Stories from the Sales Frontlines

fezo

There were a lot of those old soldiers marrying young babes. That's why you still had Confederate war widows collecting survivor checks as late as the 1980s. Of course there were Union ones doing the same thing.

robr2

I had to google it. The last Confederate widow died in 2004at age 98. She married a Confederate veteran in 1927 - he was 81, she was 21. He died in 1931. She finally received his benefits in 1996. 2 months after he dies, she married his grandson.

The last Union widow died in 2003 at age 93. They also married in 1927 - she 18 and he 81. He died in 1937. She received $70 a month from the VA until she died.

nyccarguy

Yes I work for my Dad who owns a small plumbing supply company in The South Bronx. Our business was founded by my Great-Grandfather in 1900 (No that's not a misprint, our business is 111 years old). I'm 4th generation.

jipster

My promotional card from A.T&T (finally broke down and got a cell phone) was for $50. I believe restaurants add an additional 20% to allow for a potential tip. So if my bill was $50, I'd have to have a $60 balance on the card. Otherwise you and the transaction are terminated. :sick:

cdnpinhead

. . .I work for my Dad who owns a small plumbing supply company. . .

I'd bet you recall a little movie from the late '60s involving a family that owned a "small plumbing supply company."

Do you have a sister who looked like Ali McGraw?

jmonroe

Your wife has to be one of the coolest ladies on the planet. She can always flim flam her husband before he knows what hit him.

OK…that may be correct but who’s the one that got the Genny and had her believing it was her idea? I ain’t a total slouch, you know.

jmonroe

Sandman6472

Way cool man!

The Sandman :sick: :shades:

Sandman6472

Now that was one cool picture & Ali was beautiful. Extremely similar to the way I was raised...just about ten miles north of there. My mom was probably the template for Brenda's mom...lol! That country club lifestyle, my folks bought into that hook, line & sinker. But for their generation, it was their "heaven"!

The Sandman :sick: :shades:

houdini1

I was a member of AARP for a while but dropped them like a hot horseshoe when they backed Obamacare. Now I understand AARP has applied for an exemption...just for themselves, not their members.

Sandman6472

Just a quick question all, since most here are pretty intelligent & probably have good health insurance. What do we do to make sure EVERY AMERICAN has access to affordable health care as good as what most of us in here have? What is the BEST solution to let every citizen have what we have? A simple question that no one so far has been able to answer to me. And please, no republican this or democrat that...I don't want to hear sound bites from each side of the aisle, for that matter, please don't even mention which side, or neither side, are y'all on...it's not germaine to what I'm trying to find out. Just pretend there are no political parties...I wish!

Just a simple annswer to a simple question.

The Sandman :sick: :shades:

robr2

Just a simple annswer to a simple question.

Surely you jest!!

IMHO, there is no solution that would ensure an equitable opportunity for all of us to have affordable healthcare and satisfy all the stakeholders.

Sandman6472

Why not? Maybe a stupid question to y'all in here, but it's sure not one for me. Answer me...great! Don't answer me...great also! I just want to know why something pretty simple can't be answered.
Later!

The Sandman :sick: :shades:

snakeweasel

Having those discharge papers is really neat.

I also have some bounded handwritten speeches he gave at GAR (Grand Army of the Republic, a Civil War Vetrans org.) meetings. He was from North Central Iowa about 5 or 6 hours from where I am. One of these days I am going to take those papers go up there and donate them to their historical society. I do think they belong there.

snakeweasel

Simple answer is that in life naturally there are inequaties. Because of that not everyone can have the same access to health care. Trust me Bill Gates can get afford treatments that I might have a hard time getting even with the good insurance I have.

That being said, some things that would work (I believe Obamacare will make things worse), increase compitition by allowing health insurance to be sold accross state lines, tort reform, allowing individuals to deduct at least a portion of insurance costs on their taxes even if they don't itemize (post tax payments that is) and having some sort of government assistance or insurance pool for poorer people.

mako1a

Medical care is a "for profit" business. Medical Insurance is a sort of slush fund that tries to cover as many as possible while being reminded who is paying the most for the service.

Pretty much the same reason all US citizens aren't given a Cadillac at birth. Some benefits have to be earned over time with work and savings.

Sandman6472

"Earned over time with work & savings"...in a perfect world, yes. But not everyone works/can work, not everyone can do things the "normal way", the people who fall through the cracks...many of your fellow Americans that this one definition does not cover. Why can it work in Canada?

Obviously a very interesting topic that I've opened up here, but it just came to me that the folks on Edmunds are not going to be a true random sampling of Americans so of course I'm going to get a typical answer like I got above. This sample is scewed since by just being in here, we're talking with a more affluent set of people not represented by the true sample needed to get my answer.

I apologize for even posting the question in the 1st place. Please disregard my post so we can get back to sales stories, which is the reason we're all here. My bad folks...my bad!!!

The Sandman :sick: :shades:

Sandman6472

Folks, please disregard my question I posed earlier today...I figured out I'm not going to get what I'm looking for on this site. No more posts will be necessary. My meds apparently caused some brain dysfunction. Please return to your regular programming!

My bad! I am,

The Sandman :confuse: :sick: :shades:

jimbres

The Swiss approach makes sense to me. It seems to allow more personal choices than Obamacare will.

Swiss Health Insurance

nyccarguy

Never saw the movie you were referring to. I was only born in 1976.

I don't have a solution to our country's healthcare problems, but I do know what we have now barely works and insurance is VERY EXPEN$I'VE. We provide insurance for our employees & it is ridiculous.

jimbres

Do you have a sister who looked like Ali McGraw?

Oh, Lord! How I lusted after her admired her command of her craft.

You're referring to Goodbye, Columbus, of course.

Sandman6472

Absolutely, a classic!

The Sandman :sick: :shades:

jipster

What do we do to make sure EVERY AMERICAN has access to affordable health care as good as what most of us in here have?

The simple answer is those who have money and jobs pay for health care for those who don't.

jipster

Too late! :P

sterlingdog

No need to apologize for asking the question---especially when sales stories are slow just now. I don't pretend to have the answer, but I don't believe that Obamacare is it. In my readings, it has been stated that 20% of the country cannot afford decent health care for one reason or another. My suggestion is this: For those who can afford insurance premiums, continue as usual. For the 20% who cannot, revamp the Medicaid program. Cut the levels of bureaucracy, investigate all possible fraud cases, and issue an insurance card to the 20% who need it. Each year, those holding such a card would show proof of income and employment history. There would be no local offices. The 20% would report to a state office in the center of each state on a staggered date schedule each year. Verificaitons would be followed up on each card holder. Non-citizens could not apply. The working poor, the elderly, and the terminally ill would be given first preference for insurance cards. The unemployed would receive job training as a requirement to hold a card. Those classes would be held at the local ESC or the local community college. Proof of class completion would have to be presented at the annual evaluation meeting. There would be no central headquarters in Washington. Each state would care for its own 20%. Each taxpayer filing a state tax return would pay 3% of their adjusted net income to fund the state program. As a reward for doing so, each taxpayer would receive a small prorated tax deduction based on their annual earnings.

Would it work? I don't know. Still, we need to be open to all suggestions. There have been some good ones sent to Washington, but they have been ignored. It's the usual concern with congressmen---they should listen more to the people.

Richard

fezo

I'll let the health care thing go but let me get in a quick tidbit.

I'm the guy that insurance pays for with all your huge premiums. My health insurance pays out way more than I make in salary every year for at least the last five and likely more in years before that. Just one shot I get weekly is billed at $1,800 a pop. If I did not have good insurance I'd have started feeding the daisies years ago. With it I have every expectation of being around another decade or two.

My basic problem with what got passed is that it was cobbled together to get enough votes to pass it. My only hope is that it gets used as a springboard to a better plan. There has to be a better solution of with letting those without insurance die or passing their entire health care bill through emergency rooms.

Ah, that said I took one of my 9 year olds to see Asleep at the Wheel tonight. Great music and one impressed girl!

oldbearcat

I sorta got even with this dealer a couple of years later. My daughter wanted a new 4Runner. We went to this dealer, and tag teamed them for 4 hours until she got the deal she wanted. Again - the pre-qualifying thingie. They thought I was buying a car for my college age daughter. Instead they were dealing with a young woman who was an electrical engineer, and, had a couple of years under her belt as a production supervisor for a major chemical company. The salesman quickly discovered she was as tough a negotiator as he'd ever run across, and, had done her homework.

Regards:
Oldbearcat

stickguy

an interesting concept richard.

one big problem of course is getting something that major done when there is far from unanimity as to what needs to be done (if anything!)

but doing a half-way job is certainly going to be messy. Sometimes you have to be in or out.

But, since we already have universal government care (2 versions!) it really doesn't seem to be that big of a conceptual leap to expand it. Now, do you go all the way to everyone (eliminating the employer based system entirely) or just for those without it?

I do think that it is fine to keep it very basic. really the minimum. So to the original question, no, i don't think the government should try to replicate a full-feature, top line employer plan. Just the basics, and if you want more, you can buy it.

Just good luck putting in a new tax on wages to pay for it! though i guess if it is just an expanded medicare, then it is just a matter of increasing the medicare tax rate (and good luck with that too!)

stickguy

Interesting to me (personal experience) that I have only been really ignored at "cheaper" places (notably chevy). But, I was greeted and treated as serious any time I visited a higher end place. Same clothes, same nice but not expensive car. Maybe I just look wealthy?

nyccarguy

It really drives me crazy to be so grounded, mature, & practical at the age of almost 35. I got an invite to go to this Chevy dealer to "come in & I'm guaranteed to win a prize," and be eligible to win a grand prize of $25,000 or an iPad. I knew it was a come on & that I wasn't going to win the $25,000, but it gave me an excuse to go down to a car dealership & walk around the lot for a few minutes.

No I didn't win. Shocking, I know. Among the dozens of Tahoes & Suburbans (all fully loaded LTZs), Silverados, Cruzes, & Camaros is an enthusiast's perennial diamond in the rough. A 2010 Leftover Corvette Coupe with a 6-Speed manual transmission, Sport Exhaust, & 1 other option. Written across the windshield $$$ Save $10,000 off MSRP. The sticker on the car was $52,000 & change, making the sale price a little over $42,000. I'm sure one could knock Off another couple thousand.

So I go home & have dinner with my wife, play with my kids, give the kids a bath, read the kids stories, & put them to bed. My wife is watching TV & doing work on her laptop, so I decide to check out the Corvette online. GM is now offering 0% Financing on all 2010 Corvettes for 72 months. I know I'd never regret buying the car for 1 millisecond. My Dad has a '66 427 Corvette Roadster in his garage, so I feel like it is almost a rite of passage. But I just can't.

Sandman6472

Isn't that one of the stipulations for getting elected...to answer to your constituents? Or did I miss something here. Thanks Rich...a clear & conseice answer to my question...for something off the top of your head, I like it. Sure, it needs to be tweaked a bit here & there, but a workable solution where "accountability" is part of the deal. No fan of "entitlements" here & people just can't sit back, do nothing & expect the government to give them everything for being lazy, stupid or whatever. Of course there will be other variables in the mix for some, but the bottom line..."no more free rides with no requirements for the folks getting the benefit". Work & job training will be the requirement for all that partake here.

Again Rich, I applaud your answer which I think answers mine...you rock buddy!!

P.S. My wife is starting to get on my [non-permissible content removed] about being in Edmunds, or on any website so much now that I stopped working...she wants me to "do something"! I told her I am doing something...on the internet, reading a few books & finally going through "stuff" & getting rid of 90% of "stuff" I thought I really needed. Put it this way, in the last two weeks. I've filled up our recycling bin to the top just pitching stuff. Plus, I do all the wash, shopping & cooking! After my little speech, she backed off!

The Sandman :sick: :shades:

Sandman6472

I understand somewhat what you are going through. Since my accident about six years ago, Workers Comp has paid every single bill. Sure they've made it extremely difficult at times, but every bill has been paid. My meds alone cost in the neighborhood of $1k/month. Include doctor visits, procedures like I'm going through now & mileage for everything related to the accident, and I'm extremely thankful to them. The emotional tool it's taken on my marriage isn't even quantifiable but things have been "tense" for many years. Adding all the $ that we would've had to pay out if they didn't pick up the tab to everything else, I doubt the marriage would've lasted under all the stress.

Even though your health is worse than mine, I seriously doubt that my regular health insurance would've been so great. I've been fortunate to have "fallen into a career" that gives me health benefits & I am, we are, so thankful! Thank you Uncle Sam!

The Sandman :sick: :shades:

sterlingdog

Let's define "But i just can't."

1. Is it the money factor?
2. Is it because your wife would object?
3. Is it because you would feel it is too extravagant?
4. Is it because you had rather put the money into other things?

As someone twice your age, allow me to share a thought with you. When I was your age, I wanted to travel so badly. We could hardly afford it then. Well, we borrowed the money and paid it back in installments---several times. I'm so glad that we did that because we were healthy, mature and enjoyed the experiences so much.

Then I bought a Town Car---a teacher with a Town Car? Heads turned and tongues wagged. I made the payments working two and three jobs. I did love the car so much and it gave me such driving pleasure for several years.

Over the years, we did similar things with other purchases---antiques and rugs for example. They have given us much pleasure and enjoyment.

At our age now, we have some health issues. Travel isn't as easy as it used to be. We don't need or want any more furniture or rugs. Our SRX and convertible suit us just fine. We finally have enough money to do and buy most anything we want. Suddenly, the money isn't a priority now. Security yes, fun stuff not really.

I'm only saying all of this to point out the fact that I would like for you to enjoy a few things while you can. Life is short and comes around once. If the car is a dream of yours, and if you can make it happen without undue burden, you should spring forward and do it. A new Corvette for around $40K sounds pretty good to me. If you kept it in good shape, and I know you would, your children could even enjoy it later.

Talk with your wife---and yourself. You may see it as a good decision. What ever you decide, I'm sure that it will be for the best. You are the one who must feel good about the decision.

Richard

sterlingdog

Where is Driver? Is it time in Canada to have the top down on that BMW? Perhaps he went on a trip without his trusty laptop.

Richard

Sandman6472

How is it up north now? We've had such wonderful weather lately that I forget it's still winter in some places!

The Sandman :sick: :shades:

fezo

Richard, you have to stop talking like that. Makes me want to go and want to track down a 58 Edsel convertible. I always had a thing for them - I'm sure it's the "how could they think people would eat these things up? Some of it I am sure is from back when I was 24 my then girlfriend and I were out for a drive and accidentally happened upon an Edsel owners convention. One guy had a red and white convertible in showroom condition.

Actually a funny thing is that amongst the people there while they loved that car were all crazy over the fact that someone had a 60 there. The 60 Edsels didn't look a bit like Edsels - more like a Pontiac - bu they are scarce and a lot of these folks hadn't ever seen one in real life. I hadn't either. Was only in OK condition.

houdini1

My hunch is that most of that $10,000. savings is from the 72 month 0% financing, and not off the sticker price. I could be wrong, but if I am right that should make you feel a little better.

Sandman6472

I've always had a passion for the Pontiac's from this period...large land yachts with outstanding styling year after year. Back when all cars changed every year & we all lived for September/October when the model years changed for the next. Now that was the glorious age of the automobile, in "my opinion"! Sure others will will disagree with me on the years though. Ah, to be able to drive legally at that time...pure bliss!

The Sandman :sick: :shades:

fezo

When I was 18 I was seeing for a while this girl from the Washington suburbs (Silver Spring, MD). I only mention where she was from because that's likely one reason things didn't work - too far away.

Anyway, her dad and his partner had some sort of what must have been an insiders' deal so that if you needed to get work done on a DC cab you had to buy the parts from them.

Every September on the day that the new Cadillacs came out they went down to the Caddy dealer with their suddenly last year models and traded in for new ones. His was always a sedan and hers a convertible.

When this girl came of driving age she was insulted that her folks bought her a two year old car - which was nicer than anything my parents had. I kind of knew right away that I wasn't going to be able to keep up with her standard of living.....

driver100

Where is Driver? Is it time in Canada to have the top down on that BMW?

Thanks for thinking about me. We got back from Florida and our largest customer has decided to go all out with our books, so I have been working a lot more hours than I thought I would at this stage in my life,....buying books that we make up for that customer.

The temperature here has been about 30 during the day and about 20 at night, way to cool to put the top down. Still negotiating on the condo in Florida...she is slowly coming down and we are going up, slowly. I'd like to drive the bimmer convertible to Florida for January and February if the condo works out.

I have read all the posts, just not any time to write. How come you told nycguy to buy the car if it his dream car....and you borrowed money to go on all those trips and bought yourself a big luxurious Lincoln Town Car, but you tell me not to spend money on a 2nd property? Aren't I allowed to have dreams and buy what I really want?

driver100

The 60 Edsels didn't look a bit like Edsels - more like a Pontiac

Here are some interesting facts about the 1960 Edsel and I remember them well. Unfortunately sales were so low they just stopped making them.

# All 1960 Edsels were produced in the Louisville, KY manufacturing plant.
# (Although a few cars from the Allen Park, MI pilot plant are still in existence) The 1960 Edsel introduced such innovations as horizontal coolant flow through the radiator to improve cooling, and placement of the muffler away from the passenger compartment to reduce heat.
# Production of the 1960 Edsel began on September 14, 1959
# Introduction of the 1960 line was made on October 15, 1959
# The last official day of Edsel assembly was November 19, 1959
# Total Production for all 1960 models: 2,846
# With such a limited production run-time, the 1960 model included some of the rarest Edsel models of any year
# Counterfeit 1960 Edsel Convertibles do exist! By taking hood and rear deck sheet metal from a 1960 Edsel sedan and modifying a 1960 Ford Sunliner, you have an Edsel forgery. (At a very rare production total of 76, and prices reaching $47,000 for a mint 1960 Edsel ragtop, it's easy to see why it happens). Don't be fooled - a true Edsel convertible has a correct dataplate solidly riveted to the pillar, a cross-member on the frame, and vehicle ID numbers that match the dataplate, found at various points along the frame.

oldbearcat

Richard:

I agree with you. 20 years ago, I was involved with a business that failed, and, wife and I ran really tight for a few years to get over it, and, get the kids through college. 15 years ago I managed to score a much better job. As a result, the last 5 years my wife worked as a school attendance clerk, she was driving a new Jaguar to school. She's retired now, and, has some problems getting in and out of the car, so just after Christmas I fixed her up with a little Benz SUV. Like you said - Life's too short.

Regards:
Oldbearcat

mako1a

I know I'd never regret buying the car for 1 millisecond.

nycarguy, I'll sum up Corvettes real quick for you.

Pre 97 were slugs (powerwise) and hard to get in/out of.

97 had the 350 HP engine and everything to make it great to drive.
2005 was another huge advancement to 400 HP. They drive like a dream.
Get 28 MPG highway/city combined. Seats are incredibly comfortable. You get to park 1/4 mile from the store and walk for exercise.

Now the downside. Interior is a lot of cheap plastic. My drinkholder cover snapped off with little effort. Unless you get the Bose ultra premium package you'll want to replace the stereo soon after purchase. The really bad thing is people are a jealous lot. You will have pickup trucks trying to race you. Some will snub you for spite and some will brake hard in front of you to see if you really do have great insurance. Good luck with your purchase.

sterlingdog

Just think of her wonderful years with the Jag. Glad things worked out for you. Life has its ups and downs. We need to make a few "ups" for ourselves when we can.

Richard

sterlingdog

My sister was dating a young minister in 1957. He drove an Edsel convertilbe---two tone green. it was a beautiufl car. I always liked them. Let's find one and take turns driving it back and forth between North Carolina and New Jersey.

Richard

sterlingdog

"Aren't I allowed to have dreams and buy what I really want?"

No, you're too old now. You should have done it when you were younger. If nycguy makes a mistake, he's young enough to rectify it. You're not.

You know that I'm just kidding. I just didn't want you to get stuck with a piece of bad real estate. If you've done your research and really want this to happen, then I'm happy for you. You go to Florida often and you seem to enjoy it. It may be the perfect arrangement for you. Keep pushing the price down. You'll like it even better.

Richard

Sandman6472

Yes, the business leased my dad, mom really, a new Caddy every other year during the '60's with a '66 Lincoln Continental with those suicide doors thrown in the mix there. Man, I used to love September!

The Sandman :sick: :shades:

explorerx4

'a little benz SUV'. Make Driver100's day and tell us it's a GLK.

Sandman6472

I hear ya though a little different situation here. Going to sit the wife and two oldest, 26 & 25, and discuss that we'll be without a paycheck for a month, possibly a little longer till the next part of my life plan begins. Wrote down a short list of how we're all going to have to "cut back a bit" on our spending habits and a couple of other family issues & will have a little "family meeting" to get them to understand what's going on. The more important thing for them to understand that they, especially the one who's home right now, will have to pitch in much more and help with the cleaning & general upkeep inside the house. The middle girl will be moving back in after she graduates grad school come the end of April. Then there will be four in the house, the girls each having their own room.

Time they finally have some responsibility here...we won't be charging them room & board, but anything "extra" will have to come from their earnings. Since they're very responsible girls, I have a gut feeling they'll both rise to the occasion!

The Sandman :sick: :shades:

explorerx4

Since you have a couple of kids, get a 4 seat convertible.
When it's nice out are you going be ok taking only one of the kids with you?
20 years ago I thought about buying a Corvette, but bought a Mustang.
It was 90 of the performance for 50 percent of the price and could fit four.
At the time, we a one and half year old and another on the way and said to my wife, It's now or never.
Still have that car. My kids cannot remember not having it.

Sandman6472

Rich, maybe you're making the wrong assumption here...this might be the perfect compromise for D100 & his wife to make. Again, they seem to really love coming down here to Florida, who wouldn't, so I say go for it if the price & all the other variables are a perfect fit. Other family members could also use it plus it could also be used for extra income. There seems to be movement from her side also, so I think we'll have a sale eventually! Besides hurricanes, Florida ain't a bad place to live & raise kids...been here 40 + years already!

The Sandman :sick: :shades: