Blk04cobra1

I love talking on these types of forums and hearing of people's experiences with other dealerships. It helps me in my career to understand people's perceptions before/after their purchase. My main question is, Why do I hear all this talk about discounts? Im not saying that you HAVE to pay sticker, but what is with this obsession that you should get a Mercedes at INVOICE or below? Im not that old, but can remember when buying a Mercedes was something and people didnt mind paying MSRP b/c they knew they were buying a quality product.

Anyways, this is not to bash anyone, im just curious as to where this trend is coming from. Im in the car business now and have been for a short time (less than 1 year) and know it's all about building relationships and giving a memorable experience at the dealership.

Jorg

I hear this about the USA, here in Canada that is not possible.

For example, the new C-Class is out. If you are lucky, you get $ 500.00 off the MSRP and we pay much more than our friends in the USA, to start with.

Why do the US dealership sell at invoice price and then put them on a waiting list?

The problem with that is too, that if anybody gets these cheap deals, everybody has to try, because when it comes to trade-in time the dealership tell you, you get very little, because we sold the car, years ago, at invoice price.

The dealerships have to make money too and profit is not a dirty word, they are a necessity. But I hear about a lot of funny charges, advertising fee, processing fees etc. Then many people lease and we all know, leases are a mine field. So do they get, in the end, such a hot deal? I like to audit some of these invoice price deals and see for myself. I think some of the poeple just kidd themselves and as long as they are happy that is all that matters.

Jorg

lkchris

Yesterday's Wall Street Journal listed the top 10 selling vehicles in USA based on time spent on dealer lot.

Tied for number 3 were Mercedes C-Class and Mercedes GL.

See also http://www.emercedesbenz.com/Nov07/0..._Increase.html

amdeutsch

:choke:

That went down the wrong pipe because of


2 sides of a coin. You can't tell me that when you go into a dealership that you wouldn't want the best price you can get. And here you are, on the other side of the fence, advocating that people should pay more. For your info; one can have a memorable experience and still satisfy both parties. Its called competition which also happens to be tied to location. New car sales make the least amount of profit for a dealership. Used cars and service is where they make the most. Its a free market. Live with it. Remember this? 90% of sales are done by 10%.

Jorg

Hi:

I see you are from Germany. As you know, as a whole, Germans pay a high price for their cars. Many of their products sell abroad for less than in the Fatherland.

Now that may have changed in the last while, but when I visited, I found that some cars were very expensive. So what does the sales person bring to the table if everybody buys at MSRP?

***************

I look at it a little bit differently. For me, a car ownership experience is buying, maintaining and trading it in. The dealership has many opportunities to either skin you alive or have a reasonable relationship. I think it is important to have a good relationship and to get treated well all the way.

What do you think?

Jorg

amdeutsch

No idea. My point is that its a job. If you can't live of what you are doing then maybe a career change is in order or your livestyle will have to change. $0.02

I'm cheap. But at the same token I take my car back to the dealer for service while in warranty. After that its fair game.

Timeless

Don't forget Britney just picked up an SL65...The appeal must still be there.

paulybagadonuts

People like to feel they are getting a good deal. It's human nature. Who wants to pay more than they have to?

Also years ago Mercedes was in a class by itself. Now everybody and their mother is selling "Luxury" Cars. Toyota, Honda, Nissan, everybody has an alternate brand and the prices are competetive. I for one am proud to own a Mercedes and feel privelaged to do so. It's only money.....