Goodwill looking to increase car sales

Representatives at Goodwill Car Sales said the community now has another opportunity to purchase cars that are not only reasonable, but reliable.

John Shoemaker, director of goods, said Goodwill offers various cars for the community with excellent prices.

“We carry many different types of cars with prices that are very competitive,” Shoemaker said.

He said the plan of creating an auto sales extension of Goodwill has always been in mind, but it took a lot of planning.

“We’ve been looking at this for a while now and it finally came together,” Shoemaker said.

Shoemaker said Goodwill Industries in Tallahassee had always received car donations but never a car sales lot.

“People have always donated cars, but there has never been a systematic program like we have now,” Shoemaker said.

Yvette Jones, sales associate at the Mabry Branch Goodwill, said having a Goodwill Car Sales is good for those who can’t afford expensive cars and those who need some type of transportation.

“I really think it’s helpful for students and for who need assistance,” Jones said.

Shoemaker said Goodwill Car Sales opened in December 2007 starting with a donation of 200 cars, and now he receives five cars per week.

“We have gotten 200 cars donated since December, and I expect more because of tax season,” Shoemaker said.

Shoemaker said Goodwill Car Sales rents a lot for their cars from Vicki Beaumont, owner of Lucky’s Auto Leasing located at 2539 W. Tennessee St.

Beaumont said she and Shoemaker share ideas as a team and he explains everything he knows about cars.

“We work together and he’s very knowledgeable about cars, which makes business easy,” Beaumont said.

Shoemaker explained that all sales are cash only, no financing, and there is no holding of cars.

He also said cars are sold as they come and if something goes wrong with them, they are not responsible.

“Our cars are sold as is and without a warranty,” Shoemaker said.

Shoemaker said they have cars ranging from $500-$3,500.

“If someone wanted to buy $1,000 through $1,500 car it probably won’t be pretty but it will be reliable,” Shoemaker said. “[For] $1,500 through$3,500 they can buy a car that they want to take someone out on a date in.”

Shoemaker said the majority of his customers are students and foreign exchange students.

“Most of my customers are students and those from other countries who only need a car for a short period of time,” he said.

Shoemaker said people in the community come to him before going elsewhere because they know they will receive a good deal.

“People he here because I have a good selection and I help educate those who know nothing about cars,” Shoemaker said.

Shoemaker said there is an advantage for people who want to donate their cars.

“When people donate cars here they can write it off on their taxes and you can get a tax deduction for the proceeds received from the sale,” he said.

Shoemaker explained that some student customers need help when it comes to choosing a car or understanding needed repairs.

“I get students who try and buy cars who are unprepared because they think the car world runs a certain way,” Shoemaker said. “Those people I try and help out.”

Shoemaker suggested that individuals who are interested in purchasing a car from Goodwill Car Sales go online to www.goodwillcarsales.com to get an idea of what is in stock.