|
Making The Dealer An
Offer
by: Kevin Schappell
Before you make an offer you need to find a
dealer with the car you want. You have three options in doing this.
- Drive around all day and night searching
for a dealer who has the car you want.
- Spend countless hours online finding
local dealers who have websites. And THEN spend more time digging through
their websites to find your new car.
- Fill out a request form online and have
a dealer contact you if he or she has the car you are looking for. This
option alone can save you hours of your valuable time.
So you know what you want, you know what it
costs, and you where to find it, so how do you go about getting it? First and
foremost is getting into a negotiating frame of mind. Always remember you can
walk out at anytime and leave your offer on the table. Dealers want you to buy
right then and there. They play on your impulses and try to rush you into a
deal. Don't play their game; it's not the end of the world if you don't buy
right then and there.
Before leaving the house: When you go to
the dealer have all your research documents with you incase you have to review
anything. It's always nice to have supporting information when you are trying to
get the lowest price.
While at the dealer: Be calm and pleasant,
treat the salesperson with respect. He is a working stiff just like you. You
will get nowhere being arrogant because you know the true invoice pricing or
other details about the dealers pricing.
Making the offer: Explain to the salesman
that you have researched the dealer's invoice price and any incentives they get
from selling the car and you have calculated the price you are willing to pay.
How much over invoice should you offer? 4% - 6% has been a good number. I would
offer 4% over invoice if you trust the dealerships service department and plan
on getting your car serviced there. Why offer them less if you like their
service? Well they will end up making more money on your in the end by servicing
your car. Make sure you mention this to the salesman; it's a good bargaining
chip.
What next? Wait......... if they do not
take the deal, politely leave your name and phone number and go home. Better yet
go to another dealer and see if they are willing to take your offer. Remember
you can always go back and they can always call you when they realize you will
not be buying on impulse and really mean business. You have spent hours
researching, why throw that away buy getting nervous and signing a deal you do
not feel is fair.
|
About The Author
Kevin Schappell maintains http://www.carbuyersclub.com
where he gives advice on car maintenance, buying, selling, insurance,
and financing. A mechanical engineer and car guy, Kevin has decided to
spend his online time helping others learn about automobiles.
kevin@schappell.com
|
|