SouthernTrader

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Posts posted by SouthernTrader

  1. Posted

    I always accompany them on a test drive, they normally seem to have questions about what various features do and it gives me a chance to chat with them a little.

    Also, I don’t fancy letting half of the general public out in my cars to drive as they wish, no thanks!

  3. Posted · Edited by SouthernTrader

    Hi Grant,

    last time I used BCA earlier this year I was charged £210 plus VAT for 180 miles, that was transported not driven.

    I use a local transport company now as they are better priced and more flexible 

  5. Posted

    1.6 PSA Prince engined cars as above

    VAG cars with DSG boxes unless I can take them for a long test drive first

    Never done very well on convertibles but that’s probably more down to poor buying 

    Don’t tend to do too many Vauxhall’s anymore. I remember when I started I sold loads of Corsa Bs then lots of Corsa Cs. I then moved on to selling Corsa Ds but 75% of them seemed to have head gasket issues. Don’t bother anymore despite being good sellers 

     

    Also, what is it with VAG cars and window regulators? They seem to always be buggered 

  6. Posted

    I did a Business Degree and enjoyed University for what it was but it’s very different running a business in the real world than studying textbooks on business!

    I then joined a graduate scheme and I found after 5 years of working for corporate companies I just didn’t enjoy it - no job satisfaction for me - just a salary and a car.

    Id worked in used car sales from 18-20 so I went back to that. I’d traded on the side while having a “real job” and it’s a bug that’s never left me so I went full time working for myself, initially as a doorstepper. 

    I feel lucky I don’t have a 9-5 like a lot of my friends despite the stress this job can bring

  8. Posted

    I’ve used a Dakota odour bomb a few times, you can buy them on Amazon. They’ve been pretty effective but I guess it depends on how bad it is. Also leaves a kind of sickly sweet smell in its place but I’ve always sold the cars and never had any comments on the smell. 

  10. Posted

    8 minutes ago, Jordan said:

    Firstly, thank you for the responses. When you ask what checks/PDIs I use, I use a 45 point check list that covers interior, exterior, electrical parts e.g. mirrors, central locking and more. Bodywork condition. Road test, fluid levels and light checks. I have a form I complete with every car all signed and dated by myself. The customer doesn't sign this form. I also keep photographs of the car so there is some proof of the condition the car is in. If there's anything I can do additionally in the future to reinforce the paperwork I do already, what would you advise. Thanks again.

     

    Get customer to sign and date the PDI otherwise they could argue that you just wrote it out after the fact stating all okay etc.

    • Like 1

  11. Posted

    Stop responding to text messages and ask him to call you on Monday. It’s far easier for people to lie/bluff over a message than on a phone conversation.

    at least that way you can talk to him properly and actually try and get to the bottom of what he actually wants, is he genuine, where this is leading etc.

    Going back and forth over text is a waste of your time imo

  14. Posted

    They did email me some guidance but I was hoping to meet a rep for a quick chat and some help with the application.

    They suggested I sign up with a broker first as they didn’t think I’d be doing more than a couple finance deals in a 3 month period at which point I’d get dropped by Close for lack of business. My personal thoughts on this are I’m going to try and encourage as many of my customers as possible to take finance and I’m going to actively promote it on social media etc.

    Anyway, if anyone can recommend a good broker for me to work with when the Application goes through?

  16. Posted

    Good God that version of Blowing in the wind is awful!

    On the AT side of things I’m curious do you currently fill in the service history section? I’ve never used it before and just listed the service history details within my description text but maybe I’m missing a trick?

    • Like 1

  17. Posted · Edited by SouthernTrader

    I’ll be interested to know as well. It seems that nobody at AT can answer this despite them going ahead with the change.

    If we had some clearly defined criteria at least we could then decide whether we wanted to change/amend our adverts to increase our search relevance.

    And to answer the original question. No downturn from here so far. A few sticky cars that weren’t getting enquires still aren’t 

    4 minutes ago, Blenheim Car Sales said:

    All the boxes and information on all the tabs when completing the add must be  filled in ..................even the ones you would normally skip, and a considerable number of  pics 40+ i say 

     

    there is a  relevance  video from Autotrader if you go looking for it on this very matter

    Interesting, I assume you mean the boxes like the 2wd option boxes etc?

    Ill go and look for the video now, thanks for the heads up

  18. Posted

    Quick question in regards to the FCA application process. I’ve completed it all online to the best of my knowledge.

    If there are genuine  mistakes/errors will they pick those up and contact me to clarify or will the application get thrown out or delayed months? Anyone have any experience of this?

    I tried asking a finance lender for help and while they did give me some guidance and help as I’m still small time (8-12 cars) I’m not a priority which is understandable 

  21. Posted

    1 hour ago, trade vet said:

    Tax discs,radios,spare wheels,jack and wheel braces but I did not blame the punters.I used to blame the salesman.

    Yep, I got the owners wrath a couple of times as a young salesman and I soon made sure I didn’t make the same mistake again!

  22. Posted

    All the talk of the tax disc refunds reminds me of working for a big local used car site. There were constant heated discussions with PX customers pinching the tax disc out their swapper when they came to collect their new car

  24. Posted

    8 hours ago, tradex said:

    More AT shite.

    I wonder if AT would better improving their valuation algorithm, should take into account ohh, I don't know, how about length of ticket, full, part or no service history, belt in schedule, not a V car, number of owners, warranted miles etc. 

    I’ve heard that AT are adding an overpriced marker in addition to their Good, Great and Low price markers.

    Not fully sure if this is going ahead or they are trialing it or it’s just an idea from the “online team”

    Personally I think that’s a terrible idea. This week I sold one which was well over market value according to them but it was in perfect condition, 1 owner with tiny mileage. Would the customer have called if “Over priced” was written on my advert?

    • Like 1

  25. Posted

    Welcome and good luck!

    Very impressive to have done 60 in 4 months from home you must be doing something right. What kind of stock are you selling and are you sourcing them all privately? 

    The forum is definitely a great resource and always good to get new ideas and people involved I think

    • Like 1