As most of you know, for the past year I have worked as a lot attendant for a local BMW dealership. It was my hope to work my way up to sales as you can make good money selling Bimmers. However, I decided to stay in school another year which meant I would not be able to sell cars as that is a full time job. I also did not want to spend another year working as a lot attendant as the pay sucks (compared to what I can make elsewhere) and you have to put up with all kinds of bullshit. I just was not willing to work a menial brainless job for $8 an hour for another year (or more if I decide to finish school).
On one hand, I'm kind of depressed as there were some parts to the job I loved. However, there are definitely some things I will not miss.
For those considering a dealership job I will list:
Pluses:
You get to work with and drive BMW's everyday
You meet plenty of high rollers and can make new connections
You get to learn a little bit about the sales industry
You can have great conversations with the friendly and intelligent employees
You get a parts discount and have access to the tools in the shop
Minuses:
Dealership politics
The job is usually reserved for people who...let's say speak English as a second language.
Dealing with some incredibly stupid salesmen
Dealing with super anal guests
The hours
The idiot employees
The turnover rate in the business is incredible. I only worked at the dealership for a year, yet the only employees that I have not outlasted are the GM, the GSM, two sales guys, two service advisors, and three techs. Everyone else is brand new.
Myth: Sales is all luck.
Most of the sales guys are lazy dogs. Those that work hard make very good money. If you love cars and love selling get into the industry and bust your ass. You will rise to the top very quickly. I still plan on doing sales when I'm done with school (whenever that is).
So what am I doing now? I will be a valet for a private club located inside a world famous Phoenix resort. The hours will be better and the pay will be as much as I can make working part time for someone else. If you are in school and want a well paying part time job, find something that puts you in a position to make tips.
The nice thing about this is my weekend days will once again be free. This will allow me to start bird-dogging (finding deals for real estate investors). This is huge as REI is something that interests me.
I also plan to get my creative juices going again and find some new products to bring out for our cars.
On one hand, I'm kind of depressed as there were some parts to the job I loved. However, there are definitely some things I will not miss.
For those considering a dealership job I will list:
Pluses:
You get to work with and drive BMW's everyday
You meet plenty of high rollers and can make new connections
You get to learn a little bit about the sales industry
You can have great conversations with the friendly and intelligent employees
You get a parts discount and have access to the tools in the shop
Minuses:
Dealership politics
The job is usually reserved for people who...let's say speak English as a second language.
Dealing with some incredibly stupid salesmen
Dealing with super anal guests
The hours
The idiot employees
The turnover rate in the business is incredible. I only worked at the dealership for a year, yet the only employees that I have not outlasted are the GM, the GSM, two sales guys, two service advisors, and three techs. Everyone else is brand new.
Myth: Sales is all luck.
Most of the sales guys are lazy dogs. Those that work hard make very good money. If you love cars and love selling get into the industry and bust your ass. You will rise to the top very quickly. I still plan on doing sales when I'm done with school (whenever that is).
So what am I doing now? I will be a valet for a private club located inside a world famous Phoenix resort. The hours will be better and the pay will be as much as I can make working part time for someone else. If you are in school and want a well paying part time job, find something that puts you in a position to make tips.
The nice thing about this is my weekend days will once again be free. This will allow me to start bird-dogging (finding deals for real estate investors). This is huge as REI is something that interests me.
I also plan to get my creative juices going again and find some new products to bring out for our cars.
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