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Kupper Chevrolet-Subaru

1500 2nd Street NE
805 East Main St
Mandan, ND 58554

  • Chevy Sales: (701) 663-9851
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Car Dealer Ratings | Car Buying Checklist

Car Dealer Ratings - Signs Of A Trustworthy Dealership 

There are many car dealerships out there. It is important to find one you can trust and feel comfortable working with. Typically, a primary goal of car dealerships is to expand their business and sell more cars. However, not every dealership approaches this goal with the same philosophy or operating strategy. And their strategy will become very obvious when you review car dealer ratings.


For example, some dealerships pride themselves on being professionals at their jobs and knowing everything they can about their inventory. And first and foremost, these dealerships honor and respect customers by truly listening and meeting needs. Dealerships with this type of philosophy realize that they are in the relationship business, not just the car business, and are looking to develop customers for life.

A good dealership realizes that satisfying customers is a critical aspect of good business. And one of the best forms of advertising in the car business is word-of-mouth, i.e. car dealer ratings. So when happy customers talk to their friends and family, they will be sure to recommend that specific dealership.

But unfortunately, there are also dealerships out there that employ less than desirable sales tactics and are only focused on getting the sale versus developing customer relationships. This article provides four helpful tips so you can easily spot a trustworthy dealership that deserves your business versus dealerships you should avoid. Make these tips part of your car buying checklist.

Car Dealer Ratings - Tip #1: Are There Signs of Trustworthiness?

So here are a few signs to add to your car buying checklist that will help you select the right dealership. Are their salespeople friendly? The answer would most likely be, "yes". But are their salespeople too friendly? Salespeople are trained to have good people skills and to connect with prospective buyers in order to make sales. They are trained to gain your trust. So beware if a salesperson at a dealership is attempting to be too friendly versus asking you relevant questions related to your car buying process and the needs you are looking to satisfy.

And one of the very best indicators of trustworthiness is an evaluation of what other customers are saying. And a lot of this information is online in the form of car dealer ratings. You can review car dealer ratings at a number of different sources with Google being one of the most popular.

Car Dealer Ratings - Tip #2: Is the Dealership Interested in Your Concerns?

A good car dealership will show genuine interest in what you are saying and-or requesting. They will listen to your concerns and what you require in a vehicle and explain how they can arrange a way to fulfill those needs. Those needs may include what you can reasonably afford, any special discounts, what type of car you're interested in, and a payment plan that best suits your needs. All of these items-topics should be part of your car buying checklist. 

Conversely, a less than desirable car dealer may choose to tell you about the latest special offers on what he or she thinks is the best deal. Consequently, the offers could be on specific vehicles that do not fit your needs. The offers are made because the vehicles may have been sitting on the lot for a long time and-or because the salesperson will earn a significant commission. This type of dealer likely has poor car dealer ratings, too.

You want to make sure that the dealership you select has your best interest at heart. You want to work with a dealership that compensates its sales team without using a commission system. Find a dealership who rewards its salespeople based on how happy you are in being a customer of theirs. Typically, this kind of dealership will work hard to find you a car that meets all of needs, wants, and can be offered to you for the best price possible. And, it is highly likely that this type of dealership will have outstanding car dealer ratings!

Car Dealer Ratings - Tip #3: Are All Your Questions and Concerns Answered Properly?

Make sure the dealership answers all your questions and concerns that you have in a manner that is easy to understand. If there is anything you don't understand, or need re-explained, the salesperson should try to do this without you feeling like you are a bother. A dealer should never make you feel like any concern of yours is not important.  Getting as much information as you can is critical in making a wise decision when it comes to purchasing a vehicle. Buying a car is big investment. You should always feel informed, and that you followed your car buying checklist, before committing to anything.

Car Dealer Ratings - Tip #4: Is the Dealership On Your Side?

Always remember that the car dealership should make you feel like they are working for you. There are plenty of dealers out there that are willing to help you. And it is in a dealer's best interest to try to satisfy your needs. You can always walk away if you feel pressured.

Be wary of dealers that seem like they have something to hide. If a salesperson does not seem concerned with answering any of your questions, that's a good sign that they are not truly interested in helping you make a wise decision. They are more concerned with making the sale than developing a long-term relationship with you. And again, check their car dealer ratings! 

In summary, it is in your best interest to select a dealership that is interested in satisfying all your wants and needs and one that has solid car dealer ratings from customers. This way you will be making an informed decision when purchasing and developing a long-term relationship based on trust. Good car buying checklist!
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