I am a general manager @ an Audi dealership and obviously was a salesman at one time. I'd do some research on the dealership before accepting a position.How long has the place been in business? Has it switched owners over the years? Are they a highway mentality dealership (wam bamn thank you mam) or a familyrun organization which usually tends to believe in relationship building between clients and employees/store. Just google the dealership name and you should beable to get some reviews. I would try and avoid a highway store as it can be a really displeasurable experience. Customers coming in flipping out because ofshady tactics, taking advantage of first time buyers, etc. If you work at the right dealership, you can really build a great career as I did.
Id also recommend finding out the following when it comes to payplan. Do they provide a demo vehicle? What percentage of profit are you paid? Do you get paidon backend profit? (aftersale items and finance profit) Is there monthly volume bonus? Is there a CSI (customer satisfaction bonus) bonus?
In terms of what to tell the person interviewing them. You want to come across as people person. Someone who is willing to network and bring in your ownbusiness (friends, relatives, etc) and not expecting to live only off of the floor traffic the dealership provides, and let them know you want a career, notjust a job.
If you are the right type of person, you can make a very very good living in the car business. Its not for everyone but if you take the time to master yourcraft, treat people right which will get you referrals and repeat business, its a great opportunity. I have a sales staff of 8 people and they earn anywherefrom 70k to 130k per year.
