Quote:
Originally Posted by sa meredith
Edmonds...KBB...Consumer Reports...christ, do you read a manual before using the toilet?
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While I agree with much of what you have written here, I disagree with this point.
No, don't need a manual for the toilet as it's something I've been doing multiple times a day for my whole life. But whenever I make a major purchase, yes, I do a lot of research, especially for something that is the 2nd biggest purchase I make after a house, and one I only do every dozen years or so.
To your points, if a salesperson is dealing in good faith, they should have no problem with me coming in already knowing what a reasonable deal would be, and we negotiate, in good faith, from there. I recognize that he or she most likely has a family to feed and needs to make a reasonable profit. (fwiw, my brother was a car salesman for many years. I know how it can work and what a "reasonable" profit is)
A real example of why the car salesperson has retained the stereotype that many perceive... when I was shopping this time, one of the first places I went was the dealer where I bought my last car. I had been pleased with the purchase and had the vehicle serviced there for many years. In other words, I was a good, long-time customer. I went in there fully intending to make a deal.
We discussed what I was looking for and I went out for a test drive.
Upon returning, he mentioned that he had pulled the records while I was out and could see I was a good customer. I told him that I was interested in the truck, but I didn't want a long, extended, negotiation. I asked him to give me his best price, expecting to hear something reasonably close to what my research had indicated was the going rate for that model. I was even prepared for something about $1K over invoice as a place to start.
He looked at me and quoted list price. Stunned, I quietly asked, "That's the best you can do?". He said, "Yes, that's the best I can do."
I stood up, walked out, and will never return to that dealer. As you've stated, I'll treat you with respect if you treat me the same.