I hear this question all the time “How Do I Become a Car Salesman“. So many people want to know how to be a car salesman, but they are uniformed about what it takes to sell cars for a living. The key phrase there was “for a living”. Becoming a car salesman is not complicated.
Anyone Can Learn How To Become a Good Car Salesman
Just about anyone with a pulse can learn how to be a car salesman or car sales woman (just kidding), but sometimes it seems like that is the only requirement. Incidentally you don’t need a college education to sell cars, your most important attribute is your attitude. I have seen so many new sales people go through training and then hit the sales floor only to have them quit in the first thirty days. The ones that last longer than thirty days rarely make it ninety days. The ones that do last are people that have sold cars before or had some type of sales experience in a closely related field. Don’t get me wrong there is that one newbie every once in a while that catches on and becomes a car salesman that never had any sales experience.
Do You Really Want to Become a Car Salesman
It’s true that a career in car sales is not a physically demanding job, although some complain about the car salesman hours. You can earn a six figure income, dress in nice clothes, talk to different kinds of people and never break a sweat. Sounds like a dream job, right? You may want to know how to become a car salesman, but that is not enough. As I mentioned earlier, almost anyone can become a car salesman. If you are going to make a living selling cars you need to be a successful car salesman that has a goal of being a great car salesman.
Requirements to Become a Good Car Salesman
To become a good car salesman you need to have a mental toughness because selling cars is mentally and emotionally challenging. You need thick skin and the ability to control your thoughts, words and emotions. You need to be able to carefully choose and use your words, expressions and gestures to support the sales process and be able to change and adapt to the different customers and situations.
Do You Still Want to Know How to Become a Good Car Salesman
You will be put together, tested and tried on by customers and sales managers that will at times have you wanting to knock them out, cuss them out, throw them out or walk out yourself. Your ability to control yourself can make a huge difference in you car salesman commission and car salesman income. If you are currently a car salesman you know exactly what I am talking about because you have already had your on the job car salesman education. One of the sayings that I try to remember is: “Don’t get mad, get even by selling them a car”. Then I put on my game face and do my best to sell them a car and make a nice big front end gross. It doesn’t always work, but it does more times than it doesn’t. Sometimes being a car salesman means we just have to suck it up to sell a car.
Where Should I Apply to Become a Car Salesmen
If you still want to become a car salesman you might as where should I apply to be a car salesmen. Just pick-up the classifieds and look under the help wanted section. Check the automotive section and I am sure you will find a handful of car dealers that are looking for car salesmen. Dealerships rarely require anything more than a high school diploma because you receive a car salesman education from the dealership. The turnover in the car business is quite brisk so I am sure will find some dealers that are looking to add a car salesman or two. If you have the desire and the mental fortitude to become a car salesman then start talking to some car dealers and begin your car sales training because you can be a better car salesman and a successful car salesman. More importantly sell more cars.
I think a career in car sales is great opportunity for those that can cut the mustard and deal with the car salesman hours. Where else can you laugh and have fun doing your job yet still have the potential to make a six figure income. All jobs have their ups and downs, but car sales can be a great career choice if you have what it takes to become a successful car salesman. Just remember to give it a fair chance, it will take you a while to get used to the business and get through your initial on-the-job car salesman education. Don’t make the mistake of calling it quits before you even get started making the big money being a car salesman. I hope that will briefly answer you about how do I become a car salesman, it’s not as hard as you think. Regularly visit the website for the car salesman for thoughts on being a better car salesman and other automobile sales careers including car sales closing techniques.
Later, Fresh Up On the Lot
K.B.
P.S.
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Hi Mike,
From what you are saying it sounds like Toyota or Nissan are your best bet.
Hey KB,
is there an age limit for when you can start selling cars? i’m only 16 at the moment.
Some require that you are 18 years old and some require 21 years old.
Hello KB, I was just wondering what kind of shot I had at becoming a car salesman? I turn 20 next week, serve at a restaurant 4 days a week (would obviously quit to become car salesman), and go to community college in Monday-Tursday in the mornings. I also know a lot about cars for my age. Thank you.
You definitely have a shot at selling cars for a living, but you need to find the right dealership.
My dad is opening a car dealership, he said I could sell cars for him. To me, it sounds like a great opportunity, any tips?
Hey KB, I’ve worked 7 years in a call center and now 3 years in the banking industry. I deal with rates and credit scores on a weekly basis. I’ve lived off a salary for years so I’m a hesitant to get out there and live off commission. But I need something that has unlimited potential for income.
Hi Bradley,
Are you thinking about selling cars? If you are not quite ready to jump in to selling on the floor maybe the Internet Sales department would suit you well.
Yes KB, I’m thinking about selling cars. I’ve always been great with customers and seem to have a knack for building raport with people. I know that this would transition well in to car sales, but like alot of people, I am worried about the commission aspect. I read all over this board though about people making so much after a few months and I get remotivated again. I had an interview today and will be calling them on Friday to see if they have made any decisions. I already have an idea list of candidates to market too.
It does sound like a great opportunity!
Give a try!
KB
Kb
I have been selling cars now for about 5 months doing pretty good for new in business averaging about 11 cars a month but I find I am loosing alot of sales when demoing the vehicle and when I’m closing the deal any tips for demonstrating and closing??
Hi KB,
I hear people talking about selling upwards of 30 cars a month on this board (I’m sure you have before), but at my dealership, 15 is considered a very high number.
Should I be looking to move into a place where it is higher volume? I have only been working a week and a half, but I can already tell you barely have 40 fresh-ups in a month, let alone cars sold!!!
Hey Sami,
Selling 30 cars month is fantastic but it is hard to keep up that pace. My biggest month ever was 31 cars in a month. Volume is one thing but gross is very important so as far as whether you should change to a higher volume dealership really depends on you and the kind of you are making at your current dealership.
Hey Guys. I’m just starting out (again) selling cars. My dealership has very little floor traffic/ some inbound call traffic. Whats my chances of survival here. I want to start prospecting on my own, flyers, cold calls. What do y’all think? Do I have a shot or should I move on.
Hey KB,
Are there any type of college courses you think I should take to help me become a car salesman? I know a lot about cars, and would love to work at a dealership. It is my dream job. Also, what age do most dealerships hire? I’ve put in two app. at to different dealerships.
Hi Chad,
There aren’t any that will make a difference. As far as what age do you need to be a car salesman, some dealerships require you to be 18 and others 21. I like your attitude.
Good Luck Chad
KB
Your best bet might be contacting orphan customers.
KB
KB,
Thanks, I’ve called several dealerships, and they’ve all told me 21. I have yet to find one that says 18. If you don’t mind me asking what type of dealership do you work at? Just curious.
Thanks,
Chad
Hey KB,
I am thinking of becoming a car salesman in a few years (when the economy picks up) and I think its my calling, my true job that will last a lifetime and I currently work as a cashier in a major store here in Ireland so I think I have the right attitude towards people and be able to deal with them but what worries me is how much I have to learn about all the cars, it is difficult to take it all in and memories. BTW I am 18 at the moment.
This article has given me a lot to think about. I currently work in an office, but am seeking to earn more money. I have contacted Carmax because they often hire sales consultants on a part-time basis. Sort of “testing the waters.”
Yet, I am beginning to think that such an arrangement might be an exercise in futility. Your point about “are you sure” keeps coming back to me.
I suppose the car business is an all or nothing type of thing. I hear people say “don’t burn bridges,” but don’t armies burn bridges behind them sometimes? Knowing there is no retreat makes a soldier stand and fight.
Sorry for rambling.
Hi Squadfather,
It sounds like you are ready.
KB
Hi Travis,
Sounds like you are thinking in the right direction.
Keep me posted.
KB
KB,
I have been in the business for about 6 months now at a very intense dealership that has an average of 20 years experience for everyone on the sales staff. I’m only 20 myself and so surrounded by sales experience that I’m only moving around 7 a month compared to everyone else’s 15 or 20. Any tips to compete with the season vets?
First, nissan honda toyota sell a lot of cars….however, at no profit thats what we call minis. The buyers (typically foreigners) negotiate your eyeballs out(grinders) only to make 100 150 and some places 75. That being said the product to sell is luxury cars ,econo lines like kia and hot hot hyundai ,or good ole american. Reason being luxury cars lease more (affulent educated buyer knows what they want and what u make dont matter). Toyota honda nissan aka big 3. The buyers seem hell bent on beating the dealer (which never happens) salespeople lose and they lose time they will never get back often for 100 200 bucks. American car buyers want what they want period done deal…..sometimes easy sometimes not. Econo, just gives you all the suckers and poor folks (goldmine if you get paid off f&i) but alot of strokers(browsers). If you have patenice thick skin and think quick on you feet you will make at least 50k. Also alot of dealers have 43hr week instead of 60+. 10+yrs exp
Thanks for your input, but I know many people that make six figures selling what you call the big three from Japan. The point is that it possible no matter what brand you sell.
KB
Sounds like a good dealership if they stick around that long. You are going to have to work a little harder and do a little extra until you are excepted as one of the crew. Earning their respect is the key to being accepted and the way to do that is sell cars.
Hey I just got hired at a local nissan dealer. Its the largest in our county actually but I have never sold cars I’m really nervous. I’ve read a lot about salesmen making six figures but that’s not what I’m expecting to make however I am very curious about the business and plan to use this job to move up the ranks. I’m very confused on the pay and how this works also when can I expect to make a decent living in this field of work. I’m on the verge of losing my house and with my minimal expirence in sales is there any possiblity that this can save my house or am I barking up the wrong tree given my situation. I’ve got lots of confidence and great customer service skills but I know there’s a lot more to it then a big smile. Any how I can ask questions all day so I’ll end it here thanks
Hi Joe,
Best of luck to you and by the way you can earn six figures selling cars.
KB
I have been a car salesman since i was 16 (I am 21 now), I started off selling new Nissans. Then I moved to a used yard and now I am selling Mitsubishi. As the article says selling cars takes no qualifications (I only completed the first 3 years of high school) if you have a good attitude, are clean and presentable, and follow up your customers you will succeed.
Just dont be afaird to ask if they want to buy the car, if you DON’T ask the questions you won’t get a answer!
That is true, but every dealer has different requirements.
KB
Hey KB!
Well im actually a receptionist at a car dealership and they had offered me a job as a sales rep, but I didn’t get into it. They told me that I’m “pretty” enough to be a great sales chick, which obviously thats not the only thing necessary! I am seriously thinking of becoming a sales rep now! I don’t know if I should or shouldn’t. Any tips?
Hi Lizz,
Thanks for writing. If you are going to do it then you need to jump in with both feet. You are right that there is more to it than being pretty. Now is a great time to start selling, this should be a good year and I am sure you would be glad to make more money.
Read over the posts and articles here and then lets get going! Both feet no looking back, only ahead to a brighter future, fun and big money.
KB
hey KB
I have worked many factory jobs but nothing makes me happier than working with cars. I went to school to fix cars. but i like to do that on the side not as a profession. I do not have any sales experience. The only thing I have going for me is that I work hard. I like to work long hours. I get along great with everyone I have ever worked with, and I am a very patient person. Do you think I would have a chance?
Absolutely!
The right attitude is one of the important aspects of being a car salesperson and it sounds like you have that.
What is holding you back?
Aloha,
I’m looking for advice. I’m attending college and need a job. Just found out my local Subaru/Hyandai dealership is hiring. I have zero sales experience, but what I do have is a love for cars, especially Subaru. I own 2 Subarus my self and have the Subaru world rally logo tattooed on my outer thigh. I’m very professional in appearance with no visible tattoos. I do have a lot of car knowledge as my dad is a master mechanic and owns his own shop. He taught me how to fix cars growing up. After highschool I spent 9 years on active duty in the Marines as a truck driver and was honorably discharged this past August. My enthusiasm for Subaru is all the motivation I need, the military has certainly given me thick skin as well as bearing and determination and..,I mean not to sound cocky, but I’m really hot too! I’ve already picked some business attire. I’m going in person to the dealership tomorrow. I’m just wondering what you think my best approach would be?
Hi Amanda,
Sounds like you are on top of it, be yourself and you should do well.
KB
I’m tired of working a dead end job for minimum wage and saw some openings for a car dealership in my area, Nissan to be exact. Well I applied and sent my resume and now I have an interview with them. The only really sales experience I have ever had was when I was a in store marketer at Sears and when I work at one of my local clothing stores. I was in the army reserves for 8 years and went active for 2 of the 8 years. While In the military I dealt with all kind of people for when I was sent overseas to Iraq I was put in charge of a redistribution property assistance team. In order to do that job I had to have very good people skills. Anyways just wondering what these interviews are normally like and is being a car salesman really good or is it just all talk . Whats the minimum a year I could possibly make.. anybody who has great experience I would sure appreciate your input. By the way im 29 yrs of age and single with no kids so is this job right for me? I love performing customer service so I hope it is good!
Will changing carrers be a wise choise for me who works a steady 40 hr work week ? I rent my own place with my fiancee would seeling cars be a wise carreer move if i live with my family?
Hi Tmac,
it is really up to you. Are you happy with your current 40 hour a week job and are you satisfied with the money you are making?
You have to decide.
KB
Hi Bernard,
Sounds like a the car business might be a good fit, but that is up to you.
You don’t need experience, most dealers will train you.
As far as the minimum income, it could be less than minimum wage.
However, you need to adjust your thinking because you could be making a six figure car salesman income.
Start thinking about the possibility of making big bucks and stop thinking about the worst possible outcome.
Good Luck
KB
Hello I want to know if being a car salesman at the age of 18 is good job and if its a stable job, also how easy it is to get fired?
Hi Josh,
A job as a car salesman can be a good and stable job if you can sell cars.
As far as getting fired that is easy to do at any job.
KB