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 uninformed 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, but it isn’t mastered overnight.
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 an effective 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, have an interview 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 this website for the car salesman for thoughts, advice and tips 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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Hey everyone. I am on my 3rd month of car sales… let me say it has been a rollercoaster ride. I am 25 yr old blonde female who is also a spokesperson for my dealership – meaning I do the TV and radio commercials. I have years of experience with appliance sales. I am enthusiastic, energetic, fun, & outgoing…however, I am probably one of the most empathetic people you will ever meet. I am unsure if I will be able to continue selling cars if I become so emotionally attached to people and believe every word they say. It is hard for me to not believe them since I am very gullible. My GM thinks I am great and he loves the idea of how I am the “anti-salesperson” but he doesnt know that I am sometimes at the brink of tears when my sales can’t be closed because a customer lied to me about their credit situation, etc. I spend hours helping people with low credit scores or unrealistic expectations. Should I just give up on this and go get a job selling teddy bears?? I know I can be successful, I just need that thick skin and the right way to sift out the time-wasters I seem to attract. ADVICE PLEASE!!
Hi Miss Nice Guy,
It should start to get a little easier after 3 months. Sure you could call it quits, but how much will you earn selling Teddy Bears or anything else for that matter.
The car business is about taking the good with the bad. It is a numbers game. Look at the big picture.
If they can’t buy, move on and get the next customer. It is about your month, not your customer.
You have to learn to shrug it off and get the next one. Even the top car salesmen and car saleswomen get the time wasters.
Don’t let a few bad apples spoil the whole bunch. People with bad credit know they have bad credit. Get them to open up and talk.
Ask them questions and listen to their answers, they will usually reveal their problems with credit.
It will get easier!!!
Keep on working on it and observe some of the top salespeople for clues.
You can do it!
KB
I am wanting to pursue a career in this type of field. I am a very intellegent person, have great persuasive skills, and I love interacting with people. I am a student at Griffin High School, but about to graduate. I have always been told I should go into marketing or being a lawyer, but law is not me. So if you could give me a few pointers for college choices and jobs, please email me and it would help deeply.
Thanks for writing JJ,
You sound like you are a natural. If you are looking for a college that understands the business Northwoods in Michigan is fantastic. http://www.northwood.edu/mi/academics/automotivemarketingmanagementbba/. Keep stopping by for more in being a car salesman and careers in the car business. I will be putting more focus on internet sales this year.
KB
Hello I am a student at a collegiate high school (For the “nerds”)
And I have always been a petrol head wanting to work with cars, but not put in the hard labor. I am very persuasive and I am a master at masking emotions as well as getting answers. I read in your text that I do not need any college but im wondering if a AA degree will help my situation as well as will it help with my teachings of how to sell cars and make the big payout If you could help i would much appreciate it thanks.
Hi Lucas,
College is always a good thing and can help in many aspects of selling and relating to people. The more education you have the better off you will be in many aspects of your life and it could open more opportunities to you in the car business beyond selling. However it is not required to make a six figure income as a car salesman.
KB
Hello,
I recently got a call from Carmax and landed an interview. I am looking for summer work (I’ll be home from the end of April to the beginning of September). I know a little about cars, but love talking to people and can be very persuasive. Do you think this is a good opportunity for me?
Hi Brittany,
It is a great opportunity for you to get a taste of the car business. CarMax usually operates differently than most dealerships, but at least you will get the idea.
KB
I start training for honda soon and I am nervous this is my first car sales job. I am a college student.
Hi Ceaira,
Relax, everyone is nervous at first even if they don’t show it.
Learn all you can and lighten up. You can do it, others have and you can too!
KB
I am 23 years old I am fluent in Spanish and English and I’ve been thinking about joining the businesses right now I have a office job that pays 35k but I love selling things I buy and sale cars motorcycles boats or whatever I can make a few extra $$$$$ should I quit my job to be a salesman is it worth the money
Hi Juan,
That is decision you have to make.
Being bilingual should give you a definite advantage when it comes to selling cars.
It sounds like you would be a good candidate for a car salesman based on you side activities.
KB
Hello
I am going for an interview today, I am 52 yrs old have been in sales for over 25yrs. Do they hire older people all I see up here are very young. I have never sold cars but would like to try thanks for all your advice.
Oh, man.
I have an interview tomorrow at a dealership. I have never sold cars before, and it is something that I thought I’d never attempt. I am quite excited at the prospect of it, and I definitely think it’ll be a good learning experience for me, but I am nervous. While I no doubt will stand up for myself and can be assertive, I am no shark and I’m not an aggressive person. I am very empathetic (much like Miss Nice Guy in the comment above), but I am less trusting of people than I used to be. I really enjoy working with people and answering questions that they have and trying to help them, but I’m just wondering how successful I will be in this particular endeavor. I hate pushy salespeople, and I am about to attempt to become the epitome of that very thing.
What am I thinking??
If nothing else, at least the interview will be a good experience.
Do nice guys ever make it?
Hi Colleen,
You don’t need to be pushy, rude and aggressive to make it big in car sales.
Stop thinking about the car salesperson in the stereotypical way that most of the public does and start thinking about being a professional salesperson.
Things have changed in the car business and that is what this website is all about.
I hope you get the job and discover that selling cars for a living is a career to be proud of and not one of shame.
Best of Luck
KB
Hi Karen,
I hope you do well. Age is not a factor when hiring sales people and in fact it can be an asset.
Show Them How It’s Done
KB
Hello I’m actually in a waiting room waiting to be interviewed for a sale position at lexis. I am a 29 year old black male with restaurant management and hospitality background. I am also a hospitality major in school. My question to you is does my background in hospitality serv as an asset for interviews in the future. And secondly what should I build on to be a more appealing candidate.
Hello. I have a couple questions about being a Car Salesman. I am now a Police Officer working nights, every weekend, every holiday, etc.. for the last 10 yrs. I have four kids and right now with O.T I make a little over 40,000. I deal with all kinds of People all of the time and feel that,I can read people very well. I am thinking about a career change into the field of selling cars. I want to get into something making a lot more money and spending more time with my family. Do you know any other P/O’s who have left their job to become a successful car salesmen? Right now my income and benefits are set. What’s the typical benefits a salesman gets with his family? I know every dealership is different, but is there a norm or close to a norm.
I am a 20 year old sales associate at a gas station recently a car salesman came into my store he saw how good of a salesman i am and told me to put in an application at the dealership he works at some of my regulars was in there and said i should do it … i’m just nervous i have sold a lot of things but never life changing like a car….. i’m confused
Read this info as i’m getting closer to graduate and am thinking of career possiblities. I love cars and know alot of cars for my age. At least I like to think so. I am very good with people and can mask the emotions when needed with the thick skin. I am looking into car sales because although college is important, I don’t feel it is for me. I also speak english and spanish. Is there any other information that can be given to me besides any training?
Hi Joe,
I actually do not know anyone that went from being a police officer to car salesman.
There is certainly a lot of money to be made in the car business, but the benefits are different at every dealership.
A far as there being a norm or average pay for the sales person, there is no such thing because skill, experience, drive and determination are the things that will determine your success.
KB
Hi Chance,
You are young and that would be a great time to check out the car business.
You won’t find a better time to do it and you might love the job and make some great money.
You might be surprised how many people started out like you and today they have a great career with a nice income.
KB
Hi Arturo,
Maybe you should jump in and give it a try over the summer.
Hi Micheal,
So I didn’t get to your question sooner.
How did it go?
I have worked at a car dealership for the better part of 4 years. I do back-of-house accounting, sales commissions and recently became the facebook administrator. However, I was just offered a position as internet salesman and am currently thinking it over. What are the main differences between floor selling and internet selling? I was capped at a certain income level working the office and am really looking forward to having a “sky’s the limit” income.
Hi
I am just about to complete a 3 day training seminar with National Auto Academy and starting with a dealership Monday. I have 18 years of selling/management experience in a completely different industry. However my experience has taught me how to sell in every situation possible. I LOVE cars and currently have a great job. Actually I know more about the cars that I am about to sell; than the current salesmen know. Ok here is my question – I am not concerned about selling the cars – what types of things can get me fast tracked into more of the management position?
I’m looking into cars sales and have a couple of questions. I keep hearing about long hours …. what are long hours? I work 12 hours a day now 7-7. I’m a retail store manager and the company I have worked for the last 10 years have been slowly changing. More micro managing and bounses are harder to hit. I make 48 base. Can I have a life and make the same in the car business.
Hi Clint,
Welcome aboard.
The quickest way to get respect and move into management is to sell lots of cars consistently month after month.
Then once your sales are consistent let upper management know your intentions.
Good Luck
KB
Hi Gil,
You should be able to work less hours and make more money selling cars for a living.
Twelve hour days (known as bell to bell) are not uncommon in the car business, but not all week. Usually 2 or 3 bell to bell days at most.
KB
Hi James,
Sounds like you are ready to make the move.
The big difference between floor sales and Internet sales is that you will only sell to customers that you brought in through the Internet.
Get in there now because that is the direction it is headed.
Dealerships that operate a good Internet Department get more than half their business via the Internet.
Time to step up, move some metal and make some real money.
KB
I am thinking of making a move into car sales with a very successful dealerhip group. I will be shooting to be fast tracked to the Internet Sales side if everything works out. I have been in sales for the better part of 20 years. Most of my career has been in the mortgage industry. I must admit I have always had an aversion to car salesman. That being said, the GM I will be working for has been a personal friedn of mine for 20 years and I have seen his success from finance into the GM position. I am in my 40′s and I want to get back to making six figures again, have flexiblity and I am willing to give up my weekends. Have you seen a successful transition from mortgages to sales and also what advice would give for a guy in his 40′s with an open mind. Thanks!
Ok so just like everyone else who has posted…I’m very confused. I was recently shopping around for a new car and got approached by one of the managers about a position he ha opened, I’m currently a retail store manager making a salary I know I’ll have every paycheck. And it’s a pretty nice penny. He told me that he knew I could do it and that he doesn’t say that to everyone…not sure if that was sales pitch to get me to join the team. It’s a career change that I would be willing to take! I guess my question is just starting out how easy it to make good money, is the car industry a lot like retail where the new guy gets pushed aside? Thanks!
I worked as a sales person before in tourism and now I am working in new country ( Qatar-Doha) in sales too, but in a huge company for rental Vehicles. i want to know how to really be good in this field and what is your advise for me about that as how to start and how to reach the top points.
Thank you
Hi Robb,
If a six figure car salesman income sounds good to you, the car business is the place.
It may take you a few months to get the hang of it all, but after that the opportunity is here.
KB
I have an interview with a car dealership and I have no experience in car sales. I am 23 and got my first job as soon as I turned 18 and have been working there every since. I have been promoted a few times making double than what i started with. I have electronic retail sales experience but is that enough to land the job?
Hi Joe,
Absolutely, you might be even better in the Internet Department.
Goog luck on the interview.
Hi Samer,
Spend some time reading the posts on this website and pay close attention to everything that is going on around you. Listen closely to your customers and keep a positive attitude.
You can do, others have and you can too!
KB
Hi Matt,
You sound like you will do well, especially since you have had a taste of a six figure income.
Age has nothing to do with it, and having a friend that is a GM certainly will be an asset.
There are some similarities to the mortgage business, but it is more about the mindset and you probably already have that based on your previous experience.
So lets move some metal and have some fun!
KB
I am shy, but I know what I want it what it takes to be a great salesperson. I have no problem learning about every vehicle in the lot and doing my homework. I enjoy cars. I also enjoy helping others out. I hate how aggressive most car salesmen(ladies) can be. I visited a dealer last year and found the most perfect approach….the laid back approach. The lady came to us, greeted us, and gave us her card. She said if we have any questions feel free to ask, and that she will be right inside. If I was looking to by a car, I definetly would of sought for her help. It obviously made a big impact…her approach that is…since I remember it to date. I see a local dealership is trying to hire between 6-8 people with no experience. Do think that a shy single mom, can handle this? I am overly trusting, get feelings hurt, but have no problem once engaged in conversation and sales.
Hi Marie,
Yes, I think a shy single mom could be a successful car salesperson.
You can do it, may others have and you can too!
KB
Just wanting some advice. I have a wife and 4 kids and used to be a service technician at the dealership I am at and now I am writing service for the same place. I hustle all day and work a ton of hours now but my income is not what I think it should be. One of our young porters made the transition to sales and last month made more than me in service. People in general like me and I have no issues with customers like other advisors. I am thinking about trying to transition to sales as I see how lazy a majority of them are but am just nervous about making a bad move if I do fall flat on my face. I have alot of financial responsibilities and am the sole breadwinner so hopefully you can see my dilemma. Did sell cars for a bad credit used car lot for a year and did alright before I got married. Never at a new car dealership like I work at now though. Thanks in advance.
Hi Joseph,
I can understand your dilemma, but based on what you are saying about your past selling experience it sounds like you would be a natural.
However, if you are going to make the change you should make sure you have some savings set aside for the first few months.
I have always said that the first few months are the toughest. Your technical background can be asset and give you an edge when it comes to selling cars.
But ultimately this something you need to decide and if you do decide to make the change be sure you give 100% and the time it takes to be successful.
KB
I am starting at a local toyota dealership next week …I have over 20 years in sales and customer service, but this will be the first time selling cars…any advice?
Hi Ray,
Welcome to the sales side of the car business. Toyota is great place to learn the ropes and it has plenty of opportunity.
Selling the Toyota line will not only help you start your sales career, but it is also a line that you can stay with for the long haul.
Read over the posts and articles right here on the site to get yourself familiar with the high paying side of selling cars for a living.
Congrats
KB
I recently got offered a job at a car dealership, they tell me I am young, professional, and have the personality and ability to learn the car business. I like the offer so I took it, any advice for me? What should I know for my first day? Thanks!
After some time debating whether I want to truly commit to selling cars, I am moving forward. I have an interview with a local Kia dealer in the morning. I will be leaning heavily on info I have gleaned from this site. Thanks.
Hello their,
I have been in the car business for about a year and a half now. I have been averging about 13 a month now (The 1st year is the toughest) and been getting a lot easier now. A good friend of mine got me in the business (has been for years). My question is this:there has been talk that they want to put me in the used car manager position. Do you think a manager is the way to go. The pay scale is OK, but seems like a lot of headache and have been doing this a short time though…any advice???
I have an interview for a internet sales position in the morning. What are some key points I can use to wow my interviewer. I been a athlete all my life, and have no work experience. I’m a former college athlete and majored in sociology, how do you feel that can help me in this field.
Hi Evans,
Being an athlete means you have a competitive side and sociology can always help. The rest is up to you. Most people that are making big money today started with no sales experience whatsoever so you will be in good company.
Good Luck
KB
Congrats Matt,
You are now a member of the car business and the sky is the limit.
Read the post and articles here on the website. Then listen closely and watch everything to learn what goes on at the dealership.
Keep a positive attitude and don’t judge the business or the process until you have given 100% for at least 90 days.
Best of Luck
KB