Customer Reviews:
 If You Sell Cars This Book is a Must Read February 21, 2008
2 out of 2 found this review helpful
If you desire professional excellence in the automotive sales business, or in other lines of sales, I recommend this book to you. The book represents the distillation of sales processes and techniques observed, studied and implemented over-the-years by Ted Lindsay. His sage advice is easy to follow (I get it) and is outlined without collateral chatter.
I particularly like his use of the Statement of Intent (Chapter 11) to ease customer fears and overcome their inevitable one-line objections. I am confident that Ted Lindsay's approach to selling vehicles, together with your positive attitude, energy and focus will make it happen for you.
I have been in the business of selling cars and trucks for eight years. I am proud of my previous associations with two outstanding dealerships: Northgate Chrysler Jeep, Cincinnati, Ohio, and The Garber Automall, Green Cove Springs, Florida. When I needed to move to Ocala, Florida, managers at my former employer recommended that I work for Ted Lindsay. I am grateful for their advice. I have worked for Ted Lindsay for about a year and continue to learn something from him everyday.
 Solid advice for sales professionals and consumers alike February 4, 2008
3 out of 3 found this review helpful
Most people love automobiles. Unfortunately they simultaneously hate shopping for them, often due to the off-putting and highly stressful experience of dealing with salespeople. Even when consumers purchase their car or truck on-line, however, they still need to visit a showroom to take a test drive and accept delivery of their new vehicle. While some car salespeople legitimately rank pretty high on the untrustworthiness scale, they are all uniquely positioned to add real value to the auto-buying process. The challenge is that many, perhaps the vast majority, truly do not know how to do it properly, while others are simply uninterested in doing so.
That is where this excellent book comes in. The author proclaims, "The [automobile] industry is full of undertrained, under motivated, and underachieving people with no formal knowledge of how to deal with others. The opportunities are endless." He then goes on to describe the mindset and process necessary to become successful. Thankfully it is not through slimy or underhanded sales tactics, but rather through truly understanding each customer's unique desires and aligning them with a product that best fits their needs. The path outlined in The Encyclopedia of Selling Cars is a true win-win for everyone involved.
While the book is aimed at sales professionals, it can offer important insight for consumers as well. It is far too succinct, a mere 152 pages, but well written, easy to read, and simple to understand. While the book lacks depth in certain key areas, it has plenty of anecdotes and personal stories that truly drive the important points home.
The author does a good job of covering the entire sales cycle, describing the greeting, statement of intent, discovery, selection, presentation, demonstration, trial close, write-up, presentation of figures/asking for the business, closing, and delivery in adequate detail. Each chapter is followed by a one-page, bullet-point review. Do not be tempted to skip these summaries as they oftentimes introduce new information that is very relevant but was not actually described in the chapter itself.
One of the most valuable sections of the book is a quantitative self-examination that forces readers to take a long, hard look at themselves to identify areas of strength and opportunities for growth. If answered thoughtfully and honestly it can be a very powerful tool for improved performance. Another excellent chapter offers an artful and innovative way of prospecting for new sales leads.
Erik Hoffer wrote, "In times of change, learners inherit the earth, while the learned find themselves beautifully equipped to deal with a world that no longer exists." While this book may be useful for anyone in the industry, seasoned salespeople in particular will find some very real gems that can positively impact their careers. If all salespeople would take this mindset and process to heart, the buying process would be much improved for consumers as well!
Lawrence Kane
Note: Originally reviewed for Clarion Reviews
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