Lost my job today...

DasLeben · #1 07-13-2005, 06:15 AM

As a few of you know, about 3 weeks ago I started a job selling Toyotas at a local dealership. I was brand new at the job...I was the definition of a greenpea. I'd never even sold a thing in my life. But, they were willing to train me. I was assigned to another salesman to train under, while also working with the general sales manager to get my skills up. It sounded like a pretty sweet deal.

So as it turns out, "training" meant 1 week of crappy training from the other salesman (the sales manager even admitted this), and then another 2 weeks of me floundering around without any sort of guidance. I had to figure out techniques, paperwork, etc. all on my own. A few times I got chewed out for not having my paperwork squared away, but hey, I didn't have a single person run through it with me.

Today as I was walking the lot, the general sales manager pulled up next to me in a golf cart and asked me to go for a ride. I definitely knew something was up. He basically laid out two options for me:

1. I could quit.
2. I could leave the Toyota store and go work for Hyundai right next door.

His reasoning? He didn't think I was picking up skills fast enough (duh...pretty tough to do without any sort of training), and he just didn't have the time to train me himself, which is contrary to the original agreement. So, now I'm being let go from the Toyota store because why? I'm inexperienced? Uhh yeah, they knew that from day one.

So, I'm really at a loss here. I'm very much considering going and talking to the general manager of the place tomorrow and talking to him about this situation. I don't think it's fair that I'm being let go because the dealership isn't holding up their end of the deal. On the other hand, I DO have a job with the Hyundai dealership if I want it, but considering it's owned by the same people that own the Toyota store, I'm not sure if I want to deal with any more potential stupidity. I'm very much considering turning in my key and looking for a new job. Ugh.

Arnfinn Madsen · #2 07-13-2005, 06:40 AM

Ugh...that sucks.

IMO, they should not have hired you in the 1st place if they had that short perspective.

On the other hand, there might be another explanation, but it is just guessing. Finding good/semi-good people to sell Hyundai is more difficult than Toyota, so some new-hire or current Hyundai salesman is given your place to get him or keep him.

If you want to learn sales, you will learn more from selling Hyundai as the brand is weaker.

ChipWrecked · #3 07-13-2005, 07:00 AM

Dude. Car dealerships fcuk people over. That's just what they do. Salespeople fcuk customers, sales managers fcuk salespeople.... it's nothing personal. Selling cars is a brutal racket. That's why they hire all comers, the dropout rate is very high.

LargeCents · #4 07-13-2005, 07:12 AM

[ QUOTE ]
Dude. Car dealerships fcuk people over. That's just what they do. Salespeople fcuk customers, sales managers fcuk salespeople.... it's nothing personal. Selling cars is a brutal racket. That's why they hire all comers, the dropout rate is very high.

[/ QUOTE ]

Exactly. ALL sales positions seem to be this way, in my experience. If you are making commission, there is a million swindles to keep you from earning it. If there's a commission to be had, there's a back to be stabbed. It's cutthroat, and I don't envy anyone who is in the business for more than a temporary situation.

As far as your situation, you might as well make the best of it, whatever that may mean. Make some noise. Talk to the GM or whoever is in charge, and keep going over heads and making noise until you feel like you are being heard. I don't know that it will accomplish anything, but at least you'll get some peace of mind.

-Skeme- · #5 07-13-2005, 09:25 AM

"Lose it? I didn't lose it. It's not like, "Whoops! Where'd my job go?" I QUIT. Someone pass me the asparagus."

beerbandit · #6 07-13-2005, 11:25 AM

i wish i could quit/get fired from my job

shant · #7 07-13-2005, 11:43 AM

Trust me, getting fired is awesome. Collect the unemployment and start playing poker.

MrMoo · #8 07-13-2005, 11:48 AM

Some people are natural salespeople. Some aren't. My guess is you aren't. I wouldn't take offense at that though. It's a pretty crappy job all around in my opinion.

Al P · #9 07-13-2005, 12:40 PM

I always wondered why car dealerships have multiple high paying sales position ads in the paper week after week.....

otctrader · #10 07-13-2005, 12:42 PM

Don't dwell on this - look at it from a long term perspective. Do you have a passion for car sales? Do you really see yourself building a career? If not this guy might be doing you a favor.

What hapenned to CFI'ing by the way? Regionals are back to hiring w/less than 1000tt. I know sitting in a right seat of an ERJ making $29k isn't too sexy, but if you're young enough to migrate to a good part 91 corp or fractional gig down the road and really have a passion for flying, it may be worth it.