Stories from the Sales Frontlines

isellhondas

I think my wife paid 169.00. It wasn't the base model but a step up.

I think the salesperson got to her?

He tried to sell her a 2 year warranty plan that covers EVERYTHING including damage. He said if it gets dropped and damaged, they will just hand us a new one.

Hmmm....so 1.5 years pass and a new, improved, faster model comes out?

Oops...it slipped out of my hands!

I was looking at laptops rencentlhy at the same chain which I won't name and the sales guy suggested I buy the warranty and just maybe arrange an "accident" close to the two year period.

houdini1

You may have gotten the one where you can access the Amazon book store from anywhere, sort of like a cell phone. The cheaper one you can only access by wifi, or "hot spot".

The $350. that mine cost was for the "cheap" one back in 2009. I just did not think I would ever be desperate enough to have to buy a book from some place out of wifi range (home).

I probably have over 200 books (read about half of them) stored on mine but that is sort of dumb. You can access any book you want to read in seconds from Amazon..so why buy them before you want to read them? Hoarding instinct I guess.

In my own defense though, many of them were free. Amazon always has any number of free books that you can get any time.

Your love for that kindle will only grow over time.

oldfarmer50

"...the three girls are getting tired of each other..."

LOL! I can just picture the DRAMA going on behind you, ha ha.

I'm sorry to be laughing at your distress but you have no idea how much drama you can get from young girls until you have 30 or so on a school bus. Girls will savage each other like Wolverines. Boys, with all their macho posturing are a piece of cake by comparison.

The only thing I have found that works is to become "the bear" and growl a lot. If you're lucky they will all decide that they hate you more than each other and become very supportive of one another. The 18 yo may be too smart to fall for that but you might be able to pull it off with the younger ones. Good luck. :sick:

explorerx4

Being a Ford guy, I have to respond to your comments.
That being said, I don't need a lot of horsepower anymore, I only need enough.
Due to the benevolence of some friends, I have driven and been in some 500 or horsepower cars. Fun, but I don't want that every day.
A 550 is going to have to work to keep up with a current year Mustang GT.
Check the numbers.

snakeweasel

You don't like the music blaring out of the Mustang GT next to you? No problem,

Oh, so the 535i has a sound proof windsheild that blocks the sound of the Mustangs radio as it gets further and further ahead of you?

driver100

I received a new Kindle yesterday for Father's Day

Thanks Isell and Houdini for your comments about the Kindle. We will definitely buy one. My wife can read about 5 books a week when on holidays, and I read about 2...so it sounds like it will be ideal.

The model where you need to load from a computer costs about $110, the wi-fi model about $160, and the larger size wi-fi model about $260 I think.
Then you need a case for $35 so you don't scratch the screen.

Extra warranties on these things just isn't worth it. They keep getting cheaper and better all the time. And then if you do have a claim they will try to find a way not to honor it...just not worth the aggravation.

explorerx4

We are headed back to the Outer Banks.
New plan, we are staying up north.
The same week, someone my wife works with is there, too.
They are staying at a 4x4 only house, so maybe I will be able see how those computer controlled modes work with my new Explorer.
I took my '02 out into the sand with 40+ lbs in the tires, but was able to get back out by the skin of my teeth.

driver100

The 535i drives great. The 300 hp/300 lb ft of torque turbocharged "N55" I6 delivers plenty of power throughout the rev range

I wish i had a 535 out here on Vancouver Island. Lots of winding roads with big hills. This Impala is trying to get up enough power to get up some of these hills and it is really working away.

Although it is smooth and quiet the steering is even worse and there is a fair bit of wind noise at 70 mph. The air conditioner controls are flimsy and hard to figure out, a/c takes awhile to get up to speed.

This car is a dinosaur compared to a Fusion.

mac24

We have read a lot about the Kindle, Kobo and Sony readers, but it seems the Kindle has a slight advantage overall....if any one has any information to share it would be appreciated.

My wife has the latest grey colored Kindle whilst I use the Kindle app on an iPad.

The Kindle is light, easy to read in every lighting condition but darkness, and the battery charge lasts a month or so.

The iPad is much heavier, more versatile, can be read in every lighting condition except bright sunlight, and the battery lasts about 24 hours.

One of the best features for me is the search function. I often can't place a character if they haven't been mentioned for a few chapters, as my mind is like cotton wool sometimes.
I just bring up the search, type in the name, and it will bring up its last few appearances with a sentence or two included.
Much easier then trying to search back though a conventional book.
The iPad also allows me to store magazines as well as books, browse the internet, do email, listen to audiobooks, music, the radio, and watch movies and video.
Maybe it's a regression to childhood but I've stored many hours worth of Tom & Jerry, and Looney Tunes (Bugs Bunny, Daffy Duck, Road Runner, etc.) that I dip into when the fancy takes me.
Some of them date back to the 40s & 50s and I find them every bit as entertaining as the latest 'special effects' movies.

isellhondas

I haven't seen any free books yet.

I have no idea why I would want to store up to 3500 books. Once I've read a book, I've read it and I wouldn't want to ever read it again.

Same applies to DVD's. I can't think of many times when I would want to watch the same movie over and over.

mac24

I have no idea why I would want to store up to 3500 books. Once I've read a book, I've read it and I wouldn't want to ever read it again.

The advantage lies not in storing books you've read, but in storing those you haven't.
It's the equivalent of being able to have a whole library at your disposal when you go on vacation (or a trip to the doctors office).

fezo

I have a Barnes and Nobel Nook reader. I got it refurbished for $89 including shipping from buy.com. It actually shipped direct from B&N and no way can you tell it was anything other than new.

The reason I got a Nook rather than a Kindle is because Amazon has proprietary content and you can't make use if the free lending library E-books that NJ offers if you have any NJ library card.

So far so good. None of the kids have killed each other.

driver100

The iPad is much heavier, more versatile, can be read in every lighting condition except bright sunlight,

Thanks for your comments Mac, they are helpful.

We were considering an ipad but I think the Netbook fulfills most of our computer needs when traveling, but, I think a dedicated EReader would be helpful.

I was told the ipad will be harder on your eyes because it is backlit like a computer, however the newest EReaders have an ink like surface, so it is more like a book.

Thanks again, it is helping to confirm the Kindle seems to be the best choice for our needs.

driver100

I have no idea why I would want to store up to 3500 books. Once I've read a book, I've read it and I wouldn't want to ever read it again.

I agree, but theoretically, you could go on a vacation and take a lot of books with you. Itès like having 300 horse power, you seldom need it but it runs better because those extra horses are there.

Can you imagine in the future, instead of a huge library they will be able to have libraries the size of a closet, with 5 Kindles on the shelf holding 15000 books.

I agree with DVDs, there aren t too many movies I would want to see more than once.

stickguy

well, I can solve the debate. I will ask my BIL. He has both of them.

he had a previous generation 550 stick first. Then his wife wanted a sedan instead of her Yukon, and a 535x drive (AT obviously). Old style too (99% sure, got a good deal as the new ones were rolling out).

he has since switched to a new generation 550 AT (still RWD though, even though they live in snow country). So not totally apples to apples, but certainly can comment on the differences related to the engine!

I drove his old 550. fast car. Way too much power for everyday use, but fun until the gumballs light up behind you.

driver100

The reason I got a Nook rather than a Kindle is because Amazon has proprietary content and you can't make use if the free lending library E-books

That is a big disadvantage of a Kindle...you cannot buy from other sources or use free library books. Library books are not of that much interest to me because they can only lend a certain number at any time and you have to return them (they actually cut you off) after 2 or 3 weeks. Too much to deal with.

I like Kobo because they have a special Kobo store where you can shop. With Kindle you have to find the title, then hope there is a Kindle copy available.

Glad the kids have not killed each other and the parents are coping.

stickguy

if he can take time out from being a media star!

what is the best place to shop for a bathroom vanity set (base + top/sink)? do plumbing supply houses carry them too, or should I just browse at kitchen/bath showrooms instead? The selection at the big box stores was less than exciting, but I don't feel like paying the price for a custom made one from the kitchen designer!

tallman1

if any one has any information to share it would be appreciated.

I was listening in as a woman was explaining her Nook several months ago. She said that she had owned a kindle and one other (perhaps a Sony) and she found the Nook had several advantages... none of which I can remember now.

nyccarguy

I wouldn't go to a kitchen/bath showroom. I think they'd be expensive. Make sure you get a WOOD cabinet (3/4" thick plywood, not the pressed wood crapola) & a CHINA top, Marble or Granite Top, not cultured marble (mpore crapola).

I'd go to a plumbing supply with a showroom.

mac24

That is a big disadvantage of a Kindle...you cannot buy from other sources or use free library books.

There is a well respected program called Calibre that will allow you to convert most formats from one to another.
Kindle, both the device and the apps, uses a format called MOBI and virtually any other text format including PDFs can be converted to MOBI using Calibre.

stickguy

thanks. I assume most all in 1 packages are some sort of man made top.

I may just try to find a good deal on a cabinet (maybe a floor model) and have the granite guys use some of the scrap to whip up a top. 1 granite guy I spoke with said if it was done at the same templating time, it was 1/2 the price (since it would be so small, and utilize some scrapage). just would havet o get a sink that way.

mac24

Make sure you get a........... CHINA top, Marble or Granite Top, not cultured marble (mpore crapola).

What's the difference between cultured marble, real marble, Corian, granite etc. when considering a worktop (besides the cultured marble being crapola )?

sterlingdog

I'm almost afraid to come to Kansas City. :P

Richard

stickguy

come to jersey instead. Stop by my house on the way to Fezo's (you won't get out of there alive anyway). If you donate enough to the kitchen project, I will let you pick things out, and even put up a plaque naming it after you.

just like donating a building at a college, but cheaper and I get the benefit!

you can even play with the Lab. No bad habits at all, unless you consider shedding enough to fill a garbage bag a bad habit.

sterlingdog

Some of your tile shops have base cabinets for sale. You might check them out in your area.

Richard

sterlingdog

My wife recently mentioned buying a Kindle. Two questions: (1) How much does each book cost? (2) Can you delete books once you have read them?

If they come with any kind of plugs, I'll pass. :shades:

Richard

sterlingdog

I totally agree. I only read a book once. I rarely see a movie twice. Years ago, I recorded old moive favorites on Beta and VHS tapes. I never did see them again. I might rent a DVD, but I would never buy one.

Richard

mac24

Here's a link to one my wife has: Kindle

Book prices range from free to a little less than the cost of the print version of that particular book.
Many libraries offer the lending of ebooks just like regular ones.

Yes, a USB cable is supplied to both connect it to a charger and to a computer, but it does disconnect with minimal effort.

mac24

I totally agree. I only read a book once. I rarely see a movie twice.

I will sometimes re-read a book that I enjoyed a few years previously, and the same with a good movie; 'Casablanca' and 'It's A Wonderful Life' come to mind.

I read Ian Fleming's 'James Bond' series when I was eleven or twelve years old and it was fun to read them a couple of years ago (so much better than the films).

It's the same with the classics. I'd have to read Shakespeare many times to fully appreciate all the nuances.

mac24

Can you delete books once you have read them?

Sorry, I missed that one.

Yes you can, although as you can store over 3000 books on it there's probably little need for most people to remove any of them.

sterlingdog

I will admit that I have cheated. I have watched "Casablanca" and "Gone With the Wind" several times. In 1973, I broke down and purchased our first color TV because I refused to watch "Gone With The Wind" in black and white!

As a former English Lit teacher, I can't tell you how many times I have read Shakespeare's works. My students used to come up with some hysterical interpretations. In conjunction with the drama department, I once allowed my students to do "Romeo and Juliet" as a live production. OMG! I think that the parents and the student body thought that it was a comedy. So much for casting pearls before swine! :P

Richard

sterlingdog

"and even put up a plaque naming it after you."

Now that is a new twist that draws my interest. You're moving ahead of Fezo in the creativity department.

"...unless you consider shedding enough to fill a garbage bag a bad habit."

We used to have that problem with our beloved Sterling. Then one day, I read about the "deshedding process" in our dog groomer's office. It was a life saver. They use some kind of instrument that clears out the under layers of hair, but leaves the nice coat on top. He looked beautiful every time that we did it. Our housekeeper thanked us a million times for having it done. You really should try it. We only had to do it every three or four months. Sterling loved having it done, especially in the hot summer months.

Richard

tjc78

I haven't been in there in a while (though I pass it everyday), but Bellmawr Plumbing (right off 295 on BHP) always had nice stuff and can get all the big names.

houdini1

If you have a kindle you can also use your net book to read your books. You just have to download the app from amazon. Free. Then you and your wife can both read at the same time.

That new color "nook" is interesting. Almost qualifies as a tablet computer.

houdini1

Just go to the Amazon kindle web site and snoop around for free books. Tons of them. I would post a link if I knew how.

houdini1

You could get lucky on Craigslist or ebay, but be careful as it is buyers beware.

nyccarguy

Is a nice way of saying "cheap.". Tighten the nuts for your faucet too tight even a 1/4 turn & the top will crack. - Crapola!

driver100

I can't tell you how many times I have read Shakespeare's works.

You should consider a trip to Stratford Ontario for the Shakespeare Festival.
Stratford Festival
Stratford is about 60 miles from us and we see one or two plays a year...this year it will be Camelot.

If you like Shaw there are Shaw plays and related plays at Niagara on the Lake (50 miles in the other direction).........they are both top quality.

driver100

If you have a kindle you can also use your net book to read your books.

Reading books on a Netbook, or iPad is too much like working...you are looking at a backlit screen. It is also awkward for holding.

My first preference is to hold a book, then a dedicated EReader which is more like a book....but it is nice on a trip to take 4 orr 5 books all in one light package.

That Nook sounds interesting, but it is probably larger than the Kindle.

jayrider

Prices are 139 [no wifi] and 189 with built in wifi. You only need to recharge re plugs. Now they have cheaper prices because instead of an artsy picture on the device when it is shut off, they have advertising. You can delete books after reading. Set up an amazon account and browse--buy --download with one click from your computer. Wirelessly delivered to your kindle. My wife and I each have one and we can swap books for free. There is a way to share books with friends -- have to log in to their account [trust?] so one can buy and all can share. Buy at Target and you have 90 days to return -- no questions asked. We love ours -- I'm reading way more than I read with books. You can change the font to large print -- don't buy a case -- have a small nylon pouch with a padded mailer envelope.

driver100

You can change the font to large print -- don't buy a case -- have a small nylon pouch with a padded mailer envelope.

Great info Jayrider. I was wondering about the carry case because that costs about $35. Seems a lot but you would want to protect the screen. Usually Dollar Stores come out with something for $1 after awhile.

I checked and I was amazed to see them priced at $109, but I guess that is with ads. I'd rather pay extra not to have ads....is nothing sacred any more?

jayrider

A small cloth bag would protect the screen. It doesn't seem prone to scratching. It is recessed a bit so even if you put it face down on a table. the screen would not touch the surface. We go to the bookstore and check out new releases -- then go home and buy on amazon. Very easy and I'm a low tech guy. As I said -- buy at Target and try it for 3 months risk free.

Kirstie_H

I LOVE the Stratford festival. My favorite college English professor organized a trip to the festival every year, and I went each time. I love the little town, and the performances are top-notch. Definitely one of my favorite college memories.

graphicguy

nyc.....thanks for the compare and contrast on the 5 series. Maybe I'm just as silly as the guy who kept his 535 for 10 weeks and traded it on a 550i, since I'm looking to trade my 1.5 year old TL.

BTW...I've yet to find a car that I like driving as well. Some are faster, some are more comfy, some handle a little better. But none of them offer all that the TL offers in the same package, IMHO. My dealer says he'd like to keep it in good shape for when I invariably want something else (tomorrow? next year?, 2014?). Maybe, who knows?

If it doesn't matter to you to lose the amount of money your Porsche owning customer is losing on his cars, and you can afford to do so, I guess have at it.

Some days I kick myself for even thinking about trading my TL. Other days, I keep hearing "things" that could be wrong with it and believe I better trade it before it hits Carfax.

Regarding my Mom's Cadillac dealer, I think most of their customers probably are elderly. As such, the dealership isn't used to having anyone hold them accountable. Their service dept was just about worthless. I question how much actual Cadillac sponsored training they had given their inability to communicate with me, or their unwillingness to even diagnose the cause of the car's issues.

When I gave them pushback, the GM seemed genuinely surprised and then turned surly. All I did was try to enlist his assistance in getting Cadillac to buy the car back. It was, by far, the sorriest dealership I've ever come across.

sterlingdog

That was a lot of good information. Thanks so much.

Richard

nyccarguy

There's a BIG difference between you & the guy who traded up from a 535i to a 550i in 2 1/2 months - that guy will NEVER be satisfied with anything in life.

You my friend have a valid reason for wanting to ditch your TL after 1.5 years.

My customer with the Porsches has a boatload of money. That $153,000+ Panamera Turbo is his daily driver. He had a Rolls Royce Phantom that I think he traded for a Rolls Royce Phantom Drop Head Coupe. He did extremely well in NYC real estate. Bought & sold at the perfect times. Worked his [non-permissible content removed] off for the money too.

driver100

. Very easy and I'm a low tech guy. As I said -- buy at Target and try it for 3 months risk free.

That is very helpful. I am pretty low tech too, so it sounds like I will be able to master a Kindle. I like the idea of going to the bookstore to see what is available. And just buying a carry case sounds like a great idea...that $35 carry case sounds like a rip off.

I don't know how they choose what books to put on Kindle. Seems many new releases just are not available in Kindle format...it is hit and miss.

I suppose the Kindle version will be released a little later in most cases.

driver100

I LOVE the Stratford festival.

Yes, I forgot to mention it is a beautiful town with a river and stone bridges, lots of parks and swans in the river. Great restaurants and ice cream stores. Many bookstores and shops to browse in.

Richard III got really bad reviews this year, Richard is played by a woman. Usually the plays are top rated, but that one I would avoid. We are seeing Camelot and that one got spectacular reviews...it's a bit of a gamble if you get your tickets in advance.

jwilliams2

Prices are 139 [no wifi] and 189 with built in wifi.

They seem very nice, but I believe they all have wi-fi....the more expensive one adds 3G which allows you to download books anywhere. And I agree that it would be worth more to not have the ads.

mac24

And I agree that it would be worth more to not have the ads.

We have the one with ads, but they're really not intrusive in the way that they are on a website page.

The only time you're aware of them is when you put the Kindle down and it goes into standby after a while.
Then when you pick it up you see an ad being displayed instead of a screen saver.
It goes away instantly when you start reading again and you never see anything but your book until it's left to go back into standby mode.
You never get banner ads or pop-ups while reading.