truck sales

drop prices 5k under fair market value

noone has the money right now for a truck

 

That is noooooooooo joke.

 

MPG is everything now. I would maybe have a few set up with GPS/ LCD/generator = how can you save money by buying this truck.

Save money, then comfort on the road. SBA loans, great financing.

 

Frankly, I would find another line of work. I just don't think the economy looks good enough right now, or in the near future to be a new hand at selling big ticket items. Whether it be vehicles (of ANY kind) houses, furniture etc...

 

Free diesel for a year that will help

 

Selling OTR Class 8 trucks would not be my choice, right now. All of the new truck manufacturers are experiencing nearly 50% declines in sales.

There may be a short boost coming because of fleets pre-buying to avoid the 2010 engine emission standards, but, I wouldn't count on it saving many careers.

If had to be a truck salesman, right now, I'd lean more towards the occupational, day-cab, heavy industrial segments. There will be far more sales realized in that market than trying to sell big, shiny, owner-operator spec'd, OTR rigs.

Don't forget the used stuff. The profit margins on the 3rd owner trucks is huge. 3% is good on a new truck, but, 25% on a used (nearly used up) truck is to be expected. Remember, it ain't gotta' be pretty to have an attractive margin.

Diversify... Sell the little, one ton, city delivery vans. A fleet of those would make a nice payday. Sell some trailers. Again, there are excellent margins to be realized in the used markets, and, every tractor should have at least two trailers.

If you're on commission (bet you are) work the "write down" system to your advantage. When that piece of iron has sat for 120 days most floor plans dictate the actual cost to be written down to help turn the inventory. Selling the older stuff at market value will help your payday because the margins (on paper) will be higher than if you sold the newest inventory.