A few years ago I was asked to prepare an article which could help to enhance the reputations of used car salesmen. It is obvious that I was no miracle worker, but it was something that could well be directed in the right direction.
At the time I was working as a part time journalist, but chance had it that a close family friend had been working in the car business for years. It was him whom suggested that I spend a day working on the forefront. In my opinion the best way to research is by being chucked into the deep end.
I had never been to the garage where my friend worked before, but I knew that I was near by when I saw the entrance to Raffety's used cars. The showroom was deceptively spacious, and appeared to go back far towards the centre of the railway arch. There were many different makes and models on show.
When I arrived, a little later than promised, I saw a young chap on the forecourt applying some tender care to a old BMW. "Are you looking to Buy a Honda", he asked with a hopeful look on his face. I immediately thought he must be on some sort of commission arrangement, as he seemed to waste no time in speaking to me.
"No thanks" I replIed, "I am hear to see how the business organisation works, and to compose an article for the local newsprint."
Having made my introductions, I was positioned near a telephone and told to be the 'voice' of the company. This I enjoyed, as I think that I have a pretty good rapport with the general public. Perhaps the most common question that I was asked was 'do you know where I can Buy a New Mercedes.'
