These aren't exactly magic tricks, but there are a few techniques that a certain type of salesperson will use in order to make a sale. Some of these might seem tongue-in-cheek, but they're worth noting. Not all car salespeople are out to get you, but they do work on commission and would love to get you to sign on the dotted line sooner rather than later. Some of these "tricks" include: The "Good Cop, Bad Cop" routine. This is where one salesperson is friendly and helpful, while the other is aggressive and pushy. The idea is to make you feel like you're getting a good deal by comparison. The silent treatment. This is when a salesperson refuses to speak to you or answer your questions unless you agree to a price first. They're hoping that you'll get so frustrated that you'll just sign on the dotted line. The "bait and switch". This is when a dealership advertises a car at a low price, but then tries to sell you a different (usually more expensive) model when you get there. High-pressure tactics. This is when a salesperson uses scare tactics or tries to rush you into making a decision. They might say that the car you're interested in won't be available for long, or that another customer is about to make an offer.