There?s competition among car dealers in Eldersburg, but it?s a kindlier, gentler competition than in most towns.
Kevin Buehler, owner of Patriot Automotive, said that type of camaraderie, where dealers attend auctions together, steer customers toward each other and generally abide by the Golden Rule, is what prompted him to start his dealership there five years ago.
“If I?m not busy, I help him. If he?s not busy, he helps me,” said Buehler of a neighboring dealer. “We are competitive, but it?s a friendly competition. That sets us apart for some other communities.”
Patriot Automotive also has carved out a somewhat unusual market niche, dealing only in used cars.
Parents looking for a first car for a teenager are a large segment of the dealership?s market.
The cars sold to those customers are often less-than-common autos, such as Jaguars or other specialty cars.
Families typically buy more standard cars, but no matter what automobile they seek, customers seem bound to Patriot because of its business philosophy.
“We do not do high-pressure sales. It is quite simple,” Sales Manager Roy Hall said. Customers are invited to browse without interruption.
Staff members answer questions and voice suggestions when asked, but not more often.
“They are not used to it. I had one customer get halfway to his car and say ?Don?t you want to sell me a car?? Hall said with a laugh. “I told him, don?t pressure the salesperson.”
Hall, who sold the aforementioned customer a Toyota, had worked in large dealerships before joining Patriot. The neighborly atmosphere keeps him there.
“This is a whole different atmosphere,” Hall said. “And guess what? It works.”
Buehler also had his share of experience with high-volume, high-pressure dealers. When he opened Patriot, he consciously chose a locale and market that would not require him to adopt aggressive sales tactics.
“This is a great place for anybody to be in business,” said Buehler, a self-described car nut who has owned nine autos at any given time. “It?s a great way to enjoy life.”
Patriot Automotive
6229 Sykesville Road (Route 32) at Lee Lane, Eldersburg
410-552-0997, toll free: 877-840-0994
www.patriotautomotive.us
