A few years ago I was asked to prepare an article which could help to enhance the reputations of used car salesmen. Evidently I’m no miracle worker, but I thought it was possible to produce a positive spin.

At the time I was working as a part time journalist, but chance had it that a close family friend had been working in the car business for years. It was his suggestion to come in to the company and spend a day or two working at the sharp end. In my opinion the best way to research is by being chucked into the deep end.

I had never before been to the garage where my friend worked, but knew I was close by when I saw a sign at the entrance to the mews saying Raffety’s used cars. The showroom was deceptively spacious, and appeared to go back far towards the centre of the railway arch. There were many different makes and models on show.

When I got to the place a little bit later then anticipated, I saw a young person on the forecourt applying some TLC to an old BMW. “Are you looking to Buy a new BMW“, he asked with a hopeful look on his face. I immediately thought he must be on some sort of commission arrangement, as he seemed to waste no time in speaking to me.

“No thanks” I replied, “I am hear to see how the business works, and to write an article for the local newspaper.”

Having said my introductions, I was sat near the phone and told to be the voice of the company. I did enjoy this as I had built quite a good rappor with the public. Perhaps the most common question that I was asked was ‘do you know where I can Buy a Renault.’