Man Says Dealerships Have More Drama than Love Island. Now Workers Are Sharing Stories

A TikTok video comparing dealership workplace drama to reality TV has struck a nerve with automotive industry workers. The short clip has sparked hundreds of comments from current and former dealership employees sharing their own wild workplace stories.

TikTok user Albert (@papa_albert1) posted an 8-second video on July 18 that features a text overlay reading: "Love island ain't that bad. Y’all ever see the drama that happens within a dealership?" The fish-eye lens video shows Albert at his workstation in what appears to be a dealership service bay, shooting an incredulous look over his shoulder halfway through the clip.

The video has garnered nearly 247,000 views and sparked a flood of responses from automotive workers eager to share their own dealership drama experiences.

Workers Share Wild Workplace Stories

The comment section quickly became a confessional for dealership employees, with stories ranging from workplace relationships to bizarre holiday party incidents. One of the most popular comments came from user Luke Longaker, who declared that "the Christmas parties are the season finale," earning over 1,500 likes. Albert responded that "It's the recap of the season."

User Bassi painted a vivid picture of dealership dynamics, writing, "Working at a dealership felt like I was still back in HS. BDC girls cheating on their dudes with sales dudes, receptionists trying to sleep with Finance/Desk. [Expletive] I even witnessed someone get served divorce papers."

Another commenter, Tyler, offered the technician's perspective: "I LOVE being a technician and watch everything unfold without ever being fully involved. Whole shop goes crazy when we hear something crazy go down."

The stories became increasingly dramatic as more workers chimed in. User CamDaMan shared, "There's a woman that cheated on her man at my job, her man worked there too, also the dude she cheated on worked there too, she's now pregnant and they all still work there."

Industry-Wide Pattern Emerges

The comments revealed that dealership drama isn't limited to one location or brand. User Andrea noted, "We've had 3 divorces this year alone." Another worker, Matt June, reflected on his four-year tenure as a technician, "You see it all, fights, affairs, friendships made, friendships collapse, drunks, drugs and so much more. Wildest 4 years."

Some commenters drew comparisons between different dealership brands. User caroline noted, "BMW was so much worse than Honda for me. Half of them are on coke and steroids or do OnlyFans."

User Curacaorider, who worked across multiple brands, shared their experience. "Dealership drama is ghetto,” they wrote. “I've worked with GM, Honda, Suzuki, Subaru, Isuzu at one dealership and then I moved to Mercedes then BMW. Now I'm happily out of that industry and into tourism."

The workplace atmosphere was summed up by user Damk4ien, who wrote, "Working at a dealer feels like being in a mental hospital."

The High-Stress Environment

The dramatic workplace dynamics described in the comments reflect broader issues within the automotive retail industry. Dealerships face exceptionally high employee turnover rates, with sales consultants experiencing an 80% annual turnover rate according to Cox Automotive research—nearly double the national average for most industries.

Multiple factors contribute to this high-stress environment. Commission-based compensation creates financial instability for employees, particularly those with family obligations. Many dealerships also expect staff to work 50-60 hour weeks, and 40% of former dealership employees cite work-life balance issues as their primary reason for leaving.

The Business Development Center (BDC)—the department responsible for handling online leads and appointment setting—was frequently mentioned in the comments as a focal point for workplace relationships and drama. Several commenters noted the complex dynamics between BDC staff, sales teams, and service departments.

When employees leave, workload piles up on remaining staff, stress builds, and quality of work falters, creating a cycle that can exacerbate workplace tensions. Industry research shows that merely one-third of dealership employees feel neutral or unsatisfied with their jobs, and approximately 20% are actively looking for another position.

User Meatpole666 offered perhaps the most succinct analysis: "Everybody worrying about everybody except themselves."

Christmas Parties: The 'Season Finale'

Multiple commenters referenced dealership holiday parties as particularly eventful occasions. User GMT400 kid shared: "We all got [expletive]faced and my service manager started picking our foreman's blackheads while he was passed out in the showroom, I have a video of it somewhere."

Another commenter acknowledged the reputation of these events, writing, "I will be choosing not to attend the finals this year out of the best interest of everyone’s relationships."

A Potential TV Show?

The widespread nature of dealership drama didn't go unnoticed by viewers. User nota600 commented, "Kinda surprised a tv drama set in a dealership hasn’t happened yet," earning 686 likes. The response from another user was telling: "People would probably think the storylines to be unrealistic while they be based on true events."

One commenter revealed that their dealership had actually considered participating in a reality show but "decided it was for the best not to."

Despite the chaos, some workers found camaraderie in the experience. User Nick noted, "We'd be at each others throats and the next day it's like nothing happened." Albert agreed, responding, "Like best friends the next day."

Motor1 reached out to Albert via TikTok direct message for additional comment. We'll be sure to update this if he responds.