Autotrader.com Annual Sales Meeting 2009 - Another Side of AutoTrader?

[Pete]

Quick comment about "over pricing". That's what customers feel when they buy the minute a new model comes out and later it's discounted. Not a good mindset. Did they get screwed in some way that they where over priced? Of course not because that is what the market is at the time.

Second, I bought my first mounted car cell phone for $2,500 and if I or others at time didn't help make that company profitable to continue on would they have been able to grow and better their product and service?

It's all relative in the business development cycle. If a product doesn't work in your business model then it is what it is and something else does.

If AT and Cars did not exist what would be the option? "Ebaying" the cars which puts it up for grabs on what you will sell a vehicle for.

This is all new and keep it in perspective. Do you some realize that we can rememebr NO internet, computer and what the heck is e-mail?

All the best-Pete

 

[Bill Young]

I got the latest today. I was tag teamed by the Automart.com Rep and the AT rep. I can't believe I was told that they were required to tell me about their new Dominater package because some dealer near us will buy it and they didn't want me upset when the competion's ad showed up on top of my "partner placement". Without offering it to me first for a mere $3000 per make per month. I can't believe that AT can continually sell a higher placement package without eventually hitting a ceiling.

Just a dealer bidding against the cloud.

 

[Glenn (blog)]

Bill, you were just "blitzed" but their not calling it that anymore, LOL!

 

[Pete]

"A mere $3,000 a month". I didn't know that it is getting to that point. What are they the mob?
Bad move on AT's part if they are trying to send in relatively "green peas", by way less the number of negotiating experience in to close than most Closer's/Managers/Owners in the business. Are they forgetting who needs who more. Dealers sell cars and they sell what "hyped-air"? Who's the customer and who &^% should be kissin who's here for business...nice selling model, trying to scare the fearless. Aghh! what are these ad people thinking? The direct mail people are considering coming out of retirement if that is how your going to try to sell your virtual service. Right...In two years mainstream media will get it figured out and a person from ABC online will be sending you your ad bill. I forgot they got "anal-ytics" as a secret weapon-lol

 

[Bob DiPerna]

Really convenient. Fly me to Vegas, give me the VIP Pimp show and I will say the vendor is the best thing since color television.

Give me AutoTraders number. Bellagio, strip clubs, Patron, and I am their biggest fan!

 

[Stan Sher (blog)]

Come on...since when does explaining the proper changes that a vendor is making become a VIP Pimp show? I have met David more than once and he is great at what he does. He follows all of the right trends and is a big component to the success of MileOne. Just because someone had been to a company dinner and had a great time does not mean that they sell their soul and true feelings about them. I think when you get to know a company and you know the right people and you see that this company is trying to make things right it is only fair acknowledge it. There are companies that I am not a huge fan of even though I respect them. The companies that I am not a fan of can wine and dine me all day and night long. However, if I think they have a crappy service my thought will be the same, I will just never stop respecting people for trying to make things better and improve. It show positive change and a will to improve. At the end of the day, dealers need vendors and vendors need dealers as both work together to be as profitable as possible.

 

[Pete]

Common now with the pimping comment. Discourse is great but discourteous is not. If your saying that you are skeptical or still not agreeing that's great. Heck make some fun but mocking? I don't think that every topic is spot on for me personally and just pass on engaging it but look at the purpose of this site. Hope you where having a bad day and no worries. The best to all and it will get better hopefully soon. PS Anybody going to be at the Chicago Auto Show? Maybe stop by and say hello-Pete

 

[David Metter (blog)]

Scott Falcone and Brian DiPerna,

Quick story: I will put my reputation, ethics,success, and experience up against just about anyone in the business at any time. Neither of you know me so I would request that you not pass judgment on my character. Your pandering statement was insulting. My comments were from the heart. Maybe you should be less jaded and smile every once in a while. Sounds like someone needs a hug.....and this is why I shouldn't do guest posts...

 

[Cargurrl]

David, you can't do that on this blog. Some people still need professional training Thanks for the comments.

 

[Alan Bechler]

Scott--not all forks are created equal. A Lexus will get you from point A to point B just like a Kia--but you get what you pay for. Why buy advertising on TV station C when you can get just as much for 1/2 the cost at station D? Because station C offers more people, coverage, etc. than station D.....hope your new plastic forks don't break in your customer's hands when they take the first stab.