Debunking The Top Myths About The Car Business

Before you even cross the Southbank Dodge threshold, or any other dealership, you may have some preconceived notions of how a dealership works; while you may be right in some of your assumptions, for the most part, there is much more fiction out there than fact.  The car business has long been plagued with consumer's assumptions towards them and the product they are selling.  Today, we hope to put the top myths of the car business to rest, for good!

Myth #1: 

Profit margins for car dealers on new cars are huge.

Every customer goes into a dealership ready to negotiate.  This is still the case today but it has become a much simpler process. The margins on most cars for dealers are so small that manufacturers themselves are providing cashback incentives, incredibly low interest rates, and in some cases both to help your purchasing decision. Dealers are helping as well by offering vehicle accessories, dealership gift cards, or other incentives to help earn your business. Once you become out client, we would like it keep it that way!

Myth #2: 

Anything for a sale!

Although some dealerships still pay their salespeople a commission, many are turning toward salary scales instead. Either way, the focus for every franchised new car dealer, Southbank included, is on customer satisfaction and building long-term relationships.

Myth #3: 

Servicing your car is more expensive at a dealer.

The reason your dealer may charge more per hour is because their technicians can complete that job in significantly less time. If you took your vehicle elsewhere they may charge less per hour but I’d bet that your final bill will be the same, if not more than if you had gone to your franchised new car dealer. Add in the fact that your dealer is going to be around for a long time, their techs are always up to date on new vehicle technology, and the quality of service you get is top notch, and it’s always a no brainer for me when I get my vehicle serviced.

Myth #4

There is too much turnover in a dealership, I never see the same face twice.

While every employer experiences staffing changes, including dealerships, the myth that turnover is rampant in the car business could not be farther from the truth.  At Southbank, we have a large number of staff who have been loyal to us and our customers for five, ten, fifteen, twenty and yes, even thirty years.   

I hope that we have put some of the most common myths to rest and that you now know the difference between fact and myth!

The Faces of Southbank Dodge - Meet Norm Haggar

Norm Haggar is a fixture and proud "life" of Southbank.  He is loved by Southbank's long time clientèle and has worked in almost every facet of the dealership.  Today, as fleet and corporate sales manager, he gets the best of both worlds, engaging in the sales process of Southbank, while still loyally serving Southbank's service department customers.  Southbank Blogger recently sat down with Norm to discuss his new role and his hopes for Southbank in the future.

Southbank Blogger: Good afternoon Norm!  Please tell us, exactly how long have you been with Southbank?

Norm Haggar: I have been part of the Southbank Family for 24 years and 307 days.  Not that I am counting!

Southbank Blogger: Could you please tell our readers a little about yourself?  And why you love your job?

Norm Haggar: I am 5'9, hard working and have what I consider to be a very outgoing personality.  I enjoy my job at Southbank because I get to meet new people on a daily basis and guide them through the purchasing process of their new vehicle.  People always leave happy and that in turn makes me happy.

Southbank Blogger: What do you believe is the most important duty of a fleet/corporate manager?

Norm Haggar: My primary focus and goal in my position is to build and maintain customer relations for the sales and service departments.  I keep in contact with all of my customers to make sure they do not forget who I am and the services both I and Southbank can provide.   

Southbank Blogger: What do you believe sets Southbank apart from other dealerships in the Ottawa area?

Norm Haggar: I think the difference begins as soon as a customer walks through the Southbank doors.  Southbank has a laid back, friendly atmosphere.  We laugh, we joke with each other, we are here to get the job done, but with some fun thrown into the mix.  I believe that we treat every customer with honesty and fairness and that is translated to the customer's experience.  Whether you are dealing with the service, parts or sales department, each staff member will go above and beyond to help a customer out.   You cannot find that sort of teamwork in most dealerships these days.  

Southbank Blogger: Norm, what do you hope customers leave Southbank feeling?

Norm Haggar: I hope they leave feeling like they just became part of a new family and feel satisfied with their purchase.  I hope they feel that they dealt with some really nice people and not only got the best possible deal and service out there, but also got to make some friends along the way.  

Southbank Blogger: Last question!  What are three things that you like to communicate to Southbank customers?

Norm Haggar: 1) The entire Southbank staff stands behind everything that we do.  

2) Anyone from Southbank is here to help you.  No matter what department, or job title, the staff of Southbank, myself included are here to serve our customers until they are 100% satisfied. 

3) Southbank really is a family.  I know it sounds corny, but there is a reason I have been here for so long.  There would be no Southbank if not for my co workers.  They make Southbank great.  

The Faces of Southbank

Everyone knows that the majority of the time, people spend more time at work than they do with their families at home.  That is the case at Southbank.  This is why we call ourselves: The Southbank Family, because we are, simply put, a family.  We may not agree with each other all the time, or share the same personality traits or likes and dislikes, but we come together every day to make the best of Southbank. 

 

In visiting Southbank, you will notice that we have a very eclectic staff.  One that spans the globe and that could fill hundreds of books with their personal stories.  The shared differences is what makes Southbank an amazing place to work. 

 

Here are some Southbank Stories:

 

Stanford Noble

 

Stan is a very familiar face to the staff and long time customers of Southbank.  He began working at Southbank as a sales representative in 1991 and has not looked back since.  Stan hails from Jamaica and is affectionately known as "Agent 35" to the Southbank staff.  His professional demeanor, dapper style and caring attitude have made him irreplaceable to Southbank. Stan spearheads the Southbank Social Committee along with Southbank's involvement in many organizations, including The Rideau Carleton Race Track.  He is the go to Southbank photographer and handy man.   Stan has traveled the world and has many a story up his sleeve, but he says his heart will always be in Jamaica and Southbank of course.

 

Gustavo Aliaga

 

 

Gustavo, or Gus as he is known at Southbank, has been with Southbank as a sales representative for nine years.  Gus hails from Peru and has proven to be a great asset to Southbank's Spanish speaking community.  Gustavo is a father figure to the younger members of Southbank's sales team.  You can always catch him fixing some one's tie, or giving them a few styling tips.  Gus is famous for his dance moves.  Every year at the Southbank Christmas party, he never ceases to amaze with his Latin dance skills and boundless amounts of energy.  Gus is a proud grandfather to a beautiful little girl and is the only grandfather we know who still does 100 push ups a day.  His coined phrases "It's unbelievable" and "Amazing!" are what bring life into the Southbank showroom.  And if you have any doubt about Gus' push up abilities, we have the video below to prove it!  Go to: http://www.facebook.com/southbanknation to see it!

 

 

Norm Haggar

 

 

Norm has been with Southbank since the tender age of twelve.  Now maybe that could be a slight exaggeration, however, Norm has been with Southbank for over twenty four years and is a Southbank lifer.  Norm began in the Southbank Service department as a coop student, a program that Southbank still participates in to this day, and rose through the ranks.  From student, to mechanic, to shop foreman, to service manager, Norm has seen and done it all.  Southbank customers have never shown more loyalty than to Norm and he feels privileged to have grown with his customers and their families.  After taking six months off to travel the world and work on his tan, Norm is back and in the sales department trying something new!  The Southbank family is happy to finally have him back and jealous of his tan.