|
By accessing/using The Crittenden Automotive Library/CarsAndRacingStuff.com, you signify your agreement with the Terms of Use on our Legal Information page. Our Privacy Policy is also available there. |
Bill Hadley - Super Salesman
|
|---|
|
|
Bill Hadley - Super Salesman
Florida Automotive Journal
December 1970
William R. "Bill" Hadley - Super Salesman for Don Allen Chevrolet, is a part of that team that has proven that sales force is more important than location to any dealership. Bill is a guy that doesn't really call selling automobiles work, yet he's known as the most industrious salesman in the organization.
He came to work for Southland Chevrolet in 1947. In 1954 when Don Allen came to Miami and took over that dealership, Bill stayed with the company. According to Bill, most car salesmen consider themselves in a temporary situation and this attitude liquid status cannot be concealed from a customer — the result — a lack of confidence on the part of the customer and a reluctance to spend money.
Bill's security as a salesman is somehow a part of that security he projects to the customer. His strength is not in his "squatter's rights" residue, that he would have you believe; but in his constant contact with the customer. Some salesmen are afraid to call a customer after delivery of a car. Bill calls them the week after, a month after, a year after, and three years after the sale.
Yes, there are problems, complaints, and a few leads on additional sales. Somewhere along the line the customer gets the idea that there is security doing business with Bill Hadley. One associate said, "if the factory ever produces a lemon, I hope Bill Hadley sells it. He will give the sale such tender-loving care and such careful follow up, that the service manager will probably get jealous of him and the customer will refer at least ten prospects to him before it is over."
If any dealer ever needs proof that direct mail or telephone follow-up really works, just write to Bill for his financial statement.
Bill says that too often people forget who they bought a car from and this puts them in the open market, to be swayed most anywhere when next buying time comes around. Generally, a customer has made a decision on make and model before the salesman gets to talk to him. Either smart ad programs or a happy referral has made up his mind already. Usually the frills are bought, not sold, now that the automobile is a necessity rather than a luxury. Older people are easiest to sell and the toughest sale Bill ever made was to an ex car salesman. Bill says he tried all afternoon to get me to take an unacceptable offer in to management, we finally wore him down, and he has since bought 4 or 5 cars from me, now a sale takes about three minutes.
No matter if its a former salesman or a repeat customer or a new prospect, putting the customer into the car he needs rather than what he thought he wanted is the real responsibility of the professional salesman. If you do your job well, that repeat business will come - - - - As we walked to my car it happened - - He asked, "Have you had the pleasure of driving a '71 Chevrolet?
Bill Hadley — A Super Salesman
