new job, is my car appropriate? - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

davestlouis · #1 03-20-2008, 12:05 AM

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?

TheDon · #2 03-20-2008, 12:27 AM

a car is a car

kerry · #3 03-20-2008, 12:33 AM

The solution to your new job problem and your benzlessness:

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

Hatterasguy · #4 03-20-2008, 12:38 AM

No one cares.

LaRondo · #5 03-20-2008, 12:58 AM

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

Jim B. · #6 03-20-2008, 03:46 AM

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

dynalow · #7 03-20-2008, 08:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LaRondo

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

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

SwampYankee · #8 03-20-2008, 08:36 AM

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.

aklim · #9 03-20-2008, 08:47 AM

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"

The Swede · #10 03-20-2008, 09:12 AM

You'd be surprised how people will notice, even if they don't hitch a ride.

I think the Jag is understated enough as not to cause any "problems". An '08 S550? That would be a problem.

davestlouis · #11 03-20-2008, 09:31 AM

The FH uses white Lincolns with navy blue cabriolet tops for lead cars/company cars. The XJ6 is a big sedan, but the interior isn't as big as you would think, given how big the silly thing is on the outside. I was online, looking at 2000-2001 Towncars, they are all over the place for under $10K, so if push comes to shove I can grab a white Town Car.

I hadn't even thought about this whole issue until a co-worker at my old job mentioned something about the Jag being awfully flashy for what I'll be doing. There is no real bias locally against imports, so that's not a big problem.

SwampYankee · #12 03-20-2008, 09:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by davestlouis

The FH uses white Lincolns with navy blue cabriolet tops for lead cars/company cars. The XJ6 is a big sedan, but the interior isn't as big as you would think, given how big the silly thing is on the outside. I was online, looking at 2000-2001 Towncars, they are all over the place for under $10K, so if push comes to shove I can grab a white Town Car.

I hadn't even thought about this whole issue until a co-worker at my old job mentioned something about the Jag being awfully flashy for what I'll be doing. There is no real bias locally against imports, so that's not a big problem.

If you like your Jag and it's all paid for how about a good black or white paint job if you don't want to thin the fleet just to buy another car?

iwrock · #13 03-20-2008, 06:49 PM

A car is a strong reflection of the owner...

As long as it is not all blinged out, I think that you will be fine...

raymr · #14 03-20-2008, 09:32 AM

Success attracts success. The Jag is a sales asset, just keep it clean and nice.

sd300td · #15 03-20-2008, 01:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by davestlouis

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?

It's a 13-year old car. No will care...