Car Dealers Read the “Art of War” to Meet Brutal Sales Targets
Ridiculously ruthless lives of modern-day gladiators
129 cars. That’s the number Chrysler gave one of their dealerships in Levittown, NY.
If the dealership’s 8 salesmen hit the target by the end of the month, they collectively get a bonus between $60,000 and $80,000. A car less, and they get nothing.
It’s the middle of October, and the dealership is at 60 cars sold. It would be the second month in a row the dealership wouldn’t meet its sales target.
Bob, one of the salesmen, is at 3 cars. He needs to be at 15 if he wants to get his piece of the pie. Or, more accurately, for there to be a pie at all.
Based on The American Life podcast episode called “129 Cars.”
“Thanks for stopping by.”
As is customary, Freddie, the manager, starts the day off with his little motivational speech.
“Jason, you have 16 cars out. You need 10 more for the 26. I wanna see you there.”
“Bob Lender, you have 6 out. You need 9 more.”
“Scottie, you’re at 10 right now. You need to be at 18.”
