FAQIf you have a question that isn't answered on this page, give me a call, fill out my online form, or shoot me an email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
What’s the value of the service? Quite simply, I’ll save you time and money, both now (at the time of purchase) and in the long run (over the life of your vehicle). My clients find me invaluable. Just read a few of their testimonials to see why!
Why do I provide this service? Why not? This is something I do very well and, especially in today's economy, car-buyers need all the help they can get! Most people pay more than they have to for their new cars (sales price, trade-in value, warranties, financing, etc), because it's not something they do every day. Many of those also buy cars with hidden costs they didn't even know were there, some of which can cost them thousands of dollars over the course of ownership (costs they could have avoided by knowing all of their options, and the pro's and con's of each). I keep busy, and have helped hundreds of people save thousands of dollars. Why do anything else?
What's the difference between me and a car salesman? I work for you; a car salesman works for the dealer. I want you to be thrilled with your new car, crossover, SUV or truck, and with the entire process; a car salesman wants to sell you a vehicle, preferably "today," and preferably from his current inventory. I share with you the information you need to make informed decisions; a car salesman shares with you what he thinks will make a sale.
How do I save you time? All you have to do is chat with me on the phone, maybe trade a few faxes and emails. You’ll need to arrange financing (and I can guide you in the right direction, if you need help) and sign the paperwork, of course, but I’ll do just about everything else for you.
How do I save you money now? By getting you the best possible price on the vehicle you seek, using my 27 years’ experience in the business as well as my knowledge of current market conditions. You might be able to get a similar deal on your own, but it’s not likely. Certainly not without investing a lot of time and effort, not to mention taking on some extra worry and stress.
How do I save you money in the long run? Working within your guidelines, I'll advise you to consider vehicles that not only suit your lifestyle, but also perform better in terms of reliability (keeping you off the side of the road and out of the service department) and resale value (keeping you from losing too much money when you trade). I'll help you take good control over long-term costs, including referring you to other reasonable and reliable resources (for maintenance, repairs and accessories).
What does the service cost? My fee is paid by the dealer and varies, depending on the vehicle (and other factors), and is already included in any price I quote to you. I do make a small, reasonable profit on each vehicle, but I'm certainly going to save you a lot more than I’ll cost you, especially over the long haul.
Are there any up-front costs? No, there are no up-front costs. I don’t get paid until, or unless, I find the vehicle you seek, and you decide to buy it.
What areas do I serve? I'm able to serve just about anyone, just about anywhere in the United States and beyond. The majority of my clients are in the Columbia metropolitan area of South Carolina (Columbia, Lexington, Blythewood, Chapin and Irmo). I also have many clients across the State in places like Aiken, Newberry, Greenwood, Greenville, Spartanburg, Camden, Hartsville, Myrtle Beach, Summerville and Charleston area, to name a few. I have clients in Charlotte, North Carolina, as well as a few in other states, some as far away as Arizona. I even have a handful of international clients as well.
Can’t I just do this myself? Sure, you can. Many people do. But will you be able to do it with the confidence and ease that comes with 27 years’ experience in the business and with the real-time, real-world practical advice available from someone whose finger is on the pulse of the new and used car market every day?
What's the worst that can happen if I go it alone? You'll probably pay too much. You're certainly going to spend at least a few hours, if not more, shopping and "dealing." And you may end up with the "wrong" vehicle, since you won't be getting objective, unbiased advice based on your specific needs applied to the best, most reliable and most proven choices available. For a list of my "best bets," go to my Frank's Favorites page.
Which brands do I sell? Remember, I'm a personal car shopper and advice service; I don't sell, I assist. I can help you with the purchase of any make, new or used, car, crossover, truck or SUV. I’ve helped my clients with all kinds of vehicles, from “box” trucks to Rolls-Royces, and almost everything else in between. For a list of the makes available in the States, go to my Manufacturer Links page.
How long does it take? That depends entirely on the vehicle you seek. Most new vehicle searches take place quickly (unless it has to be sourced from another area or ordered from the port or factory). Used vehicle search times vary greatly, depending on availability. Some clients just ask me to keep our eyes “peeled” for a specific model. If you're curious about the possible timeline for any particular new or used car, crossover, truck or SUV search, give me a call, fill out my online form, or send me an email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it and I'll look into it for you.
This all sounds too good to be true, what's the catch? I "do" cars all day, every day, and have done so for over 27 years. Unlike most individuals who venture into a dealership once in a blue moon, it's second nature to me. Most importantly, I speak the "language." I know how dealers work. Dealers know I know how they work. So, when I'm searching and negotiating for a car, there's very little "sales" going on, just business, and it usually goes rather quickly and easily. If it doesn't, I can move on to another dealer. It's as simple at that!
