Ever walked into a store, made eye contact with the salesperson, and instantly thought, “Nope”? That’s how fast a bad greeting can tank your chances of selling a car.
In the first seven seconds, your customer is deciding whether they trust you, like you, and even want to hear what you have to say. Those seven seconds set the tone for the entire sales process — and whether you know it or not, your close starts right there.
Why It Matters
If your greeting feels off, rushed, or awkward, you’re digging yourself out of a hole for the rest of the interaction.
Get it right, and you’re building momentum before you’ve even talked numbers.
Common Greeting Killers
“Can I help you?” – This is basically handing them the “Just looking” card.
Mismatch of energy – If they’re mellow and you come in like a game show host, you’ll scare them off.
Making it about you – “Are you buying a car today?” puts them on the defensive.
Weird distractions – Onion breath, lotion-covered handshake, or chewing food while talking.
Mini-Story: The Worst Greeting I Ever Saw
I once watched a salesperson walk up to a fresh showroom up while still wiping barbecue sauce off his hands.
His first words? “You looking for something cheap or nice?”
The customer blinked, said “Just looking,” and was gone in 90 seconds.
That’s how fast you can blow it.
Copy & Paste This Greeting Playbook
Save this in your phone’s Notes app so you’re never caught flat-footed:
💬 Sales or Service?
Welcome in, are you here for sales or service today?
💬 Specific model choice
Hi there, are you here to see a Camry today or a RAV4?
💬 New or pre-owned
Oh, are you here to see a new vehicle today or perhaps a certified pre-owned?
💬 Soft rapport starter
Hey, welcome to the dealership. What brought you in today?
💬 Energy match
Start where they are, then gradually lift their energy with your own.
💬 Assume they’re here to buy
Great, let’s take a look at that. I’ll grab the keys.
Quick Wins to Nail Your Greeting
Appearance check – Clean shirt, fresh breath, no mystery stains.
Open body language – Smile, shoulders open, hands free.
Clear tone – Confident but not pushy.
Presence – Make them feel like they’re the only person in the showroom.
Bottom line:
Your greeting is the first step of your close. Treat it like it matters — because it does. The faster you connect, the easier every step after becomes.