Stories from the Sales Frontlines

houdini1

Speaking of hair products, I saw a report today (ABC news, not Nat'. Enquirer) that said to expect a cure for baldness within the next few years. Just my luck to go thru life bald and then die with a full head of hair. :mad:

oldfarmer50

"...Inferno red..."

THe wife just HAD to have some special blue color on her PT. It was an extra $225 option. Unfortunately it only came on a higher line model which was an extra few thousand.

driver100

If that is true, why do you even have to make the trip?

All I know is if you pick up your car at the factory in Germany some manufacturers automatically take 7% to 8% off the list price. No haggling.

Are you asking why the dealer can't give you 7 or 8% off MSRP? Maybe there are lower taxes and it is great advertising. Also, manufacturers have found customers love it and become strong repeat customers, something about the experience. It is so worth it they give incentives, free meals, hotel rooms, transportation to the plant, hotel packages etc.

The article said the dealers profit on this deal is a lot less than normal. Remember though, the dealer has lower costs, such as financing a car that sits on the lot for awhile.

Think of it as buying direct from the factory, and pretty well cutting out the middle man.

jipster

Or tell them that you're jipster or me and get thrown out of the country

I've been thrown out of worse. :P

sterlingdog

Well, since you asked, I did switch recently from Tide to Gain. It cleans just as well and it is cheaper. I never felt that Cheer did the job. My mother used Dash for years because she liked the low suds. Before that, she used Rinso Blue. It came with a free dish cloth or a pretty hankerchief in the box.

Never let it be said that we don't cover a variety of topics.

Richard

sterlingdog

"Car guys who want to compare their juicers"

LMAO!!! It's either too late in the evening or my mind is in the gutter. I can't stop screaming! You're just too much!

Richard

sterlingdog

I agree. Driver just landed us on rock bottom. I simply cannot stop laughing!

Richard

sterlingdog

Could a person order from the German factory and have the car shipped directly to their house? Why mess with a dealer at all? Just send the factory wired funds.

Richard

snakeweasel

Well if you want one of the BMW SUV's you could, depending on what you want, just order from the factory and drive down to South Carolina and pick it up.

jmonroe

It worked O.K. I guess but it was so HEAVY that lugging it upstairs was a real pain. She just hated it.

Of course she hated it and I hated it too, after doing it ONCE myself. When we bought our second house it was a 2 story and I bought another sweeper for the second floor. We’re on our 4 th house now and I have not carried a sweeper up steps since the second house. I don’t sweep and I don’t schlep.

We now have twin Sears sweepers made by Panasonic. So now she doesn’t even get me involved with changing the bag anymore. What she learned on the first floor sweeper she applies that same knowledge to the second floor sweeper. That turned out to be one of my better ideas. They are pretty darn good sweepers and nowhere near the price of a Kirby but they won’t do the lawn and paint the house.

jmonroe

jmonroe

I don't believe that is a factor any more. Might want to go easy on brakes until they work themselves in a bit, but I don't think new cars need a break in period any more.

Here we go again. Did you get that tidbit of erroneous information from the same guy that said, “because oils are better today you don’t have to warm up a car”? Yes, cars today still need a break-in period but not as long as the cars 15 years ago did. I personally take it easy for the first 400 miles. It’s also still a good idea to vary the speed during that break-in period. I drive the PA Turnpike everyday for about 40 miles round trip and I wouldn’t use the cruise control for the first 2 weeks that I owned the Genny. Then the gloves came off; no sense in having a V8 and not letting it stretch its legs.

jmonroe

isellhondas

Now, what brand is that? Looks like nothing I've seen before.

Easy to clean?

sterlingdog

Great idea. I had forgotten that I am so close to the factory. That would make a car purchase a really simple procedure.

Richard

driver100

Why mess with a dealer at all? Just send the factory wired funds.

That's a good idea but I think it would be difficult. There are inspections, paperwork, extra accessories that have to be added for driving in the USA.

This paragraph gives you some idea of what is involved;

Your client advisor will notify you of your vehicle's arrival in the United States. After clearing customs, the BMW Vehicle Processing Center at the port of entry will inspect your car and install any applicable accessories. Your BMW will be inspected again upon arriving at your BMW center. The center's technicians will also install any optional accessories you wish to add to your new BMW. Your client advisor will redeliver your car to you, the perfect souvenir of your European vacation.

Don't forget if you bought the car directly from the factory in Germany, you would have to install all the equipment necessary to drive in the USA, your car would be made to drive in Europe, plus you would have to arrange shipping (which would be a lot more expensive than the price BMW would pay), arrange marine insurance and prep the car when it arrives.

Much better to work through the dealer.

driver100

the same guy that said
“because oils are better today you don’t have to warm up a car”?

The break in period is different for different cars. BMWs is pretty simple;
What are the break-in rules on new BMW's?

This information is clearly laid out in your Owner's Manual, but the basic restrictions, for the first 1200 miles are:

1) Do not exceed 4500 RPM
2) Do not exceed 100 mph
3) Change speed often
4) Avoid hard braking

Varying your engine speed and avoiding hard braking are especially important during the break-in period.

I don't do any of those things any way, so I don't really consider that to be doing something special while breaking in the car...I just drive the way I normally do. Other cars are different, some say 300 to 500 miles of driving under 100 mph etc.

As far as warming up the car first, all the evidence I find says you don't have to do it, in fact it is not good for the car as it takes longer for the engine to warm up to operating temperature. Find an article for me that says you should let the car warm up before driving off.

Personally, I let the car warm up for about 20 or 30 seconds just to let it get going and settle down a bit (I do it while putting on the seat belt and adjusting the radio and putting on the bum warmer), and because it takes time to get used to change. I had several cars with chokes, so warming up seems to be the right thing to do, but it just isn't in todays cars.

snakeweasel

Actually its a refrigerated beer tap for those 5 liter mini kegs.

As for juice, I prefer my juice in its natural container.

kyfdx

As for juice, I prefer my juice in its natural container.

Me, too... right out of the tap!

snakeweasel

Or you could get a job at the factory and pull a Johnny Cash.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7qEG9EnHnw0

imidazol97

>my mind is in the gutter.

I read it the way you did. But I was afraid of getting in trouble and being banned.

Laundry: I prefer All, X3 concentrated low suds, the Free and Clear version with a small amount of Fresh Rain added. :P

imidazol97

> a Kirby but they won’t do the lawn and paint the house.

Did you check all the options available for those Kirbys? !!!! Those may be available. :surprise:

Those Kirbys are a real product. They remind me of the KitchenAid mixer with the pea shelling attachment that I saw mentioned on an ad yesterday.

When I was looking at the local sweeper repair/sales shop, he showed me the used, refurbished by himself, Kirbys for a couple hundred to three. He had one apart on the bench. It's probably like buying the durable Mercedes models in the way they're built. Just keep it lubed and replaced a part that wears every few years and you're in business. They're just heavy.

But our housekeeper of many years had two Kirbys and loved them. We really miss her and tried two after her and couldn't find someone as good.

driver100

>my mind is in the gutter.
I read it the way you did.

Might have been a problem if I said, "My juicer is bigger than yours", but I wanted to be more indescrete.

graphicguy

Hmmmm.....$600-$900 for a vacuum cleaner? I clearly have my priorities all messed up. No way, no how, I'd pay that much for a vacuum. I got one of those fancy-schmantzy Dyson's last year from my Mother's estate. Works fine. No bags. I'm happy. If I were paying for it? Whatever Costco had on special would have been just fine.

Kirstie.....'grats on the promotion. I suppose let the butt kissing begin!

Regarding juicers......a friend's wife (actually, they're both friends of mine) is really (and I mean REALLY) into the vegetarian lifestyle. He's just the opposite....I don't think there's a more avid carnivore! How they co-exist together is beyond me.

Anyway, we were headed out for a b-day party last night. Pre-party I asked my friend if she could give me some direction about juicers. Well, literally in a couple minutes time she had pulled some veggies and fruit (carrots, spinach, beats, pears) out of her fridge and threw them into her juicer and let me try the results. Ummmmmm....WOW! Very tasty! And the energy jolt was equivalent to one of those caffeine laden drinks.

She said she had tried all sorts of juicers and blenders but had settled on this one as the best for her: http://www.brevilleusa.com/juicing/ikon-multi-speed-juice-fountain.html

She had it apart and cleaned in about 2 minutes so the clean up factor wasn't a big deal (she rinsed everything....I don't even think she used soap). She uses the remaining pulp to bake with (that's taking it a little far for me).

I guess there's two kinds of juicers according to her. One kind "crushes" fruits and veggies. Those are slow, messy and are prone to clog....according to her, it's because the RPMs are too low and the stems of veggies tend to get would up around the masher "thingie". The other kind, the one she prefers, spins the fruits and veggies over blades and strains the remaining juice through a mesh screen. The one she has, and recommends, has 5 variable speeds for different types of fruits/veggies. I guess it's better to spin softer fruits/veggies slower than harder ones to extract the most juice.

Went on-line this a.m. and found a refurb one for $150 from Amazon. It's on its way!

There you have it!

snakeweasel

Hmmmm.....$600-$900 for a vacuum cleaner?

Yeah it sounds like a lot, but Kirby's last a long, long time. We have one thats at least 10 years old and runs like new. We spent about that amount of money and at the time needed a new rug sucker. Since the typical vacuum cleaner lasts 5-10 years we would be on our second vacuum cleaner and maybe needing a thrid in a few years. So whle $600 sounds like a lot its beats shelling out for a new cheaper vacuum every 5-10 years.

Kirstie_H

As for juice, I prefer my juice in its natural container.
...
Me, too... right out of the tap!

IIRC, you can only get lousy beer for those things anyway. Maybe Heineken, which isn't a real fave. If they start with Stella or something else I like, then we'll talk.

jimbres

Could a person order from the German factory and have the car shipped directly to their house? Why mess with a dealer at all? Just send the factory wired funds.

Nope, & that will never happen. Long ago (as far back as the 1920s, I think), dealers banded together & lobbied state legislatures to enact franchise laws that give dealerships a monopoly on new car sales. Whether you're buying a foreign or a domestic, you must do business with a car dealer if you want a new car. There is no way around this.

I recall that in the late 90s, GM played with the idea of selling cars through a web site. After GM's dealers made it abundantly clear that they would fight this scheme in the courts, GM dropped it.

canadiantoyota

Sorry it has been a few days to finish my new truck story.....

Purchased a 2011 Ford F150 4X4, crew cab, 6.5 foot box, most of the options except Sync. I wanted a spray in box liner, not the plastic type. I priced several applicators in my area, the going rate is approximately $450 to $480 with a lifetime guarantee. The dealer states that they can also have one applied, so I inquire as to the cost. The dealer calls me back and states quite enthusiastically, the the amount is $699.00!!!! I quickly declined this incredible offer.

While in the "mop and glow" department, they offer the usual... undercoating, window tinting, and fabric protection. They also have a new gimmick, the "gas and go" option. Basically, this is an upfront charge for the standard maintenance of the truck for the first 100,000 kms (60,000 miles to my U.S. friends). This would cover oil changes (every 12,000 kms), transmission oil changes, tire rotations, spark plugs and brakes. Total cost was $2,085.00 plus taxes. My wife thought it may be a good idea until I pointed out that I don't let my vehicles go anywhere near 12,00 kms between oil changes and when I add up the total cost of what it would cost to perform all the work over the stated mileage, I simply can't get close to $2000. This is obviously a new profit center for the dealership. I don't have to finally decide about this option until I take delivery of the truck.

The colour is "blue flame". Red Firecoat was a $300 upcharge. Last time I purchased a truck, my wife liked the pearl white called "white chocolate", but you could only get it on the Lariat model and that was $12,000 more. Needless to say, we didn't get it. Ford does not offer that colour any more.

canadiantoyota

Further to my post about my new truck..

It does not come with a juicer or a vacuum. I assume and hope that it does not suck, but if it does, that is a whole different forum story.....

jmonroe

1) Do not exceed 4500 RPM
2) Do not exceed 100 mph
3) Change speed often
4) Avoid hard braking

Those are what I was talking about when I said breaking in a car is still recommended and a good idea. You said you comply with this and that’s probably because you know more about cars than the average driver. So, buy default, you comply with the breaking in requirements that still exist.

Find an article for me that says you should let the car warm up before driving off.

I’m not going to waste my time doing that. You’re the one that likes to run around the internet gathering information so I’ll let you do that for me. While you’re searching, find me an article that says:

“Jump into your car on a cold day, do jack rabbit starts and rev it however you want to. The oils are better today, they will protect the engine, so don’t worry about warming it up”.

jmonroe

Kirstie_H

Does your watch or European man bag match it, though?

isellhondas

Now that's a new one on me but it looks like a winner!

Snake fooled me with his Kegerator. For me to have one of those would be dangerous given my lust for beer!

jmonroe

Did you check all the options available for those Kirbys? !!!! Those may be available.

I was referring to the Sears unit that we have that is made by Panasonic. The Kirby can probably do the "lawn and paint the house". The Sears/Panasonic just sucks and it ain't bad at doing that

jmonroe

isellhondas

A lot of those Kirby accessories are of no value to most people who would never use them.

And, where do you store all of that stuff?

snakeweasel

There are about a dozen types of beer at my local Binnys that will fit that tap. Right now I have Newcastles brown ale in it and I am planning on trying one of the others that are avaliable.

canadiantoyota

My watches will look great and will certainly enhance the truck, but I am sorry to inform you that Canadian men do NOT use European man bags. That's why we have to drive such large vehicles, to carry all of our stuff!

snakeweasel

Canadian men do NOT use European man bags.

Do they make Canadian man bags or do you just use Asian ones?

imidazol97

> I wanted to be more indescrete.

I think you mean "more discrete." Grin.

isellhondas

"Do they make Canadian man bags or do you just use Asian ones?"

Ah, I think they use what we call "purses" here in the U.S. :P

driver100

you must do business with a car dealer if you want a new car.

I would guess there must be contracts between the manufacturer and the dealer about what can and can't be done. I am sure the dealer doesn't like losing a larger commission if people go to Germany to pick up their car, but I would think the dealer signed papers that could happen when they got their franchise.

If you prefer American cars you can go to Bowling Green KY and watch your Corvette being built. They charge you $400 to do that.

For $500 they will make an album for you with your car being built.

jwilliams2

Went on-line this a.m. and found a refurb one for $150 from Amazon. It's on its way!

Looks like a nice juicer. I like fact that it's easy to clean. Bed Bath & Beyond has them for $159.99 using their 20% off coupon if someone wanted a new one.

And good vacuums are important if you have allergies. I have two Miele's, a canister and an upright. Great machines. I used to use Kenmore (Panasonic) vacuums, but they only lasted 3 or 4 years, and although they did suck, they also threw too much dust back into the air.

driver100

I think you mean "more discrete." Grin.

I think you are right

jmonroe

Purchased a 2011 Ford F150 4X4, crew cab, 6.5 foot box, most of the options except Sync.

So where’s the story? Anyone can say they bought a truck. We do specifics here. :confuse:

I wanted a spray in box liner, not the plastic type. I priced several applicators in my area, the going rate is approximately $450 to $480 with a lifetime guarantee. The dealer states that they can also have one applied, so I inquire as to the cost. The dealer calls me back and states quite enthusiastically, the the amount is $699.00!!!! I quickly declined this incredible offer.

I would have declined too. I’d be willing to bet that the dealer drives it down the street to have it done by the same guys that you got prices from. Somebody has to pay for that trip. It wasn’t going to be the dealer.

Congrats on the truck purchase but you otta be ashamed coming here with a quickies like you did.

jmonroe

driver100

So, buy default, you comply with the breaking in requirements that still exist.

True. I remember the salesman saying, when I picked up the car, no special instructions, just those 4 points. So, I said, well that's how I drive any way, so I'll just drive like I do.

But technically speaking, you are correct, there is a breaking in period.

I did search all over the internet, high and low, and I couldn't find an article that said you should do jack rabbit starts and rev your car up as high as you can on a cold day.

isellhondas

I'm afraid you just rained on Graphic's parade!

For ten bucks more he could have bought a new one and not paid freight?

I'm assuming that price took into consideration the 20% off coupon?

As a long time retail guy, I don't know how BBB can do that given the razor thin profits on appliances but they do and that's how we bought our Kitchen Aid.

I hope they stay in business. I like their stores!

jwilliams2

Yes, that included the 20% coupon I got by signing up for their emails on their website. They also send them out every couple of weeks by mail.

And I didn't mean to rain on anyones parade, but that's the kind of item I would rather buy new.

driver100

Purchased a 2011 Ford F150 4X4, crew cab, 6.5 foot box, most of the options except Sync.
So where’s the story? Anyone can say they bought a truck. We do specifics here.

Good point JM. We want to hear all the gory details. How was the salesguy? Did you shop around? Did you go on a test drive? Did you negotiate? We want sales stories when we aren't discussing vacuum cleaners or juicers.

By the way, why didn't you get sync? That sync thing is one thing I really like about Fords. From what I have seen it is pretty good, simple and useful. Very user friendly.

Inquiring minds want to know....I think I know everything I need to know if I ever have to purchase a juicer or a vacuum cleaner.

Also, does any one know about the manufacturers taking phosphates out of dishwasher detergent? We buy Cascade in the US because it works better than the Canadian formula. But, the Canadian government silently banned phosphate in detergents and peoples glasses and dishes are not as clean and sparkly as they used to be. I am wondering if this is true in the US, because we will have to stock up when we cross the border.

jmonroe

I did search all over the internet, high and low, and I couldn't find an article that said you should do jack rabbit starts and rev your car up as high as you can on a cold day.

I knew you would, but if you had only listened to me, I'd have saved you the time. :P

jmonroe

driver100

I knew you would, but if you had only listened to me, I'd have saved you the time.

Yes boss, next time I will remember that! :P :P

graphicguy

jw....isell....now see. Both of you provided a public service to me. It so happens, I have one of those BBB coupons. Canceled the AMAZON one and took the coupon to BBB. As I was typing my last post, I was doing my Saturday a.m. ritual of heading out to Panera Bread for coffee and one of their muffins (banana nut this a.m.) and peruse the local newspaper and the internet on my MacBook while there.

Lo and behold, as I'm reading both posts, I look up and not more than 75 yards away is a BBB. Bought a brand new one. Stopped at Jungle Jim's (the locals know where I'm talking about) http://www.junglejims.com. Got it home a little bit ago. Rinsed the juicer out. Loaded it up with fresh cucumber, spinach, tomato, carrot, pear and apple. GREAT drink. Took only a few minutes to make. No chopping, slicing. Everything went in whole, stems, seeds, skins and all. Took even less time to clean up. Very nice juicer. It's bad to the bone.

And, thanks to all for the "public service" of tracking a new one down for me, and the coupon reminder.

isellhondas

You know, this is strange.

Where we live is a Panera Bread with a BBB no more than 75 yards away.

Never heard of a Jungle Jim's though.

I'm glad you were able to cancel your order with Amazon. Somehow the "refurbished" part always scares me a bit.

jmonroe

Yes, that included the 20% coupon I got by signing up for their emails on their website. They also send them out every couple of weeks by mail.

Let me also thank you about Bed Bath and Beyond carrying that juicer.

This is very coincidental because we have been thinking about getting a masher of some type because we’d like to do our own real OJ to get away from the high sugar content of the store bought stuff and to do some general mashing of stuff to see if we’d like it. For 160 bucks we’ll probably try it. I’ve spent more on sweepers that suck.

About those 20% off coupons; yeah we have a few of them lying around. To be honest, I don’t know how there are still any left with how Mrs. j patronizes that place. All I hear when I see something that comes from that place is, “it was 20% off”. :surprise: To me, that means that there was still 80% ON. :sick:

Again thanks for the info. Yeah folks this place is waaaay more than just cars.

jmonroe