Sell A Camry, Earn $14: The Life of China’s Best Car Salesman
The China market has grown annually by 20 percent to 30 percent according to Business Week. Yet, one the countries top car salesman, Lin Baojia – who sells around 60 Toyota Camrys a month – only makes $14 (just over 100 yen) a sale, if the customer opts for upgrades.
Unlike in the U.S., the Camry is a high-end premium vehicle in China. It retails around the same price, but in a country where new vehicles are readily available and equipped for under $5,000, a Camry’s price tag seems staggering. So, China’s wealthy Toyota shoppers get the red-carpet treatment when shopping for a new ride. They are greeted by name, a grand-piano playing soothing tunes, leather sofas, internet access, and other amenities to the shopper’s disposal.
Prices are fixed and customers generally pay cash for their vehicle. When their new vehicle has arrived it comes wrapped in an oversized red ribbon and delivered to a small ceremony consisting of family and friends.
(More details after the jump)
Enter Lin Baojia, who answers to the customer’s every whim. Lin’s cell phone is available to all of his customers and he will do nearly anything to ensure their happiness – including picking up a customer too drunk to drive home, if needed. He said, “Behind each customer stands a brother, a father, an uncle, a friend. And he’ll recommend that others he knows come to me to buy a car. Good service is an investment.


Comments
Cicero
Mao, Lenin and Karl Marx would be so proud
Mena
Camry's are pedestrian cars here in the US and luxury cars in China? Wow.
Jonathan Fung
Mena, you shouldn't be surprised. Basically, anything there that isn't a Chinese car, Chevy micro car, or Volkswagen is a luxury car.
Truly, a great snippet on the car culture of China!
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