Golf mkVII Buyers - What was the deal closer?
I guess that for many of us, buying a new Golf can be a harrowing experience. Let's face it, Joe average enters the negotiating arena very much behind the eight-ball when pitted against a new car salesman (please read my gender specific terms generically). Sure there are dud salesmen but in general these guys are professional negotiators, plus they know all the tricks to cajole, tease and to influence the outcome. In truth, selling cars is their full time job and most are very good at it!
Joe average on the other hand probably buys a new car once every blue-moon. Whilst he might think that he is gun negotiator, in reality, any perception about Joe-average's equal position in the bargaining process is flawed because of the huge information asymmetry that exists. Even if Joe-average is himself a negotiator in another stream of work, the information available to the car salesman is always far better than that possessed by the buyer.
However, despite the tilt in the level-playing-field, in many cases deals are done and cars are sold with increasing frequency these days.
I reckon that a good way of helping to re-level the playing field is for new car buyers to share their experiences in a forum like this. Specifically, I think that it would be interesting to hear from others about what it was that actually sealed the deal. I'm not asking for anyone to discuss prices - except if you want - and then only in the broadest of terms.
In general, the question is: What was the thing in the negotiating process that drove you sign the sales contract? Was it for example, the salesman's manner (or his snappy suit and tie), or the free goodies, or the reputation of the dealership, or the quality of the coffee that the dealer offered, or anything else?
Interested in your responses.
