CarMax
CarMax Employee Reviews
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Great company to work for.
Buying Manager (Former Employee) – Ashburn, VA – August 1, 2018
Great company to work for. They take cars of their employees. Fast paced always something to do or learn. CarMax trys to balance work and life but you have to understand that it is retail and needs of business.
Cherry Picking to much
Sales Consultant (Former Employee) – Torrance, CA – June 23, 2019
Managers do not in force rule of cherry picking they look the other way.Some associates have very low morals.They will steal your client and later say l did not it was your customer. Bull
Pros
Nothing
Cons
Everything
The company values and approach to selling cars was excellent but it depends on who your direct sales manager is which determines your experience.
Sales Consultant (Former Employee) – Albuquerque – June 23, 2019
My first 9 months were actually fun and my sales were good, then I got a new sales manager and everything went sour to the point I did not like going to work.
CarMax: Great place to buy a used vehicle - HORRIBLE place to work!!
Sales Consultant (Former Employee) – Naples, FL – June 21, 2019
I can say that, as a very well-seasoned and successful salesperson, that Carmax provides excellent training and a very thoroughly tested and refined process for the discovery, progression and closing aspects of a customer interaction, throughout the sales process.
Unfortunately, where they fall on their face is just about everywhere else! To be fair, I am referring specifically to Naples and SWFL stores, so things may be a little different in other locations, due, in large part, to the very seasonal nature of our market.
Having said that, I firmly believe that Carmax's approach to "Commission-Only" compensation is categorically anemic, unfair, underwhelming, and is misrepresented at the very interview, when hired. It will take a long time (years) to earn a decent salary and not have to work every day -- all day! This compensation is structure is also completely and utterly at odds with it's highly touted "culture of integrity" that it promotes with all of it's associates, especially those in sales. This is because it foments the frustrations and motivations-by-desperation of an otherwise successful salesperson (earning commision-only) having to depend on all of the other apathetic departments, staffed by lackluster associates. Moreover, these associates, who are supposed to move the product (a used car) though the process and out the door, have absolutely no sense of urgency or performance initiative, other than just to get through the day and earn their own minimal ($8- $14) hourly wages.
In short, no one employed by Carmax, managers included, is earning more... enough to be satisfied. This is absolutely palpable and it equates to many hard-fought deals walking out the door and going elsewhere due to the inadequacies and lack of initiative or follow-through, with nothing to show for it other than time not-well-spent.
That means that there are far too many 11-hour days where you have earned ZERO dollars -- sometimes several in a row. Thusly, Carmax was hands-down, THE LEAST rewarding and MOST frustrating job that I have ever had in my life. I worked there during the slow summer months and so you end up working 7 days a week/ 8 - 11 hours a day, just to keep your deals from being split with another consultant, or worse, getting "middled-out". Without getting into specifics, the amount of work that one has to do to complete a sale vs. the amount of compensation for each is ridiculous. It is terrible living, from the standpoint or work/life balance and on top of that, you have 2 to 4 managers (or more, when you include the other dept's) examining and criticizing every word and action that you do -- ALL day long -- EVERY day! This job is probably terrific for a retired or semi-retired older person, who doesn't depend on the money, but just likes to get out of the house and interact with people and truly enjoys the prospect of honestly "helping customers on their journey" through a relatively solid and ethical sales process, as compared to the typical used car market. Selling used cars isn't easy and admittedly Carmax does it decidedly different, while also doing a pretty good job at setting high standards (while not always meeting them) and treating their customers with respect. Inshort, Carmax is a great place to buy a car -- but they are frustratingly cheap with both their compensation plan and their complete inability to deviate from their strict corporate policies to get a deal done (even when things get screwed up)
Perhaps, if they just paid their sales consultants even a small stipend for every day that they worked (say enough to, at least, pay for the fuel it takes to get to & from the store), than it might be enough to get a person through 3-hrs of standing On-Point, watching an empty parking lot, until someone comes in for a free appraisal, which Carmax will lowball, sending you back to the end of a long line of other consultants waiting for a bite of the rare apple. I would not recommend this job to anyone who wants to be able to do anything other than work all the time and earn enough to "supplement: some other form of income like a pension, trust-fund, or other form of base annuity. So, at the initial interview, when you're told that "if you're any good", you should be able to make $45 or $50-grand or more (as was I)... Do NOT believe it, as it's totally NOT true and the manager telling you this knows it. FACT: Very good, very professional and skilled consultants, who had been there for 3 years or more, and just got into the "Presidents Club" level, were not breaking the $48-Grand mark! That is a fact and it's PATHETIC!
Oh, and just for the record, I was consistently either in, or close to, the Top-5 (out of some 16 - 20) consultants every month, from my 3rd month until the time I left and honestly, I did not bring home two paychecks in a row that had a comma in the number. That's really the main reason why this job is NOT for anyone who needs to earn what they're really worth at an otherwise intense and demanding sales job. less
Unfortunately, where they fall on their face is just about everywhere else! To be fair, I am referring specifically to Naples and SWFL stores, so things may be a little different in other locations, due, in large part, to the very seasonal nature of our market.
Having said that, I firmly believe that Carmax's approach to "Commission-Only" compensation is categorically anemic, unfair, underwhelming, and is misrepresented at the very interview, when hired. It will take a long time (years) to earn a decent salary and not have to work every day -- all day! This compensation is structure is also completely and utterly at odds with it's highly touted "culture of integrity" that it promotes with all of it's associates, especially those in sales. This is because it foments the frustrations and motivations-by-desperation of an otherwise successful salesperson (earning commision-only) having to depend on all of the other apathetic departments, staffed by lackluster associates. Moreover, these associates, who are supposed to move the product (a used car) though the process and out the door, have absolutely no sense of urgency or performance initiative, other than just to get through the day and earn their own minimal ($8- $14) hourly wages.
In short, no one employed by Carmax, managers included, is earning more... enough to be satisfied. This is absolutely palpable and it equates to many hard-fought deals walking out the door and going elsewhere due to the inadequacies and lack of initiative or follow-through, with nothing to show for it other than time not-well-spent.
That means that there are far too many 11-hour days where you have earned ZERO dollars -- sometimes several in a row. Thusly, Carmax was hands-down, THE LEAST rewarding and MOST frustrating job that I have ever had in my life. I worked there during the slow summer months and so you end up working 7 days a week/ 8 - 11 hours a day, just to keep your deals from being split with another consultant, or worse, getting "middled-out". Without getting into specifics, the amount of work that one has to do to complete a sale vs. the amount of compensation for each is ridiculous. It is terrible living, from the standpoint or work/life balance and on top of that, you have 2 to 4 managers (or more, when you include the other dept's) examining and criticizing every word and action that you do -- ALL day long -- EVERY day! This job is probably terrific for a retired or semi-retired older person, who doesn't depend on the money, but just likes to get out of the house and interact with people and truly enjoys the prospect of honestly "helping customers on their journey" through a relatively solid and ethical sales process, as compared to the typical used car market. Selling used cars isn't easy and admittedly Carmax does it decidedly different, while also doing a pretty good job at setting high standards (while not always meeting them) and treating their customers with respect. Inshort, Carmax is a great place to buy a car -- but they are frustratingly cheap with both their compensation plan and their complete inability to deviate from their strict corporate policies to get a deal done (even when things get screwed up)
Perhaps, if they just paid their sales consultants even a small stipend for every day that they worked (say enough to, at least, pay for the fuel it takes to get to & from the store), than it might be enough to get a person through 3-hrs of standing On-Point, watching an empty parking lot, until someone comes in for a free appraisal, which Carmax will lowball, sending you back to the end of a long line of other consultants waiting for a bite of the rare apple. I would not recommend this job to anyone who wants to be able to do anything other than work all the time and earn enough to "supplement: some other form of income like a pension, trust-fund, or other form of base annuity. So, at the initial interview, when you're told that "if you're any good", you should be able to make $45 or $50-grand or more (as was I)... Do NOT believe it, as it's totally NOT true and the manager telling you this knows it. FACT: Very good, very professional and skilled consultants, who had been there for 3 years or more, and just got into the "Presidents Club" level, were not breaking the $48-Grand mark! That is a fact and it's PATHETIC!
Oh, and just for the record, I was consistently either in, or close to, the Top-5 (out of some 16 - 20) consultants every month, from my 3rd month until the time I left and honestly, I did not bring home two paychecks in a row that had a comma in the number. That's really the main reason why this job is NOT for anyone who needs to earn what they're really worth at an otherwise intense and demanding sales job. less
Pros
Good Sales-Training, Product and Process. Customers are generally happy by the end.
Cons
Horrible compensation and work/life balance. WAY too much micro-management. A Corporate Minefield
You get what you put in
Sales Consultant (Current Employee) – Costa Mesa, CA – June 20, 2019
This job is great for someone with unlimited time on their hands. Hourly OR commission whichever is higher. Poor work-life balance managers, and out only for themselves and their bonuses. Management would rather you split a deal than get the full commission if it’s your day off or can’t make it in so they get a unit for the store. Definitely play favorites, if you sell cars you can do whatever you want. Managers definitely play favorites and think selling cars is the easiest job in the world, which it can be but that’s not always the case. If you’re expecting a 40 per week job then this is definitely not for you. You’re schedule revolves around the customers, so if you’re off at 6 doesn’t mean you’re going home at 6. This is definitely a sales job and a grind, you can make money if you’re willing to work 50-plus hours per week.
Great training program
Salesperson, Financial advisor (Current Employee) – Greenville, SC – June 20, 2019
CarMax is a great place to work. We are encouraged to help one another, and no question is unanswered . The training is expensive . As a Sale Consultant, you spend 30 days shadowing a mentor.You are taught from the very beginning that CarMax does not tolerate bullying, or any kind of profiling .
Productive and great environment to work in
Production Technician (Current Employee) – Irvine, CA – June 19, 2019
The culture within the company is very welcoming. There will be days that are much harder than others, but there is always someone to assist you when you're stuck.
Much responsibility and stress, average in recognition
Supply Lead (Former Employee) – Modesto, CA – June 19, 2019
In a leadership position at Carmax, there is a huge demand for setting the example to fellow associates. You are definitely held to a high standard of performance. The daily responsibilities between your daily job and associate development are demanding and sometimes not possible to meet expectations. You do learn alot about developing associates and growing your own skill base.
Great place to work with a good environment.
Sales Associate (Current Employee) – Lynnwood, WA – June 19, 2019
There is definitely potential to make money here. Typical day at work involves greeting customers, answering phones and leads, meanwhile test driving cars with customers and running credit applications. Best part of the job is the people you get to work with but the micromanaging can get frustrating at times. The hardest part of working there is
Pros
Occasional free lunches, volunteer opportunities.
Cons
Micromanaging, merchandising.
Fun associates, poor management
Business Office Associate (Current Employee) – Tampa, FL – June 19, 2019
I loved my job at carmax as long as you work with certain managers. If you work with the wrong ones, get ready for a long night. Sales managers don’t follow policy so associates are stuck signing until the last customer leaves which could be as late as midnight.
The pay is ok, but not equivalent to the amount of work done on a daily basis. Poor work-life balance because you can give your manager your availability but they never listen to it and you’ll constant get called on days off.
Of course these complaints are the same as any place you’ll work. I do really enjoy the atmosphere carmax has though. Over all, it’s a decent place to work with it’s downsides.
The pay is ok, but not equivalent to the amount of work done on a daily basis. Poor work-life balance because you can give your manager your availability but they never listen to it and you’ll constant get called on days off.
Of course these complaints are the same as any place you’ll work. I do really enjoy the atmosphere carmax has though. Over all, it’s a decent place to work with it’s downsides.
Pros
Free lunches, discounts, great environment
Cons
Pay, workload, poor work-life balance
Good place to work. People are supportive of each other
Sales Consultant (Current Employee) – Edmond, OK – June 19, 2019
Strong corporate structure with good hard working people. Great place to work and grow! Respected business model. Very good product to sell with great service and extended warranty options.
Pros
Good reputation and respected business model
Cons
Retail hours and commission only sales position
Good job
Business Office Associate (Current Employee) – Tolleson, AZ – June 18, 2019
Very good place to work at overall. Everyone works as a team you're constantly busy therefore, you won't feel as if everyday Is the same. Only thing that can possibly be improved is the salary
Great Second Job
Sales Consultant/Mentor (Former Employee) – Kenosha, WI – June 18, 2019
You're not going to get rich working here. Your success is dependent on not only your own abilities but also outside economic factors as well as how you're scheduled. When you begin, you can't write your schedule and unless you get Monday e-office shifts, you will have to work many extra hours to make President's club, which is the sales level you can begin to write your own schedules.
Pros
Laid back work enviornment
Cons
Inconsistent pay
Carmax
Business Office Associate (Current Employee) – Bakersfield, CA – June 17, 2019
Overall Carmax is a decent company to work for but the management can be inconsistent and frustrating. Most of the management team there is very good but the ones that are not will tear you down.
Pros
I was given a job right out of high school and not for minimum-wage
Cons
The management team is too inconsistent
Nice place with some great people
Detailer (Former Employee) – Norcross, GA – June 17, 2019
This job is good job you are mostly work with your co workers and great managers. A nice laid back job a self paced job and nice competitive pay and hour lunches
Pros
Great people to work with
Cons
My night shift schedule
Sales Family
Sales Consultant and Sales Mentor (Former Employee) – Indianapolis, IN – June 16, 2019
Carmax is a large family style sales approach. They have you work with a mentor to ensure you are prepared prior to taking the sales floor alone. Their pay structure could use an update.
Carmax is a struggle
Sales Associate (Former Employee) – Spokane Valley, WA – June 16, 2019
Whether your a good sales man or bad. The goals for sales at carmax are unrealistic. There are days when you will talk to 2-3 people a day not even necessarily wanting to buy a car and overall was one of the worst jobs I’ve ever had. Treated poorly and the money wasn’t there.
Pros
A lot of down time.
Cons
Not enough traffic to actually make a descent amount of money.
Overall rating
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Diversity Score
Diversity Score
TOP50%
In the Top 50% of similar size companies
The Comparably Diversity Score tracks how positively diverse employees rate their experience at CarMax.
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