{"id":1821,"date":"2016-10-26T09:00:57","date_gmt":"2016-10-26T13:00:57","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.autoraptor.com\/?p=1821"},"modified":"2016-10-26T09:00:57","modified_gmt":"2016-10-26T13:00:57","slug":"best-way-ask-raise-car-sales","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.autoraptor.com\/blog\/best-way-ask-raise-car-sales\/","title":{"rendered":"The Best Way to Ask for a Raise in Car Sales"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"00-the-best-way-to-ask-for-a-raise-in-car-sales-01\"<\/h2>\n

If your paychecks are disappointing week after week and you want to do something about it, here\u2019s the best way to ask for a raise at your auto dealership<\/h2>\n

Why did you get into the field of auto sales? Did you have an image in your mind of those snazzy-looking car salespeople who pull in six figures a year? Don\u2019t worry \u2014 you\u2019re not alone.<\/p>\n

The six-figure dream is not impossible at all, but the average car salesperson made a little over $45,000 in 2015. Individual salaries and minimum commissions, though, can vary widely depending on where you live and what type of vehicles you\u2019re selling. If you feel you\u2019ve put in the time and want a pay boost, stop thinking about the best way to ask for a raise and make it happen.<\/p>\n

Reflect on how you\u2019re getting paid now, and what kind of raise you want<\/h3>\n

\"01-the-best-way-to-ask-for-a-raise-in-car-sales-01\"Pay structures are different in every dealership, but most abide by one of two methods: commission and salary.<\/p>\n

If you\u2019re paid on strict commission, you\u2019re probably getting about 25 percent of the gross profit of each sale and anywhere from $50-$200 per mini. Dealerships that favor the commission model feel that working on commission gives salespeople an added push to get out there and do their absolute best every day <\/a>(because if they don\u2019t sell cars, they don\u2019t get paid).<\/p>\n

Commission-based sales have been the foundation of the auto industry, but many dealerships are beginning to dish out traditional salaries for their salespeople. Edmunds reports that in these situations, salespeople get a base salary, fixed payments per sale, and bonuses tied to the total number of cars sold. Proponents of the salary model feel that by providing more financial stability, salespeople are more inclined to help customers<\/a>\u00a0find cars that truly fit their needs. And, with 40 percent of newly hired salespeople jumping ship within 90 days, dealership owners hope salary will help with employee retention.<\/p>\n

Consider how you\u2019re paid \u2014 commission or salary \u2014 and what kind of raise would be a) reasonable to ask for and b) fair for both parties. For example, a request that could make sense would be asking for 30 percent commission instead of 25, or a 3 percent increase in annual salary.<\/p>\n

\"02-the-best-way-to-ask-for-a-raise-in-car-sales-01\"You want to know the best way to ask for a raise\u2026but do you deserve a raise?<\/h3>\n

Everyone would love a raise, so before you put your professional reputation on the line, make sure it\u2019s the right point in your career to ask for one. The general rule is that you should wait at least a year after you’re hired to ask for a raise. With a year of sales under your belt, you\u2019ll be able to prove your impact over a 12-month period.<\/p>\n

If you\u2019re asking for a raise, you obviously would like to be paid more money \u2014 but what have you done to earn it<\/a>? If you\u2019re only meeting your quota every month, then you\u2019ve shown your boss that you\u2019re worth the amount you\u2019re currently making. Employees that consistently go above and beyond and crush their quotas are the ones who get raises. A good rule of thumb? Don\u2019t ask for a raise until you\u2019re exceeding your quota by 20 percent or more. Make yourself invaluable and widely respected before you ask for a raise \u2014 that will have the biggest impact on whether or not it\u2019s approved.<\/p>\n

\"03-the-best-way-to-ask-for-a-raise-in-car-sales\"What\u2019s the best way to ask for a raise?<\/h3>\n

Once you\u2019ve decided you deserve a raise, and you know what kind of realistic boost you\u2019d be happy with, reach out to your boss (usually the sales manager) in person or via e-mail. In this initial contact, do not ask for the raise \u2014 just tell them you\u2019re hoping to discuss your performance and would like to schedule a good time to talk.<\/p>\n

If you\u2019re serious about getting a raise, it needs to be done in person, face-to-face. It\u2019s a good idea, however, to also write a letter that you can leave with your boss at the end of the discussion if they ask for time to think about it (and that\u2019s usually what will happen). That letter should have bullet points that detail exact milestones you have achieved over the last year and the ways you have gone above and beyond in your position. Saying, \u201cI\u2019ve been here a year now, and I\u2019d like a raise\u201d is just not enough.<\/p>\n

You should also discuss each of those bullet points in person. Walk your boss through what you\u2019ve achieved, and also tell them what goals you\u2019ve set for yourself over the next year or six months. Talking about the future shows them that you\u2019re committed to continually improving.<\/p>\n

During your discussion, the best way to ask for a raise is not just in the words that you\u2019re saying, but how you say them. Your tone of voice should be friendly and straightforward, but not aggressive or accusatory. It\u2019s your time to shine and show your boss what you\u2019re made of \u2014 so if you feel you actually deserve that raise, go out there and get it.<\/p>\n

\n
\n

Interested in an Affordable, Full-Featured Auto Dealer CRM?<\/h2>\n

Schedule an AutoRaptor Demo Now!<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n