A few years ago I was asked to develop an article which could help to heighten the reputations of secondhand automobile salesmen. It is obvious that I was no miracle worker, but it was something that could well be directed in the right direction.
I was on the job as a journalist at the time, and had a cracking friend whose family had been in the automobile line of work for years. It was his suggestion to come in to the company and spend a day or two working at the sharp end. There can be no better way of researching something than putting yourself in the actual environment.
I had never before been to the service department where my friend worked, but knew I was close by when I saw a sign at the entry to the mews saying Raffety’s used cars. The showroom was deceptively spacious, and appeared to go back far towards the centre of the railway arch. There were many different makes and models on show.
When I got to the place a little bit later then anticipated, I saw a young person on the forecourt applying some TLC to an old BMW. “Are you looking to Buy a Honda“, he asked with a hopeful look on his face. I instantly though that he must be on some kind of commision agreement, as he wasted no time in speaking to me.
“No thanks” I replIed, “I am hear to see how the business organisation works, and to compose an article for the local newsprint.”
Having said my introductions, I was sat near the phone and told to be the voice of the company. This I enjoyed, as I think that I have a pretty good rapport with the general public. Perhaps the most common question that I was asked was ‘do you know where I can Buy a Toyota.’