... of the smallish (around 100-120 car a month) BMW dealership that I work at today. I really need some advice. Please help... if you can.
I have only been in the industry for 2 years. So I really don't know what is what as it pertains to certain positions.
The owner of my dealership officially asked me to accept a sales management position. He's been dropping hints for about 9 months... but today... he popped the big question. I know very little about this industry... I've only been doing this for 2 years. One of my coworkers took a similar position (moved from regular sales to management) and said he took a pay cut to do it. The GM regularly tells me that he makes less then me from time to time. I have a hard time accepting the fact that anyone would take a position with more responsibility and more time required and actually take a pay cut. Seems stupid to me. Do you know if this is true. Do sales managers actually make less money then the top sales person? What should I ask for when I frame my "package?"
My goal is to own this or another BMW dealership... the owner knows this and wants me to take this position in order to further my understanding. BUT... I refuse to take a pay cut. So any advice you can offer would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.
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| Reply » Got offered Sales Manager Position today... |
congratulations!
Regarding being ready: After two years working under the sales manager you should know what the SM job involves. As long as the sales people under you will not resent your promotion, you should be fine.
Regarding the paycut: I am not from the car industry so can not comment. In general sales positions being commission based have a lot of variations in compensation. The top sales people may be making more especially in their best months. However over a period of time the average sales person is unlikely to make a lot more than their manager. You could network with other people in your industry; perhaps the sales manager from a dealership across town.
Also do keep the long term goal in mind. Unless you have a pressing need and can not take a pay cut, a small pay cut now may reward you well by helping you achieve your long term goals. From what I understand, car sales has a lot of turn over. Even if you do not like the SM position you should be able to get back to sales if you want to in the future. There are enough BMW dealerships in SoCal and experience as a SM will not hurt your resume.
Good luck and do not forget us when you have your own dealership. 
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| Reply » Got offered Sales Manager Position today... |
Congrats Speed Freak
I would recommed that you take the position. If you do take a pay cut, it will surely come back to you in the long run. Keep in mind that sometimes you have to take a step backwards in order to take a step forward. ALso, being a SM looks very good on your resume. Yes, I understand you want to own a BMW dealership, however, that may take some time. In the meantime you're being a SM will look really good.
I hope everything works out for you. But I wouldn't hesitate to take the position. Remember.. long term. 
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| Reply » Got offered Sales Manager Position today... |
How would being a sales manager help you to own a dealership one day? I would think the possibility of owning a dealership pretty much depends on your ability to buy one, aren't they worth millions?
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| Reply » Got offered Sales Manager Position today... |
My brother in the Netherlands was a sales person selling Hyundai's, he sell's 400 to 600 cars per year. The owner of the dealership asked him to accept the Sales Manager position after about 3 years and he did. Pay stayed about the same but more $$ on the back end so more cars sold is more $$$ for him. Then the owner came back to him and asked him if he was interested to own a dealership at one time. My brother said yes, they had countless meetings etc and agreed on a 5 year buy-in / ease out strategy, where my brother would purchase the company over a peroid of 5 years. He put the strategy on paper and went to the bank, got the finances taken care off... he is doing pretty well now after 1 year of buying in but says that the owner and his family didn't really trust him when they were on vacation and my brother was running the show... he expressed his concerns and they stepped back...
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| Reply » Got offered Sales Manager Position today... |
Congrats!
So what is the new bimmerfest discount you are offering us? 
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Got offered Sales Manager Position today...