TWO PUNCHES. ONE JOURNEY.
Building Credit Before Selling a Car
When people see a delivery photo, they see smiles, a brand-new vehicle and a happy customer. What they don't see are the months of phone calls, setbacks, declined applications and countless conversations that happen before that moment.
This journey began back in February, while I was still in my infancy as a car sales executive at Prestige Motor Group. " The company that couldn't afford me" The client wanted a vehicle, but there was one major challenge. His credit profile simply didn't exist. It wasn't bad. It was empty. The banks had almost nothing to assess.
Rather than giving up, we started building his financial profile together. I advised him to open a few accounts and make every payment on time. The goal wasn't just buying a car. The goal was creating a financial history that banks could trust.
The First Decline
After three months we applied. Declined. His profile still hadn't updated enough. Most people would have stopped there, believing the answer was final. I didn't. I encouraged him to stay patient and continue paying every account without missing a single instalment.
The Second Decline
Two weeks later we submitted another application. Declined again. This time, however, we realised we had simply applied one week too early. His latest payment history had not yet reflected on the credit bureaus.
Instead of frustration, we chose patience. One more week. One more application.
The bank approved the finance. Months of discipline had finally paid off.
When Approval Wasn't the End
Just when we thought everything was complete, something unexpected happened. While our F&I department updated the vehicle variant, the bank suddenly reversed its decision and declined the deal.
That moment changed my understanding of BB Motors forever.
I watched our Dealer Principal, our Sales Manager and our F&I Manager go after that bank with unbelievable determination. They defended the client like lions protecting their territory. Every concern was challenged. Every motivation was submitted. Nobody simply accepted "No."
they were fighting for the client."
Watching that unfold reminded me of my days in real estate, where I once saw a bond originator fight tirelessly to secure a home loan for a young soldier and his wife. That same fighting spirit exists here at BB Motors.
Ironically, that experience gave me confidence. It showed me that if I keep bringing genuine clients with genuine challenges, I have a team that will stand beside me and fight until every possible avenue has been explored.
Eventually the bank gave in. The approval was reinstated. Months of persistence finally ended with a Tata Punch and a satisfied client.
Delivery Two – When the Right Solution Isn't Always the Obvious One
The second delivery was completely different. This time, credit wasn't the obstacle. Finding the right solution was.
I first connected with this client back in March. Interestingly, although both clients worked for the same company and lived in the same neighbourhood in Port Shepstone, I met them through completely different channels. That reminded me how far the reach of Lebalane M is beginning to grow. People are finding me through different conversations, different referrals and different moments in life.
The finance application itself was successful and the deal validated without major issues. However, there was one important requirement before the bank could release the vehicle.
The client has poor eyesight and is unfortunately unable to drive. Because of this, the bank required medical confirmation before accepting his father as the nominated driver.
Our deal remained on hold for almost three weeks. Not because anyone had done something wrong, but because everyone involved wanted to ensure everything was done correctly.
The right paperwork today prevents unnecessary problems tomorrow.
The client visited a specialist, underwent the required examination and obtained medical confirmation explaining why he could not drive.
Once those documents were submitted, everything changed. The bank reviewed the information, accepted his father as the nominated driver and approved the transaction without any further resistance.
Within a single day, the planning had begun. Another Tata Punch was heading from Polokwane to Port Shepstone.
More Than Two Deliveries
Standing in Port Shepstone after handing over both vehicles gave me time to reflect. From February until now, these journeys had taught me lessons no classroom ever could.
I learnt that credit profiles can be built. I learnt that patience often beats pressure. Most importantly, I learnt that behind every successful delivery is an entire team committed to finding solutions instead of excuses.
Every delivery celebrates perseverance."
As sales executives, people often measure us by the number of vehicles we deliver. I believe we should also be measured by the number of people we refuse to give up on.
Some journeys take a few days. Others take several months. Some require motivation. Others require specialist reports. Every client is different, but every client deserves the same commitment.
Looking back, these weren't simply two Tata Punch deliveries. They represented persistence, teamwork, trust and the willingness to keep pushing until the right outcome was achieved.
To both of my clients, thank you for trusting me with one of the biggest purchases you'll ever make. Your patience throughout the process made these deliveries even more rewarding.
To the incredible BB Motors team, thank you for showing me what genuine client service looks like. Watching experienced professionals fight for clients has made me a better sales executive and strengthened my belief that I'm exactly where I belong.
Looking for Your Own Tata Punch?
Whether you're buying your very first vehicle or upgrading to something new, I'd love to help you find the perfect Tata Punch for your lifestyle.
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Whether your credit profile is still growing, you're buying your very first vehicle, or you're simply looking for honest advice, I'm here to help. Every journey starts with one conversation.
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