new job, is my car appropriate?
 

I am changing careers, getting back into the funeral biz after many years. This time I'll be selling cemetery plots and pre-planned funerals, some at the FH, some in the prospect's home. My question is this...will middle and upper-middle class people react negatively to my rolling up in a big gold Jaguar XJ6? I may have to drive my wife's Grand Cherokee if I start getting resistance. The company I'm joining is solidly placed in the local market, with large volume but a GREAT reputation. I suspect it's like being a realtor, you want to look successful, without looking like a pimp.

Will people even notice one way or the other?

a car is a car

The solution to your new job problem and your benzlessness:

http://cgi.ebay.de/Bestatter-Leichenwagen-MB-W123-200-E-nur-40600-km_W0QQitemZ270218790418QQihZ017QQcategoryZ9855QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

No one cares.

If I were you, I would turn 4 of those BMW's into one decent looking, clean Lincoln Continental Towncar, preferably in black.

You will walk into open doors ... and come back out with signed contracts ;)

I suggest buying an old Cadillac hearse, and painting it purple.


Chrome plated hangman's noose dangling in the rear window.


It could have an awesome stereo, put the subwoofers in a casket.


Discreet slogans painted on each door:

~~~"Duggan's mortuary: You stab 'em, we slab 'em"

~~~"Duggan's mortuary You plug 'em, we plant 'em"




Personalised license plates:

4 U 1DAY

or

R U NEXT





:D:D:D:D:D:D:D:D:D:D

You forgot to mention the Confederate Flag in place of the front license ...

I'd say it doesn't matter unless you have to take the clients in your car to the plots. I have 2 Realtor friends who've lost business just because they didn't drive an "American" car, but maybe the business you're in is different. Or maybe it matters more "where" the business is. There are very openly opinionated people in the suburbs of Philly.:D

Don't forget the 24" spinner rims.

Of the two I would think the jeep better unless it is a bright color.

The dark lincoln idea is probably the best....or a big ford or other similar american built car in a dark color, or white or silver.

Tom W

I agree, but not a Lincoln. Go for the Mercury Marquis -- you don't want to look like you are flaunting your $$ (or look like a airport limo either) I sliver Marquis would do nicely... If the area allows it, get a nice condition W126 XXX SEL as that car exudes understated class... just don't get a smelly smokey diesel:rolleyes:

Could you post a pic of the Jag ?


Honestly ? its a bit of a small car for driving others around in, assuming that it looks new/new enough and doesnt have any other 'unconventional' changes. Even some changes that look nice here (at mercedesshop) might not come across well to Joe public.

Another question is access - In case you will ever be driving clients anywhere: a lot of mid/full size SUV's are easier to get in and out of (you dont have to sit down or step up). If your customers might be in the "overweight" category then a larger car would be less embarrassing to them.

I'd hate to see you go the SUV route, becuase there is so much "green hate" against them (and you dont want to lose those customers)

But if the Jag looks nice (stock) and you aren't planning on driving anyone else around in it - I'd rock it- it keeps you different (and British car guys always have to hang together to maintain sanity- might just make the sale one day)

IMHO

-John

Listen to this Dave.
It makes a lot of sense.
Also, what does the FH owner drive when he visits families?

I wouldn't worry about it. How many would even notice?

We have some family friends that own a couple very successful funeral homes and bereavement centers here in central CT. The owner drives a brand new M5 (I asked him if chasing bodies made that speed and handling a necessity) although it is black. Your demeanor and dealing with the families is a far more important factor.

Go to the meetings in a flashy red Vette and a loud exhaust. Have your car wired up with huge speakers playing "Girls just wanna have fun" or "Ladies Night"