Deep down inside we are all negotiators. Give me a price, we want to argue
with it. And over the years in sales and negotiating, I have seen several
things. One that has always amazed me, for I just don’t get it, is when someone
is charged too much, like full retail on a new car, they come back with their
friends, and they want them to meet you. For some reason they think you have
done the a favor, and wish to have their friends get a good deal like they did.
Go figure. But then there are those that do figure, and will bargain, and
scrimp, and argue down to the last penny. And when done still think they could
have gotten a better deal, and that somehow they are being ripped off. While
the guy who paid too much is happy and enjoying his new car, the other guy is
still fuming over it. Now to me everything is negotiable, but years ago when
German cars first came to the states like BMW via Max Hoffman, you paid the
sticker price, no negotiating. No “what will it take to put you into this car
today,” like the Chevy and Ford guys asked, you paid full retail, like anyone
else who walked in the door. No brother in law deals, you want it, that is the
price. And perhaps the best negotiator I saw was a retired racer selling
collector cars. The customer was looking at spending $30,000 for a Porsche, and
wanted to deal. Ash looked at him, and said he doesn’t negotiate. The prospect
pushed harder, and Ash finally relented-“I can give you $50 off,” making it
sound so good that the customer took the car-thinking he got a deal. $50 off?
You can’t fill a Porsche for that! and the man became a repeat customer to
Ash. Giving credence to the quote, Porsche-the art of charging more for
less.”
Want to be the first on your block with the latest? You pay up front, full
price. Remember when Hondas were in short supply? You paid over retail, to me
stupid, and perpetuated by the Honda factory, who would only build X amount of
cars, usually the plant’s capacity, keeping the supply down, the factory
operating at full capacity, and the value of the cars up, due to short supply.
And along the way Honda was training their customer base that no deals were
available, creating a demand via ego for their cars. And just like Porsche,
they were charging more for less. And once the bait was chosen, and the hook
set, all the salesman had to do was write up the order. Making money for all
involved, with the promise that at trade time the car would be worth more.
Right up until the time it was to trade....
And what was paid more than retail for, then was less than trade in value.
And again the dickering would start, only to be told, that their once new car
was now undesirable, but they will help them out in trade, actually doing hem a
favor by taking it in trade. Soon your car would be resold again at a profit,
telling the new customer how well they hold their value. And it goes on and on
and on....Until someone comes out with the next “I can’t live without it at any
price car,” and then Honda has to negotiate. But back to Porsche.
Unlike Richard Hammond of Top Gear fame, I have no love of Porsches. I
consider them warmed over VW’s, especially the older air cooled, just with two
extra cylinders to repair. But with a following of loyalists, who can afford to
pay too much, they thrive today. Selling at a price that is higher than homes I
have purchased, they are very expensive to repair. $2000 for brakes all
around-every 10,000 miles. Tune ups frequently, because when out of tune they
run like an old VW. And Porsche has found, like BMW has, like Mercedes Benz
has, and like Lexus is, that once hooked, the owners will pay the price. And
like we were taught at Mercedes Benz, you don’t just fix cars, you fix the
owners. The cars are easy...parts for those with broken hearts can be expensive
for all involved. But once in, you can’t get out without taking a loss, and
sometimes money is cheaper than reputation. “That’s Jim, he used to drive a
911. Couldn’t afford the maintenance, bought a Mustang.” Only Jim knowing he
is getting more for less. Again Porsche-the art of charging more for less
applies to the faithful. Whose wallet can still feed their ego. With pride
about to be the fall....
Which leads us to those who have trouble accepting the gospel. The gospel
is simple, we sinned, we need forgiveness, only found in Jesus. We repent, He
saves, we are born again. Saved. A gift that no one can purchase. Free. Yet
some still feel the need to negotiate. They feel they must do more, to earn
their way. But fail to trust God. Some discount the deal altogether, nothing
can be free. We are retched, here I can donate money to the church, but keep my
old lifestyle. Yet some discount the whole idea, and are still searching for
God. They are like the Porsche owner who paid too much, and are proud of it
because they can afford it. But really can’t afford not to. And when they
finally do, their friends make fun of them for their choice. They feel like
they have sold out, when really they are getting the bargain of a lifetime. For
salvation is free, God loves us that much. And is only available through Jesus
Christ. On His terms-you get it all for nothing. And He gets you, how can that
be fair? So some wander away, while others tell all their friends about the
deal they got. They are just the opposite of paying more and getting less, they
are paying less and getting more-Jesus makes up the difference. And at trade in
time-well no one wants to trade Jesus for anything. Not even a new Porsche,
that will only wear out. And need maintenance, which is included with Jesus.
The main thing it takes from you is commitment. Do you really want to be saved,
or just going through the motions? And emotions?
I hope that I have not enraged any Porsche owners, I can understand your
loyalty. But are you willing to make that kind of commitment to Jesus? Can you
be loyal to His brand? Do you want the best, or just want to join the club?
Fortunately He is not in short supply, the price is the same today as it was
yesterday, as it will be tomorrow. His customer base is growing, and the brand
loyalty is growing with it. Will you join us, get the deal of your life-get
life in Him. Never worry about trade ins, or having enough money to maintain
your relationship. Strike a deal with Jesus today you will never get from Ash,
and others like him. Get the best, tell others, and brag on Jesus. In life,
like in the car business, word of mouth is still the best advertisement. Now,
what will it take to get you into Jesus Christ today?
God is standing by. Such a deal He has for you.
love with compassion,
Mike
matthew25biker.blogspot.com