The reason I am asking is because I am at the point in their hiring process that I have to make a decision.

I applied to MBUSA as a sales consultant and went through their preliminary online trainings and did the phone interview. Now the process gets confusing. MBUSA wants me to go to CA for a 4-week training class. In the letter, MBUSA is saying they make no guarantees that I will have a position with their dealership network, and the decision to hire is at the dealership's disecretion.

The training is covered by MBUSA, but I am responsible for travel and lodging. Once I go through the training, I have to stay with an authorized dealership for 12 months or I have to pay: 1) 2500 to MBUSA and 2) 5500 to the dealer to cover the cost of this training program. I have no doubt that I'd be working with them for a year, but this is really confusing.

So if anyone who works at MBUSA could offer me some insights, I'd really appreciate it. Primarily what is going to happen after the completion of classroom training. What if MBUSA cannot find me a position within their dealer network? Did I just spent 1000+ in travelling expenses for nothing? I really like this opportunity, but I can't seem to make up my mind.

 

jackie works for MB....I'll try to find his info and you can email him.

 

4 Weeks training to sell Cars? On your own expenses? That's typical of the car business though.

Why not see of you can get a interview and a job at a dealer lined up before you commit to the training?

 

Here is the email about their hiring process:

[QUOTE]MBUSA Sales Consultant Candidate Requirements:

You will be asked to successfully complete the following steps for an opportunity to become an ELITE Sales Consultant at an authorized Mercedes-Benz dealership:

1.

 

damn dude i work for toyota and they are not even close to being that strict. eventhough this is mercedes it's still pretty crazy. i would at least think that if you can get in with a dealership they'll pay for your training. the dealership i work for pays for all the training stuff we go to for new model launches, product knowledge, etc

good luck. it's a fun biz

 

Do MB sales people make that much more? This seems like steep requirements of the dealership is still going to pay you as most do. $ 50-100 mini deals and such.

Do you get some sort of minimum salary guarantee considering you are obligated to work at the dealer for one year. What if you just struggle with sales and the dealer let's you go, are you still responsible for the money owed?

"Your fired and BTW you OWE us $8000.00 will that be cash or charge?"

 

The thing is, I don't know.

According to that email, I am supposedly to interview with dealer(s) after they have completed the background check. I am going to have my interviewers explain the process to me in detail. And of course their compensation plan.

I'll just sit on it for awhile until I get my interviews.

 

Update!

Well, I've jumped through all the hoops MBUSA thrown at me, and what do I get? Nothing, yet. They sent me an email saying their participating dealer(s) will contact me for interview. 1.5 weeks and nothing. Oh well.

But, I do believe things happen for a reason. I saw an ad on Washington Post this past Sunday. A Honda dealer 5 minutes away from my apartment is hiring. So I went to their Open House today. Talked to the recruiter/manager, and got the job!!!

I am starting the training tomorrow and they are setting me loose on the sales floor next week. I've always wanted to sell Hondas, because I just love them. This is like a dream job for me: working with people, cars, and cars I like. I think I'll even enjoy this gig even more than the MBUSA's. Now I just have to find out how long before I qualify for employee discount for a new car, in particular a Laguana Blue Pearl S2000. hehehe

And thanks to all of you who had chimed in on this thread. You don't know how much you all mean to me in my time of difficulty. I love you guys!!!

 

Well Congrats on the new Job.

Honda's pretty much sell themselves, you just need to sell yourself to the customer.

If they like you and the their expectations are realistic you should close the deal.

Now heres a tip, when a family rolls up on a Saturday, especially if they have little kids, That's the customer to greet.

Run away from the kids looking at S2000's

 

the car biz is a ton of fun...when you are selling cars. go out there with enthusiasm and don't worry if you sound dumb and don't know all the answers. if you keep your customers at ease and make a friend you will sell lots of cars and put $$$ in wallet. as i said about being dumb just make sure you tell the customer your new and that will give you some breathing room good luck in a great biz! what honda dealer btw?