Holiday Car Sales

The season of giving is here! It is time to buy holiday gifts for all of your friends and family. Car dealerships offer "great" deals around this time, in hopes of ensnaring unknowing gift givers into a higher priced sale. If you are thinking of purchasing a car either as a gift or for yourself, there are many car salesmen tricks to pay attention to while shopping.

The most common strategies used by car salesmen include: the "Bump and Grind", tricky fine print and profiling.

Bump and Grind What it is: A common sales technique used to incrementally raise the price of the vehicle. The salesman gradually raises the price by just a little bit at a time. If it is done subtly it can be very effective. As the price negotiation continues, the salesman will "bump" up the price and "grind" you to agree with him.

Protection: Let the salesman know you aren't interested in the higher price. Do research before going to the dealership, and know what prices are acceptable.

Tricky Fine Print

What it is: The fine print is where car dealers hide the more negative aspects of a deal. Look out for lines such as "offer not compatible with other offers" or "residency and other mileage restriction may apply" in advertisements.
Protection: Read it thoroughly and ask LOTS of questions. Make sure you completely understand what the advertisement is saying and what it would mean for the price of your car.

Profiling What it is: Profiling happens when a car salesman assumes by your age, sex and status in life what stereotypical type of car you should want. An example would be, a single woman would want safety, options and cuddly looks.

Protection: Do not be dissuaded from the type of car you actually want. Walk in the dealership with a clear head, know your options and know what you can afford.

Have a happy holiday season and while you are car shopping remember the tips discussed here. For more suggestions on how to protect yourself when car shopping check out the FREE salvation guide.