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I love to shop for cars. This is probably an interesting statement coming from a woman, but I really do. You may ask why, and my answer is this: I love messing around with the pushy salespeople who come my way. My husband would rather go and look on Sundays, when there are generally no salespeople around to bother us. Not me. I love to go right into the parking lot, park my current vehicle in plain view, get out and start browsing, frowning a I go at the sticker prices and options.

It is actually amusing to see how each dealership contends with this. I have found that most just let me browse for a few minutes, and then out of the corner of my eye, I see the next salesperson in line coming towards me, trying to act casual and nonchalant. Are you kidding me? I know what you are up to, and I am relishing the challenge.

The first thing I have to remind myself about is this: I AM IN CONTROL. This is me we are talking about, my life, my finances, my needs. So, anything and everything this salesperson may have to say effects me and what I want to do. The promises, the gimmicks, the sales techniques can all go away, as I am the one who will decide what I want to do, thank you.

Now, here is the flip side. I need to also be respectful. Don't push me, but I do understand that you are trying to do a good job in your employment, just like I try and do a good job for my company. You may have a family, like I do, and are trying to better them and yourselves as much as you can. I have to understand that. And you have to understand me, AND my needs. Let's work together to accomplish what we both want to do. I need to shop for a new thing that you have. You want to sell it to me. I want a fair price that I am happy with. Why can't we work this out?

OK, so we have settled on an item that I want to buy. Do not insult me by going back and forth to your "sales manager" to see if you can give me such a bargain. Just give me the price, and let me know where it stands. Do not offer me credit life, dismemberment or any other type of insurance I do not need, so you can all make more money on my final purchase price. Once again, it comes down to respect.

I will treat you as a hard-working adult who is trying to make a decent living. And I expect you to treat me as a savvy consumer who is trying to get a fair price with no gimmicks or unexpected add-ons. I am confident we understand each other. I am sure we can both work this out. It is just a matter of understanding and respect.

I love to shop for cars. You can meet the nicest salespeople.

Learn more about this author, Amy Thomas.
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