Car Dealer Faces Backlash Over Viral TikTok on High Markup Sale

A Wisconsin car salesman has been fired after a TikTok video boasting about overcharging a single mother went viral. The clip sparked immediate outrage online, leading to a swift response from his employer. The dealership confirmed the claim was false but terminated the employee for the inappropriate post.

Honda Salesman Fired After Viral TikTok Claim

A salesman at Zeigler Honda in Racine, Wisconsin, was dismissed this week. His termination followed a controversial social media post. The video appeared on his personal TikTok account, @kennyselllss.

It showed him smiling with a text overlay. The caption stated he had sold a car to a single mother for $10,000 over the sticker price. The video was part of a popular trend where users share reasons for their good mood.

According to CBS 58, the clip quickly garnered thousands of views. It also attracted intense backlash from viewers. Many expressed anger at the alleged predatory sales tactic.

This public outrage translated into action. People began leaving negative reviews for the dealership online. The situation demanded an official response from the auto group.

Dealership Denies Claim and Takes Action

Zeigler Honda of Racine investigated the incident. They quickly determined the salesman’s claim was completely false. No such sale had ever occurred at their dealership.

The company issued a public statement on Facebook. They expressed deep disappointment in the employee’s actions. The statement emphasized that the post did not reflect the company’s values.

“We value freedom of speech,” the dealership wrote. However, they also hold team members to a high standard of decency. The post was deemed untruthful and inconsistent with their service standards.

The employee was initially suspended pending review. Within two days, the dealership confirmed his employment had been terminated. The decision was final.

Salesman Apologizes, Calls Post a Joke

The former salesman posted an apology video on TikTok. He called his original post an “insensitive joke.” He apologized specifically to single mothers and women.

He noted that he is a single parent himself. He said he understands the daily struggle of balancing work and childcare. He asked the public to stop attacking the dealership.

In a follow-up video, he clarified his content style. He stated his account is based on satire. Everything he posts is meant as a joke and never shares true events.

He found the joke funny precisely because it was unrealistic. The attempt at humor, however, cost him his job and sparked a wider conversation on sales ethics.

The incident highlights the powerful impact of social media on business reputation. A single post can trigger real-world consequences. The Honda salesman fired case serves as a stark reminder for employees to carefully consider their online presence.

Must Know-

What did the Honda salesman say on TikTok?

He posted a video claiming he sold a car to a single mother for $10,000 above the manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP). He later stated it was a satirical joke and not a real event.

Why was the Honda salesman fired?

Zeigler Honda fired him for making a false claim that damaged the dealership’s reputation. They stated his actions did not align with their values of decency and truthfulness, despite it being a joke.

Did the car sale actually happen?No. The dealership confirmed that no sale matching the description in the TikTok video ever took place. They investigated the claim and found it to be entirely fabricated.

How did the public react to the video?

The video sparked significant public outrage. Many viewers expressed anger, and some responded by leaving negative reviews for the dealership on various online platforms.

What is the TikTok trend mentioned?

The video used a popular trend format where users film themselves looking happy with a text caption explaining the reason for their good mood, often with humorous or exaggerated claims.