Has any of you sold cars?

[Roadrunner17]

I'm considering a career change and think that I might like to try selling new cars. I'll be moving from another career in retail (10 years) sales, so I pretty well know what the sales environment is like. But I've been interested in cars for most of my life and might like joining that interest in a career.

Should I make this move what should I reasonably expect? Not just the money etc. but how is pay structured (which is more important to me than just the absolute amount), how well are the sales staff respected in the dealership and so forth. What kinds of 'political games' go on and ethical situations develop?

I've already visited several dealerships as a 'prospect' trying to determine which has an environment I might feel comfortable in. Does anyone else have any suggestions or comments?

[Greenblurr93]

Selling cars has its perks and downfalls.... if your good at it then the money is great and everyone in the company respects you (well except the jealous ones). if your not too good at it the money will come in waves because you usually get payed dirt hourly but the more cars you sell the more comission (SP?) you get. and if you suck, you wont make much money at all.

[Roadrunner17]

Originally Posted by Greenblurr93

Selling cars has its perks and downfalls.... if your good at it then the money is great and everyone in the company respects you (well except the jealous ones). if your not too good at it the money will come in waves because you usually get payed dirt hourly but the more cars you sell the more comission (SP?) you get. and if you suck, you wont make much money at all.

Thanks, greenblurr, I appreciate the advice. Also, someone has told me that you can expect to work some outrageous hours. I wonder if that's because of employer demands, or if it is because of a desire to make more in commission. I work retail hours now so that's not so much an issue with me as it might be with some folks, but 60 hour weeks are not particularly appealing.

Also when you say "get paid dirt hourly" is that waitress ($2.20/hr) or starting retail ($6.00/hr) dirt?

[Greenblurr93]

im not quite sure what the wage is.... i was actually a mechanic who sold when we were busy so i dont know...