Hey everyone! I’m thinking about making a career move to a buy-here-pay-here (BHPH) dealership. I’m really curious about what it’s like to work in this type of setup. Can anyone share their experiences?
I’d love to know:
- What’s the day-to-day work like?
- How does the sales process differ from traditional dealerships?
- What kind of pay structure can I expect?
- Are there any unique challenges or perks?
- How’s the work environment overall?
If you’ve worked at a BHPH or know someone who has, I’d really appreciate any insights you can offer. Thanks in advance for your help!
I worked at a BHPH place for about 6 months last year. It was… an experience, for sure. The money can be decent if you’re good at closing deals, but man, it’s a grind. You’re basically dealing with folks who are desperate for wheels and have limited options.
Day-to-day, it’s a lot of qualifying people on credit and income, then trying to match them with something on the lot that fits. The inventory is usually older stuff with higher miles, so you gotta manage expectations.
The sales process is way faster than a regular dealership. It’s all in-house financing, so you’re not waiting on banks to approve loans. But the interest rates are pretty brutal.
Work environment was pretty intense. Lot of pressure to move cars, even if it wasn’t the best fit for the customer. Some of my coworkers were cool, others were super aggressive. I ended up leaving because it just didn’t sit right with me, but I know guys who’ve been doing it for years and love it.
Just know what you’re getting into. It’s not your typical car sales gig.
BHPH dealerships are a different beast. High-pressure environment, long hours, and a focus on moving inventory fast. Sales process is streamlined - you’re basically qualifying customers on the spot and pushing them into whatever car fits their budget. Most places run a draw against commission system, so your pay can fluctuate wildly.
Unique challenges? Dealing with high-risk customers, frequent repos, and managing expectations when you’re selling older, high-mileage vehicles. You’ll need thick skin and solid people skills.
Work environment can be cutthroat. High turnover is common. But if you can hack it, there’s money to be made. Just know you’re often dealing with desperate buyers, so there’s an ethical tightrope to walk.
Bottom line: It’s not for everyone, but some thrive in that high-stakes atmosphere. Go in with eyes open and be prepared to hustle.
As someone who’s been following the auto finance industry, BHPH dealerships are definitely a unique niche. They’ve been getting more attention lately with the tightening credit markets and rising interest rates.
From what I’ve seen, the BHPH model is all about managing risk and cashflow. You’re essentially acting as both a dealer and a subprime lender rolled into one. That means you need a solid grasp on both sales tactics and credit risk assessment.
One trend I’ve noticed is that some BHPH lots are starting to use more sophisticated tech for income verification and payment tracking. It’s not just a handshake deal anymore. 
The compensation can be lucrative if you’re good, but it’s volatile. You might want to ask about whether they offer any base salary or if it’s pure commission. Also, find out if you get any backend from the financing - that’s where a lot of BHPH profits come from.
Just be prepared for a high-stress environment. You’re dealing with a challenging customer base and potentially high default rates. It’s not for the faint of heart, but some folks really thrive in that atmosphere.