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Where Are the Women?

Where Are the Women?

There’s something about walking into a car dealership. There’s something about the air in there. I’ve noticed it for years. I have this kind of “out of place” feeling when I step inside one of these halls that smell of rubber and after shave and ooze testosterone.

It’s a car dealership. I drive a car. I have driven a car since I was sixteen. Why do I feel so out of place here? Is it because I don’t understand cars at all? I know what color I like. I know cars need gas, oil, regular maintenance and tires. I know tires need to be replaced and occasionally my car will need to be serviced and fixed when things go wrong.

But where’s the women? I was at one of our local dealerships recently and, although I haven’t had the need to buy a car in a few years, that same feeling of being out of place jumped right back out at me. And I was struck by the fact that I still see no women salespeople. I even asked the sales manager the question: “Do you have any women salespeople?” He said, “Sadly, no.”

I am struggling to understand why there are so few women selling and servicing cars when so many of us drive them? I asked Senator Pat Miller one time why we don’t have more women in politics. Her answer to me was that women simply don’t run. Is this true with careers in car sales, as well? Do we simply have no interest? Honestly, according to my unscientific analysis of the situation I think we are seeing more women getting into politics than are getting into car sales and dealer ownership. Could this be true?

I’m not saying that I don’t want to purchase a car from a man. And I‘m not saying that I can’t get into the conversation of car purchase and maintenance. But I will say that sometimes I have felt a little lost and would love to have a female salesperson to help me. It's just a girl thing. And I think the guys know this. I know several dealers who would welcome women on the sales floor. Are we just simply not showing up?

This is not an economy thing. This is a hisorical thing. Why are we women staying clear of the car dealerships for a career? After all, we’re great at sales. Women have innate strengths that make us top notch when it comes to understanding needs and creating relationships. Am I wrong about this?

So I’m asking. Where are the women?

J
I don't know where the women are but I can tell you one thing..... we buy cars too and dealerships just don't seem to understand that. I know that a dealership that would cater somewhat to women's need would have a better chance of selling me and women in general, a new or used car...... car dealers..... it's 2009! Also, lighten up on all that testosterone when it comes to your commercials.... speak a little to the feminine side.... you might be surprised....

08/31/2009 09:01


Jennifer We have a pink and black jumper cables that every women should carry in their new car. In fact, we have an entire car kit that we use as a fundraiser. We donate money to the Avon Walk for Breast cancer from the sale of each of these. We even give instructions so you know how to use them when you need them. Just a thought. tomboytools.com	09/01/2009 02:06


Lizzy It's nice to see that someone is finally taking a look at this issue. Do any dealerships in Indianapolis have any female salespersons?	09/01/2009 11:49

Debbie
Grace Worley told me years ago to always make car payments! What she meant was always save as if making a car payment long after it is paid off. This is how I buy my cars: I save the money first. I do what you say in your column. I use the money in the bank to buy a CD, say at 3% ( I haven't researched rates recently.) Then I borrow against the CD, say at 4%, so I get a loan at 1% ( I know there are 0% loans, but read on.) Then I put the car on my visa, to get miles (used to be a better deal, that mileage) Then the next day I take my loan check and pay off the visa. In 3-4 years, I have my car paid off and all my money back in the bank. Then I keep making those payments......... just thought I throw this trick into the pile!

09/02/2009 07:46


Susan Beal I talked with the owner of a local dealership (Fort Wayne) some time ago about the fact that they had NO women sales people. I asked why and I was kinda given, "that look." I can tell you this, if I knew a particular dealership had a woman sales person, it would make a difference. I would certainly like that option.	09/02/2009 03:57


Georgia Brown Does anyone know of one female car salesperson in central Indiana.... or anywhere for that matter?	09/05/2009 10:22

Emily Chew emilydchew@yahoo.com
In researching the feature article I wrote for BWC this week, I interviewed Hare Chevrolet car salesWOMAN, Ronnie Myers. She has been in the business about eight years and definitely has the magic touch when it comes to sales, relationship building, customer service and respect. Check out HareAuto.com. It is the oldest, family-owned transportation company in the nation and is owned by two women. When I asked Ronnie why more women aren't in auto sales careers, she noted the long hours as the main reason. "It's a competitive, male-dominated field," Myers said. "You don't get paid if you're not here selling cars, and I typically work 55-60 hours per week: 9-9 Monday through Friday, 9-6 Saturday. Tuesday is supposed to be my day off, but I'm often here working with a customer that carried over from Monday. These kind of working hours aren't conducive to women with families."

09/08/2009 05:55


Linda Rendleman Thanks for weighing in on this, Emily. Good information for all of us. And good for them! Does anyone else know of women who are out there making a difference in this field? This has been an interesting discussion.	09/08/2009 06:37

Rebecca Churchward
Thanks for opening this discussion. My husband and I own a dealership with locations in central (Anderson) and northern Indiana. We both would be thrilled to have women on the floor selling. However, two factors seem to prevent this from happening: 1) Women simply don't apply for the position (although they can be excellent salespeople in this industry!) and 2) Even if the interest is there, the hours are brutal! As someone mentioned already in this string, 9-9 during the week, and 9-6 simply will not allow much time for family. I have suggested my husband and I try to hold a few sales positions as part-time, to encourage women to give this industry a shot! Unfortunately, this also cuts in half the opportunity for commissions, and it is a commission based pay, usually.

09/12/2009 03:10


Sandy Manion I am new to car sales. I have been accepted by my male counterparts well. I have a lot to learn and am enjoying this experience. I am at Bob Montgomery Honda in Louisville,ky.. I work along side another sales women who has been in her career in car sales for 25 plus years. The hours are long but I don't mind,I live alone. I say give it a try. Happy sales.....	09/28/2009 03:28


Paula Napper I am a new female salesperson at Bradley Chevrolet in Franklin, IN. and I have had nothing but positive reinforcement there. I am the only female salesperson and I am treated like everyone else.	05/10/2010 09:18