Ok. Decision time. Why go to a dealership like Frank Brown GMC Honda? Or to any dealership? Were they prompt in responding to your request via the Internet? Did they answer your questions? Were they courteous and respectful of your needs? Did they try and pressure you in anyway? If you answered "no" to any of the first 3 questions or yes to the last, then perhaps they're not the dealership to go to. But if you answered "yes" to the first 3 and "no" to the last, then you're on the right track.
Time to talk to your salesman. Your salesman will schedule an appointment that is convenient for you. You want to make sure you have enough time to ask any questions, review the dealership's current in-stock inventory and test drive the vehicle or vehicles you are most interested in because sometimes that blue SUV isn't quite the blue you thought it was or leather feels better than the fabric you originally wanted. Having enough time to spend with a professional at the dealership goes along way in helping you choose the vehicle you want.
At the dealership your salesman will do what is called a "walk around." This is where he or she will describe features & benefits about the vehicle or vehicles you're interested in, starting from the exterior and finishing up in the interior. It gives you a chance to become more familiar with each vehicle and what it has to offer.
You've looked at the inventory, been through a walk around or perhaps more than one and now it's time to test drive. This is so much fun! Your salesman drives the vehicle first. This really is a good idea. Not only will he or she have a safe route for you to drive but it gives you time to review all the operating functions of the vheicle. You'll be more relaxed and ready to take over the test drive from your salesman.
The test drive is not only fun but informative. Perhaps you test drove more than one vehicle in the dealership's inventory so you could compare each from a driver's standpoint. Decision time again. I've found that it's usally an easy choice once you've driven the vehicle or vehicles you're interested in. Now all you have to do is tell your salesman and go to his or her desk to do your paperwork.
Going to the salesman's desk is a good thing. It means you 've made a decision concerning the vehicle you want to purchase and are ready to start that process. As an Internet customer your salesman has much of the information he or she needs to move along the process fairly rapidly. And in many cases, should you have recieved pricing on the vehicle you want to purchase and submitted your Credit Application via secure link to the dealership much of the work is already done. Easier and faster is always good!
However, if you haven't that's not a problem because your salesman will work with his or her Sales Manager in providing you with not only the most competitve price on your vehicle but will prepare all the necessary paperwork, including your Credit Application.
Paperwork all done. Smile on your face. Time to go to Finance. There are no surprises here. Your financing is completely transparent, yet is completely private. All information concerning your loan is covered during this time and any opportunities such as adding an extended service aggreement, insurance needs or any other additional protection for your new vehicle will be offered. It is your chance to ask questions and make choices about your purchase.
Once all paperwork is completed your Business Manager will paige your salesman and he or she will meet you at the Finance office. While you've been busy completing your paperwork your salesman has been busy preparing your new vehicle for delivery. At "delivery" your salesman has had your new vehicle properly detailed (washed & waxed), organized all of your warranty & information booklets and has attached your temporary license tag. Your metal license tag will be sent directly from the County Courthouse to the dealership and your salesman will contact you.
The delivery is also about reviewing and answering any and all questions concerning your new vehicle. New vehicles today are very sosphicated and you should take the time to allow your salesman to do a thorough delivery. You deserve nothing less!
And don't forget the dealership's Service & Parts Department. Have your salesman walk you through both Service & Parts. Since this is where you'll be bringing your new vehicle to be serviced you'll want to know how appointments work, where to go and meet some new friendly faces. It's worth the extra time.
Ok. That's about it. Now go and enjoy that new vehicle! You know, that one you bought using the Internet!
Tuesday, September 7, 2010
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
How To Buy A Car Using The Internet
I've always wondered why buying a car seemed so hard. I'm not sure if it's because we're scared of all the things you have to do (processes) or perhaps the money (oh yeah) or the people (strangers) you deal with or any of these or all of them. I just know that it both exciting and scary when you do.
Now with the internet, you can do most of it online without ever having to go to a dealership or talk to a salesman. In fact, you could avoid seeing anyone and just go through all the processes online. Sounds pretty cool but for me I like to see the car, touch it, feel it and drive it. I haven't found anyone yet that will leave the keys in the car for me to test drive when they're closed, so somewhere along the line I have to talk to a real live person. That in itself can be scary.
First, do your homework. You probably have some idea about what you want. Or not. Maybe a family car, SUV, truck, minivan or whatever fits your lifestyle at the time and budget. Budget (what you can really afford) is a big consideration and should always be at the top of your list. Think before you shop.
This is where the fun begins! Now that you're familiar with what's available and have narrowed down what you may want to buy, shopping the dealership is a good idea. For example frankbrownhonda.com or frankbrowngmc.com gives you instant access to current inventories (what they have available), any financing (how you can finance your car) and any sales (what they're offering) on the vehicles they carry and who knows, that one special car or truck you're interested in may be there waiting for you!
Here's the easy part. Once you're at the dealer's website, you can request a quote (pricing on a vehicle) and or any information that is important to you. There will be a place for you to click on, for example Contact US or Email. It will go straight to the Internet Manager and if he or she is like me, it will go to both their pc and Blackberry. This way you get a response back immediately rather than 6 weeks later! Remember, if it's 2:30am in the morning or a Sunday afternoon, you'll probably get an auto-responder (a response that automatically comes back to you during non-business hours).
Once you've sent a request the dealership there will be an attempt to contact you. An Internet Specialist will email or call or both. This is a good thing. He or she is interested in helping you and will want to answer any additional questions you may have as well as wanting to schedule an appointment at your convenience. Remember the see it, touch it, feel it and drive it comment I made? This is your chance to make your own decision about the vehicle you've chosen. Is it the right one, the right color, the right size, the right price that fits your budget? You may find that you'll change your mind and choose an entirely different vehicle or color. Buying a new car is so much fun! Because you're in control!
Coming soon! The rest of the story: Going to the right dealership!
Labels: How To Buy A Car Using The Internet
Now with the internet, you can do most of it online without ever having to go to a dealership or talk to a salesman. In fact, you could avoid seeing anyone and just go through all the processes online. Sounds pretty cool but for me I like to see the car, touch it, feel it and drive it. I haven't found anyone yet that will leave the keys in the car for me to test drive when they're closed, so somewhere along the line I have to talk to a real live person. That in itself can be scary.
First, do your homework. You probably have some idea about what you want. Or not. Maybe a family car, SUV, truck, minivan or whatever fits your lifestyle at the time and budget. Budget (what you can really afford) is a big consideration and should always be at the top of your list. Think before you shop.
I'm going to assume most everyone has a PC or has access to one. If not, I apologize and you can always call me, at 1-806-796-7777 ext. 262 for the non-pc version of this blog. That said, a good place to start if you're shopping for a new car is at the manufacturers website. For example, this could be Honda.com or GMC.com. It's a good place to start because you can review all available models, colors, trim levels, as well as pricing. The more homework you do, the closer you get to choosing the right car or truck.
This is where the fun begins! Now that you're familiar with what's available and have narrowed down what you may want to buy, shopping the dealership is a good idea. For example frankbrownhonda.com or frankbrowngmc.com gives you instant access to current inventories (what they have available), any financing (how you can finance your car) and any sales (what they're offering) on the vehicles they carry and who knows, that one special car or truck you're interested in may be there waiting for you!
Here's the easy part. Once you're at the dealer's website, you can request a quote (pricing on a vehicle) and or any information that is important to you. There will be a place for you to click on, for example Contact US or Email. It will go straight to the Internet Manager and if he or she is like me, it will go to both their pc and Blackberry. This way you get a response back immediately rather than 6 weeks later! Remember, if it's 2:30am in the morning or a Sunday afternoon, you'll probably get an auto-responder (a response that automatically comes back to you during non-business hours).
Once you've sent a request the dealership there will be an attempt to contact you. An Internet Specialist will email or call or both. This is a good thing. He or she is interested in helping you and will want to answer any additional questions you may have as well as wanting to schedule an appointment at your convenience. Remember the see it, touch it, feel it and drive it comment I made? This is your chance to make your own decision about the vehicle you've chosen. Is it the right one, the right color, the right size, the right price that fits your budget? You may find that you'll change your mind and choose an entirely different vehicle or color. Buying a new car is so much fun! Because you're in control!
Coming soon! The rest of the story: Going to the right dealership!
Labels: How To Buy A Car Using The Internet
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