Car salesmen are among the highest paid in the business. “Twenty percent of the salesmen make 80% of the money,” said Harald Wehnert, sales manager at Mercedes of San Diego. Unfortunately, salesmen still have incentive to lie due to pressure from managers to close deals.
Work Life and Income Potential
Car dealerships often need to adjust hours at the last minute, making it difficult to balance work with other obligations. Expectations are high, especially for newcomers who must spend extra hours learning. The dealership’s general manager oversees the sales and service departments.
Earning potential for car salesmen varies widely from $19,000 to $84,000 per year. Most work 40 hours per week with overtime. Pay is based on salary plus commission, which encourages selling more cars. Percentage given to the salesperson varies by dealership.
Sales Experience and Customers
As a salesman, you interact with people of varying needs and must stay up-to-date on industry changes to address customer questions. The average car salesman sells 10-12 cars a month, earning around $550 in commission per car. New cars rarely pay $300+ commissions, while used cars sometimes pay $1,000. With dedication, there is potential for a decent payout.
Is It a Good Idea to Be a Car Salesman?
Many salesmen earn high incomes. However, long, irregular hours are common. Expectations for new hires are high, and interacting with varying customer needs can be rewarding. Salesmen must stay current on industry changes.
Do Car Salesmen Actually Make Money?
Yes, some find the potential payout worthwhile despite the challenges.