delqom

A few years ago I was asked to prepare an article which could help to enhance the reputations of used car salesmen. Evidently I’m no miracle worker, but I thought it was possible to produce a positive spin.

I was on the job as a journalist at the time, and had a cracking friend whose family had been in the automobile line of work for years. It was his suggestion to come in to the company and spend a day or two working at the sharp end. There can be no better way of researching something than putting yourself in the genuine surroundings.

I had never before been to the garage where my friend worked, but knew I was close by when I saw a sign at the entrance to the mews saying Raffety’s used cars. The showroom was deceptively spacious, and appeared to go back far towards the centre of the railway arch. There was a vast amount of different makes and models on show.

When I arrived, a little later than promIsed, I saw a young bloke on the forecourt applying some sensitive care to a old BMW. “Are you looking to Buy a new BMW“, he asked with a hopeful look on his face. I straight off thought he must be on some sort of commission agreement, as he seemed to waste no time in speaking to me.

“No thanks” I replied, “I am hear to see how the business works, and to write an article for the local newspaper.”

Having said my introductions, I was sat near the phone and told to be the voice of the company. This I enjoyed, as I think that I have a pretty good rapport with the general public. Perhaps the most common question that I was asked was ‘do you know where I can Buy a New Mercedes.’