Do you only get two phone calls a day? (One is from your mom and the other is an automated message from your bank.) Feel like you need to enliven your popularity status? Then, start looking for a new car. That's right folks, your social life will be rockin' and your phone will be ringing off the hook!
I spent a good amount of time looking for a new vehicle, while I was in Arizona for the week. After calling, visiting, and test driving at a handful of dealerships, I became the coolest girl on the block. Sales folks will do anything to try and flatter you in their sheer effort to wheel and deal. Overall, I was surprised with how friendly sales folks can be. It was an entertaining and exhausting experience, but mission accomplished and I got a new car. Here's a recap of my top five favorite sales tactics from the last week.
Top 5 Car Salesmen/women Tactics:
They guess your age: "How old are you? Are you old enough to test drive this car?" Unless I entered a time warp...yes. After telling the salesman my age, he was quite embarrassed. "Gee, there's no way you're that old. You look so young!"
They leave tender messages on your voicemail: "Tahlea, what up girl? This is Chris at such 'n such dealership and just calling to see when you plan to swing by and check out that CR-V."
They offer you a sneak peak at a luxury car: "Tahlea, just calling to see if you'd like to come in and test drive a new Lexus IS." Sure, if you make me a deal I can't refuse....and throw in a bike rack. Can't fit a bike in a Lexus IS...I don't think.
They share their life story from the most recent arguments with their wife to their tender love for canaries, then ask you to share something about yourself. Really they're searching for common ground, trying to break down the "I don't like talking to car salesmen" barrier, and build a trusted, friendly relationship...not gonna work while I'm shopping for a car.
Through the negotiating process, you will hear a familiar phrase..."let me talk to my manager"...over and over and over again. Ah, yes the car buying process will never change. Sitting, waiting, and hoping they'll stop their unsuccessful sales tactics and just give you the deal you want.
Well, after firmly explaining, I'm not buying this car tonight, I'm not an impulse buyer, give me the deal I want!, I got it. Yea! They even let me take the car home for the night, before I decided if I really wanted it (another sales tactic). So, what did I get? A Conventional Roundabout Vehicle (or Compact Recreational Vehicle)!
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| Goodbye Grand Prix, Hello CR-V! |
I ended up going to Bryce Canyon again on my way back to SLC to rescue a friend from a weekend of cold weather camping. Gave me a great opportunity to take another picture with my updated ride....happy trails!
What's so cool about Google? It seems like they get their hands into any and everything these days. Even two wheel cruisers. That's right folks. Google has some snazzy bikes! They may not be your top of the line road racers, but they are cute and colorful. That's got to qualify for something. These stylish little bikes come equipped with brake pedals, the original Google rainbow color scheme, and a basket that can cart around your MacBook, business portfolio, and pomeranian named Shnooks. 
Actually, these bikes are used by employees to get around the Google campus in Mountain View, CA. The bikes are scattered throughout to cut down on employees having to drive their car to and from different buildings. 
