Sales manager bought my Supplier Discount?

subourbonite · 02-20-2008, 07:51 PM

Something happened today that, in retrospect, I am not sure I am entirely comfortable with. My wife has been buying Saturns for quite some time, and today we turned in her leased Ion (not a great car) for an Aura XE I-4, which we really fell in love with.

Ok, on to my concern - I work for a company that receives a GM Supplier discount, which I used. During the delivery of the vehicle, I was approached by the sales manager of the dealership. He told me that he would pay me $50 for a "referral" if I allowed them to use my 2nd discount authorization (I receive 2 per year) for another customer. Since I have no plans to get a second car, my initial response was "sure". As we proceeded through the process, it turned out that the manager wanted my GM Supplier login/password to be able to receive the second authorization whenever necessary. I expressed some discomfort at this, but the sales manager continued to pressure me with "if you can't use it, someone else should be able to", etc. Something I am not proud of is that I do not like confrontation, and having already started this, I went ahead and provided him with the information.

After thinking things over this evening, while I am extremely happy with the car and salespeople, I have a dirty feeling left over from this "deal" I made with the sales manager. Does anyone here who works in the industry, or who has more experience than I do, have any thoughts or suggestions on this?

Koasterking · 02-20-2008, 07:58 PM

I can get a GM supplier discount through my work too, and I work at Wal-Mart.

FenwickHockey65 · 02-20-2008, 08:21 PM

I don't know. I don't like the fact that he pressured you into it...Did he use it right away for another customer?

subourbonite · 02-20-2008, 08:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FenwickHockey65

I don't know. I don't like the fact that he pressured you into it...Did he use it right away for another customer?

No, he made it sound like he was "saving it" for some time in the future when he could make use of it.

I've had good experiences with all the salespeople I've dealt with at Saturn over the years, but this sales manager gave me a very creepy, sleazy vibe.

FenwickHockey65 · 02-20-2008, 08:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by subourbonite

No, he made it sound like he was "saving it" for some time in the future when he could make use of it.

I've had good experiences with all the salespeople I've dealt with at Saturn over the years, but this sales manager gave me a very creepy, sleazy vibe.

Hmm. I doubt that he was saving it for himself. He already gets a pretty nice sized discount. My best guess is that he's saving it in case a deal looks like it'll fall through and he can offer that discount as a last resort.
I'd go to a different dealer next time.

subourbonite · 02-20-2008, 08:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FenwickHockey65

Hmm. I doubt that he was saving it for himself. He already gets a pretty nice sized discount. My best guess is that he's saving it in case a deal looks like it'll fall through and he can offer that discount as a last resort.
I'd go to a different dealer next time.

Yes, just to be clear, I didn't think he needed it for himself - when I said "he could make use of it", I meant he could use it to close a deal. The problem is that the next closest Saturn dealer is 1.5 hrs away, and my talking my wife into a different type of car might be hard. I guess we'll see how any future interactions with this guy play out.

Koasterking · 02-20-2008, 09:09 PM

Just out of curiosity, how much is usually a Supplier discount?

subourbonite · 02-20-2008, 09:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Koasterking

Just out of curiosity, how much is usually a Supplier discount?

The supplier price is 1% above invoice, so the discount depends on what the markup from invoice to MSRP is.

chakis24 · 02-20-2008, 09:55 PM

just change your password, contact him that you did this, and tell him to get in touch with you when he needs it

pgill00 · 02-21-2008, 08:45 AM

It is nothing dirty. The store has a specific form to fill out that must disclose the discount and special pricing to the customer that the customer must sign. The next customer will be fully aware that they are getting the supplier discount. The only trick is that the dealer will get a credit for a "losing" sale from GM (some small amount of money that does not cover the cost of anything) and that is ultimately better for the dealer than selling a car at invoice.

GM is willing to do it, the next customer gets a great price, the dealer loses less money and you have $50 by cashing in an asset that you did not know you had. Who loses?

tom3 · 02-21-2008, 09:12 AM

I'd just change the password, then when the salesman tries to access the site he'll have to call you to get the new one, wait a week then change it again. Then you'll know when it was used etc.

**GMCSonoma** · 02-21-2008, 09:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chakis24

just change your password, contact him that you did this, and tell him to get in touch with you when he needs it

Quote:

Originally Posted by tom3

I'd just change the password, then when the salesman tries to access the site he'll have to call you to get the new one, wait a week then change it again. Then you'll know when it was used etc.

I would do that too...

Kind of sounds sleazy to me...

drees1 · 02-21-2008, 09:38 AM

Invoice is better.. Don't use the supplier..

coaster.n3rd · 02-21-2008, 09:51 AM

He is not supposed to do that...

JBsZ06 · 02-21-2008, 10:04 AM

I don't think its terrible. You should have set it up with him to contact you for the password when the time came to close the deal (rather than give him the password but its no big deal....when he uses it...then just change your password so he has to pay you another 50 bucks next year...

Tons of guys share the supplier discount with individuals so don't worry too much.

Just let him know he needs to notify you when he finally uses it.

JMO

02-20-2008, 07:51 PM	#1 (permalink)
subourbonite Walking Join Date: Feb 2008 Posts: 5	Sales manager bought my Supplier Discount? Something happened today that, in retrospect, I am not sure I am entirely comfortable with. My wife has been buying Saturns for quite some time, and today we turned in her leased Ion (not a great car) for an Aura XE I-4, which we really fell in love with. Ok, on to my concern - I work for a company that receives a GM Supplier discount, which I used. During the delivery of the vehicle, I was approached by the sales manager of the dealership. He told me that he would pay me $50 for a "referral" if I allowed them to use my 2nd discount authorization (I receive 2 per year) for another customer. Since I have no plans to get a second car, my initial response was "sure". As we proceeded through the process, it turned out that the manager wanted my GM Supplier login/password to be able to receive the second authorization whenever necessary. I expressed some discomfort at this, but the sales manager continued to pressure me with "if you can't use it, someone else should be able to", etc. Something I am not proud of is that I do not like confrontation, and having already started this, I went ahead and provided him with the information. After thinking things over this evening, while I am extremely happy with the car and salespeople, I have a dirty feeling left over from this "deal" I made with the sales manager. Does anyone here who works in the industry, or who has more experience than I do, have any thoughts or suggestions on this?

02-20-2008, 07:58 PM	#2 (permalink)
Koasterking 5.3 Liter Vortec V8 Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Hunterdon Co., NJ Drives: 2004 Scion xB Posts: 1,438	Re: Sales manager bought my Supplier Discount? I can get a GM supplier discount through my work too, and I work at Wal-Mart. __________________ -"Rose, were you able to find a caterer for the banquet, yet?" -"No, not yet. Oh, but I did find out that Baked Alaska can actually be made locally!" -"Rose, I have an even bigger scoop for you. Mars Bars are made right here on Earth!" G.G.

02-20-2008, 08:21 PM	#3 (permalink)
FenwickHockey65 6.0 Liter LS2 V8 Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: West Chester, OH Drives: Chevrolet Malibu LS, GMC Envoy SLE, GMC Sonoma SLS Posts: 4,922	Re: Sales manager bought my Supplier Discount? I don't know. I don't like the fact that he pressured you into it...Did he use it right away for another customer? __________________ Proud to drive American. Proud to drive GM. Current Cars: 2007 Chevrolet Malibu LS: 2.2L ECOTEC I-4 2003 GMC Envoy SLE: 4.2L Vortec 4200 I-6 1998 GMC Sonoma SLS Ext. Cab: 4.3L Vortec 4300 V6 Former Cars: 1993 Saturn SW2 (1993-2006, 243,000 miles) 1989 GMC Safari SLT (1989-2003, 293,000 miles) Future Car: 2010 Chevrolet Camaro LT RS: 3.6L DI VVT V6

02-20-2008, 09:09 PM	#7 (permalink)
Koasterking 5.3 Liter Vortec V8 Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Hunterdon Co., NJ Drives: 2004 Scion xB Posts: 1,438	Re: Sales manager bought my Supplier Discount? Just out of curiosity, how much is usually a Supplier discount? __________________ -"Rose, were you able to find a caterer for the banquet, yet?" -"No, not yet. Oh, but I did find out that Baked Alaska can actually be made locally!" -"Rose, I have an even bigger scoop for you. Mars Bars are made right here on Earth!" G.G.

02-20-2008, 09:55 PM	#9 (permalink)
chakis24 5.3 Liter LS4 V8 Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: CT Drives: 2005 chevy silverado 1500 5.3 EC LB Z-71 Posts: 3,120	Re: Sales manager bought my Supplier Discount? just change your password, contact him that you did this, and tell him to get in touch with you when he needs it __________________ 2005 Chevy Silverado 1500 5.3 Z-71 EC LB 3" P.A. Body lift, 305/70/17 Nitto Terra Grapplers, 17x9 Pro Comp Extreme Alloy Wheels, Halo Projector headlights w/ HID conversion and LEDs, halo projector fog lights, Pace Edwards tonneau cover, Fire and Ice LED light bar, "Patriot" back window decal, JDM black chrome bumper lights w/ LED, Putco Crhome handle covers, Billet-grille emblem, iPOD jack...

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02-21-2008, 08:45 AM	#10 (permalink)
pgill00 3.5 Liter V6 Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Tuscaloosa, AL Drives: 2007 Silverado Z71 :: 2006 Cobalt LT Coupe Posts: 214	Re: Sales manager bought my Supplier Discount? It is nothing dirty. The store has a specific form to fill out that must disclose the discount and special pricing to the customer that the customer must sign. The next customer will be fully aware that they are getting the supplier discount. The only trick is that the dealer will get a credit for a "losing" sale from GM (some small amount of money that does not cover the cost of anything) and that is ultimately better for the dealer than selling a car at invoice. GM is willing to do it, the next customer gets a great price, the dealer loses less money and you have $50 by cashing in an asset that you did not know you had. Who loses?

02-21-2008, 09:12 AM	#11 (permalink)
tom3 6.0 Liter Vortec V8 Join Date: Dec 2004 Posts: 1,705	Re: Sales manager bought my Supplier Discount? I'd just change the password, then when the salesman tries to access the site he'll have to call you to get the new one, wait a week then change it again. Then you'll know when it was used etc.

02-21-2008, 09:38 AM	#13 (permalink)
drees1 2.0 Liter Supercharged ECOTEC Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Janesville Posts: 138	Re: Sales manager bought my Supplier Discount? Invoice is better.. Don't use the supplier..

02-21-2008, 09:51 AM	#14 (permalink)
coaster.n3rd 5.3 Liter LS4 V8 Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: 5,059 Miles SE of Dutch Harbor Drives: 2008 Saturn Aura XE 2.4 I-4 2005 Chevrolet Cobalt Posts: 3,808	Re: Sales manager bought my Supplier Discount? He is not supposed to do that... __________________ 'I've seen the next Cadillac STS replacement and it looks damn good... like a ****ing Bentley.' - Unclassified GM exec. 'I had no respect for the 55 mph limit and I took great delight in breaking the limit I can assure you.' www.32hours7minutes.com

02-21-2008, 10:04 AM	#15 (permalink)
JBsZ06 6.0 Liter Vortec V8 Join Date: Jan 2004 Drives: 2001 ZO6 TTP 224/224 114lsa Cam Pkg 396rwhp 380 rw Posts: 1,823	Re: Sales manager bought my Supplier Discount? I don't think its terrible. You should have set it up with him to contact you for the password when the time came to close the deal (rather than give him the password but its no big deal....when he uses it...then just change your password so he has to pay you another 50 bucks next year... Tons of guys share the supplier discount with individuals so don't worry too much. Just let him know he needs to notify you when he finally uses it. JMO __________________ 2008 Blk C6 M6 w/Z51 & NPP exhaust 2008 CTS AWD 304hp sports suspension

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