Tales from the floor...

The 2017 #E300 was a complete redesign from the 2016 #E350. (Vehicle I own so am able to answer most questions from prospective buyers.)

#MBUSA set up a wonderful product launch, where we were able to see the new model up close and personal.

Demo drives to see the new technology and product specialist to explain differences from competitors, etc...

By far one of the best training sessions I have ever attended.

So I'm back at the dealer and I get a lead. I contact the customer and I've got a live one on the line. Starts asking product questions and I'm able to answer them.

So far everything is going great, he wants to schedule an appointment for a demo. Right before we hang up, he asks.

"What's the size difference between the two models?"

My response - That's a great question, let me get back to you on it.

No brochures so I turn to my trusty source "Google."

Everything on vehicle is limited since majority of articles don't address size.

At this point I figure it's best to ask one of the "greys" - my name for the old guys - they have to know. Strike two, now I'm on a mission.

Out of 20 sales associates who knows the answer? I make it a point to ask everyone including management. And I strike out, no one knows the answer. There went an hour of my life I would never get back.

Time is of the essence in sales. The longer we take to provide an answer for a prospective buyer the greater the chance of losing him/her.

Now I took it a step further by asking every associate. I did so to prove a point about product knowledge. Moreover my frustration for the lack of technology.

As a previous systems engineer I always have a difficult time understanding why companies do not invest in technology.

I'll digress on entertaining a diatribe and get back to the point and moral of the story...

As a green-pea with no previous car sales experience I joined a Mercedes-Benz store because one - I loved the brand, and two - I wanted a challenge.

I wanted a difficult sale so my ability to sell cars was never questioned again. In doing so I had to fight my way through inefficiencies.

The moral of the story is aM was developed for the floor by the floor. Our technology is cutting edge and an industry first.

In layman's term, we make your dealership and associates more efficient. Freeing up time, time spent selling cars instead of "Let me get back to you on that."

Don't be that guy, message me for details and more importantly to set up a product demo.

Carpe Diem!