“There aren’t any good salespeople anymore!”
“No one wants to go into sales.”
“Millennials just don’t have the work ethic.”
If you’ve heard or said these phrases in your dealership, chances are that you’ve had just as tough of a time hiring and retaining quality sales associates as the rest of the industry.
While there are many great sources of talent in today’s world, consider treating yourself to a nice meal on a “prospecting mission” to your favorite restaurant as many service industry workers can make for the perfect recipe for your next dealership sales associate.
Why restaurant staff? Here’s just a few key reasons!
- They’re Already On Commission! – Most restaurants pay servers a near-nonexistent base wage, with the majority of income coming from tips. This creates someone who is already motivated to create great service and who believes that they have an impact on just how much money they can make with each customer.
- Great Enthusiasm Customer Service – For reasons similar to #1 above, great servers have the customer’s experience front-of-mind at all times and are laser focused on making each diner have a satisfying meal.
- Similar Work Environment – Today’s restaurant wait staff work in fast-paced environments that require them to be on their feet constantly, taking orders with great detail, keeping an eye on their customer’s needs, and balancing multiple items at once. Does this environment sound like your dealership?
- The Hours Get Better – Many “new to the car business” applicants head for the hills when we mention our expectation of long hours and late nights. For those transitioning from service industry to auto industry, in many cases the hours can improve, letting them out earlier than they are normally used to.
It’s important to consider the quality of the individual when hiring, but considering a service industry employee for a sales position could turn your next night out into the perfect recruiting trip!
