Do Car Salesmen Deserve the Bad Reputation? Reaction Steve Richards Kevin Hunter The Homework Guy

[@michaelcoei2850]

IMO, the "Steve Richards" fellow validates the reason people do NOT trust car salespeople.

[@tjrenegade9807]

I made local TV ads for 13 years. I worked with many different business from Lawyers to Mom and Pop business to car dealers. Dealers were the worst. I had a few good ones but the majority were shifty at best. I felt dirty making ads that I felt were misleading. My experience was an advantage because I knew who to go to and who to steer people away from.

[@MGMidget73]

I have a family member who worked for a very short time at a dealership. He got disgusted at their horrible behavior. The final straw was when the GM told them to go thru the obits in the papers and told them to cold call the spouses of deceased people telling them that their husbands had come in and really wanted to buy a car there. He quit on the spot. That's evil.

[@robhegel2568]

"Awww, that's too bad. He said he wanted it to be a surprise for you-- because he loved you so much."

[@sarasorensen2650]

I bought a 2018 Kia Sedona today. With cash. I have watched enough of your videos that I took a screenshot of the advert and made myself so sick trying to remember how to say all the things. Best experience ever, though. Even though my husband couldn't get the afternoon of to come with me, I took my parents and my 5-year-old. When I walked inside and told them what I had called ahead for, the clerk handed me the key and said, "take it for a spin. Go get your carseat." And went back to his office. When I got back to the dealership, there was no hassle and no haggling. I paid the advertised price and three fees. No markups and no pushing extras. They're not interested in that sort of thing. All my anxiety was over nothing.

[@SupraManG]

Respect is earned--not given away.

[@georgemartin1436]

Kevin...your amazing voice is back and you sound great... I think it was Ernesto Miranda who said "any information provided to the car salesman will be used against you"

[@KevinHunter]

Thanks for that!

[@joeylepore]

I'm from the school of, "You can learn something from everybody". I love Kevin and TAE and appreciate all the help! You guys ROCK!

[@jimbergen5232]

Steve Richards: " If you feel any pressure, leave.... Now there might be persistence " Over the years I did buy at least 10 new cars off the lot. One time the salesman was crazy, insisting I HAD to buy the car NOW.. I just looked at him and said: " You know I am not buying a pair of socks, right?" Put him in his place, I left and got my car at another place.

[@jimbergen5232]

@Sylvester Malone I was 22 he was 30ish. Yeah, that line just came out of my mouth, he was taken back. Good times.

[@southilgurl2003]

Your videos have been invaluable to me. Thank you. I found myself unfortunately having to buy a new-to-me vehicle within the past month while out of state. While I couldn't get all the fees removed, your videos helped me get some $4K of "add-ons" stricken off. One tip I haven't heard, but I used, was to bring a "disinterested friend" along for the process - she ran interference for me when the questions were personal, and helped to catch the double talk when I was distracted.

[@KevinHunter]

Great to hear!

[@PajPobTsuasVaj]

Big thanks to this channel I bought a vehicle today and the salesman and the loan officer were not happy at all. Oh my god it really work I do exactly what this channel is teaching and I save over $3000 on a new vehicle! Thank you so much from the bottom of my heart!🙏❤️🙏

[@Jjrsteely123]

From the same guy who put sales training videos on how to manipulate the deal.

[@machintelligence]

You have reminded me of a joke: A fellow was traveling in Northern Ireland when he drove up to a roadblock manned by what appeared to be very rough and heavily armed individuals. He was asked: Are you Catholic or Protestant? Thinking fast he answered: "Guys, I don't have a dog in this fight -- I am an atheist." The next question was: "Catholic atheist or Protestant atheist?"

[@RockinRobbins13]

Then they both killed him together and went out for a beer to celebrate, taking the day off from trying to kill each other.

[@how474]

It's hysterical that this guy can say all of this with a straight face. He definitely believes his own BS.

[@shaun4111]

#thehomeworkguy question I haven't seen in any of your videos. I live in the Detroit area so naturally a lot of people have family who work or have worked in the Big 3 and receive employee pricing and I am no exception. One of the first things a salesman asks when entering a dealership in this area is do you qualify for employee pricing. How should someone respond? I always say yes but make sure to mention the other companies I receive employee pricing from. Also, how much room is there to negotiate beyond the employee price? I recently purchased a new Ford. I paid the Z plan price, no more no less. They tried initially to charge an additional $3,500 in paint protection that was allegedly already on the vehicle. They brought in the manager who refused to budge so I threw his business card at him and walked out of the dealership. The salesman chased me down in the parking lot and long story short they took off the aftermarkets. I ended up paying just tax, title and registration (which I verified were correct in Michigan) and a $75 doc fee. I feel like I got a fair deal. Not a great one but not a rip off. I refused all the add ons in the finance room. I did finance with them. Their interest rate was the same as I could get at my local credit union. It matched the best rate I could get elsewhere. I ended up putting over 60% down. I'm happy with the car and satisfied with the deal but I always feel I may have left some money on the table after they tried to sneak in $3,500 in add ons.

[@Greenfield5150]

I met Steve Richards a couple months ago while I was buying a truck. I introduced myself to him and he seems pretty affable to me. He was training sales people at a dealership in Tampa. I gotta kick out of meeting him and I got a fair deal that day. I have a car buying problem so you probably don’t want to listen to me.

[@bp39047]

Politicians and car salesmen have a lot in common. Trust is a bust with rare exception.

[@gostang3175]

I enjoy your videos and learn from them. This video was point on. I bought my first new car in 1972 and many since. I have never been in the car business. Your suggestion: research, research, research has always been the key to a car purchase. Research the car; Research the dealership; Research the salesperson! Research now is easier than it has ever been, if you take time to do it. I wish you both good health.

[@bluesriderDF]

My last new car purchase was 2 years ago, before I knew about this channel. The sales person was a 30ish guy, very friendly, likable, and I thought, honest. When I came in to pick up the car the next morning, he looked me right in the eye and lied to my face. He told me the local bank upped the percentage rate a quarter point. It didn't amount to more than a 150 bucks over the life of the loan, but it's the principle. I will never go in without my own financing again. And we won't be "friends" next time either.

[@danr2513]

They get zero sympathy from me!!!

[@jd-kv9in]

When going into a dealership, there are two things to remember, you are their meal ticket, and shit runs downhill. In other words your are not a valued customer and salespeople learn from their bosses/owners.

[@indycharlie]

I would like to take this time to tell you both , that I am sorry . When I got to 10:58 and heard him say that " noble profession " BULLSHIT . I could stomach no more . Sounding better brother . Looking serene as always Elizabeth . Be safe out there folks , and pray for those in harms way ... Gubs

[@bikerkat01]

So this is what a profound liar looks like, Richards is the epitome of the "used car salesmen" I have encountered many, many times in my car shopping lifetime. They act like you know nothing and they know everything. I used to be a secret shopper for car companies, it was fun testing these people, most of them did not pass the tests.

[@peaceonearth8693]

If I was a car salesman I'd wear a wide plaid jacket and a tie that curls up at the end a bit, just for fun. lol

[@donaldnicol8415]

@@peaceonearth8693 Is that you Herb Tarlick?

[@kennethsouthard6042]

In the picture of the caption of this video where he's wearing all white, I did a double take and thought it was the Pope for a second.

[@tedbaxter5234]

Kevin, glad you are back!

[@davidcopelan7589]

You're looking better, Kevin. You rock!

[@michaelwelschmidt9338]

In this video I heard Kevin’s booming voice for the first time since your illness. I can hear your lungs are strong. Keep working! God bless.

[@olechuga2]

Mr. Hunter. Great to see you are back in helping us in buying a vehicle. I've been following Mr. Richards for years and his best advise, to his students, and for the amount of lies and thievery that he teaches his would-be thieves, I've been more informed as to how to identify a Richards-clone, stand up and leave!

[@gwillis01]

Was that a plea for sympathy at the end? Steve Richards was saying "Make fun of me if you want. I've been scolded and teased so many times that I am now numb. Totally numb".

[@dgriffinctc3834]

Just putting these two points out there: One is all he said is "they work hard". Plenty of bad people work hard. Zodiac worked hard to avoid getting caught by the cops. Doesn't make you good. Second, he's right. Most car salespeople are honest hardworking good people and the majority of the bad experiences come from lack of training, bad management, and toxic culture from the top. That said, they also get a very bad rap simply because they're in a unique position as Americans. Cars are virtually the only retail purchase in the US that gets haggled over. It's simply not part of our culture. Go to the Middle East, India, South America, Central America, etc and everything is a car deal. They love Americans who are dumb enough to pay their initial asking price for things. To us, haggling simply isn't part of the culture so we always treat it as someone trying to cheat us. "why not just give me your lowest price up front?" you pay higher margins on just about every other purchase than cars without batting an eye and I guarantee you'll find people have been ripped off worse buying a car on Facebook private party than from a dealer, even if the price was lower. So he's right in that a majority of car salesmen are punished for things that have ZERO to do with their character.

[@renv9231]

I hate the car buying process so much it’s been 16 years since I bought a new car.

[@CaliforniaDreamin.]

Yes!!!! Have been waiting for this!!!!

[@kennethsouthard6042]

There's really only two ways a buyer can lie. 1. If he knows the trade-in has an impending problem that the dealer won't be able to catch on the appraisal. This one can come back on the dealer if the failure occurs after the dealer has bought the car and before he sells it or sells it under a 30 day warranty. 2. He can lie about his financial situation but that's going to come out pretty quick to where he can't come up with the money or the financing. This can waste the salesperson's time but there's no chance that the buyer will end up with a car over the situation.

[@CaliforniaDreamin.]

We need more videos of you guys reacting to Steve Richards - I can’t get enough of it! Thank you Kevin & Liz for the amazing content!!!

[@IceManLikeGervin]

Short answer- yes!!

[@senseofstile]

"They are held under suspicion." There are reasons why. Nurses are the top trustworthy rated position on the Gallop poll. There are reasons why. BTW I am a retired RN. Another great video Kevin.

[@jsnjyn]

“All the dealers sell for the same price”? What planet does this guy live on?

[@jonjt7411]

Any good salesperson is all about customer service finding a need and filling that need. High pressure sales tactics are so outdated he might as well be wearing bell bottoms This guy is a dinosaur hope he enjoys the tar pits!!!

[@larrys9879]

Experience is the most expensive way to become educated, but it works. I counted up the number of new cars I’ve bought in my life. I was surprised to learn I’ve bought 58 new cars in my life time. After being taken to the cleaners, more times than I’d like to admit, I wised up. I learned how to negotiate and how finance people load up loans with meaningless and unnecessary fees. I learned when walking away is the best option too. The environment is the problem, according to my friend that walked away after a couple of months of trying to sell cars.

[@KevinHunter]

The training and the environment just breeds dishonesty.

[@larrys9879]

Rule #1 Do not fall in love with any particular car or model. Never tell the salesman you’ve always wanted that model car. You may have wanted a Mustang GT since your were in high school but don’t ever tell the salesman that. Say something like, “Yeah it’s a sharp car, but is it really practical? And I hear the insurance cost for a car like this is astronomical, not to mention it’s a gas guzzler. It’s just not a practical car.”

[@mikestronach4762]

Everyone I have dealt with was a liar.

[@shaydu1967]

Car salesmen are bottom feeders and I make sure I let them know. I worked with a guy who was a car salesman and he told me him and his buddies at the dealership would brag on how much they screwed the customers on a daily basis.

[@shackrat2331]

Your strategy is amazing. When was the last time you used it? Ever? As a 35 yr bottom feeder I find your comments laughable. The internet if full of faceless experts that "used" to sell cars or know someone who used to sell cars. If a client comes in with a holier than thou or condescending attitude, is there any reason that I should give a shit what they want? Nope! Nor would you. CIAO!

[@MGMidget73]

I think Joe Brandon and his son missed their true calling in life!

[@rodneybrown2697]

This guy is so deep into the manure that he can't even smell it anymore. Obviously too many years in the auto sales business mastering the art of manipulation and then has the audacity to trash the consumer!

[@winniegrandpa1363]

All your information is so helpful in educating us, the average consumer, and we all appreciate you and Elizabeth for representing the best of America! 👍🏼👍🏼🥰🥰🙏🏼🙏🏼

[@lazer51]

Good vid. It does cost a lot to get sick in this country. We live in the only country in the world that can bankrupt you or take your home for unpaid medical bills. Something very wrong there. Great to see your improvement Kevin and thanks for your advice.

[@robhegel2568]

I love the Steve Richards videos. I'm sure he was the top closer at Kunkleman Pontiac/Olds in 1986. My only complaint is this: Where's the checked sport jacket and the loud tie?

[@Jasona1976]

Yes, they are mostly immoral thieves.

[@LukeO-1234]

I would love to watch an undercover video of you guys actually buying a car

[@thetruthyes]

I just came from Dave Smith dealership in Idaho, and ended up walking off. In this market the tactics they're teaching us don't work at all, because dealerships know if I don't buy it the next person will. Plus the lying and manipulation is through the roof.

[@deriobamba]

@@thetruthyes Unless you absolutely HAVE to, now is possibly the worst time in history to buy a car.

[@KevinHunter]

Worst time in history, agreed!

[@patrickpaes6653]

yes! some of them earn it so they make it bad for the goods one's, just like a bad cop makes it bad for so many others .

[@errolunverzagt8558]

Thank you

[@nv1493]

Absolutely yes. There, done.

[@orbitalair2103]

Car sales is extremely weird to me, its like they have zero concern for repeat sales. I mean if I feel ripped off why would i go back? On the reverse, if I felt like I got a good deal and no hassle, I might call you when I am looking for a new car. Car dealers seem to not care at all if you ever come back. EXCEPT for service, they want you to come get that 'free' service. But I hate it, I hate having to wait on other people, so I never go to the dealer service. I do my own work. I've had to do a couple of recall notices, and they always suck ass doing it.

[@tracyweilandrealtorbeekeep3957]

Easy with the 60 years stuff! I was born in the 70's, I'm still in my 40's

[@alinatamashevich3354]

Hey Steve, you get the reputation you deserve and earn. Own it!

[@KevinHunter]

100% agree!

[@Prekkersaurus]

I have bought 2 cars from car salesman in 2 different countries and my conclusion is they are all untrustworthy.

[@richteritwan]

@KevinHunter I really enjoy your channel and you are sounding and looking so much better! God bless you and what you do! P.S. Don't ever cut your gorgeous long hair, Elizabeth! It's a treasure to a Goldy man.

[@peaceonearth8693]

Good health K.

[@cman1352]

This guys is WELL known in the auto industry. He is the widely known clown 🤡 of car sales by the entire industry. Just bring up his name at any sales meeting / seminar and what he the group break out in laughter. His sales tactics are straight out of 1980’s. He cannot teach or learn anything new. He been programmed for so many years he probably doesn’t even know who he is anymore. Just a used up car salesman is all that’s left. He says he has a masters degree. Doubtful, but if he does it just goes to show you can have a degree and have no intelligence or wisdom. Don’t think I’ve ever met someone that got older but never wiser. 80 + years old and still working, and always away from his family. Gotta be a bad story here.

[@donnamerian2395]

Is it any better t buy online?

[@benjamindover4033]

Most don’t intend to get into the business, they don’t mean to do it for long and they work on commission. Sounds like strippers and prostitutes to me.

[@captjohnny]

Foghorn Leghorn DOES have a peer (Steve)

[@rashadthewealthcoach]

Incredible channel!

[@KevinHunter]

Thank you! Glad you enjoy it!

[@greggalletta8679]

I just looked through Steve’s KZbin channel. His tactics and message never change. His new videos are exactly like his videos from years ago. Steve and Andy Elliott are only there to encourage sales people to Rob their customers. I sold cars for a while and I can tell you that in general, car sales people are not honorable.

[@KevinHunter]

Totally agree!

[@greggalletta8679]

@@KevinHunter I don’t think Steve likes me any more. He called me an uninformed troll.

[@dcabinet]

I really enjoy the Steve Richards reaction videos.

[@bobfox2733]

I think dealerships should leave the cars as is as they came in off the transporter truck. If the customers want the add ons they can ask for them. To add things like ceramic coatings nitrogen in tires & many other post add ons to raise the vehicle price is wrong price gouging.

[@KevinHunter]

It's not only wrong but it's also illegal.

[@armandsavoia9394]

He said he has a master's degree a master's degree in what being a con artist

[@looking511]

I have a question went you bring your car for service the first question is did you buy it here any comments

[@dsbennett]

Steve Richards oozes slime like a snail.

[@jonathanjones6657]

Army ants that misinterpret the scent trails left by other ants will sometimes break from the crowd and march in circles. If enough ants join, they can form massive "death spirals."

[@stevekamitsis1327]

Yes they deserve it 100 percent, all they care about is taking customer's for as much money as they can.

[@KevinHunter]

I agree!

[@csinalabama]

It's the strangest thing to me how people feel about car salesman. I have met some real jerks in that business but also some really good people. I think if you were to visit Steve Richard's house he would be a great host and a friendly guy. Steve helps people make a living - and it's not a great living. Those guys stand around 12 hours a day, 6 days a week and are treated badly by the dealerships and their sales manager. Every business has sales people and I would be much more afraid of a home improvement sales guy than a car salesman. But at the same time, I really value the market insights you guys give me.

[@deriobamba]

Home improvement sales people _can_ be just as bad, but the reality is far fewer people will ever have to deal with home improvement sales people (at least for a "big bill" item) compared to those who will buy a car.

[@machintelligence]

If you want to look at videos for what I believe to be a largely honest used car dealer check out the Flying Wheels channel. He even has tips for how to get into the used car business. My only quibble is that he favors appearance over mechanical condition, but then he knows what sells.

[@jimmarr1487]

On the list of professions, where do Real Estate sales come in? I have found everyone of them to be crooks. I never 'deal' with a 'sales person's, I go to the General Manager.

[@kevinjames8050]

Glad to you see you back Kevin! 12:16- “Guess what?” Same phrase used by Andy Elliott, constantly. Steve seems like he could be a good guy in the right context, except he’s blinded by the car salesperson rhetoric.

[@cousinjohncarstuff4568]

"You have the gold, you make the rules!" Yet, when a person wants think about it, he gets aggressive! I You and Elizabeth play the role of Husband and Wife against him! Of course he only role plays with a sales rep he is "training " that follows his script, he would not want to you 2 to show him up! Make the offer, let us know what he says!

[@franceswright8277]

You 2 rock!

[@steeltrent]

The villian plays the victim so well.

[@gwillis01]

Ah yes. I have heard that "He who has the gold makes the rules". is the [ cynical, gloomy ] version of the Golden Rule

[@jmorris023]

I'm not sure you want to zing the CA folks who have ideas like getting single-payer healthcare passed.

[@donaldgaudette4252]

Both of you are wonderful. I have learned so much watching your videos. Can the young lady negotiate a car for me? Wife and I are looking at a 2022 Toyota Corolla Cross. yikes!! just feel like we are going to get ripped off when we go to the dealer... scary.

[@mysticstarhf9265]

YES. Customers abuse the sales staff; nice spin there Steve. I'm sure all those Taj Mahal dealerships were built off the backs of the sale staff and lost profits; just like the casinos in Vegas.

[@johnlacroix1639]

WOW very interesting super kool ,1st class great info.,,, AAAAAAAAAAA++++++++++++ again great video I liked it a lot ,keep up the great work.

[@kathykaura7219]

godfather

[@seanmachado7681]

Zombie Steve barely posts these days. Mostly he takes older videos and "chops them up" to 5 minute cuts. One of the various reasons why Steve is 2nd rate.

[@bikerkat01]

If you were as ill as Kevin was, you probably would not be out of bed yet. Kevin is still healing but is back helping us car buyers. What do you do except being snarky?

[@seanmachado7681]

@@bikerkat01 WTF are you talking about?? What does me commenting on STEVE have to do with KEVIN? Instead of shooting off your mouth, try HOOKED ON PHONICS.

[@armandsavoia9394]

Elizabeth and Kevin I'm not too bright I'm 64 how does Paypal work in sending you no can just give me an address I'll send out a check be a lot easier

[@905JimRaynor]

Is it true Steve killed himself in 2024?

[@firstlast7584]

I can’t wait to vote for the democrat next election! They’ll give us free healthcare so Kevin can get better, and probably ban the whole markup thing, and may even represent the start of the direct to consumer dealership model! Get well soon Kevin!

[@JamesBond-oe4ru]

In 2023 instead of Gold, the truism is "He who has the checkbook, makes the rules".

[@dmfraser1444]

My car buying experience in June 2021 was as smooth as could be. I found the vehicle that looked like what I wanted in the colour I wasted on the autotrader web site. The asking price was tolerable considering the shortage of used cars at the time. When I got to the Hondaway at the Abbottsford BC automall, I was surprised by how little inventory there was. The Dodge dealer had just 2 cars on the lot. The Honda dealer was the best stocked with about 40% empty space. This told me not to expect a lot of wiggle room on the price. I suspect with the shortage of cars from the pre 2016 era that I suspect that US dealers are coming to Canada to the dealer auction and buying everything in sight that gets traded in. So I saw this 2016 CR-V with 97,000 kilometres on it (58,000 miles). The touring edition with absolutely everything on it except remote start which I do not need anyway. Power liftgate, it almost drives itself on the highway, heated leather seats, nav, premium sound. Everything. Over $45K new here. Asking $24,500. With 27 months remaining o the factory power train warranty. A nice colour called "Mountain Air" I dislike black or white vehicles and especially loathe gray ones. The off green is nice. The nice lady brought the vehicle around and we went through it. Then I just suddenly said that good. Lets talk to the F&I office. That term startled them a little as I believe it is an insider term. Attitude changed to being more one of dealing with equals. When I sat at the desk I mentioned it had been a while since I sat at at an F&I desk and I told them what I would pay. Because of the shortage of used cars, especially a premium one like this and that I am not poor, I agreed to their asking price but said that wad all I would pay except sales tax, plate transfer and insurance. No doc fee (they wanted $400) and no other addons from the dealership. They were somewhat taken aback but I knew that was where we would end up anyway. When it came to extended warranty I said that was a good one. a 36 month extended when there was still 27 months remaining on the factory one. We had a little chuckle on that. I mentioned I would get my own can of Scotchguard for the seats. There was no further attempt to sell me more. As for finance I just inherited enough money to just about pay off the car with tax. So when I said I would be paying cash there was not the slightest attempt to sell me finance. I used my phone to give them a deposit. As for my trade I told them outright that did not want my 2004 Ford Focus with 149,000 miles on it (I bought it when I lived in LA). With a salvage title and he agreed. Besides, I have a financially strapped friend I was going to give it to for free. So I went home while they took care of a couple details and changed the transmission fluid on it. Well before the recommended change time as one cannot be too careful with a CVT. My point was that once they realized they were talking to someone reasonable and who knew the business the transaction became super simple. I went to my bank to get a draft. The next morning their lot man picked me up to go to the dealership and I drove it home. Easy as can be. I could have gone through the hassle of getting a small discount by financing it then pay it off in a couple months but that is not my style. By the way, I learned about the business from a friend in Edmonton who was a used car sales rep at a Ford dealership. Yes this is in Canada but the selling of cars in Canada and the US is essentially the same. You cannot tell a Canadian dealership from a US one by looking at them. My point after this long tale is that one has to know what they want, be prepared to buy when you find what you want and to understand the market. The 2021 market was not a normal market.