This week is an exercise in stretching myself. My husband will be out of the office most of the week and I will be fielding most of his calls and handling whatever comes my way.
It’s exciting to try new things. Most days I see how he does his job but ultimately he does it without much advice from others. I watch and listen to how he evaluates vehicles, how he interacts with the customers, how he tries to put out fires without losing a customer when problems arise. Until you are actually in the position without someone else to consult you really don’t know difficult the job is on a daily basis.
He brings approximately 35 years of experience to his job in buying and selling vehicles as well as being a mechanic which doesn’t hurt if you are going to sell cars. I’ve done bookkeeping for the business for many years and do the paperwork with the customers for buying and financing vehicles. It’s a whole different ballgame giving enough information to the customer and putting them at ease in the car buying experience. He is definitely better at his job than I am and I will be happy to have him back. I’ve got just enough information to be dangerous.
One of the most difficult areas is determining the trade-in value of a vehicle. If you give the customer too much for their trade in you may lose money on the car you are selling and not make any on the trade when you sell it depending on what work it may need to get it ready for the lot.
If you give the customer too little they may feel you are stealing their vehicle from them and are insulting them. The key is to have enough trustworthy evaluation information available to back your dollar amount for the trade. We always give the customer the option of trying to sell their own vehicle and buy our vehicle without a trade.
Most of what I planned to accomplish on my own to do list didn’t get done but phone calls were answered, appointments were made, warranty work was done, and cars were sold so I guess it was a good day.
Tomorrow is another day with the opportunity to grow and learn.
Flying Gma's Blog 
Carol Ann Hoel
January 4, 2012 at 1:24 am
What a challenging change of pace. There is no doubt in my mind that you are able. Blessings to you, Jeanne.
dhphotosite
January 4, 2012 at 9:59 am
Sounds like a good day to me Jeanne!!!
Patti
January 4, 2012 at 12:33 pm
Wow – I’m impressed that you are taking this one on! I would definitely be dangerous in a position like that – probably be giving cars away left and right. Have a great week!
nrhatch
January 4, 2012 at 2:24 pm
That’s challenging . . . I’m sure that Dean will feel very APPRECIATED (and appreciative of your efforts) when he returns.
belleofthecarnival
January 4, 2012 at 5:47 pm
I feel stressed just reading what the job demands because I know nothing about cars. It sounds like you had a very good day!
pearlsandprose
January 5, 2012 at 8:26 am
Good for you tackling a challenge like this, Jeanne. I think you’ll do just fine. 🙂
pattisj
January 5, 2012 at 6:28 pm
It sounds like you’ve handled it pretty well thus far. Hopefully you’ll have the lot cleared when he returns! 🙂
CMSmith
January 6, 2012 at 5:34 pm
Like you, I feel like each day brings opportunities for learning and growth. Who knew? I expected to be able to settle in at some point in my life. I guess just not yet.
Booksphotographsandartwork
January 11, 2012 at 6:34 pm
Great you are gaining an entire new skill set!