Selling Points for HD radio on BMW dealership....

[radiopilot]

Yeah, they're promoting this HD radio hype at BMW dealerships as the commentor states ... and I bet Hyundai will fall down that same line.... offer HD as a 'high end' option but push 'satelite' radio first... Ha ha... what a laugh.

http://www.audiographics.com/agd/040507-1.htm

Courtesy quote

"As Peter Ferrera, president and CEO of the HD Digital Radio Alliance said, "Quite honestly, it [HD Radio] doesn't stand for anything. The concept was somewhat of a steal from HD television, where viewers know it means better quality"

http://www.orbitcast.com/archives/study-hd-radio-sales-estimate-reduced.html



You guys need a life beyond this HD radio 'high' you're on...

Radiopilot

 

[IBOCRocks]

Yeah, they're promoting this HD radio hype at BMW dealerships as the commentor states ... and I bet Hyundai will fall down that same line.... offer HD as a 'high end' option but push 'satelite' radio first... Ha ha... what a laugh.

http://www.audiographics.com/agd/040507-1.htm

Courtesy quote

"As Peter Ferrera, president and CEO of the HD Digital Radio Alliance said, "Quite honestly, it [HD Radio] doesn't stand for anything. The concept was somewhat of a steal from HD television, where viewers know it means better quality"

http://www.orbitcast.com/archives/study-hd-radio-sales-estimate-reduced.html



You guys need a life beyond this HD radio 'high' you're on...

Radiopilot

Yep. When facts fail, rely on blogs for "truthiness".

HD radio is new, therefore lots of people (including some here) are very uneducated. The dealer didn't push it because he didn't know enough about it.

Do people need time to learn about HD? Yep.

Will that happen? Yep.

 

[radiopilot]

Yeah, they're promoting this HD radio hype at BMW dealerships as the commentor states ... and I bet Hyundai will fall down that same line.... offer HD as a 'high end' option but push 'satelite' radio first... Ha ha... what a laugh.

http://www.audiographics.com/agd/040507-1.htm

Courtesy quote

"As Peter Ferrera, president and CEO of the HD Digital Radio Alliance said, "Quite honestly, it [HD Radio] doesn't stand for anything. The concept was somewhat of a steal from HD television, where viewers know it means better quality"

http://www.orbitcast.com/archives/study-hd-radio-sales-estimate-reduced.html



You guys need a life beyond this HD radio 'high' you're on...

Radiopilot

Yep. When facts fail, rely on blogs for "truthiness".

HD radio is new, therefore lots of people (including some here) are very uneducated. The dealer didn't push it because he didn't know enough about it.

Do people need time to learn about HD? Yep.

Will that happen? Yep.

Geez... can't you people read your own hype about HD radio?

http://www.bridgeratings.com/press_1.17.07.HDPercep.htm


According to this rating... close to 75% of respondants know about HD radio, especially in the 25-54 age group.... So you think this dealer at BMW is clueless too, after all he STANDS to make a profit on selling HD right?

Q3. How Interested are you in owning an HD Radio? Answer: 25-54 Age group = 14%

As I said earlier in my post... You HD guys are all flying high on the HD CRACK... get off it already...

Radiopilot

 

[IBOCRocks]

Yeah, they're promoting this HD radio hype at BMW dealerships as the commentor states ... and I bet Hyundai will fall down that same line.... offer HD as a 'high end' option but push 'satelite' radio first... Ha ha... what a laugh.

http://www.audiographics.com/agd/040507-1.htm

Courtesy quote

"As Peter Ferrera, president and CEO of the HD Digital Radio Alliance said, "Quite honestly, it [HD Radio] doesn't stand for anything. The concept was somewhat of a steal from HD television, where viewers know it means better quality"

http://www.orbitcast.com/archives/study-hd-radio-sales-estimate-reduced.html



You guys need a life beyond this HD radio 'high' you're on...

Radiopilot

Yep. When facts fail, rely on blogs for "truthiness".

HD radio is new, therefore lots of people (including some here) are very uneducated. The dealer didn't push it because he didn't know enough about it.

Do people need time to learn about HD? Yep.

Will that happen? Yep.

Geez... can't you people read your own hype about HD radio?

http://www.bridgeratings.com/press_1.17.07.HDPercep.htm


According to this rating... close to 75% of respondants know about HD radio, especially in the 25-54 age group.... So you think this dealer at BMW is clueless too, after all he STANDS to make a profit on selling HD right?

Q3. How Interested are you in owning an HD Radio? Answer: 25-54 Age group = 14%

As I said earlier in my post... You HD guys are all flying high on the HD CRACK... get off it already...

Radiopilot

Yeah, because you can rely on Bridge ratings for accuracy. I'm sure the people who responded "yes" to knowing about HD radio were asked to describe it.

Knowing about it is not the same as understanding it.

And you say we're on crack.

 

[davideduardo]

Yep. When facts fail, rely on blogs for "truthiness".

HD radio is new, therefore lots of people (including some here) are very uneducated. The dealer didn't push it because he didn't know enough about it.

Do people need time to learn about HD? Yep.

Will that happen? Yep.

Absolutely. When I was given the options for my new car last month, the seller mentioned that I could get "satellite that you probably know about" and "HD, which is like satellite, but free and the new thing:"

Since I had already planned on getting HD, it was interesting that the seller did know how to position the feature and to try to sell it.

 

[Chuck]

Since I had already planned on getting HD, it was interesting that the seller did know how to position the feature and to try to sell it.

I suspect that is because he doesn't get a "spiff" from the sale of a HD radio, but he does when he sells a satellite subscription.

 

[radiopilot]

Since I had already planned on getting HD, it was interesting that the seller did know how to position the feature and to try to sell it.

I suspect that is because he doesn't get a "spiff" from the sale of a HD radio, but he does when he sells a satellite subscription.

My friend owns a Radio Shack store here in Savannah... I will verify if they get a kickback on the subscription for satelite radio... I'm sure they don't... but since everyone here is definate about this, we will know for sure!

What would it matter to the salesman at the auto dealership if he'll make a commision on either selling the Sirius or the HD radio?

Spare everyone the bit that the salesman is not informed about the 'new' technology in radios... whether it be Sirius, XM, HD, or Internet Radio....

Radiopilot

 

[IBOCRocks]

Spare everyone the bit that the salesman is not informed about the 'new' technology in radios... whether it be Sirius, XM, HD, or Internet Radio....

Radiopilot

Why should we spare it? It's a valid point. Salespeople don't try to sell what they don't understand. If the sales guy thinks that it's easier not to sell something (because he doesn't know how to sell it) he won't.

 

[PocketRadio]

Spare everyone the bit that the salesman is not informed about the 'new' technology in radios... whether it be Sirius, XM, HD, or Internet Radio....

Radiopilot

Why should we spare it? It's a valid point. Salespeople don't try to sell what they don't understand. If the sales guy thinks that it's easier not to sell something (because he doesn't know how to sell it) he won't.

"XM & Sirius: What A Merger Won't Fix"

"Car salesmen are pushing new iPod jacks."

http://www.businessweek.com/magazine/content/07_10/b4024055.htm?campaign_id=rss_tech

According to BusinessWeek, salesmen are pushing iPod jacks - looks like Satellite and HD are both afterthoughts !

 

[IBOCRocks]

Spare everyone the bit that the salesman is not informed about the 'new' technology in radios... whether it be Sirius, XM, HD, or Internet Radio....

Radiopilot

Why should we spare it? It's a valid point. Salespeople don't try to sell what they don't understand. If the sales guy thinks that it's easier not to sell something (because he doesn't know how to sell it) he won't.

"XM & Sirius: What A Merger Won't Fix"

"Car salesmen are pushing new iPod jacks."

http://www.businessweek.com/magazine/content/07_10/b4024055.htm?campaign_id=rss_tech

According to BusinessWeek, salesmen are pushing iPod jacks - looks like Satellite and HD are both afterthoughts !

Gee, I think that's just what we were talking about. We didn't even need links to accomplish it, either!

 

[davideduardo]

My friend owns a Radio Shack store here in Savannah... I will verify if they get a kickback on the subscription for satelite radio... I'm sure they don't... but since everyone here is definate about this, we will know for sure!

It's not a "kickback" but a commission. They make a margin on the sale of the receiver, and acomission on the sale of the subscription, including, I believe, renewals.

What would it matter to the salesman at the auto dealership if he'll make a commision on either selling the Sirius or the HD radio?

The value of the car, and accessories, is what determines the ocmmission which is how a car salesperson (many are women, you know) makes their living. Accessories carry higher commissions. Anything that produces an extra comission is extra income for the seller, so they will promote it.

Spare everyone the bit that the salesman is not informed about the 'new' technology in radios... whether it be Sirius, XM, HD, or Internet Radio....

Most car sales people are challenged to tell you the wheel size that is standard, let alone describe the accessories. This is why they often sell the satellite radio, the security system and such via the person who does the sales documents and (if financed) the loan application.

 

[davideduardo]

Since I had already planned on getting HD, it was interesting that the seller did know how to position the feature and to try to sell it.

I suspect that is because he doesn't get a "spiff" from the sale of a HD radio, but he does when he sells a satellite subscription.

Try reading comprehension 101. He dismissed satellite by saying "you probably know about that" and then described HD as the same thing, but free to encourage me to go for HD, which I did. Of course, BMW sellers tend to be a bit more knowledgable than a Hyundai seller who will be selling vacuum cleaners next week.

 

[radiopilot]

Of course, BMW sellers tend to be a bit more knowledgable than a Hyundai seller who will be selling vacuum cleaners next week.

About the same as the CC, Infinity, CBS PD's, On Air Staff, Chief Engineers, etc., one day they are on top of the world in radio, the next doing something else...

Radiopilot

 

[IBOCRocks]

Of course, BMW sellers tend to be a bit more knowledgable than a Hyundai seller who will be selling vacuum cleaners next week.

About the same as the CC, Infinity, CBS PD's, On Air Staff, Chief Engineers, etc., one day they are on top of the world in radio, the next doing something else...

Radiopilot

Huh? Is there a point? ???

 

[radiopilot]

My friend owns a Radio Shack store here in Savannah... I will verify if they get a kickback on the subscription for satelite radio... I'm sure they don't... but since everyone here is definate about this, we will know for sure!

It's not a "kickback" but a commission. They make a margin on the sale of the receiver, and acomission on the sale of the subscription, including, I believe, renewals.

What would it matter to the salesman at the auto dealership if he'll make a commision on either selling the Sirius or the HD radio?

The value of the car, and accessories, is what determines the ocmmission which is how a car salesperson (many are women, you know) makes their living. Accessories carry higher commissions. Anything that produces an extra comission is extra income for the seller, so they will promote it.

Spare everyone the bit that the salesman is not informed about the 'new' technology in radios... whether it be Sirius, XM, HD, or Internet Radio....

Most car sales people are challenged to tell you the wheel size that is standard, let alone describe the accessories. This is why they often sell the satellite radio, the security system and such via the person who does the sales documents and (if financed) the loan application.

AHH, the conquest of buying a new car and hoping YOU know more than the person selling the cars... yet they know all about the extra tidings that go with getting the options and explaining what those options are so that YOU can make an informed decision before you sign on that dotted line?

Hoping that some here don't buy that Real Estate on Mars....

Radiopilot

 

[Chuck]

Since I had already planned on getting HD, it was interesting that the seller did know how to position the feature and to try to sell it.

I suspect that is because he doesn't get a "spiff" from the sale of a HD radio, but he does when he sells a satellite subscription.

Try reading comprehension 101. He dismissed satellite by saying "you probably know about that" and then described HD as the same thing, but free to encourage me to go for HD, which I did. Of course, BMW sellers tend to be a bit more knowledgable than a Hyundai seller who will be selling vacuum cleaners next week.

There is no need to be rude, David.

I would expect that a BMW salesman would be better informed than most car sales associates. They are selling an upscale product to an intelligent and informed purchaser. Perhaps he was simply deferring his radio sales pitch to you as a prospective customer since he’d already determined you are in the broadcast industry. A good sales person does not try to interfere with his customers "comfort zone." Telling you something that you already knew, or at least had your mind made up about, would be a waste of his time, and could even make the deal go south. There is no reason for him to bring it up.

Nonetheless, the real world of sales is based on commissions and "spiffs." Sorry to burst anyone's bubble, but that is it. Good sales people do try to fulfill the needs of their customers, but they also have to look after themselves as well. That is not a mutually exclusive situation. It seems that most sales professional people make very low hourly wages, but their commissions really add up. Spiffs are add-ons to commissions that further enhance the sales person's income. Usually, they are not something that is available to the sales person all the time. Frequently, a manufacturer will need to move product, and run a sales special, which involves payment directly to the sales person from the manufacturer. Spiffs aren’t always in the form of cash. Trips, food, and nifty toys are frequently used. These payments don’t always go through the dealer, although it isn't uncommon for the dealer to get something back as well. Sometimes this is a "DFI," which stands for "Deduct From Invoice." Essentially, it is an additional discount on products purchased from a particular supplier. Most retailers love "DFI's" since they can significantly improve profit margins.

Does Satellite radio pay spiffs? I don't know if they are right now, but I can assure you that they have in the past. Your local Radio Shack store may not be a good example though. The parent corporation may have taken those off the table for their sales associates. They are still an 800-pound gorilla in the retail world. As such, they have the pleasure of making deals that exclude their employees but still benefit the company. In that case, the corporation is getting the spiff in the form of a lower cost from the satellite provider. These things are negotiable and it is not at all uncommon for one retailer to have a different deal than another. Auto dealers, auto sound shops, and other retailers are probably a better indicator of who is paying what.

 

[davideduardo]

About the same as the CC, Infinity, CBS PD's, On Air Staff, Chief Engineers, etc., one day they are on top of the world in radio, the next doing something else...

Any semblance of truth in that statement is lost on me. While radio has traditionally had high turnover, the bigger companies are vastly more stable than radio was in general a few decades ago... when the U-Haul jokes reigned supreme. The companies you mention all retain employees much longer than what was traditional in radio as they offer ESP's, 401-k's, decent insurance, etc. Those of us in radio a while remember when the only benefit worth metioning was when your check did not bounce on payday.

 

[davideduardo]

There is no need to be rude, David.

If soemeone can not understand that I siad that the salesperson dismissed satellite and hyped HD, then they have a reading problem

I would expect that a BMW salesman would be better informed than most car sales associates. They are selling an upscale product to an intelligent and informed purchaser. Perhaps he was simply deferring his radio sales pitch to you as a prospective customer since he’d already determined you are in the broadcast industry.

He had no clue what I work at. I did not mention it, especially since the only dealer that would "custom build" a vehicle for me (rather than off the lot selling) was 140 miles from home. I provided no information other than what is on my check... name and address. If he knew what line of work I am in, he should go replace Miss Cleo. In fact, I told him I was special ordering to get two comfort options I could not find in LA due to a leg injury... something that is far removed from radio.

A good sales person does not try to interfere with his customers "comfort zone." Telling you something that you already knew, or at least had your mind made up about, would be a waste of his time, and could even make the deal go south. There is no reason for him to bring it up.

I had not mentioned ANY personal data orther than a need for two seat options that were not on any car in LA. He was the one who brought up the additional options in radios, as well as the running boards and the click-to-lift rear window and the second seat DVD player. I was simply impressed that he knew that most consumers would know about satellite, but understand that HD required a sales pitch... he probably wanted to sell me both!

Does Satellite radio pay spiffs? I don't know if they are right now, but I can assure you that they have in the past.

Still do. Besides a profit on the install, they get a percentage of the contract. So does the manufacturer of the car, which is why they pre-wire them.

 

[Chuck]

Actually, your first post was: "Absolutely. When I was given the options for my new car last month, the seller mentioned that I could get "satellite that you probably know about" and "HD, which is like satellite, but free and the new thing:"

Since I had already planned on getting HD, it was interesting that the seller did know how to position the feature and to try to sell it. "

That does not sound like a huge endorsement of HD, since you said he "did not know how to position the feature and try to sell it."

 

[davideduardo]

Actually, your first post was: "Absolutely. When I was given the options for my new car last month, the seller mentioned that I could get "satellite that you probably know about" and "HD, which is like satellite, but free and the new thing:"

Since I had already planned on getting HD, it was interesting that the seller did know how to position the feature and to try to sell it. "

That does not sound like a huge endorsement of HD, since you said he "did not know how to position the feature and try to sell it."

I said the sales person knew how to sell and position HD, not that he did NOT know how to do it. So recently into the lifecycle of HD, and only a month after BMW had HD available, I was surprised the seller knew what it was and could pitch it as free, unlike satellite.