Company has gone from low risk high reward to high risk moderate reward. - Sales Consultant CarMax Employee Review

3.0
18 Nov 2012
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

I have always enjoyed a fun Football locker room type atmosphere. Mainly male associates so during our down time we tend to hang out as opposed to always having something to do all the time. At one time you could also make a decent income without having to work everyday. There are many more freedoms allowed in this position than most of your average " jobs."

Cons

The company has taken a downward turn ever since economy problems in 2008. They have raise prices of vehicles while lowering appraisals. This has created a much tougher sales environment I once felt good about selling a car no haggle, now I feel like I am ripping people off sometimes just because they fail to do research. Corporate has created more and more training initiatives to offset a more expensive and in my opinion a less quality product. The sales management staff is unfortunately relegated to being " yes " men and they feed us whatever info corporate wants out and spin it in a manner to make it seem like a positive when it is usually a new way to have us do more work for less or a new way to save the company money while we make less.

Explore other reviews about CarMax

5.0
30 Jan 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Positive, inclusive culture with supportive coworkers and a friendly environment. Feels like my manager really cares about my work and interests.

Cons

Going to in person/in office 5x/week.

1
4.0
13 June 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

The perks of working at CarMax are quite extensive. Associates are offered an aggressive 401k program, Stock Purchasing Plan, in store discounts on sales and service, access to the CarMax Wholesale system, excellent healthcare, plenty of PTO, and at my location we are given as much OT as we want. My coworkers are generally good people, that I enjoy being able to work along side day in and day out. Management is very understanding in regards to calling out sick family emergencies, and schedule requests.

Cons

Despite doing the work of 5 people, and very politely asking for a raise management will not give me more than my 3% annual raise which is the single biggest let down. The bonus change of 2025 being labeled as "exciting" was straight corporate gaslighting unlike anything I've ever seen. Since the start of 2026, as of this review being written we have lost 7 associates largely due to pay, and I am soon to join those associates. Management from the store level up to corporate needs to understand that to retain their top performers they need to be compensated like a top performer. Some members of management are cliquey and moody which is very frustrating to deal with. Quality of Management varies wildly from store to store as well

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