Yes, I said it and I meant it. You should be able to earn a six figure income selling cars. No, I am not talking about selling Lexus or Mercedes Benz. I am talking about average priced new and used cars. If you are willing to do some work and put in a little extra effort over the next guy I will provide you with all the details on how I started selling cars and within 6 months I was making a car salesman income of six figures as an automotive sales professional.
I never sold cars, trucks or boats before. The car business was a new experience to me so I had a whole lot to learn in a very short time. I thought selling cars was just about showing people cars and some bought and some didn’t. Wow, I was in for a rude awakening, selling cars was nothing like I thought, especially the car salesman income of the automotive sales professional.
You Call That Car Salesman Income
I was hired as a no-experience trainee. I went through their in house training with eight other guys. Out of those 6 only one of them had previous car sales experience. The training was Tuesday through Friday from 9 to 5. Then on Friday from 5 PM to 9 PM I was put on the sales floor to fend for myself. The trainee pay was $300 a week. You call that car salesman income? Three hundred dollars….BIG DEAL….pocket money. That $300 a week was for one month, after that….100% Commission.
I started thinking “what did I get myself into here”. I was flirting with the idea of walking out and quitting, but I heard that there is good money to be made selling cars. The existing sales people were not helpful they saw us newbies as a threat to their car salesman income. The other newbies and the one with previous experience that I trained with were the only people I could count on for help or to talk to. Most of the other sales people treated us like we had the plague. I learned real quick that there is no respect in the car business unless you sell cars, the more cars you sell, the more respect you get.
Anyway, back to my first Friday evening on the sales floor. I talked to 2 people and didn’t even take anybody for a test drive. I sucked. Even after my first evening on the floor and no results, I decided that I would stick it out for the thirty days before I made any decision to stay or quit.
Now That is Car Salesman Income
The next day was Saturday, a big day in the car business. I talked and drove a couple people, but nothing. Then about 4:oo PM I got a customer that was looking at a new car and trading in their old car that they owned free and clear. I took them for a test drive and did all of my steps from training along with a lot of schmoozing. I worked the four square and made a deal. I delivered the new car, traded in a used car and I made $1400.00, now that is car salesman income.
You Can Learn How to Make Big Money Selling Cars
I was hooked. I knew I wouldn’t make that kind of car salesman commission on every sale, but the potential got my juices flowing for some big car salesman earnings. So I kept on selling and fine tuned my skills and car sales closing techniques. In less than six months I was a top salesman and earning a six figure income. The skills and techniques that I used to earn that kind of car salesman income is what I am writing about in my newly released e-book and car salesman guide for the automotive sales professional because you can learn how to make big money selling cars.
How Much do Car Salesmen Make a Year?
I have seen many good potential sales people come and go, many were good people with real sales potential. Most sales people get starved out of the car business with the average car salesman income of less than $30,000 a year. My book will show you how you can be a good car salesman or car sales woman, make more car salesman commission and earn six figures a year selling cars. The best part is that it is not hard work, it’s fun.
Later, Fresh Up on the Lot
Get the Car Salesman Guide and Make a Six Figure Income Selling Cars.
Learn How to Make Big Money Selling Cars!
I did it and YOU CAN TOO!…get the book NOW!
That’s why you decided to become a car salesman, wasn’t it?
Check out car sales closing techniques!
Ok Ok I am ready to make money. I read sales books and the best one I found is Joe Girard Worlds Greatest Salesman.
Is there any suggestions out there? I am making 50K a year. I am leaving the current dealership I am at selling Chevrolet and going to a Lincoln- Mercury and Volvo dealership. Back to shirt and tie not a collared shirt.
I want to learn how to be a career man. I am 46 years old and I want this to be the last stop of my career.
Any help out there?
Thank You,
Bill Capo alt email- capo.william@yahoo.com
Hi Bill,
Thanks for your comments and email.
Keep trying the tips and i will keep working on the book.
KB
I’m all new to the business. Will be doing Internet Sales for VW dealership in big metro area, also will have access to several other lots used inventory. Does your book cover Internet sales?
Welcome to the business Kevin.
The book is not focused on Internet Sales but has many of the things that you will need as an Internet Sales person. I have been considering a Internet Sales Book, but much of the info will overlap.
Remember this everyday you go to work…you didn’t come to work to make friends, you came to work to work. Keep saying this to yourself…winners never quit and quitters never win. Been in the business 22 years and love it.
Thanks Tony,
GREAT ADVICE and right to the point.
I am a car salesperson also. I’â™ working in Toyota dealer.. Need help to sell more cars.. What should i do?
Make friends!! people buy from people they trust!! And providing your after sales is s good as your sales then you will be in for a treat because people do refer . They go to the pub and talk abut the car they just bought you will be the topic of conversation!!! posted by A.Learner!
Read the posts on the site and listen to the customer. They will tell you how to sell them a car.
I just got a job at a big Toyota dealership in California and am nervous about the money situation. How much can I expect to make first few months? Is it really less then 30k a year?
You should be able to make a six figure income selling cars. If not you need to make some changes. Either you need to change yourself or dealerships and maybe both.
It is hard to make six figures in the car biz nowadays.
I am one of the top guys at a Infiniti Dealership and I made 85K last year and might make 75K this year.. (Japans Tsunami hurt us) The Internet is a killer and the competition is a killer, there are 3 other Infiniti dealers within 1 hour drive from us. If you do not Spot the car you most likely loss the deal or you get a flatty because the customer shops the crap out of your price.. There is no real money to be made anymore with the Internet. Customers inquire to 5 dealers and dealers START at Invoice , and the customers make you work for invoice deals.. Spend 4 hours with a customer for a Invoice deal where I make $100.. $60 AFTER TAXES AND THEN THE CUSTOMER WANTS FREE ALL WEATHER MATS!!
Thank god I love cars and I still like dealing with people even though I lost a lot of faith in humanity the longer I spend in this business.. If you do not like People or do not like cars then This is not the business for you..
And the hours also suck , you do not leave until the last customer leaves and if you want to make money you are spending 10 hours a day at the dealer!
Hi Matty,
Sorry, but I don’t agree with you. I have made big commissions on Internet customers and so have many others. Yes, I have taken some short deals, but there is still money to be made and six figures selling cars is alive and well.
Can you sell more cars, can you make better grosses? Yes you can. Lots of sales people are doing it. Sure there have been many setbacks, but cars are still selling and there are plenty of people making over 100k.
Why do the managers have to be so rude and nasty. I love cars, like selling but don’t like to be belittled for not closing non buyers. Any thoughts?
Hi Ted,
There is no reason for a manager to be rude and nasty. Is it possible that you are not closing deals that you should be closing or are they just naturally rude and nasty?
Maybe you should think about going to another dealership.
KB
KB
To the guy whining about no money to be made in the Internet department:
Use some sales skills and switch your customers to certified. In nine months last year (i started in April 2011) I made $87k in the Internet department. The other Internet guy made $125k for the entire year. And this was selling in the same economy you sell in. Take your minis and make your pounders as they come. It all adds up. Secondly, if you’re a heavy hitter go in and renegotiate your pay plan. I renegotiated my pay plan and loaded it backend heavy. If you don’t ask you don’t get.
Hi Jerry,
Thanks for that. I think a lot of people needed to hear what you had to say.
Thank You
KB
To Matty
One of the problems your having is attitude man. that is key in the car business… Be thrilled to be at the dealership everyday! think about it, lots of people make WAY less doing really unpleasant work. I came from the plumbing business and man the car biz is like paradise compared to labor. I bet if you just made a list of all the reasons you love your job and your dealership you will be happier. Customers sense if your not all there and you will lose money. Excitement and emotion sells cars my friend..
Had several recruiters email me recently about doing this and I’ve been in retail commissioned sales/training people to sell for 7 years and found I’m quite good at it however in this market layoffs are rampant so I’m considering taking a leap of faith and trying this out I’m in Indy any suggestions to make this transition smooth and at least semi safe?
There is only one way to do it if you are determined to succeed.
Jump in with both feet, have the right attitude and know that the first ninety days will be the hardest. (especially the first 30 days)
I was a former heavy hitter in the car business selling primarly new cars. This was back in the mid 90′s. If you work for a dealership that allows you to sell both new and preowned, you should be able to still make a good living. Yes the hours are long and you can kiss most holidays goodbye however, if you are willing to work, learn the products , and follow up with your clients, this is a easy sales job. They come to you. One thing I use to do is call people that were selling their cars in the newspaper tell them that are pre-owned inventory was low. You would not believe how many people would bring their cars in for an appraisal, sold a few that way. I am in the banking business and it is one grey hair and I am really considering getting back in the car business, I would like to hear from some of you how it is going these days.
Hi Mike,
Things are little different than they were back in the 90′s, but we are still selling cars and the outlook for the car industry is very good. There is plenty of money to be made, just like it was when you were selling cars, but let’s hear from some you sales people out in the trenches.
KB
I am a used car dealer/salesman I buy and sell my own cars.
I am 23 years old and very successful in the business, I don’t even have a highschool diploma.
I am very personal with every costumer, I’m honest I smile a lot. I’m a major joker. I figure if you can make someone comfortable plus laugh you can sell them anything. Maintain eye contact, be polite and listen when they talk. Find our what they want then sell them on that. Go into every sale with the
Positive attitude that says ” I’m going to sell this person a car” ! It always works for
Me! I clear 200k profit a year. No joke! U can do it! Confidence is important!
Thanks LL,
Nice to hear from someone out on their own with a small lot.
Keep it up.
KB
Considering a move from Real Estate to Autos, love cars almost as much as houses. Wondering about this lifestyle thing working 10 hours a day on the lot and no holidays? What about the family folks? I hope not to loose the family to get the big bucks.
Hi KB. Same initials as mine!I’ve been in the car business for 19 years as of this Feb. Have enjoyed the business except the last 4 years. Our store went to the value concept selling and hastle free pricing…. I ve hated it from day one…This has always been a negotiating business dont you think? Still made descent money the last few years but my dealership where I work is no fun at all….I want to get back to having fun and get back to making a 6 figure income.. Im getting older and need to figure this out quickly! Thanks , Kris
Hi AJ,
That is a big decision, but you are the only one that can decide on what is best for you.
Selling cars is very different than selling Real Estate, however some of those skills will transfer over nicely.
KB
Hi Kris,
Maybe a change is right for you, but you are the one that has to decide?
KB
I am thinking of getting into the car business as well. My brother-in-law is a floor manager for a large dealership and can set me up. I have learned a lot from him and on my own and think this would be a good fit for me. I know I have to decide this for myself, but does the family life really suffer because of the schedule? I am expecting my first son in April and i want my son to know who i am, lol. My brother-in-law is single so he can not provide insight on this.
I am thinking of getting this book!
Hello!
I’ve worked in retail for 4 years, know how to open a conversation, and can determine a customers need quickly. I am also 20 years old and looking into the auto sales business. So my question is, how hard is it to get a customer to trust a kid and get them to commit to a sale?
It is a major commitment, but the money can be very good.
Know your product, be confident and they will respect you enough to buy a car.
This is for everyone who had concerns about the hours. The hours are very long and yes you only get a few holidays off a year however, do you know anyone who makes a lot of money who really woks 9 to 5? Think about it, a lawyer easly puts in 60 plus hours a week, real estate agents work at least 60. My point is, you need to figure out what is important for you and your family.From what I have experienced, if you make a very good living,life is a lot more stress free.
I have a question, I am a freshmen in high school I know I am too young for a job like the car business but I am intrested. I love cars with passion, I always like going to dealerships and see the new inventory. Any tips would help!
Hi Sebastian,
Give it a few years and then hit the lot.
I’m glad I found this web site. I think I will get this book. I’m 45 and my industry has completly changed (for profit college) with the changes President Obama put into effect. It’s not longer and sales gig, no incentives at all. I have been a succesful sales guy for over 20 years. I used to sell furniture full commission and did well. I have ALWAYS been very passionate about cars. I got my automotive degree at the last school I worked at. I have always been scarred to jump into car sales. Afraid of failure. The local Toyota dealer is hiring right now. I love toyotas. Its a no haggle dealer. Worried!
Hi Colin,
You will the potential to earn more money selling furniture! The car business is a bit different, but if you are used to working on commission it will definitely help.
Come On, lets move some metal.
Someone asked about age here. Just wanted to say im new to the business but we have 2 20 year olds working in sales and they do very well. They know their product and follow the sales steps. One of them is 4th out of 30 sales people this month.
I was recently approached by a sales manager for a Japanese luxury car brand. He stated that I had the “look” and from observing me, the “people skills” to be successful in auto sales.
I’ve always had a passion for cars, over the years I’ve helped many family members & coworkers get into new vehicles, the only thing the sales person had to do was close the deal I setup for them, I probably could have gone into business as a consultant of some kind. However, the thought of selling vehicles has sparked my interest and I’m really excited about the great earning potential.
I worked in the banking industry for the last 4 years doing collections, but recently got laid off. Now collecting only $300 a week in unemployment benefits and while its better than $0, I know it won’t last forever and it’s really hard living off such a small amount. I’ve never made more than $40k per year and hearing that selling cars can lead to a 6 figure income has me amped.
I’m interviewing for an internet sales position at the dealership now, wish me luck and I look forward to reading your book.
KB,
I’ve been working at a Chevrolet dealership for several months now and they just recently switched to a “rock bottom pricing” plan with a whole new pay plan and I have to say that I hate it and we’ve already lost several associates because they aren’t making the money they used to. My boyfriend is the recon manager at a local Ford dealership and they’ve come to me with a very tempting offer: back to commission with CSI spiffs and the chance to actually work deals again. The only thing is that they work on an open sales floor and I’m used to an up rotation. How difficult do you think it would be to adjust?
Also, age means nothing in this business. I’m only 21 and I work part time and I’ve been doing great. People keep confusing me for the greeter though lol.
Thanks!
Ericka
Hi Ericka,
Sounds like you have a great opportunity.
I think an open floor is the only way to go, then you have more control over how much you want to earn as a salesperson.
You should be able to adjust to open floor fairly quick and then you can make as much as you want.
KB
My son started his first day today selling cars at a large dealership. He just sold a $35,000 Dodge Ram an hour ago. He just texted me and is real excited about it. Not bad for an 18 year old kid. They didn’t even have half a day to train him. He said he has to split the commission. I don’t know what the markup was but here, it’s pretty high. How much will he make from this? He sold it in 30 minutes.
Hi Joe,
I doesn’t matter how much the vehicle costs, all that matters is the amount of profit there is in the deal.
It could end up being a “Mini”.
KB
Hello KB,
I have been in car sales for just over four years now. I was drawn to the potential for great income when I first started. Sadly it hasn’t happened for me. I am tired of being one of the hardest working sales people yet making just okay money for all my efforts. I have worked at the same Ford dealership for the past three years. I need a fresh attitude and new ideas on how to make this career path work!
Hi Peter,
I hate to say it, but maybe it is time for a change.
Maybe you need to think about changing dealerships.
Any car sales professional that works that hard should be making six figures a year.
KB
Apply at a Kia or Hyundai dealership. I have worked for Hyundai for six years and my average income is 125,000 a year !!! Hyundai and Kia have a rewards card and pay a volume salesperson around 200 a car !!! Thats without a penny from the dealership. Floor trafic is also high as well at these brands. You can sell a 15k Accent or a 65k Equus big opportunity here.
Hello KB,
SALESMAN OR MANAGER
28 yrs of age Salesman
From your experience ,
I am curious.
Been in the buisness 7yrs.
Always make 6 figures . 100,110,120,130,140,150, every year up a little
So point being should someone with this income steadiness look to become a sales manager ?
Hi Mr Unknown,
The question is whether you would want to be a sales manager.
It sounds like you know what you are doing, the question is whether you want more responsibility or do you like the way things are now.
KB
Hello KB:
I was recently laid off from my previous employer and just two days ago got an offer from a local Ford delearship. I was hesitant about applying at first because I heard that car salesman don’t make a lot of money, but I think I’m going to give it a shot. At this point, I don’t think I have anything to lose and I’m going to give it my all. I may not earn 6 figures, but at this point, all I’m looking to do is learn and show everyone around me what I can do and hopefully make some customers very, very happy.
Thanks for your work and advice. I’ll definitely keep it all in mind.
Best of luck Brett,
But change your attitude because you can make six figures a year selling cars.
KB