Buyers are liars

[Andy008]

Commonly used in the motor trade, what does it really mean?

[Englishbird]

"Buyers are liars": Car salesmen know they have a reputation for dishonesty. But they counter with this claim of their own.

Salesman #1: After the test-drive, this guy tells me he has to leave 'cause he's got a doctor's appointment. Yeah, right."

Salesman #2: "What can I tell you, man? Buyers are liars."

http://www.edmunds.com/advice/strategies/articles/99254/article.html

[Peter Pedant]

I tend to think Lawyers are Liars

ho hum, mutatis mutandis you might say

[tubeway]

Having spent 17 years as a salesman and business manager in the motot trade it referes to the fact that a buyer will lie to try to get a better deal. XYZ offered me �500 for my part exchange, they are cheaper at ABC etc etc.   Working for reputable main dealers does not mean that the customers behave any differerently than from at an "arthur daley" type dealership. The customer is expected to try to barter a bit - but can go over the top - in which case buyers are liars. It is amazing how many customers were offered a "deal" at another dealership, but when told that we can not compete with that, will not go back to the original dealership for their "wonderdeal"

[Clare A]

I agree with you, tubeway - everyone expects something for nothing! I drink with a couple of used-car salesmen, and they are always open about the trade, even down to profit made, etc. They are realistic, in that the market will stand what it will stand and no more.

In addition, I am the partner of a plumber, and if anyone thinks that all of those are raking it in, they are sorely mistaken! You hear fantastic stories, but they apply to the very few, in lucrative areas such as the South East of England, the Home Counties - and then you'd have to have your own business. My partner is direct-employed and makes about �350.00 a week. I heard of someone who's a purchasing manager for a hotel who's making �30,000 pa. Our total household income is nowhere near that.

Then there's all the 'Builders from Hell'-type shows which make people suspicious of even those tradesmen and women who are telling them the truth. I have sworn to write a 'Customers from Hell' book, since there are many. I invite contributions!

Rant over.