Jonathan Allen from Car Connexxion

After 10 years of watching people do it, I would like to go public with a trait of the public that bugs me the most.

Picture this scenario in your mind…..A man (or woman) or both for that instance wander onto the forecourt of a car dealership. They have spent several minutes driving backwards and forwards out the front of the yard trying to ascertain whether there are any vehicles of interest. However funnily enough they find that their eyesight is not quite what it used to be, and have to leave the car to read the information displayed in the window of the car at the back of the yard. They spend several minutes walking backwards and forwards across the yard hands firmly entrenched in their pockets and trying to see something faraway on the horizon or high in the sky. They spot a car on the yard which may be of interest, and start circling cautiously like it may pounce on them at any moment. They become aware of the salesperson watching them from a distance and keep checking to make sure they don't start moving in their direction. At this point we know its going to happen, all the signs are there. The hands are clasped tight over both sides of the face and they try and peer into car to ascertain what it looks like, what features it has and how the seats feel!! At this point the Salesperson who has been watching all of this go on and already knows what the response will be offers a friendly 'How can I help you today” to which they reply 'JUST LOOKING”……”What are you looking for?” to which comes the same reply ”JUST LOOKING”, at which point both parties have reached a stalemate.

Now anyone who has ever worked in a retail environment will understand how frustrating these two words are. In some very rare cases the statement is true. The person has aimlessly wandered into the yard and is killing time waiting for a doctors appointment or something similar. If this is the case then say that!! It saves a lot of time and can often meen discussing the latest Chiefs result instead of cars!! If however you are looking around for a small hatchback for running around town under $10,000 then say that!! Most of the Salespeople and dealers around town are full of useful information and enjoy imparting it to people who are interested. Remember also that just as you like buying from a salesperson you like and trust, so to do we enjoy looking after clients that we like!!

So next time you're asked 'How can I help you” remember that the person who is asking is a professional who most probably spends most of their life in and around motor vehicles and they probably CAN help in some way. Ask and you shall receive!!