- A car dealer's top priority is always customers on the car lot. When a new customer arrives, the car dealer will greet the person and begin a general conversation before inquiring about what assistance he needs. If the customer is interested in purchasing a car or even just test driving one, the car dealer will normally get the keys to a car the customer is interested in and join him for a test drive. The car dealer will usually have the customer drive along roads near the dealership so that he can gain a basic feel for the car. Then they will discuss the customer's opinion of the car and potentially go on another test drive.
- Once a customer has agreed in principle to purchase a car from the lot, the car dealer will begin the process of completing the sale. This involves a long discussion in which the car dealer explains all details of the vehicle and what options will be included. The customer will then ask any questions she has before the two sides negotiate a final price, down payment and financing options. If the customer wants a custom model, then the car dealer will put together a new order from the manufacturer with all of the options the customer requests.
- If not working with new customers, a car dealer will spend a significant portion of time making phone calls. The dealer will likely follow up with previous customers to make sure they are happy with their purchase and to answer any questions. The dealer may also contact people who have recently taken a test drive to try to persuade them to purchase a vehicle.
- When there are few customers around the car lot, a car dealer will complete other tasks like moving vehicles around, depending on which models the dealership wants to showcase. Also, a car dealer may spend part of the day adjusting the sticker prices of cars on the lot and researching more information about new models coming out soon.
