I've been in sales for 8 years now and unfortunately, IMAGE does make a big difference.
I've worked both in the mid-west (Twin-Cities and Milwaukee) and So Cal (Newport Beach). I was amazed at they way people responded to what you drive.
For a small town guy from Wisconsin, I had no idea it would matter...
So Cal - If I roll up in my Crown Vic, I must not be doing very well...I even had people ask me. "Are you having a bad year? Are your sales down? How come you can't afford a nicer car, etc." I couldn't believe it!
If I drove my SALEEN, there was a NOTICABLY different reaction. Plus, they never would have asked if I work on the car myself!
Mid-west is totally different: If I drove a BMW/Mercedes/etc. - I must be OVER CHARGING and they couldn't afford to work with me...most customer loved my crown vic (ex-squad car) and thought it was cool I was into mustangs, did most of my own work, etc.
In the end, I try and work with people like me - but unfortunately that isn't always the case.
I can't disagree with the comment "be proud of how hard you worked and what you drive" but unfortunately, I need to worry about that.
(Who ever mentioned the Marauder w/blower is right on track…)
Good luck finding a daily driver - I really enjoy the process of having money and finding the right car to buy!
Tony
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1999 S281-SC Speedster
#008 - Laser Red
West Bend, WI