The typical approach by someone looking to buy a used car is to visit local businesses that sell used cars and try to find something that fits your needs…. no matter what they might be. Reputations of many of these outfits can often be suspect and you might never be confident that you have made a good selection until you have paid the cash and driven it for some period of time. In many cases, you find out that your car has many problems much too late.
Bill Gilligan operates a small auto sales business called YourPersonalCarShopper.com which provides an entirely new experience for the customer when shopping for a used car. Bill is not trying to sell you a car from his lot… he wants to learn as much as he can about what you are looking for and how much you can afford and then starts a search to find you a great match.
Bill is not looking for one time sale… he wants you to be so happy so you will return the next time and will recommend his service to others including family members.
More than 90% of his business is through referrals!
Let me explain a little bit about his successful approach!
- Bill personally interviews each customer using a detailed questionaire. Sometimes the customer is very specific and other times the customer has only vague idea (a red sports car convertible for less than $12,500).
- A computer search is initiated for vehicles that are being sold at auction to identify possible candidates that match the customer’s requirements. Bill attends the weekly Manheim auctions in PA where up to 30,000 cars are auctioned so there are likely to be many possible matches.
- Prior to auction time Bill inspects about 20 pre-selected vehicles for appearance and conducts an online CarFax-like VIN# background search. To give you an idea of how thorough…. for each vehicle of interest Bill measures the paint thickness and visually inspects every body panel to ensure that it has not been in an accident.
- Bill is then ready to bid on 3-5 final candidates. Once a winning bid is made…. the process is only just begun.
Next steps include:
- Diagnostic testing of engine, transmission and a visual inspection of the frame at the auction site. Any major problem discovered at this point may result in a rejection and the process starts again.
- If approved, the car is then shipped to Tim Andrew/ Tyre Trak Automotive/ Springfield, MA for more complete evaluation and repairs (brakes, tires….) if necessary.
- The car is cleaned and fully detailed for showroom appearance.
- Necessary details for car insurance stamps and Registry/plates are arranged and completed. The mandatory car inspection can also be arranged.
- Car is delivered to happy customer.
Depending upon the mileage Bill provides a 30/ 60 / 90 days warranty + the factory warranty if still in effect. He will repair at no cost vehicle problems that occur in this time frame.
Bill wants a satisfied customer who will come back to buy another car and will also refer him to their friends and family! He realizes that it is the best way for his business to grow and thrive!
I learned during this interview that Bill has recently expanded his business to include: “We pay cash for trucks and cars in running condition”
Next time you are looking to buy a used car, call Bill at (413) 374-3664 or visit his website at: YourPersonalCarShopper.com
P.S. I learned during this interview that Bill’s interest in cars started early as an 8 year old sitting in his family’s 1956 Ford where he would play for hours moving the stick shift up and down. By the time he was 10, he was backing the car out of the garage to wash it!
Interview by Jim Moran/ LongmeadowBiz, LLC, September 8, 2009
Minutes – September 25, 2008
September 29, 2008 · Leave a Comment
EBBE
Breakfast Meeting on 9/25/2008
Location: Friendlys
EBBE Member
Attend?
EBBE Member
Attend?
Derrick Holt
N
Tim Andrew
N
Herb Johnson
Y
Laura Barbieri
Y
Larry Krainson
Y
Dave Bowman
N
Flynt Lincoln
Y
Ernie Bramucci
Y
Michael McGill
N
Rick Carbonneau
N
Jim Moran
N
Norm Corigliano
Y
Mary Ripley
Y
Nyles Courchesne
Y
Sandy Saffer
Y
Dick Forrest
Y
Jennifer Snyder
N
Bill Gilligan
Y
Christina Turgeon
Y
Sydney Hirsch
Y
Joe Zawrotny
N
Ø Meeting started: 7:30
Ø Members in attendance: 13 out of 21 total members
Ø Introductions
Ø Guests: None
Ø Speaker: Sandy Saffer & Nyles Courchesne
Ø Referrals: 6
Ø Testimonials
Ø Discussions Re:
· Stock Market & Economic Crisis
· Blogging
· Whether we should advertise in the Reminder
· Think about that single person you would like to meet to grow your business. Who is that particular person who can give you the best referrals on a continual basis?
Ø Announcements:
***Please forward additional announcements to me***
Respectfully Submitted by Christina M. Turgeon, recording secretary for EBBE
Categories: General Comments