i've been following this thread...and...where the heck do you guys learn all this crap??? do u like go to dealerships and do reasearch
Yeah, it's a combo of things. Mags, websites, dealers, talking to owners. I've stopped people at redlights, in the parking lot or getting tires on my car. I'll engage people in convos on what they like, don't like about their car, truck, etc. Also racetracks and car shows as well. Truth be told, if one is willing to learn, engaging and inquisitive you can learn a lot...half the shit I know is because I've asked, the other half is from forums and mags, more so the forums...
I've been in the customer service industry for most of my working career, and it helps immensely to ask the consumer questions about their likes, wants and desires, and ask for good feedback. Also like GI Joe, knowing is half the battle. When I used to work at Footlocker during the summer in college I learned that knowing about the product (I didn't understand why the DC area liked New Balances) and having a smooth and friendly demeanor helped me better than trying to smooth talk people. I soon learned every about the shoes--technology, price, colorways, the sizing, cut, what clothes to match it up with for women, etc...
And I approach that with the car thing as well.