Deal or No Deal – The Future of Dealership Negotiation | Daily Dealer Live
About this episode
A lively debate unfolds around the future of dealership negotiation strategies, focusing on the one price model versus traditional negotiation. Industry experts discuss the impact of social media, rising vehicle prices, and the evolving customer expectations. Guests include Jeff Miller, a pioneer of the one price model, and others who share their experiences and insights. The conversation explores how transparency and culture influence sales, customer trust, and employee satisfaction, while also addressing the role of AI in shaping dealership practices. The episode highlights the importance of adapting to market demands and maintaining a strong customer connection.
average transaction price
"September's average transaction price climbed just over 2% from August and nearly 4% year over year."
The average transaction price is how much people actually pay for a car after discounts and negotiations. It helps show how much cars are costing on average.
The average transaction price refers to the average amount that consumers pay for a vehicle after negotiations and any incentives are applied. This metric is important for understanding market trends and consumer spending in the automotive industry.
incentive spending
"Analysts say incentive spending has crept up about 7.5% of the sticker, which is roughly $3,700 a car, giving shoppers a little breathing room, but not nearly enough to turn the tide."
Incentive spending is when car companies offer discounts or deals to help sell more cars. This can make it cheaper for you to buy a car.
Incentive spending refers to the discounts or financial incentives offered by manufacturers or dealers to encourage consumers to purchase vehicles. This can include cash rebates, low-interest financing, or special lease offers.
sticker price
"...about 7.5% of the sticker, which is roughly $3,700 a car, giving shoppers a little breathing room, but not nearly enough to turn the tide."
The sticker price is the price you see on a car's window when you go to buy it. It's the starting price before any deals or discounts.
The sticker price is the manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP) displayed on a vehicle's window. It represents the price at which the manufacturer recommends the vehicle be sold, before any discounts or negotiations.
Jeep Grand Wagoneers
"Stellanus is rethinking the Grand Wagoneers place in the marketplace. For 2026, pricing starts just over $62,000. That's down sharply from nearly $85,000 on last year's model, with a new hybrid variant updated styling and simplified trims built for easier retail."
The Jeep Grand Wagoneer is a large SUV that combines luxury features with off-road capabilities. The 2026 version is being redesigned to be more affordable and easier to sell.
The Jeep Grand Wagoneer is a full-size SUV that has been reintroduced by Jeep, emphasizing luxury and off-road capability. The 2026 model features a new hybrid variant and updated styling aimed at aligning with Jeep's core brand identity.
hybrid variant
"That's down sharply from nearly $85,000 on last year's model, with a new hybrid variant updated styling and simplified trims built for easier retail."
A hybrid variant is a type of car that uses both gas and electricity to run. This helps save fuel and is better for the environment compared to regular gas-only cars.
A hybrid variant refers to a vehicle that uses both an internal combustion engine and an electric motor to improve fuel efficiency and reduce emissions. This technology is becoming increasingly popular in modern vehicles.
Subaru
"...And I'm in a Subaru 20 group,..."
Subaru is a car company from Japan that makes vehicles known for their ability to handle tough weather and terrain. They are popular among people who enjoy outdoor activities.
Subaru is a Japanese automotive manufacturer known for its all-wheel-drive vehicles and boxer engines. The brand has a strong following among outdoor enthusiasts and is recognized for models like the Outback and WRX.
MSRP
"...there's a lot of variables and car deals, right? I mean, you know, credit, et cetera, you know, so there's people that are payment shopping too."
MSRP is the price that the car maker suggests you should pay for a new car. It's like a starting price that dealers might use when selling the car.
MSRP stands for Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price, which is the price that the manufacturer recommends for a vehicle. It's often used as a starting point for negotiations at dealerships.
Dealer fees
"...there's a lot of variables and car deals, right? I mean, you know, credit, et cetera, you know, so there's people that are payment shopping too."
Dealer fees are extra charges that car dealerships might add when you buy a car. These can include things like paperwork fees or costs for getting the car ready to sell.
Dealer fees are additional costs that dealerships may charge on top of the vehicle price. These can include documentation fees, preparation fees, and other charges that can affect the final price of the car.
dealer markup
"...sounds awfully close to COVID times when dealers are doing the same thing with new car inventory and excessive markups."
Dealer markup is when a car dealer charges more than the suggested price set by the manufacturer. This often happens when many people want the same car.
Dealer markup refers to the additional amount that a dealer adds to the MSRP of a vehicle. This can happen when demand exceeds supply, leading to prices significantly higher than the MSRP.
Kia Telluride
"...And you look at tellurides in 2020, dealers in Florida were getting $25,000 over sticker..."
The Kia Telluride is a popular SUV known for being roomy and packed with features. In 2020, many people wanted it, so dealers charged extra money on top of the regular price.
The Kia Telluride is a mid-size SUV that gained popularity for its spacious interior, advanced technology, and value for money. In 2020, it was in high demand, leading to significant dealer markups.
transparent pricing
"I feel like that's insinuating that dealers that are not one price are not transparent. I would say that, and we use the term traditional, that's not everybody."
Transparent pricing means that the price you see is the price you pay, with no hidden costs. It's like knowing exactly how much something costs without any surprises at checkout.
Transparent pricing refers to a pricing strategy where all costs are clearly communicated to the customer, eliminating hidden fees and surprises. This approach is often contrasted with traditional dealership practices that may involve negotiation and undisclosed fees.
one price environment
"And that one price environment with all of our employees that we've brought up through the years has put us in a position where it's just who we are now."
In a one price environment, the price you see is the price you pay for a car, with no haggling or negotiation. It makes buying a car easier and more straightforward.
A one price environment is a sales strategy where a dealership offers a single, fixed price for their vehicles, rather than negotiating prices with customers. This approach aims to simplify the buying process and build trust with customers.
Chevrolet Silverado
"...lers. So it's hard to build value around a black Silverado. We all have 40 of them sitting on the lot. So t..."
The Chevrolet Silverado is a big truck that people use for carrying heavy loads or towing things like trailers. It's popular because it's strong and can be used for both work and fun, making it a common choice for many drivers.
The Chevrolet Silverado is a full-size pickup truck known for its robust performance, versatility, and strong towing capabilities. It is significant in the automotive market as one of the best-selling trucks in the United States, often discussed for its reliability and various configurations that cater to different needs, from work to leisure.
retail sales
"...most retail across the room, they're selling cars in two, three hours because of this back and forth. And you get a salesperson..."
Retail sales mean selling cars directly to people who want to buy them. It usually involves talking about prices and trade-ins, which can take a while depending on how the dealership works.
Retail sales in the automotive context refer to the direct sale of vehicles to consumers, typically through dealerships. This process often involves negotiations on price and trade-ins, and can vary significantly in duration based on the dealership's practices.
trade price
"...I assume you get people that are still trying to negotiate trade price though, right?"
Trade price is how much a dealership will give you for your old car when you buy a new one. It's something you can talk about and negotiate with the salesperson.
Trade price refers to the value assigned to a vehicle that a customer is trading in when purchasing a new or used car. This price can be negotiated and is often a point of discussion between the buyer and the dealership.
guaranteed trade program
"in the Subaru world, we have what's called guaranteed trade program. And then we have"
A guaranteed trade program means that when you trade in your car, the dealership promises to give you a specific value for it, no matter what happens in the market. This makes it easier for you to know what your car is worth when you're buying a new one.
A guaranteed trade program is an initiative by dealerships to offer a fixed trade-in value for a vehicle, regardless of market fluctuations. This program aims to simplify the trade-in process for customers by providing a clear and consistent value for their vehicle.
one price philosophy
"It's a true buy offer. And I think that's really important to the one price philosophy. ours is exactly the same as Jeff's just the exact"
The one price philosophy means that the price you see for a car is the price you pay, with no haggling or negotiating. This makes buying a car simpler and more straightforward.
The one price philosophy is a pricing strategy used by some dealerships where the price of a vehicle is set and non-negotiable. This approach aims to create transparency and simplify the buying process for customers, eliminating the back-and-forth negotiation typically associated with car purchases.
closing rate
"...we went from a first town closing rate of about 25 28%, which is about national average to 42."
Closing rate is how many people who come to a car dealership end up buying a car. A higher number means the dealership is doing a good job selling.
Closing rate is a sales metric that indicates the percentage of potential customers who make a purchase after visiting a dealership. A higher closing rate suggests more effective sales tactics.
salespeople
"...it's less time for salespeople. You need less salespeople on the floor."
Salespeople are the people at a car dealership who help customers find and buy cars. They answer questions and guide customers through the buying process.
Salespeople in a dealership are responsible for selling cars and assisting customers throughout the buying process. Their performance can significantly impact a dealership's overall sales figures.
negotiating
"...there are a percentage of people that still enjoy negotiating an aspect of it. I don't know if I could speak to what that percentage is..."
Negotiating means talking with the seller to try to get a better price on the car. It's like bargaining to see if you can pay less than what they first offer.
Negotiating in the context of car buying refers to the process where buyers and sellers discuss and agree on the final price of a vehicle, often involving back-and-forth communication to reach a mutually acceptable deal. This can include discussions about trade-ins, financing, and additional fees.
add-ons
"...can I get floor mats? Can I get whatever? And in the first year, it used to be that I'd get a phone call once a week..."
Add-ons are extra things you can buy when you get a car, like floor mats or special features. They usually cost more than the base price of the car.
Add-ons are additional features or services that can be included with a vehicle purchase, often at an extra cost. Common add-ons include floor mats, extended warranties, or upgraded sound systems.
customer experience
"...our experience and our culture going back to what you're talking about, it's so much better that whether even if they get beat by..."
Customer experience is how customers feel about a company based on their interactions. For car buyers, it includes how they are treated during the buying process and afterward.
Customer experience refers to the overall perception and satisfaction a customer has with a brand or service throughout their interaction. In the automotive context, it includes everything from sales to service and support.
mark up rate
"...One thing that we really started about four years ago, I think, is I don't mark up rate..."
Mark up rate is the extra cost added to the price of something, like a car. In dealerships, it can refer to how much more you pay in interest when financing a car.
Mark up rate refers to the percentage added to the cost price of a product to determine its selling price. In car sales, it often relates to the interest rate charged on financing, which can significantly affect the total cost of the vehicle.
vehicle service contracts
"So vehicle service contracts in a world of increasing inflation, labor costs, park costs, and just the sheer cost of the technology to repair a vehicle are supremely important."
A vehicle service contract is like an extended warranty for your car. It helps pay for repairs after your regular warranty runs out, which can save you money if something goes wrong.
Vehicle service contracts (VSCs) are agreements that cover the cost of repairs and maintenance for a vehicle after the manufacturer's warranty expires. They can provide peace of mind for car owners, especially as repair costs increase due to inflation and advanced technology.
FNI departments
"...most FNI departments give. What, what is, let's go around the panel..."
FNI departments are parts of car dealerships that help customers with financing and insurance options when buying a car. They often sell extra services like vehicle service contracts.
FNI stands for Finance and Insurance, which refers to the department in a dealership that handles financing options and insurance products for customers. They play a crucial role in selling vehicle service contracts and other add-ons.
Kia K4
"you know, I look at a Kia K4 that has a 27 inch curved touchscreen. Those are $5,000 to replace."
The Kia K4 is a car that has a lot of modern technology, like a big screen inside. It's made to attract people who want a nice-looking car with cool features.
The Kia K4 is a mid-size sedan that offers modern features and technology, including a large touchscreen. It's designed to appeal to consumers looking for a stylish and tech-savvy vehicle.
customer satisfaction index (CSI)
"And if we want great CSI and we want guests returning to our service department, and we want to give them the best experience possible..."
Customer Satisfaction Index (CSI) is a way to see how happy customers are with the service they get at a dealership. A high score means customers are satisfied and likely to come back.
Customer Satisfaction Index (CSI) is a measure used by dealerships to gauge customer satisfaction with their service and sales experiences. High CSI scores indicate that customers are happy with their interactions and are likely to return.
protection products
"...service contracts and all these protection products while selling the car. And so when the first pencil to a customer..."
Protection products are extras you can buy for your car that help cover costs for things like damage to the tires or paint. They help keep your car looking good and running well without extra costs.
Protection products are additional offerings that provide coverage for various aspects of vehicle ownership, such as gap insurance, tire and wheel protection, and paint protection. These products are designed to safeguard the owner's investment in the vehicle.
one price store
"...traditional versus one price. For anyone that's thought about this or had some experience go forward..."
A one price store is a type of car dealership where the price you see is the price you pay, without any bargaining or negotiation.
A one price store is a dealership model where the price of the vehicle is fixed and non-negotiable, contrasting with traditional dealerships that often engage in price haggling. This approach aims to simplify the buying process for customers.
chat GPT
"...especially in a one price environment like we are, and how that appears in the chat GPT..."
Chat GPT is a computer program that can talk and answer questions like a person. It's used to help people find information or get answers quickly.
Chat GPT is an AI language model developed by OpenAI that can generate human-like text based on the input it receives. It's used in various applications, including customer service and information retrieval.
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