There are many places in the greater Kansas City area to purchase a vehicle. I'm fortunate to be working for Hendrick Toyota of Merriam, Ks. part of the Hendrick Motor Sports group. Our owner Rick Hendricks is a great owner with unbelievably strong ethics. Treat your customer like you would want to be treated.
We're not always the cheapest but we are the most competitive. Considering everything we offer with our new cars including Nationwide Lifetime Powertrain Limited Warranty and Toyota Care. On most of our used Toyotas we have our Certified Warranties. These warranties are sometimes overlooked but it is something every buyer should be aware of, we give more bang for the buck.
All of the salespeople work together as a team whether it's new or used, we can all help you. If we're busy when you come in, one of the other sales people will gladly jump in to help out.
Even those clients that have had slight credit problems and have low scores receive the same service as those with scores over 800.
I'm fairly certain that we probably have the largest inventory of both New and Used cars in the whole state and beyond. If we don't have what you are looking for. we'll find it and get it in here.
I actually started writing this as a short piece but once I got into it I couldn't resist our Hendrick commercial.
My past "Ronnie's Speed Shop" business is becoming a conversation with my customers once they sit at my desk and see the old photos and my T shirt which has become a VINTAGE shirt. Would you believe I've been away from that business since the middle 70s and people come bye just to purchase a shirt, unbelievable.
I still make an attempt to recognize different accents and do a pretty decent job of saying "Hello, Thank You and Goodbye" in about 15 languages. it may not always be right but it almost always creates a smile. It also eases any tensions there might be between us.
As the Almighty told me many years ago, "Try to make people smile everyday of my life" and I have heeded his command and not only try but actually deliver. Watching a person smile after something I've said, makes my day. If they should also purchase a car, it makes a better day.
I love working with happy people, it makes my day a lot more fun and at my age, everyday I'm upright is fun.
In a few weeks my grandson and his wife are expecting their third child and my 7th great grandson. We're also celebrating his 34th and my 78th birthday. Thank goodness my mental and physical age do not co-inside. I feel my age but refuse to act like an old man. I believe I'm blessed that I'm still able to work. I'm moving a little slower these days, but I'm still moving.
After receiving shots in my back and knee this bionic old fart continues to move. After visiting my 3 main Doctors recently they all said "Keep doing what you're doing" if I could only remember what I'm doing.
It has to be the problem with my internal CD Rom. I can remember what I did with my Dad over 60 years ago at a particular sporting event but ask me what I had for lunch and it might take awhile.
My manager just walked bye and asked what I was doing so I guess I better get back to work, till next time. Ron
Wednesday, May 8, 2013
Friday, March 8, 2013
FINALLY MADE IT!
It took about three years but after anxiously waiting, my membership was approved.
I'm now an official ROMEO. The Romeos are an eating and social club made up of mostly retired older men. The letters stand for Retired Old Mens Eating Organization. The membership has over 120 and about an average of 80-90 at each luncheon that is held at 4 or 5 different locations in the South part of town.
They feature a speaker at each luncheon that is usually very informative and entertaining. In fact, I spoke at one of the meetings about a year ago talking about my book "Making Happy". Those that stayed awake enjoyed my presentation.
There are two things that happen when speaking to a group of mostly 75 and over men. After eating a good meal it's hard to stay awake and if the microphone is not set to high, many can't hear what's being said.
It's a fun group, I'm glad I'm now a member after attending as a guest for the past few years, I'm now legitimate.
Because of my work schedule I won't be able to attend everyweek but I'll attempt to make the majority. I hate to miss a good meal and spend time with a bunch of really nice guys.
I'm now an official ROMEO. The Romeos are an eating and social club made up of mostly retired older men. The letters stand for Retired Old Mens Eating Organization. The membership has over 120 and about an average of 80-90 at each luncheon that is held at 4 or 5 different locations in the South part of town.
They feature a speaker at each luncheon that is usually very informative and entertaining. In fact, I spoke at one of the meetings about a year ago talking about my book "Making Happy". Those that stayed awake enjoyed my presentation.
There are two things that happen when speaking to a group of mostly 75 and over men. After eating a good meal it's hard to stay awake and if the microphone is not set to high, many can't hear what's being said.
It's a fun group, I'm glad I'm now a member after attending as a guest for the past few years, I'm now legitimate.
Because of my work schedule I won't be able to attend everyweek but I'll attempt to make the majority. I hate to miss a good meal and spend time with a bunch of really nice guys.
Friday, February 22, 2013
THE BIG STORM
Thursday morning we woke up early to check on the big storm that was to arrive . At 6am almost on the dot, the snow began falling. I told my wife that I was going to get an early start so I could get to work before the snow had a chance to accumulate.
"Don't go" she said. "Nobody is going to come out on a day like this." Naturally I didn't listen to her and started out. I thought to myself that if I stayed on the main streets I would be OK. By the time I left our apartment complex it was snowing so hard you couldn't see beyond 20 feet in front of you and the streets had not been spread with salt so driving was already a little slick.
But I thought that if I drove carefully and kept a safe distance between me and the car in front, I would be alright. What I should have done after traveling about a mile, was to turn around but no, I was going to work.
I continued down Metcalf Ave, heading North and traffic was moving slow but steady. Traffic started bunching up about 79th street where there is about a 10 or 15% incline. I hoped I would make it before the light changed but it was not to be. The car in front of me stopped for the light and so did I. That started a morning of Hell. I slipped and spun, put it in reverse, tried everything, but could not make it up that last 15'. Cars were going all around me as I slowly backed up to the last street where I might be able to get a footing.
As I backed down I noticed in my mirror that some of the cars in my same predicament were making a U turn into the southbound lane. The snow by then was coming down at 3" per hour and it was getting very bad. I was able to make the U turn and headed back towards a street where I could turn East and hopefully get to Antioch the next major street.
I was doing great when in front of me was a beast of a hill. If I stopped or hesitated, even for a moment, I knew I was a goner. I put my foot to the pedal and started up the hill only to come up on a man backing out of his driveway. Rather than have an accident, I stopped, and again I was stuck.
Just then, a man by the name of Chris Carter, I hope he doesn't mind if I use his name but he was the first of four angels I encountered that morning. He stopped his truck, walked up to my car and asked how he could help. He first offered to drive me to work when he saw the logo on my jacket. He told me that is cousin also worked there. There was no place to park but right where I was, and that was not a good idea. He had me back down as far as I could go and then physically pushed me with his hands until I was able to get a footing.
I turned into a south street heading back home since it became senseless to keep on trying the impossible. I got as far as 95th St. and got stuck again but who was beside me knocking on my window, but Chris. He had followed me to make sure I would make it. By that time, my windshield wipers had frozen and would not work. I got out of the car to break away the ice that had formed even tho my defrosters were on high. I jumped back in the car as soon as they started working and again Chris with the help of another man helped push me onto 95th. I thanked him again for being such a wonderful guy.
I headed East toward Metcalf and about a 1/2 block before I got there I saw a line of cars stalled on the slight hill and I joined them, I had no place to go. An Overland Park Street Dept. truck stopped to help me. The drivers name was Deshon. He told me to wait a moment so he could pass in front of me and try to clear enough of a path for my tires to catch. He not only cleared the street for all of us waiting to get over the hump but came back and pushed me with his hands until I was able to get going. So far this morning I had experienced unbelievable help from complete strangers, I was truly touched.
I was almost to the corner of Metcalf and saw that people were getting out of their cars to help the stalled cars, I pulled my old body from the seat and joined them. They were helping me, I had to do my share. I helped to push about four vehicles before my turn came up.
I returned to my car and they got me as far as the light so I could get over the hill and head South, which I did, until I again had to stop for a light and again got stuck. This time, a young man pulls his truck up to my car and offers to help. I told him that I would pay for his help, he answered, "Not necessary." As I got going I slipped a rolled up bill into his coveralls.
My next encounter was at College and Metcalf, I was making progress but again, the car in front of me stopped and bingo, I was stuck again. To try and end this adventure I'll try and speed up the conclusion. Two Overland Park Policemen came up to my window and instructed me on what to do AS THEY PUSHED ME, to get me going. Phew, I said to myself, I just can't believe these people, all these Samaritans, everyone helping everyone. I got stopped one more time before getting home and again two OP Police Officers pushed me back into a lane.
I finally turned into my apartment complex after being on the road five hours, it was already noon as I pulled into my drive and got stuck, but that's where the car stayed all night.
I want to thank all those very nice people that not only were there to help me but all of those that needed assistance that morning.
"Don't go" she said. "Nobody is going to come out on a day like this." Naturally I didn't listen to her and started out. I thought to myself that if I stayed on the main streets I would be OK. By the time I left our apartment complex it was snowing so hard you couldn't see beyond 20 feet in front of you and the streets had not been spread with salt so driving was already a little slick.
But I thought that if I drove carefully and kept a safe distance between me and the car in front, I would be alright. What I should have done after traveling about a mile, was to turn around but no, I was going to work.
I continued down Metcalf Ave, heading North and traffic was moving slow but steady. Traffic started bunching up about 79th street where there is about a 10 or 15% incline. I hoped I would make it before the light changed but it was not to be. The car in front of me stopped for the light and so did I. That started a morning of Hell. I slipped and spun, put it in reverse, tried everything, but could not make it up that last 15'. Cars were going all around me as I slowly backed up to the last street where I might be able to get a footing.
As I backed down I noticed in my mirror that some of the cars in my same predicament were making a U turn into the southbound lane. The snow by then was coming down at 3" per hour and it was getting very bad. I was able to make the U turn and headed back towards a street where I could turn East and hopefully get to Antioch the next major street.
I was doing great when in front of me was a beast of a hill. If I stopped or hesitated, even for a moment, I knew I was a goner. I put my foot to the pedal and started up the hill only to come up on a man backing out of his driveway. Rather than have an accident, I stopped, and again I was stuck.
Just then, a man by the name of Chris Carter, I hope he doesn't mind if I use his name but he was the first of four angels I encountered that morning. He stopped his truck, walked up to my car and asked how he could help. He first offered to drive me to work when he saw the logo on my jacket. He told me that is cousin also worked there. There was no place to park but right where I was, and that was not a good idea. He had me back down as far as I could go and then physically pushed me with his hands until I was able to get a footing.
I turned into a south street heading back home since it became senseless to keep on trying the impossible. I got as far as 95th St. and got stuck again but who was beside me knocking on my window, but Chris. He had followed me to make sure I would make it. By that time, my windshield wipers had frozen and would not work. I got out of the car to break away the ice that had formed even tho my defrosters were on high. I jumped back in the car as soon as they started working and again Chris with the help of another man helped push me onto 95th. I thanked him again for being such a wonderful guy.
I headed East toward Metcalf and about a 1/2 block before I got there I saw a line of cars stalled on the slight hill and I joined them, I had no place to go. An Overland Park Street Dept. truck stopped to help me. The drivers name was Deshon. He told me to wait a moment so he could pass in front of me and try to clear enough of a path for my tires to catch. He not only cleared the street for all of us waiting to get over the hump but came back and pushed me with his hands until I was able to get going. So far this morning I had experienced unbelievable help from complete strangers, I was truly touched.
I was almost to the corner of Metcalf and saw that people were getting out of their cars to help the stalled cars, I pulled my old body from the seat and joined them. They were helping me, I had to do my share. I helped to push about four vehicles before my turn came up.
I returned to my car and they got me as far as the light so I could get over the hill and head South, which I did, until I again had to stop for a light and again got stuck. This time, a young man pulls his truck up to my car and offers to help. I told him that I would pay for his help, he answered, "Not necessary." As I got going I slipped a rolled up bill into his coveralls.
My next encounter was at College and Metcalf, I was making progress but again, the car in front of me stopped and bingo, I was stuck again. To try and end this adventure I'll try and speed up the conclusion. Two Overland Park Policemen came up to my window and instructed me on what to do AS THEY PUSHED ME, to get me going. Phew, I said to myself, I just can't believe these people, all these Samaritans, everyone helping everyone. I got stopped one more time before getting home and again two OP Police Officers pushed me back into a lane.
I finally turned into my apartment complex after being on the road five hours, it was already noon as I pulled into my drive and got stuck, but that's where the car stayed all night.
I want to thank all those very nice people that not only were there to help me but all of those that needed assistance that morning.
Thursday, February 14, 2013
HELLO ANYONE THERE?
About six months ago I needed a fast lunch so I went to the closest McDonald's and got into the drive thru lane.
I was behind one of those old big Lincoln Continentals that had an older couple occupying the two front seats. I was pretty sure of their age group because all I could see were hands on top of the steering wheel but no heads.They had pulled up to the trash container that has a long snout pointing toward the customers car window. I watched as the elderly lady driving, leaned out the window and was screaming into the opening of the trash container giving her order.
I started laughing uncontrollably while this "you tube" moment was happening in front of me. I was about to get out of the car to explain that she had to move up to the speakers. Before I could exit my car, her passenger car opened and I presume, her husband, walked around the back of the car to hopefully help his wife. This created another non stop laughing jag that I was unable to control. I was afraid that I would have a wet spot in my seat at any moment. He was screaming even louder and when no answer was forthcoming, he started yelling into the opening. "Are you closed, is there anybody willing to help us?"
I was finally able to stop laughing enough to get out of my car and try to help. People behind me were honking and screaming to get out of line. As I gave that person the finger while still trying to stifle my smile, I walked up to the old man and explained that he was not at the order speaker. He stood there for a moment staring at me as if I was nuts and then started screaming at his wife, telling her how stupid she was. I tried calming him down but he continued his yelling.
He finally got back in the car and they pulled forward to the speaker. The old lady spoke into the speaker but did not place an order. She said something to the employee and they just pulled out of line and drove off, probably from embarrassment.
When I pulled up to place my order I could hear the employee talking to others asking them what she did wrong because the woman had told her how bad their service was and they were never coming back. I told the employee what happened and I heard the whole place start to laugh.
It was nice that we all had a good laugh at some one else's expense but I thought to myself " I'm almost their age and that could've been me" Na, no way, but you never know.
Sunday, February 3, 2013
WHAT ARE THOSE MARKS ON THE FLOOR?
Many years ago I considered myself a pretty good racquetball player. I belonged to at least three different clubs so I could play just about any time I chose.
My nickname at the time was "WALLS" because I ran so fast I was constantly crashing into them when charging for a return. It was during those years I did the most damage to both wrists which I'm paying for now. It seems most of the cartilage has since gone elsewhere. These days it's hard to even hold a pen and impossible to turn a door knob.
The story I'm about to tell happened when a friend invited me to play at the Jewish Community Center. Although it was open to all not only those who are Jewish. They had 4 or 5 courts available for members to reserve for one hour sessions and I took advantage when someone invited me to play, I absolutely loved the game and was in pretty good shape at the time. Win or lose, I always played my hardest since most of my competition were quite a bit younger and maybe a little better coordinated but not necessarily faster.
The friend, who wishes to remain anonymous, was in my age group and a pretty even match. We were both playing fairly well when all of a sudden we noticed some green spots appearing on the floor. We continued playing but the spots remained, in fact, they seemed to increase.
We finished our game and were taking a slight break before starting the next and we both realized that the floor was now covered with the green marks. It looked like something was actually growing through the floor.
I left the court to summon one of the attendants to show him what was going on. He came in, saw the floor and shook his head, he was dumbfounded, he had never seen anything like this. He did mention that they had recently had the floors redone and had used a new company. Maybe the resurfacing agent they used was creating the problem.
He apologized to us for the inconvenience and sent us to another court so we could continue playing. We moved our stuff into the next court and started playing again,. Ten minutes went bye and lo and behold, up came the spots. We finished our game, reported what was going on to the attendant and headed for the showers. He was now sure that it had to be caused by the new chemical they were using.
In the locker room as we were getting undressed for the showers I noticed my friend's shoes that he had just removed. They were an old pair that he had for years but hadn't worn for quite some time. I noticed that his soles were green, probably from the spots on the floor. On closer inspection we both saw that the soles of his old shoes were coming apart. The fast action, stopping and starting had begun disintegrating . All of the spots were coming from his gym shoes. We were laughing so hard we couldn't stop but we thought we might best forego our shower and get out of there, which we did.
To this day, some 15 or so years later, whenever we see each other, the vision returns and we break out in laughter.
My nickname at the time was "WALLS" because I ran so fast I was constantly crashing into them when charging for a return. It was during those years I did the most damage to both wrists which I'm paying for now. It seems most of the cartilage has since gone elsewhere. These days it's hard to even hold a pen and impossible to turn a door knob.
The story I'm about to tell happened when a friend invited me to play at the Jewish Community Center. Although it was open to all not only those who are Jewish. They had 4 or 5 courts available for members to reserve for one hour sessions and I took advantage when someone invited me to play, I absolutely loved the game and was in pretty good shape at the time. Win or lose, I always played my hardest since most of my competition were quite a bit younger and maybe a little better coordinated but not necessarily faster.
The friend, who wishes to remain anonymous, was in my age group and a pretty even match. We were both playing fairly well when all of a sudden we noticed some green spots appearing on the floor. We continued playing but the spots remained, in fact, they seemed to increase.
We finished our game and were taking a slight break before starting the next and we both realized that the floor was now covered with the green marks. It looked like something was actually growing through the floor.
I left the court to summon one of the attendants to show him what was going on. He came in, saw the floor and shook his head, he was dumbfounded, he had never seen anything like this. He did mention that they had recently had the floors redone and had used a new company. Maybe the resurfacing agent they used was creating the problem.
He apologized to us for the inconvenience and sent us to another court so we could continue playing. We moved our stuff into the next court and started playing again,. Ten minutes went bye and lo and behold, up came the spots. We finished our game, reported what was going on to the attendant and headed for the showers. He was now sure that it had to be caused by the new chemical they were using.
In the locker room as we were getting undressed for the showers I noticed my friend's shoes that he had just removed. They were an old pair that he had for years but hadn't worn for quite some time. I noticed that his soles were green, probably from the spots on the floor. On closer inspection we both saw that the soles of his old shoes were coming apart. The fast action, stopping and starting had begun disintegrating . All of the spots were coming from his gym shoes. We were laughing so hard we couldn't stop but we thought we might best forego our shower and get out of there, which we did.
To this day, some 15 or so years later, whenever we see each other, the vision returns and we break out in laughter.
Friday, October 19, 2012
WELCOME TO HENDRICK TOYOTA
EVERYONE I APPROACH AT THE DEALERSHIP HEARS THOSE WORDS AS I STRETCH OUT MY HAND TO SHAKE THEIRS. I INTRODUCE MYSELF AND POLITELY ASK THEIR NAME AND THOSE ACCOMPANING THEM.
THE MAJORITY WILL SHAKE MY HAND AND TELL ME THEIRS BUT THERE ARE THOSE THAT THINK BY NOT TELLING ME ALLOWS THEM SOME SUPERIORITY OVER ME. JUST BECAUSE I'M SHORT AND MY WIFE DRESSES ME FUNNY THEY BELIEVE THEY HAVE ME FIGURED OUT. AS SOON AS THEY DECIDE TO DRIVE A CAR, I ASK FOR THEIR DRIVERS LICENSE, WHICH IS PROCEDURE, AND THE NAME IS A SECRET NO LONGER. I HOWEVER, APPRECIATE THEIR RELUCTANCE TO SHARE AND NOT BE HOUNDED BY NUMEROUS PHONE CALLS.
IF I APPROACH A CLIENT AND THEY DON'T SMILE AT SOMETHING I SAY IN THE FIRST FEW MINUTES, I REALIZE THAT THEY'RE EITHER HARD OF HEARING OR JUST PLAIN SENILE. DON'T THEY KNOW THAT IT'S MY ORDERS FROM THE ALMIGHTY THAT I HAVE TO MAKE PEOPLE SMILE AT LEAST ONCE A DAY.
DURING MY ALMOST ONE AND A HALF YEARS WITH THE COMPANY I'VE HONED MY APPROACH OF FORMING A RELATIONSHIP WITHOUT OFFENDING TOO MANY POTENTIAL CUSTOMERS.
THERE WAS ONE TIME HOWEVER THAT I DIDN'T EXTEND MY HAND FOR A GREETING. THIS HAPPENED IN OUR RESTROOM AS I WAS DOING MY THING AT THE MEN'S URINAL. THE GENTLEMAN NEXT TO ME SAW MY I.D. BADGE AND ASKED IF I WAS A SALESMAN, WHICH I ANSWERED WITH A BIG YES. SINCE WE WERE HANGING OUT TOGETHER, WHAT BETTER TIME TO ASK THE QUESTION, "CAN I HELP YOU FIND SOMETHING?"
LONG STORY, SHORT, I ASKED HIM IF HE WASHED HIS HANDS, AS HE APPROACHED MY DESK. THIS BROUGHT AN IMMEDIATE SMILE TO HIS FACE. (HE SAID HE DID) THE ICE WAS BROKEN, HE WAS IN THE MILITARY AND HE WANTED TO BUY A TRUCK, AND HE DID. I KEPT THINKING, WHAT IF THE URGE TO GO DIDN'T HAPPEN AT THAT PARTICULAR TIME.
I MUST HAVE MADE AN IMPRESSION ON HE AND HIS WIFE BECAUSE THEY SENT ME ANOTHER MILITARY COUPLE A FEW DAYS LATER WHO ALSO PURCHASED A VEHICLE FROM ME.
NO, I'M NOT KEEPING AN EYE ON THE RESTROOM FOR MORE POTENTIAL CUSTOMERS, PEOPLE WILL TALK.
ALMOST ALL OF THE PEOPLE WE APPROACH ON THE LOT SAY THE SAME THING, "WE'RE JUST LOOKING." I KNOW THAT, I ONLY MEAN TO HELP, NO REASON TO GET NASTY AND HURT MY FEELINGS, AM I NOT A HUMAN BEING, DO I NOT FEEL, DO I NOT BLEED, NEVER MIND, YOU KNOW WHAT I MEAN.
ONE TIME I APPROACHED A COUPLE AND AFTER INTRODUCING MYSELF SAID "WE'RE HERE TO PURCHASE A CAR AND YOU'RE NOT GOING TO STOP US." MY KIND OF PEOPLE, A SENSE OF HUMOR AND PURPOSE. I FOUND OUT WHAT THEY WANTED, GOT THEM QUALIFIED AND THEY DROVE OFF IN A NEW HIGHLANDER, IN UNDER TWO HOURS TOTAL. HE DID DRIVE A HARD BARGAIN THOUGH, HE INSISTED ON A "RONNIE'S TEE SHIRT."
ALONG WITH THE NICE COMES THE NOT SO NICE. AFTER SPENDING OVER THREE HOURS WITH A CLIENT AND DRIVING FOUR DIFFERENT PRIUS', HE MADE THE DECISION ON THE ONE HE WANTED BUT WANTED TO TAKE IT HOME TO SHOW HIS WIFE. NO PROBLEM, I PUT A DEALERS TAG ON THE CAR AND OFF HE WENT. HE CALLED ME A FEW HOURS LATER AND TOLD ME HIS WIFE LOVED THE CAR AND THEY WANTED TO PUT $10,000.00 DOWN. HE SAID HE WOULD BE IN THE NEXT MORNING TO COMPLETE THE DEAL.
I ARRIVED AT 8:30 TO GET EVERYTHING READY AND HE WAS ALREADY IN THE MANAGERS OFFICE. THEY HAD CHANGED THEIR MIND AND DECIDED TO WAIT UNTIL AFTER THE ELECTION (FIRST TIME I HEARD THAT ONE) AND THE ECONOMY BEING WHAT IT IS, THEY WANTED TO WAIT. I EXPLAINED THAT HE WOULD BE HELPING THE ECONOMY BY PURCHASING A CAR, HE DIDN'T SMILE AND LEFT. OH WELL, S_ IT HAPPENS, THANKFULLY NOT TOO MUCH.
I HAD A CLIENT COME IN LOOKING FOR A USED CERTIFIED TOYOTA. HE TOLD ME THE MAXIMUM THAT HE WOULD PAY AND WOULD TAKE ANY COLOR BUT TAN. IT JUST SO HAPPENED THAT THE CAR THAT FIT HIS REQUIREMENTS TO A "T" WAS SANDY BEACH, A SORT OF GOLD, HE SAID IT WAS TAN. I TOLD HIM THAT IF HE WOULD BE A LITTLE COLOR BLIND AND TAKE THE GOLD ONE, I WOULD GIVE HIM A BETTER PRICE THAN HE SAID HE WOULD PAY. HE BOUGHT THE GOLD CAR BUT ASKED THAT I DO NOT CALL IT TAN WHEN HIS WIFE SHOWED UP, I DIDN'T AND SHE SAID THAT SHE LOVED THAT GOLD COLOR.
WHEN YOU IDENTIFY WHAT THE CUSTOMER IS LOOKING FOR AND CAN SHOW THEM THE KEY SELLING POINTS OF THAT VEHICLE, THE JOB OF SELLING A CAR IS MUCH EASIER. IF YOU TRY TO BULLSHIT YOUR WAY WITH THE CUSTOMER, THEY WON'T TRUST ANYTHING YOU SAY. TREAT THE CUSTOMER AS YOU WOULD LIKE TO BE TREATED, BE HONEST IN YOUR NEGOTIATIONS AND YOU'VE MADE A CUSTOMER FOR LIFE, ONE THAT WILL SEND YOU A LOT OF BUSINESS.
I HOPE EVERYONE WHO BOTHERS TO READ THIS IS IN GOOD HEALTH AND BE SURE TO VOTE.
THE MAJORITY WILL SHAKE MY HAND AND TELL ME THEIRS BUT THERE ARE THOSE THAT THINK BY NOT TELLING ME ALLOWS THEM SOME SUPERIORITY OVER ME. JUST BECAUSE I'M SHORT AND MY WIFE DRESSES ME FUNNY THEY BELIEVE THEY HAVE ME FIGURED OUT. AS SOON AS THEY DECIDE TO DRIVE A CAR, I ASK FOR THEIR DRIVERS LICENSE, WHICH IS PROCEDURE, AND THE NAME IS A SECRET NO LONGER. I HOWEVER, APPRECIATE THEIR RELUCTANCE TO SHARE AND NOT BE HOUNDED BY NUMEROUS PHONE CALLS.
IF I APPROACH A CLIENT AND THEY DON'T SMILE AT SOMETHING I SAY IN THE FIRST FEW MINUTES, I REALIZE THAT THEY'RE EITHER HARD OF HEARING OR JUST PLAIN SENILE. DON'T THEY KNOW THAT IT'S MY ORDERS FROM THE ALMIGHTY THAT I HAVE TO MAKE PEOPLE SMILE AT LEAST ONCE A DAY.
DURING MY ALMOST ONE AND A HALF YEARS WITH THE COMPANY I'VE HONED MY APPROACH OF FORMING A RELATIONSHIP WITHOUT OFFENDING TOO MANY POTENTIAL CUSTOMERS.
THERE WAS ONE TIME HOWEVER THAT I DIDN'T EXTEND MY HAND FOR A GREETING. THIS HAPPENED IN OUR RESTROOM AS I WAS DOING MY THING AT THE MEN'S URINAL. THE GENTLEMAN NEXT TO ME SAW MY I.D. BADGE AND ASKED IF I WAS A SALESMAN, WHICH I ANSWERED WITH A BIG YES. SINCE WE WERE HANGING OUT TOGETHER, WHAT BETTER TIME TO ASK THE QUESTION, "CAN I HELP YOU FIND SOMETHING?"
LONG STORY, SHORT, I ASKED HIM IF HE WASHED HIS HANDS, AS HE APPROACHED MY DESK. THIS BROUGHT AN IMMEDIATE SMILE TO HIS FACE. (HE SAID HE DID) THE ICE WAS BROKEN, HE WAS IN THE MILITARY AND HE WANTED TO BUY A TRUCK, AND HE DID. I KEPT THINKING, WHAT IF THE URGE TO GO DIDN'T HAPPEN AT THAT PARTICULAR TIME.
I MUST HAVE MADE AN IMPRESSION ON HE AND HIS WIFE BECAUSE THEY SENT ME ANOTHER MILITARY COUPLE A FEW DAYS LATER WHO ALSO PURCHASED A VEHICLE FROM ME.
NO, I'M NOT KEEPING AN EYE ON THE RESTROOM FOR MORE POTENTIAL CUSTOMERS, PEOPLE WILL TALK.
ALMOST ALL OF THE PEOPLE WE APPROACH ON THE LOT SAY THE SAME THING, "WE'RE JUST LOOKING." I KNOW THAT, I ONLY MEAN TO HELP, NO REASON TO GET NASTY AND HURT MY FEELINGS, AM I NOT A HUMAN BEING, DO I NOT FEEL, DO I NOT BLEED, NEVER MIND, YOU KNOW WHAT I MEAN.
ONE TIME I APPROACHED A COUPLE AND AFTER INTRODUCING MYSELF SAID "WE'RE HERE TO PURCHASE A CAR AND YOU'RE NOT GOING TO STOP US." MY KIND OF PEOPLE, A SENSE OF HUMOR AND PURPOSE. I FOUND OUT WHAT THEY WANTED, GOT THEM QUALIFIED AND THEY DROVE OFF IN A NEW HIGHLANDER, IN UNDER TWO HOURS TOTAL. HE DID DRIVE A HARD BARGAIN THOUGH, HE INSISTED ON A "RONNIE'S TEE SHIRT."
ALONG WITH THE NICE COMES THE NOT SO NICE. AFTER SPENDING OVER THREE HOURS WITH A CLIENT AND DRIVING FOUR DIFFERENT PRIUS', HE MADE THE DECISION ON THE ONE HE WANTED BUT WANTED TO TAKE IT HOME TO SHOW HIS WIFE. NO PROBLEM, I PUT A DEALERS TAG ON THE CAR AND OFF HE WENT. HE CALLED ME A FEW HOURS LATER AND TOLD ME HIS WIFE LOVED THE CAR AND THEY WANTED TO PUT $10,000.00 DOWN. HE SAID HE WOULD BE IN THE NEXT MORNING TO COMPLETE THE DEAL.
I ARRIVED AT 8:30 TO GET EVERYTHING READY AND HE WAS ALREADY IN THE MANAGERS OFFICE. THEY HAD CHANGED THEIR MIND AND DECIDED TO WAIT UNTIL AFTER THE ELECTION (FIRST TIME I HEARD THAT ONE) AND THE ECONOMY BEING WHAT IT IS, THEY WANTED TO WAIT. I EXPLAINED THAT HE WOULD BE HELPING THE ECONOMY BY PURCHASING A CAR, HE DIDN'T SMILE AND LEFT. OH WELL, S_ IT HAPPENS, THANKFULLY NOT TOO MUCH.
I HAD A CLIENT COME IN LOOKING FOR A USED CERTIFIED TOYOTA. HE TOLD ME THE MAXIMUM THAT HE WOULD PAY AND WOULD TAKE ANY COLOR BUT TAN. IT JUST SO HAPPENED THAT THE CAR THAT FIT HIS REQUIREMENTS TO A "T" WAS SANDY BEACH, A SORT OF GOLD, HE SAID IT WAS TAN. I TOLD HIM THAT IF HE WOULD BE A LITTLE COLOR BLIND AND TAKE THE GOLD ONE, I WOULD GIVE HIM A BETTER PRICE THAN HE SAID HE WOULD PAY. HE BOUGHT THE GOLD CAR BUT ASKED THAT I DO NOT CALL IT TAN WHEN HIS WIFE SHOWED UP, I DIDN'T AND SHE SAID THAT SHE LOVED THAT GOLD COLOR.
WHEN YOU IDENTIFY WHAT THE CUSTOMER IS LOOKING FOR AND CAN SHOW THEM THE KEY SELLING POINTS OF THAT VEHICLE, THE JOB OF SELLING A CAR IS MUCH EASIER. IF YOU TRY TO BULLSHIT YOUR WAY WITH THE CUSTOMER, THEY WON'T TRUST ANYTHING YOU SAY. TREAT THE CUSTOMER AS YOU WOULD LIKE TO BE TREATED, BE HONEST IN YOUR NEGOTIATIONS AND YOU'VE MADE A CUSTOMER FOR LIFE, ONE THAT WILL SEND YOU A LOT OF BUSINESS.
I HOPE EVERYONE WHO BOTHERS TO READ THIS IS IN GOOD HEALTH AND BE SURE TO VOTE.
Thursday, July 5, 2012
MASHOOGEE
Two of my Doctors recently told me, "Ron, whatever you're doing, keep it up". I'm sure they meant the work not the other meaning.
Most of my non Jewish readers will ask "Vos is dos?", or actually, "what does that mean?" My friends call me that because of the many hours I work (average of 50 a week) selling cars. It means a little nuts but not quite crazy.
I've always been described as a workaholic and maybe the description is a valid one. I believe my work ethic came from my Dad. Our family owned a small neighborhood grocery during the war years (WWII) in Chicago. I would open the store early to allow the milk and bread man in to replenish their stock. When they were finished, around 7am I would go back to our apartment above the store, have breakfast and head to school.
After school I would work at the store until closing time. On Sundays I would accompany my Dad to the famed Maxwell St. to rent a card table and sell whatever the market master would give us. I honestly believe that those Sundays on Maxwell St. were the beginning of my sales training. We never sold the same item twice, no matter what we offered, we worked together, had fun together and split whatever profit we made. One day we might be selling softballs, or sweaters that were blems or seconds, or leather jackets, watches, etc, we never knew what it would be until we got there. If a person stopped at our table we sold him something, regardless of price. At that time if we cleared $10.00 each, it was a good day.
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| Maxwell St. in the early days |
After my army discharge, working at the auto parts store, it too was a 7 day work week and when I started Ronnie's Speed Shop the hours became longer. I complained about the long hours but I knew what it took to be the best, put in your time to collect your dime (just made that up).
When I moved to Hawaii and opened my photo business I worked 20 hours a day, 7 days a week, from 4am to midnight. So, I guess a gluten for work would also describe what I am.
I remember a wise man telling me that his motto was "whatever it took to get it hard". Meaning that he would do whatever it took to make his business the best. And also, surround himself with like thinking associates.
Since I've been selling cars I've been offered a few jobs with less hours and more money but I've turned them down because I like what I'm doing. I especially enjoy meeting people and enjoy it even more when they buy a car. I love working outside except when it's 100 degrees or freezing, but that's part of the job.
Certainly there are days that are very frustrating. When you work with a client for a couple of hours, thinking you have a sale and they decide to leave. By the time I find the key to unlock their ankle strap so they can go for whatever reason they see fit, I've at least made a new acquaintence and you know what, some do come back.
For the most part, my personality is pleasing to my customers because almost all comment on how I must be enjoying what I do and how much they enjoy working with me. My wife has commented that I seem much happier when I get home and she can tell if I've made a sale on how big my smile is.
I'm continuing my pursuit of making people smile everyday and it seems to be working and to be truthfull, I guess I am MASHOOGEE.
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