Stories from the Sales Frontlines

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Comments

  • sterlingdogsterlingdog Member Posts: 6,984
    Some of the guys are really old now. It's amazing how good the music still is.

    Richard
  • sterlingdogsterlingdog Member Posts: 6,984
    Tomorrow night from 6-10 PM. If you're leaving at noon, you'll never make it. :cry:

    Richard
  • jmonroejmonroe Member Posts: 8,989
    On the other hand, it does seem to fix itself if the car sits for a few hours.

    I wouldn't count on them fixing it after October though.


    Don't think for a minute that the warranty issued self help pill prescription won't expire when the warranty is over in October. That's why you have to get them to correct the thingy-mabob ASAP.

    jmonroe

    '15 Genesis V8 with Ultimate Package and '18 Legacy Limited 6 cyl

  • sterlingdogsterlingdog Member Posts: 6,984
    I'm so proud of you for cooking such a delicious dinner. The combinations sound fantastic. Did you serve a nice white wine?

    Richard
  • jmonroejmonroe Member Posts: 8,989
    Tomorrow night from 6-10 PM. If you're leaving at noon, you'll never make it.

    Darn, maybe I should take the Genny and go do this myself. I could probably make it by 6:45 PM if I near redline that thing the whole way. The reason I'd have to go it alone is because while that thing rides pretty quiet and although I could push those 17 speakes till they almost burst I'd still hear the screaming from Mrs. j.

    Yeah, this is a one man job.

    Same me a spot on that porch. :)

    jmonroe

    '15 Genesis V8 with Ultimate Package and '18 Legacy Limited 6 cyl

  • roadburnerroadburner Member Posts: 18,394
    My salesperson said that it was ready and parked out front. I told him I'd be in to look at it this evening after my son's soccer scrimmage. He called back three hours later; it had already sold. Oh well, I have a couple of others to check out tomorrow...

    Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
    Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
    Son's: 2018 330i xDrive

  • verdugoverdugo Member Posts: 2,288
    It seemed strange to me, but it is normal to you.

    Wow, no wonder I hadn't heard of it either. We'll have to give Richard a pass this time.
  • sterlingdogsterlingdog Member Posts: 6,984
    "...it had already sold."

    Gut feeling tells me that you were better off not dealing with those people.

    Richard
  • sterlingdogsterlingdog Member Posts: 6,984
    I'll be looking for a Genny with smoke pouring from under the hood. :P

    Richard
  • snakeweaselsnakeweasel Member Posts: 19,592
    Gut feeling tells me that you were better off not dealing with those people.

    Why? Because they sell cars? The dealership sells cars and thats how they make money. They put the car out for sale and someone offers to buy it should they say no because someone else might buy it?

    2011 Hyundai Sonata, 2014 BMW 428i convertible, 2015 Honda CTX700D

  • driver100driver100 Member Posts: 32,594
    The combinations sound fantastic. Did you serve a nice white wine?

    Yes, lately we have been buying wine from Chile, this one was Santa Rita Sauvignon Blanc. I am not a wine connoseur expert, but a nice wine really set off the meal. I liked that dinner because it was about as low in calories and fat as can be, yet was delicious and satisfying.

    You need one of those vegetable baskets, and then just go crazy, the bananas and peaches and pineapple were really experimental, and they were the best surprise....every one loved it!

    2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250

  • driver100driver100 Member Posts: 32,594
    I'll be looking for a Genny with smoke pouring from under the hood.

    I don't think that is what they mean by "smokin" at the concert. ;)

    2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250

  • tjc78tjc78 Member Posts: 17,088
    edited August 2011
    Sounds like you are quite the "grill master". We love to grill, even in the winter!

    The other night, I was all done with our chicken and when I shut off the propane the entire bottom tray of the grill fell apart and crashed down. This is only a two year old Kenmore grill that is always covered. Is nothing made well today? Sears had the part for 20 bucks and I ordered it, because the rest of the grill is holding up prretty well (for now).

    I know I should have coughed up the money for the Weber Genesis ($800+) but I was afaid it would have too much "feel of the flame" for me :P

    2025 Ram 1500 Laramie 4x4 / 2023 Mercedes EQE 350 4Matic / 2022 Icon I6L Golf Cart

  • jmonroejmonroe Member Posts: 8,989
    We love to grill, even in the winter!

    Same here. I even keep a plastic snow pusher on the deck in the winter, so that when I have to, I can clear a path to the grill. I’ve done this for so long I can’t remember when I started doing it. When the snow is pretty deep like in the total of 30 inches we got in February of 2010, Mrs. j has said, “are you really going out to the grill in this”? I’ve been known to say, “OK, I’ll let you clear the path this time then I’ll go out and throw the meat on”. Return comment, “yeah…right”. :(

    This is only a two year old Kenmore grill that is always covered. Is nothing made well today?

    Mine is a Charbroil that is 14 years old and it’s NEVER been covered. It’s a hunk of aluminum; what’s going to rust? All I’ve ever done with this thing has been to replace the grates and flame spreader a few times. I gave up on that igniter thingy 10 years ago. I now use a butane flame stick.

    FWIW, I’m almost ready to leave for my vacation. I decided to give myself a little more time so that I could get to the concert and visit Richard without smokin the Genny. ;)

    jmonroe

    '15 Genesis V8 with Ultimate Package and '18 Legacy Limited 6 cyl

  • fezofezo Member Posts: 10,386
    edited August 2011
    I vote that you buy the Weber. You will never regret it.
    2015 Mazda 6 Grand Touring, 2014 Mazda 3 Sport Hatchback, 1999 Mazda Miata 2004 Toyota Camry LE, 1999.
  • sterlingdogsterlingdog Member Posts: 6,984
    "Why? Because they sell cars?"

    You may have missed part of the story. Roadburner was going to purchase the car. They told him days ago that they would clean up the Mini and have it ready for him the next day. He waited, but they never called. That is no way to do business.

    Richard
  • tjc78tjc78 Member Posts: 17,088
    edited August 2011
    It’s a hunk of aluminum; what’s going to rust?

    Mine is mostly stainless or at least it looks like stainless. The part that rusted out is just plain old steel (I guess because you can't see it)

    Fezo, I think I will once this one gives out. I'll probably try and get one more year out of it. It was a little over 300 so I would like to get more than two years out it.

    2025 Ram 1500 Laramie 4x4 / 2023 Mercedes EQE 350 4Matic / 2022 Icon I6L Golf Cart

  • fezofezo Member Posts: 10,386
    Ah, you will be following the old rule of gas grills - each $100 buys you about a year.

    Once you get the Weber that rule is gone. You can leave it to your kids. I bought mine from a local hardware store who delivered it right to my deck. Sweet.
    2015 Mazda 6 Grand Touring, 2014 Mazda 3 Sport Hatchback, 1999 Mazda Miata 2004 Toyota Camry LE, 1999.
  • michaellnomichaellno Member Posts: 4,120
    edited August 2011
    Ah, you will be following the old rule of gas grills - each $100 buys you about a year.

    I guess I'm ahead of the game then, as I bought my last gas grille about 3 years ago for $149.

    Just a tiny thing - about 18" diameter with a 3 gallon propane tank. Just fine for my family of three - I can get 3 or 4 chicken breasts or pork chops on there just fine.

    In fact, last night I grilled two tenderloins for my wife and daughter, plus a NY strip for myself.
  • jmonroejmonroe Member Posts: 8,989
    Ah, you will be following the old rule of gas grills - each $100 buys you about a year.

    Sometimes you get more than you pay for. I paid around $200 for my Charbroil in 1998 and never would have guessed it would last this long. That's one teason why I resist when Mrs. j says, "how long do you think that thing will last. Buy one of those pretty stainless ones already". The last time I listened to that kind of reasoning I dumped an '80 Park Ave. in '97 that only needed a $400 tranny.

    Me and this grill have a thing going on, I replace the grates when they start to rust and it keeps on burnin. :)

    I'm outa here. Any later and that Genny will be smokin when I get to that concert.

    jmonroe

    '15 Genesis V8 with Ultimate Package and '18 Legacy Limited 6 cyl

  • oldfarmer50oldfarmer50 Member Posts: 24,297
    "...we have been buying wine from Chile..."

    You do know that one of the world's best wine regions is just south of you in the finger lakes region of NY. You can get it pretty cheap and still brag to your guests that you had it shipped in from a foreign country.

    This is one of my personal favorites:

    http://www.bullyhill.com/wines/downloads/Bottles/Red/LoveMyGoat.jpg

    I'm no expert, but this guy's wine tastes very good and the story of the winery and it's founder Walter Taylor is fascinating.

    2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible

  • mac24mac24 Member Posts: 3,910
    They told him days ago that they would clean up the Mini and have it ready for him the next day.

    From his posts I got the impression that he was just looking at it along with other cars ('03 Impreza maybe?).

    I'm sure he can correct me, but I don't think any committment was made.
    I don't see anything unethical about selling it under those circumstances.

    If dealers held onto all the cars the 'be back' customers showed an interest in they wouldn't have a 'car lot', it'd be a 'parking lot'. ;)
  • mac24mac24 Member Posts: 3,910
    We have an all stainless steel grill , and I mean all except for the grates which are cast iron and entailed a lot of work to keep rust free and seasoned.

    Made by Charbroil for Costco is was about $300 six or seven years ago and will probably last another sixty or seventy years it's so over-built.

    However, maintaining the grates was becoming such a chore that I was using the grill less and less.................until I came across this:

    image

    GrillGrate.com

    The shape of the spatula combined with the shape of the grates means you can just lift the food from below to turn or flip it.
    I've copied below a review I wrote for another site, and we've now gone back to grilling at least four days a week, and other than as a customer I've no connection with the product in any way.

    My grill has cast grates which are starting to rust and hence difficult to season.
    The GrillGrates sit on top and after the initial seasoning have never need to be redone.
    Gets very hot very quickly and gives a great sear, both in terms of marks and sealing a steak.
    It cooks SO much better than the regular grates did even when the grille was new.
    I've had them for about six months now and if anything they get better with time and use.

    I use them for steaks, home made burgers, and veggies and have yet to have anything stick.
    This is partly because the included spatula is part of the system.
    It allows you to get under the food without touching it and just lift it to turn or remove.
    I clean them by using a stainless Weber 21-Inch T-Brush link when they reach full temperature just before cooking.

    Two downsides. First they're a little short for most grills (front to back) so they can slide about a bit when being brushed.
    Second, the two piece kit is really only suitable if cooking for one, or two at most.
    Get the three piece kit or buy an extra piece to avoid frustration.

    Loses a star for not making the popular starter kit a three piece, otherwise it's perfect.
  • isellhondasisellhondas Member Posts: 20,342
    Exactly.

    They have a car for sale and they have two customers on it. One customer hasn't even seen it yout but he "might" buy it.

    They other customer is a serious buyer with cash in hand.

    Pretty easy to figure out what to do here!
  • isellhondasisellhondas Member Posts: 20,342
    Yep,

    " Don't count the be backs, count the green backs!"
  • graphicguygraphicguy Member Posts: 14,144
    Saw this and thought I'd share. Essentially good news for anyone trading in a used car. You should be getting strong offers on your trades. I can attest to this per son ally given what I received for my TL trade a couple of months ago.

    http://www.autoblog.com/2011/08/12/used-cars-commanding-record-prices-sometimes-- cheaper-to-buy-new/
    2024 Kia EV6 GT-Line AWD Long Range
  • graphicguygraphicguy Member Posts: 14,144
    Saw this and thought I'd share. Essentially good news for anyone trading in a used car. You should be getting strong offers on your trades. I can attest to this per son ally given what I received for my TL trade a couple of months ago.

    http://www.autoblog.com/2011/08/12/used-cars-commanding-record-prices-sometimes-- cheaper-to-buy-new/
    2024 Kia EV6 GT-Line AWD Long Range
  • Kirstie_HKirstie_H Administrator Posts: 11,242
    We grill in winter too - last night, we just committed to hosting Thanksgiving at our place, and since most of our crew could take or leave turkey, we're grilling lobster tails instead.

    MODERATOR /ADMINISTRATOR
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    2015 Kia Soul, 2021 Subaru Forester (kirstie_h), 2024 GMC Sierra 1500 (mr. kirstie_h)
    Review your vehicle

  • driver100driver100 Member Posts: 32,594
    I vote that you buy the Weber. You will never regret it.

    And, you forgot to mention he could leave it to you if anything ever happens. :P

    2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250

  • Kirstie_HKirstie_H Administrator Posts: 11,242
    We got a cheap grill basket ($4) for vegetables. I'm sure yours is better, but even our downmarket version is fantastic. There are veggies (like yellow squash) that most people in our family won't touch, but put 'em over the grill and it's a different story. Did some asparagus in it last night - the slight burn is delicious.

    Never thought of some of the fruits you used. Will have to give it a go.

    MODERATOR /ADMINISTRATOR
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    2015 Kia Soul, 2021 Subaru Forester (kirstie_h), 2024 GMC Sierra 1500 (mr. kirstie_h)
    Review your vehicle

  • driver100driver100 Member Posts: 32,594
    Did some asparagus in it last night - the slight burn is delicious.
    Never thought of some of the fruits you used. Will have to give it a go.


    Asparagus sounds interesting, I would like to try it. On my way home from tennis I was thinking if cantelope or watermelon would work. Maybe not, but I would like to give it a try. I haven't tried apples, but I was told they are good too.

    Just try anything, it can really surprise you.

    2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250

  • driver100driver100 Member Posts: 32,594
    Why? Because they sell cars? The dealership sells cars and thats how they make money.

    To be fair, the dealer could have been really nice and said, "I did have someone in earlier and he had first option on the car". That would be extraordinary, but would be very fair.

    On the other hand, without any down payment, the dealer is not obligated to hold the car for someone. Even $5 downpayment would probably hold the car.

    The salesman seemed to be pretty reasonable, in that he called RR as soon as the car was ready. What he did was reasonable, it would have taken a very fair person to hold the car back until he could look at it first.

    We have a book sale open to the public once a month. We always get a few phone calls, "Can you save me a particular book". We put it aside and put their name on it, and I wouldn't think of selling it to someone else. But, we are talking about a $10 book vs. a multi $1000 car.

    In England a whole block of stores were broken into and everything was stolen, except for one store wasn't touched, it was a bookstore. I doubt if the people who break into stores are interested in books. Maybe the book business is more genlemanly than the car business, or maybe it's the dollars involved, bt, it would have been extremely nice, though rare, for the dealer to hold the car until the 1st person got to see it...he might have actually been able to get more for it with 2 people interested.

    2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250

  • driver100driver100 Member Posts: 32,594
    This is only a two year old Kenmore grill that is always covered.

    The grill place we bought from specializes in grills, they are extremely honest and open. He said don't bother with a cover, it doesn't help in any way.

    He also advised buying a Weber, parts are always available. You can find cheaper ones, but they don't stock parts.

    I don't think you need an $800 model. We told the salesman what our needs were and he said the $270 model would be fine, spending more would be a waste of money. I like the fact they assemble it, deliver it, and hook it up to the gasline.

    2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250

  • roadburnerroadburner Member Posts: 18,394
    You may have missed part of the story. Roadburner was going to purchase the car. They told him days ago that they would clean up the Mini and have it ready for him the next day. He waited, but they never called. That is no way to do business.

    In all fairness, I never told them I would buy the car, and I didn't want to commit until I saw it cleaned up. In retrospect I probably should have put down a deposit, but I honestly didn't think it would go that fast...

    Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
    Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
    Son's: 2018 330i xDrive

  • tjc78tjc78 Member Posts: 17,088
    He said don't bother with a cover, it doesn't help in any way.

    I'm beginning to think he is right.

    I don't think you need an $800 model. We told the salesman what our needs were and he said the $270 model would be fine

    The smaller Weber's just don't have big enough of a grilling surface. The only one that did was the "Genesis" model which IIRC is 7/800. We have a couple of big parties each summer and I would never get the food cooked fast enough with anything smaller than I have now.

    There is no doubt that a Weber is in my future. After next year I'll take the plunge. Great, now I have to buy a grill and a car......

    2025 Ram 1500 Laramie 4x4 / 2023 Mercedes EQE 350 4Matic / 2022 Icon I6L Golf Cart

  • isellhondasisellhondas Member Posts: 20,342
    The car business made me cynical.

    I grew up thinking that my word or a handshake meant something and to me, it still does.

    We wouldn't take deposits on used cars. They used to say " It's either sold or it's not"and for good reason

    In the days they took deposits, people would leave a deposit and continue to shop looking for a better deal or a different car. They did this to take a car off the market knowing they could make up some BS story and get theri deposit back.

    Sometimes I would try to gently prod people into buying a certain car knowing it wouldn't last long. It was almost a good feeling to tell them that the car sold after knowing they had shopped everywhere trying to find a better car for less money.

    It was hard to resist saying " I told you so!"
  • driver100driver100 Member Posts: 32,594
    In all fairness, I never told them I would buy the car, and I didn't want to commit until I saw it cleaned up.

    It's nice of you to claqrify that. I still think it would have been noble and gallant if they gave you a chance to see it first. What they did was reasonable and they can't be blamed for selling it since cash is king......but it would have shown real class to let you see it first. Iguess, another salesman might have sold it, in which case your salesman could have lost out as well, so these other factors come into it as well.

    Seems you are OK with losing it, and we all learn from such experiences.

    2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250

  • driver100driver100 Member Posts: 32,594
    It was hard to resist saying " I told you so!"

    I know that feeling, and it does feel good. You should have bought it when it was here instead of fooling around.

    There are two sides to the story, but what the dealer did was ethical and reasonable...especially because there could be another salesperson involved, and first come first serve, especially with cash.

    In a perfect world, the salesman could have said I did promise someone they could see the car first, but that doesn't happen in real life.

    2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250

  • fezofezo Member Posts: 10,386
    edited August 2011
    And, you forgot to mention he could leave it to you if anything ever happens.

    :D

    Nah. I've got both a gas and a charcoal Weber. I think I'm in good shape for the rest of my life....
    2015 Mazda 6 Grand Touring, 2014 Mazda 3 Sport Hatchback, 1999 Mazda Miata 2004 Toyota Camry LE, 1999.
  • fezofezo Member Posts: 10,386
    claqrify

    Another one of those Canadian words..... :blush:
    2015 Mazda 6 Grand Touring, 2014 Mazda 3 Sport Hatchback, 1999 Mazda Miata 2004 Toyota Camry LE, 1999.
  • driver100driver100 Member Posts: 32,594
    claqrify Another one of those Canadian words.....

    My wife works on the desktop computer, I get the laptop. The "a" and the "q" are right next to each other and the keys aren't the biggest, Mr Perfect :P

    2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250

  • driver100driver100 Member Posts: 32,594
    Nah. I've got both a gas and a charcoal Weber. I think I'm in good shape for the rest of my life....

    Not only does he try to inherit everything that could possibly be up for grabs, he is also very particular about what he will accept.

    2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250

  • fezofezo Member Posts: 10,386
    edited August 2011
    I get the laptop. The "a" and the "q" are right next to each other and the keys aren't the biggest, Mr Perfect

    I do the same thing.... :blush:
    2015 Mazda 6 Grand Touring, 2014 Mazda 3 Sport Hatchback, 1999 Mazda Miata 2004 Toyota Camry LE, 1999.
  • fezofezo Member Posts: 10,386
    edited August 2011
    Not only does he try to inherit everything that could possibly be up for grabs, he is also very particular about what he will accept.

    I have to be careful. Someone might leave me their Hello Kitty collection. :surprise:

    Besides, it's only Richard that I really hound...
    2015 Mazda 6 Grand Touring, 2014 Mazda 3 Sport Hatchback, 1999 Mazda Miata 2004 Toyota Camry LE, 1999.
  • explorerx4explorerx4 Member Posts: 20,823
    Several years ago, I got a used Weber for father's day.
    It's a great grille.
    Just replaced the grates and drip bars. The new replacement grates are cast instead of stamped, so they are great(pun).
    When I cook chicken or pork, I like to stab each piece with a fork a bunch of times. It seems to turns out tender every time.
    A lot of times it has started out coming out of the freezer.
    My mom is having a tough time adjusting to the color of her new Fiesta.
    The Candy Red color was a $400 upgrade.
    She has always had black, dark green or grey cars.
    2024 Ford F-150 STX, 2023 Ford Explorer ST, 91 Mustang GT vert
  • imidazol97imidazol97 Member Posts: 27,700
    edited August 2011
    >Anyway, I spied a '63 Ford Fairlane.

    Was it anything like this one?

    front

    rear

    image

    image

    2014 Malibu 2LT, 2015 Cruze 2LT,

  • mako1amako1a Member Posts: 1,855
    The car business made me cynical.

    No, Craig. The car business gave you a doctorate in cynical.

    However, we do enjoy your highly informative posts.

    That's right...I said it.

    2013 Mustang GT, 2001 GMC Yukon Denali

  • oldfarmer50oldfarmer50 Member Posts: 24,297
    edited August 2011
    "...Saw this and thought I'd share..."

    It was so good you posted it twice! ;)

    I agree that used car prices are through the roof. The recent solicitation for my wife's PT Crusier (hardly an in demand car) is an example.

    I'm even seeing it in the low end beaters that I view on Craigslist. Cars that two years ago were $500 are now asking $2,000. Huge jump.

    They are even asking big money for cars with serious mechanical problems like blown head gaskets.

    Still, I don't see how I could justify spending the same money on a used car, no matter how good, as a new one. :confuse:

    2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible

  • oldfarmer50oldfarmer50 Member Posts: 24,297
    "...can you save me a particular book..."

    I get that all the time at the market. Someone will ask if I can "hold it" for them. I say "sure, if you pay me first".

    That's the only way you can insure that they will come back. When I used to hold items for people without payment I would get burned 90% of the time. So I understand the saleman's position.

    What I wonder is why they screwed around with the detail? They had a customer who was interested in the car but they waited a week or longer to get back to him? Unless they already had the other customer on the hook all along their actions seemed sure to blow the deal.

    Maybe they were waiting for him to call them back so they could deal from a stronger position.

    2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible

  • oldfarmer50oldfarmer50 Member Posts: 24,297
    It's quite an education listening to you rich guys talk about spending $800 on a metal can that burns your food. If I had $800 to spend I'd take the wife out to dinner and have someone else cook.

    When I want to grill I get one of those cheap $6 metal pans that looks like a beer serving tray. You throw a bag of charcoal in light it up and you're good to go. If you don't feel like cleaning up you just toss the entire set up.

    This week-end I may get to experience to good life as we are heading for the coast to visit my wife's very rich relatives. If anyone has an $800 grill, this guy does. Very down to earth people, they drive a Camry Hybrid. I'm trying to talk him into an EVO. Wish me luck.

    2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible

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