to find you. Don't pester or lurk in the shadows. If the answer from me is, “I am looking to buy a car.” Great. Don't say, “What do you want your monthly payment to be?” Reason: I can read the price sticker, I know what I can afford.” Don't say, “How are you financing this car? Reason: Price and financing are separate. Don't say, “Are you looking to buy today.” Reason: It's rude. Most people don't venture onto car lots because they're bored. It's a process and one that takes time. We're not buying a shirt or a pair of pants. It's vehicle worth thousands of dollars/Marc Stewart. (in response to comment by Scott Golembiewski who works with car dealers to improve customer buying experience.) More below.

Question: What would it take to get you to buy a vehicle at a car dealership?

The salesperson should say, “What kind of car are you looking for?

Once that's established, the next thing the salesperson should offer, is “would you like to test drive a few of our cars to make a comparsion.”

After the test drives, if I say, “I need to think it over or talk with my wife.”
Let me think it over, let me talk to my wife. Please give me a card and walk away.

Don't say, “I think you're wasting my time or you're not ready to pull the trigger,” I had a salesman actually say this to me.

If I say, “I am interested in X, let's talk price.”

Let the negotiating on price begin. Let me make an offer.This counter offer can include dealer financing options — which I might want to consider.

Then let me leave.I will send a send you an email with the counter offer, and so on.

I refuse to be stuck in some room while the salesman goes back to watch the football game for hours.

Then once the price is settled. Deliver the car as promised with no hidden fees like advertising or delivery. Don't try and tack on an extra grand at the 11th hour.

---

---