Tired of being approached by car salesmen? You’re not alone — and now, even car salesmen are talking about it. Many people walk into a dealership just wanting to look around, but the moment they step onto the lot, a car salesman appears and follows them around. It’s a common experience, and most customers try to brush it off with the usual line: “I’m just looking.”
But according to Laces on the Lot, a car salesman and TikTok creator, that phrase doesn’t really work anymore — and he claims to have a better solution. Where did he post this tip? Of course, on TikTok, where most people learn tricks nowadays. So, let’s find out what he’s got.
A car salesman’s tip
In a viral TikTok video that’s gathered over 40,000 views, Laces shares a bold trick for people who want to browse cars without being approached by a car salesman.
His advice? Make them think you can’t buy a car. More specifically, make them believe they’d be wasting their time trying to sell you anything. He recommends saying something like: “I just filed for bankruptcy and still owe $20,000 on a 2019 Rogue.”
Laces says if you drop that line, the car salesman will walk away immediately, thinking there’s no deal to be made. He even adds a joke in the caption, saying: “It’s always the S trim level too.”
Car buyers react
As it happens with every viral TikTok video, the comment section lit up with reactions:
Some users said they only go car shopping on Sundays, when most dealerships are quieter and car salesmen are either not present or less active.
Others shared personal stories. One commenter described pulling into a dealership on a rainy day and driving off as soon as the car salesman approached — only to repeat the prank multiple times. However, Laces didn’t find it funny. He replied: “Ew. I bet you laugh at videos of people tormenting Walmart employees too. Just leave the poor guy alone.”
While some viewers saw the humor, Laces drew a line between avoiding pressure from car salesmen and outright bullying dealership staff.
Why many people distrust car salesmen
The video sparked conversation about a deeper issue: many car buyers simply don’t trust car salesmen. According to industry reports from auto service providers, there are several common complaints about the car dealership experience, including:
- Lack of transparency in pricing and deals
- Pushy car salesmen who apply pressure to close a sale quickly
- Upselling tactics, with offers on unnecessary add-ons or services
- A general sense that the dealership is trying to get every last dollar out of the customer
Because of these long-standing issues, many shoppers enter the dealership with their guard up — expecting a stressful or manipulative experience.
What car dealerships can learn from this
Experts say car salesmen and dealerships need to understand these buyer fears and adjust their approach. A more transparent, respectful, and customer-friendly attitude can make buyers feel more at ease — and reduce the need for them to lie or make excuses to get out of a conversation.
Instead of pressure, focus on honesty. Instead of assumptions, ask questions. A small shift in how car salesmen treat walk-in customers can lead to better experiences for everyone.
Should you trick car salesmen?
The viral TikTok may be light-hearted, but it reflects a real problem in the world of car shopping: buyers don’t want to be hounded the moment they enter the lot. Laces on the Lot offers one exaggerated (and funny) way to get space — by making the car salesman think you’re a financial lost cause.
Whether or not you try the trick, the message is clear: buyers want respect, not pressure. And maybe, just maybe, car salesmen want the same in return. Would you try this trick next time you go to a dealership?