Yag, being in sales it is tough to get in front of people sometimes, but I disagree with your first sentence actually. If you have a good product that has solid results, then ask for the appointment, simply be yourself and demonstrate your products and solutions to dealers honestly and without gimmicks. I think that wins more credibility than anything with level headed thinking dealers.
Welcome to DR Manny, have see your name in a few places. I have to agree with you on your comments.
Can I get a Phone Ninja's squishy stress ball with your picture on one side? Or what about Phone Ninja golf balls? When you are this way this spring we need to play a round, actually you play and I'll hack at it and drink beer.
Kevin, I agree with everything you have said and you always bring up solid points. My Mom has taught me over the years a valuable lesson that I take through life; 'it's not what you say or do, its how you say it or do it'.
My rant about this vendors email was based on their approach. If you sent out an email with that kind of subject line from one of your stores, what would be the response? So why should we think any differently towards a vendors subject, we are the customer too.
Is this vendor really serious about growing their business or just hoping to get some people to bite? Once I saw his ads, they were no different sounding than the generic email he sent with an eye catching subject line. There was nothing unique or promising there to get my attention. He would have been better off with the subject, 'Radio and TV ads that deliver' - if they do.
I am not ripping all vendors, I am ripping on the tactics some use to get in front of dealers. As I said to Yag, if you have a great product, then it will speak for itself, as sales people we have to sell ourselves to the customer to feel comfortable to buy from us. Saying "your ____ sucks" isn't a great first impression, that's just my opinion.
As for the crazy giveaways, free TV's, Frisbee's, etc, or crazy subject lines, we stopped doing it really. We found people are more happy being given a good reason to come see us, better rebates, availability, looking for their trade etc. Actually just following up and checking in with them works wonders. We find that if you treat people fair, honest, and friendly with no gimmicks, it works. We didn't see any decline in getting people in the door. Actually we get comments from people all the time saying how we are different and as one lady put it, "not the same old typical car dealer shenanigans".
Jamie, like I said, I enjoy the parties and time to unwind and get to know people at those, but I do not allow the parties to influence my decisions in which vendor is right for our dealership. I have had friends tell me how great a certain vendor is, taking them out to dinner, parties, etc, but in the end I ask a 3 part question; How happy are you with their support, your ROI, and its performance. Now, that can be based on how your team uses the solution, so its really a 4 part question. But any good vendor, should make sure your team is using the solution to their best for everyone's success. If its a win win, then the party is worthwhile.
