TSLA362.86017.73%
GM87.9301.78%
F14.4100.42%
RIVN16.9700.96%
CYD39.8801.17%
HMC33.3700.77%
TM197.3505.11%
CVNA69.880-1.64%
PAG216.8700.32%
LAD370.7300.06%
AN199.490-0.6%
GPI261.850-1.97%
ABG214.810-0.56%
SAH77.450-0.33%
TSLA362.86017.73%
GM87.9301.78%
F14.4100.42%
RIVN16.9700.96%
CYD39.8801.17%
HMC33.3700.77%
TM197.3505.11%
CVNA69.880-1.64%
PAG216.8700.32%
LAD370.7300.06%
AN199.490-0.6%
GPI261.850-1.97%
ABG214.810-0.56%
SAH77.450-0.33%
TSLA362.86017.73%
GM87.9301.78%
F14.4100.42%
RIVN16.9700.96%
CYD39.8801.17%
HMC33.3700.77%
TM197.3505.11%
CVNA69.880-1.64%
PAG216.8700.32%
LAD370.7300.06%
AN199.490-0.6%
GPI261.850-1.97%
ABG214.810-0.56%
SAH77.450-0.33%

The biggest enemy you will face in auto sales

For years, car dealership employees believed and were taught that customers were the ‘enemy.’ On the latest edition of Straight to the Point, host Frank J. Lopes debunks that school of thought and discusses what the real adversary in the dealership is.

When it comes to sales, many automotive retail professionals think of customers with an us vs. them mentality. In reality, the enemy is the customers’ perceptions of how car dealers operate. The dealership can be a strange place for a customer, especially newer car buyers. They often expect dealers to match the stereotypes in movies, television, and popular culture. These stereotypes can create anxiety and discomfort in customers.

So, how do you battle this discomfort? Lopes says it’s time to change your battle plan. It’s time to make them feel welcome, and express to customers that helping them make the right decision is the ultimate goal.


Did you enjoy this episode of Straight to the Point? Please share your thoughts, comments, or questions regarding this topic by submitting a letter to the editor here, or connect with us at newsroom@cbtnews.com.

Be sure to follow us on Facebook and Twitter to stay up to date or catch-up on all of our podcasts on demand.

While you’re here, don’t forget to subscribe to our email newsletter for all the latest auto industry news from CBT News.

dealers

More from Sales & Marketing
How CarJiffy prepares dealers for the shift to AI buying

How CarJiffy prepares dealers for the shift to AI buying

- August 20, 2026
CarJiffy is preparing dealers for the shift from AI-powered shopping to AI buying. Since consumers already use AI to shop for vehicles, compare models, evaluate payments, and narrow inventory with...
Capital One reveals how dealers can win over the next-gen of car buyers 

Capital One reveals how dealers can win over the next-gen of car buyers 

- August 12, 2026
With a new generation of car buyers entering the market, their expectations are shifting towards a very different buying experience than previous generations. Joining us on today’s episode of Inside...
Shopping is not buying: Why your website needs to become a 24/7 sales channel

Shopping is not buying: Why your website needs to become a 24/7 sales channel

- August 11, 2026
How many cars did you not sell last night? Not leads. Not VDPs. Vehicles that were on your site after hours, with buyers ready to move forward, but your website...
websites

Shopping is not buying: How CarJiffy turns dealer websites into 24/7 sales channels

- August 6, 2026
Dealership websites stay busy long after the showroom lights go off. Buyers browse inventory, check payments, and compare trade values late into the night, but most websites cannot close the...
CBT News
Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful.