Pros
AutoTrader.com used to be a fantastic place to work back in the early days, 1998 - 2007-2008-ish. For many years, dealers appreciated the solutions, and RESULTS. Also, the benefits, salaries, and commissions were very good through 2008-ish. But then, the company began to change for the worse.
Cons
Unfortunately, the company became greedy, aggressively raising rates on dealers annually (with very little innovation) "because we are not charging enough - compared to newspapers". Management at the top became arrogant, not looking in their review mirror for industry disruptors: MOBILE shopping (very late to the the game), existing competition, and NEW competition. Also, middle management are usually top sales reps promoted, but then given very little management training. Many were extremely unprofessional in their communication and/or interaction with their team members. "Forget everything you learned previously, it was wrong". Some even attempted to butt into your personal life via FaceBook friend requests, etc. So wrong! Lastly: sales goals and plans. They were ALL over the place, changing every quarter to move the goal line further down the field. If sales goals were not reached and or you rebelled, write-ups were passed out like candy. Firings and/or sudden lay-offs were occurring on a regular basis. Work/life balance did not exist for most outside sales reps: Advertising Consultants. Their CRM system at the time was awful (ruining any work/life balance): freezing constantly, and it was STILL being forced down our throats... Rebellion resulted in write ups and firings. New solutions were not proven but came with excessive price tags, for dealers to be the first and/or the "exclusive" dealer. Again, GREED bit AT in the foot, by not being honest with dealers about their (not so) exclusive products. Several dealers threatened suing AT over this exact issue... It used to be a FUN, FANTASTIC, GROWING company, but GREED and poor management drove AutoTrader.com into the ground. Now, the companies' acquisitions are the only thing saving them from sinking: Dealer.com, HomeNet, etc. Stay far far away from AutoTrader.com, no matter the offer, the manager, etc. And if you're TRULY considering joining, FIND someone to speak to at AutoTrader.com via LinkedIn in the dept you're considering. Unfortunately, everything I've shared is the truth, which they will verify.
