Stories from the Sales Frontlines

canadiantoyota

I don't care if it's "cookies", cakes , or pies, this is insane. One minute I'm reading a post from January 22nd and then it sends me to a post from January 19th. I try to reply to a post and it sends me to the log in page. Also, I'll read a reply to a post that doesn't make sense to me because the original post is no longer there. I thought my dues included Quality Control experts. Did the economy cause lay offs in that department? I feel a dues assessment coming our way.

Richard, it could be a loose wire in your computer. Try pulling on some of them to determine if one is loose or not connected properly. Let us know how you make out. :shades:

Kirstie_H

To make up for the problem, we let this one post twice.

You're welcome.

Kirstie_H

I say this with some hesitation, but it *appears* that the problem is gone now - our IT team identified the culprit and was working on it earlier.

driver100

I say this with some hesitation, but it *appears* that the problem is gone now - our IT team identified the culprit and was working on it earlier

Famous last words.

It took me so long to get on, that;

1) I forget what I was going to say

2) I have tried to sign on so many times I now know my email address
and password from memory, and

3) I should have paid for the extended warranty when I signed up.

sterlingdog

I would try that but my neighbor, who installed my new computer, put a sign on my tower that says "Don't Touch".

Richard

sterlingdog

Just like the old chewing gum slogan "Double your pleasure, double your fun.", right?

Richard

sterlingdog

I learned three new things about your country this morning:

1. Canada means "Big Village".
2. Canada has more lakes than any other country in the world.
3. Seventy-five percent of the roads in Canada are unpaved, as compared to 1% in the United States. It's good that you have a place in Florida. You get to drive your BMW on paved roads. :P

Richard

houdini1

Yeah, I don't visit or post near as much as I used to because it is just such a hassle. Site needs a BIG upgrade.

jmonroe

amazing game. I still can't believe they pulled it off. 2 muffed punts in the same game? Who woulda thunk it.

I did. I’m pretty sure that this was the same guy who dove to make a catch of a punt earlier in the game. Whoever heard of diving to catch a punt? :confuse:

That guy was just an accident waiting to happen…and it did, twice.

Anyway, yesterdays games saved us from hearing 2 weeks’ worth of talk about brothers being the head coachs of competing teams in the Super Bowl.

jmonroe

jmonroe

I would try that but my neighbor, who installed my new computer, put a sign on my tower that says "Don't Touch".

Damn, that guy sure knows how to take the fun out of life (for us).

Don’t give up so easily. See if you can get to the connectors inside your laptop. Give that a try and get back to us. :P

jmonroe

stickguy

Now you can spend 2 weeks seeing replays of Tyree's helmet catch.

fezo

I would try that but my neighbor, who installed my new computer, put a sign on my tower that says "Don't Touch".

See what happens when you pull on the sign....

mako1a

A task only jmonroe would enjoy.

driver100

Very good, I am proud that you are learning more about your neighbors to the North. #1 and 2 are absolutely correct and you get 100% on those.

Number 3 doesn't look right to me. I checked and from what I could find it seems it the percentage of paved roads would be around 40%.

There are more unpaved roads because there are few people who live in the far North, and less populated areas, for example on the Praries in the West.

So, I can get the feel of the road on about 40% of the roads.

paved roads in Canada

How come you are studying Canada?

The total population of Canada is about 34 million, and almost half live in Southern Ontario........so that is where most of those paved roads will be.

driver100

Last week I complained because a dealer that had a few cars I might have been interested in didn't give prices....just a note if interested call this number.

Today, I found another poor advertising practice. An ad in the newspaper showed some nice colored pictures of about 24 nice looking new and used cars. The problem was, they showed the monthly payment but not the full price. Just makes me suspicious, and they have lost me.

Another ad was for a Nissan dealer, the ad said they had new Altimas starting at $14,995.
That price could tempt me. I was a little suspicious at the fine print.....we have at least 2 cars available at this price.

What does that mean? Those are the loss leaders ( painted pea soup green with brown seats and you might get one if you rush over) but by the time you get there they'll try to sell you the one you really want for a lot more than $14995.

fezo

I figured out right away that the reason for the lower percentage of paved roads is that Canada has a whole lot more more or less empty space than we do. I'm always amazed at how much space there is in that "heavily populated" area. That area above Lake Erie is almost all rural.

I remember driving for maybe 75 miles on the north Shore of Lake Superior and not seeing more than a dozen cars the whole time. And that was in the summer!

I can't imagine that many Canadians live more than 100 miles or so from the US border. OTOH, with all that land there's probably way more oil hiding out....

explorerx4

Do you have Wifi? He's probably using yours for free.

mako1a

Just for you, Driver (I'm currently reading a trivia book).

Q: Why are zero scores in tennis called 'love'?
A: In France , where tennis first became popular, a big, round zero on the scoreboard
looked like an egg and was called 'l'oeuf,' which is French for 'egg.' When tennis was
introduced in the US , Americans pronounced it 'love.'

michaellno

Another ad was for a Nissan dealer, the ad said they had new Altimas starting at $14,995. That price could tempt me. I was a little suspicious at the fine print.

In a previous wife-time (1992), we had a car get totaled and needed a new one. Wife wanted a new '92 Honda Accord LX, navy blue with automatic.

As we lived in Southern California, the Friday LA Times had dozens of screamer ads from Honda dealers. One dealer that was reasonably close to us had a "1 only at this price" Accord listed. We called - surprise! - navy blue automatic. We immediately drove there and made the deal.

I suspect that everybody who called that dealer on Friday night, Saturday or Sunday figured that it was a "bait and switch", since the ad car was gone.

Nope, just gotta be quick on the trigger.

driver100

I can't imagine that many Canadians live more than 100 miles or so from the US border. OTOH, with all that land there's probably way more oil hiding out....

Fezo, you must be an American...you can look at bare land and see oil. Unfortunately, it isn't every where, but there could be more around.

You are probably right, just guessing but probably 90% of the population lives along the border. If 10% live in all that other area there isn't to much need for paved roads.

You have seen a lot of North America, from Florida up to Northern Canada.
What a great experience!

driver100

, round zero on the scoreboard
looked like an egg and was called 'l'oeuf,

Glad you guys changed it from l'oeuf to love, my French pronounciation is terrible.

Now, if you can find out why the scoring goes 15, 30, 40, win, let me know.....who thought up that one?

driver100

One dealer that was reasonably close to us had a "1 only at this price" Accord listed.

We aren't quite ready to buy and although an Altima might work for us, I wasn't motivated to look into it any further. But $15k for a new Altima sounds pretty good. Hope the dealer prep isn't $7000 though.

One Ford dealer in Florida advertises dealer prep at $99, because why should you pay more when we are selling you a car. Sounds nice, hope they don't make it up on MSRP though...I am becoming too skeptical in my old age.

michaellno

But $15k for a new Altima sounds pretty good. Hope the dealer prep isn't $7000 though.

hope they don't make it up on MSRP though...I am becoming too skeptical in my old age.

When we bought the Accord, we had been preapproved through our CU for a particular amount. Since the price of the car was so good, we were able to have a CD player installed as well.

As has been mentioned in many forums here on Edmunds, the doc fees in FL are quite high.

On the Altima, that price quote is probably for a 2.5 Base, not the 2.5S. You should check the "Prices Paid" forums for whatever make/model you're interested in to see what kind of deals others are getting. Lots of screaming deals on Altimas, it seems.

sterlingdog

"Do you have Wifi?"

Yes.

"He's probably using yours for free."

As long as he keeps me running, he's welcomed to it.

This reminds me of a story. Back in the 80's, I had what I thought was basic cablevision. I began to notice that I had HBO, Show Time, and these other extra high fee channels. For three years, I kept quiet and just paid my basic bill each month. One day a storm knocked out the cable servcie at the street. I called the repair service. A truck pulled up and a tech climbed the pole to repair the damage. I recognized the guy as a former student of mine. I walked out to chat with him. He asked me if I was enjoying all of the extra channels. I said yes, but that they never billed me for them. He said that when we moved into the house, he gave them to me at the pole when he connected the service. He went on to say that I had helped him as a student and that he wanted to do something for me. Being a school teacher did have its benefits.

Richard

driver100

Back in the 80's, I had what I thought was basic cablevision.

That reminds me of a story a long time ago. Free telephone jacks were just coming in. The service guy who brought us our phone gave us an new extra phone, no charge.

Several years later I saw an ad in the newspaper, bring in one old phone and we will give you our special new model...no charge.

They asked me how long I had been using the phone I brought in because they didn't have a note of it and I hadn't been paying for the extra phone at that time.

They wanted me to pay $2 a month for about 5 years because I had the use of their phone. I agreed to buy some new package if they would let me escape. From now on I am very skeptical when I see FREE or any offer from any phone company.

driver100

On the Altima, that price quote is probably for a 2.5 Base, not the 2.5S. You should check the "Prices Paid" forums for whatever make/model you're interested in

That's probably a good idea...when I am ready to buy I'll check it out. I suppose if the dealer has a few cars that have been sitting around for a few months they might sell them at cost to lower their inventory and draw some traffic into the shop.

Probably won't buy this 2nd car until November when we come back. Though my wife had to go out today and she took my 5er, and though she is an excellent driver, I don't like sharing my car with any one...it's a very personal item to me.

tjc78

began to notice that I had HBO, Show Time, and these other extra high fee channels.

I remember those days (I was a kid). There were little filters on the pole and if the person setting up your cable was "friendly" those little filters could be "forgotten". Those days are long over, everything is under control at the office.

I know that I have a package where I have everything, and honestly its most likely a waste of money for the small amount of TV watching we do.

fezo

What a shame to find out you can't control it from the pole anymore. I was going to ask Richard to send his cable guy up here...

sterlingdog

"...it's most likely a waste of money for the small amount of TV watching we do."

I agree. We have a package that gets 300 channels. Most of them are trash. It's a shame that people with similar packages have to rent movies to have something good to watch. :confuse: We actually have days when we don't turn on the TV. :surprise: There is a world out there, along with good books, magazines, and computers.

Richard

sterlingdog

Sorry, but my former student no longer climbs poles. He's a news programmer for CNN in Atlanta. For a poor boy who stayed in trouble while in school, he has done so well. I'm very proud of him. I stayed on his [non-permissible content removed] his last two years in high school. So many kids can be saved with a little time and interest....not all, but some.

Richard

sterlingdog

"We aren't quite ready to buy..."

I had the SRX inspected today so that I can get new tags. While they were busy, I roamed the lot. I didn't see anything of interest to me. I noticed that the big Cadillac SUV was $76K. I just can't imagine paying that much for a car. My wife tried the MB Sports Sedan. She says that it sits too low for her. Guess that option is no longer in the picture. We'll just keep the convertible until something jumps out at us that we like.

Richard

driver100

There is a world out there, along with good books, magazines, and computers

Couldn't agree more!

driver100

My wife tried the MB Sports Sedan. She says that it sits too low for her.

Come on, we need a sales story around here.

Actually, I went from an X3 to a 328 Cabriolet so that was a big adjustment in height. At first I missed the height of the X3, but it only lasted a short time.

Overall, I prefer a sedan now. I like it to be big enough so that getting in and out isn't difficult, but I like the driving dynamics of a car better. Lower centre of gravity, better cornering, better pickup, less truck-like and more car-like. I also like the closed off trunk so people have to do more than break a window to get into the trunk, and things aren't open for people to see. Also, you can carry groceries or even washer fluid and they aren't all exposed and rolling around where you can hear it.

I like the higher position in an SUV in some ways, but overall, I prefer a car. Another big factor for me is I needed an SUV for work when I had the X3 and before that 2 Jeeps. So, to me, an SUV is like a work vehicle, whereas a car is just for personal enjoyment.

sterlingdog

"...an SUV is like a work vehicle, whereas a car is just for personal enjoyment."

That's what I like about the SRX. It really combines both of those traits.

Richard

driver100

That's what I like about the SRX. It really combines both of those traits.

Yes, the SRX and other SAVs are a compromise...more of a car with SUV qualities. It is nice at times to have the extra space an SUV or SAV provides, but it is only used once in awhile...but when you need it it is great to have. I don't think any car is perfect 100% of the time, so we get what suits us best, most of the time.

Kirstie_H

If people spent more time reading books, perhaps we wouldn't have a generation coming up that seems to learn grammar and syntax by watching reality TV shows, and have a vocabulary that consists largely of catch phrases, and, like, filler words, ya know?

There are still smart young people who, not coincidentally, like to read, but I see more and more of them defending their habitually horrific spelling, grammar, and usage under the guise of "evolution of language," and who insist on placing the burden of comprehension on the reader/listener to do the deciphering. Ironically, they don't know the difference between evolution and devolution.

driver100

they don't know the difference between evolution and devolution.

I do agree, many young people just are not interested in reading today. I am encouraged though that some young people will read quite a bit considering all the other work they seem to have these days.

You used my excuse when I make a mistake, "Well, it is supposed to be an evolving language". I know it is weak, but it might work in some cases.

These might be of interest....10 phrases that mean absolutely nothing:

10. It is what it is
This newcomer is the epitome of an ear-grating phrase that means nothing.

9. It's all good
The inclusion of "all" only accentuates how much you don't mean what you are saying.

8. To be honest
Not only is this phrase usually followed by something best left unsaid, but it also implies everything else you say is dishonest.

7. No offense
A phrase even more insincere than it is superfluous.

6. Whatever
In a recent survey, 47 percent of Americans chose this word compound as the most annoying phrase of all. Meaning you have permission to smack anyone who uses it and isn't a 12-year-old girl. (And it's a close call on smacking any 12-year-old girl who uses the "w" word.)

5. Don't get me wrong
Isn't it implicit in most human communication that your intention is always to be correctly understood?

4. With all due respect
Really? (If I may add, there is usually no respect when someone uses this phrase)

3. Everything happens for a reason
A completely worthless utterance that probably doubles as a vicious taunt to those who have undergone terrible hardships.

2. At the end of the day
At the end of the day, you will be preparing for bed. (With apologizes to John Maynard Keynes.)

1. Going forward
Saying this is like announcing your next footstep.

(with thanks to the Huffpost
Huffpost 10 meaningless phrases

michaellno

Yes, the SRX and other SAVs are a compromise...more of a car with SUV qualities. It is nice at times to have the extra space an SUV or SAV provides, but it is only used once in awhile...but when you need it it is great to have. I don't think any car is perfect 100% of the time, so we get what suits us best, most of the time.

+1, driver.

That's why we've owned an Expedition, Explorer, 2 VUE's and a CX-7 since 1998. First, for the passenger capacity for the kids and their friends, then for the cargo capacity and AWD capability. I don't think my wife will ever have a 'regular' car again as her DD - she likes the AWD and visibility that the CUV / SAV / SUV offers.

stickguy

My son is 20.

If he offers to play you scrabble for money, don't do it.

driver100

First, for the passenger capacity for the kids and their friends, then for the cargo capacity and AWD capability.

If I had kids with friends and needed lots of cargo room, and preferred being higher up I would get an SUV too. One isn't better than the other, it's just what works. I don't want to drive a work like vehicle or a family van, so that works for me...no right or wrong, good or bad, just whatever suits your needs.

Tonight we went out and I was a passenger in a new Cadillac CTS wagon. Very nice, the upholstery and interior were beautiful. Nice quiet car and excellent ride. I like the soft lighting in the door panels and along the dash.
Very nice. Maybe I'll take a test drive when it is time to trade in the 5er.

sterlingdog

Your list of ten meaningless phrases reminds me of ten that irritate me:

"24/7"---the lazy way of cutting the language to a short text.

"He passed yesterday."--- Passed what? Gas? The grocery store? Do you mean to say that he died?

"No problem"---Another lazy way out of saying, "Don't worry. It's perfectly fine." At least say, "It's no problem at all."

"Later."--- When is later---2 PM, 6 PM, 11 PM, tomorrow, next week?

"It's more or less..."--- Well, is it more or is it less?

"Give me a break."---Where? Would you like it at your head, arm, or leg?

"Back at you."---With what...fists, a gun, a knife?

"Back in the day..."---What day---yesterday, 1929, 1865, 1960? I suppose that it would be too much to ask for "Historically speaking..."

"They say..."---Who is "They"?

"You go girl."---Go where?

Richard

driver100

"24/7"---the lazy way of cutting the language to a short text.

Hey, those were great ones....10-4, do you copy. Back at ya.
ttyl
D

Did you see my comments in 83 about my ride in a new CTS Sport Wagon? I was really impressed with the fit and finish, and the nice ride. The CTS is more the size of a 3 Series. If the actual steering and handling are as good as the interior and exterior I was very impressed.

stickguy

Well, I can tell you don't have a teenage daughter in your house!

sterlingdog

Many years ago (back in the day :sick: ), my niece was a teen. I used to wonder what language she was speaking. :P At the time, she lived in California and did the "Valley Girl" thing. It drove me up the wall. I suppose that each generation has its own "code".

Richard

sterlingdog

I'm glad that you had the opportunity to ride in the new CTS Sport Wagon. I like the size and design much better than the new SRX. Perhaps you would enjoy an older CTS Sedan for the Florida house. I would imagine that you would see some good deals on one in Florida.

Richard

driver100

Perhaps you would enjoy an older CTS Sedan for the Florida house.

It is probably a good idea, but there could be a few things to ponder;

*Some of the earlier CTS didn't look great. I'd estimate around 2004 they used a lot of plastic on the interior. I actually looked at one in the showroom before getting a BMW.

* used cars are actually pretty expensive here, unless you get a car in an estate sale. I see 2010 Fusions for $15k with 30 or 40k mileage. I would rather get a new stripper model for $20k.

*My wife prefers European handling etc. For me, it doesn't matter. I grew up loving American cars and prefer them in some cases. She would probably like a VW as a second car, I would prefer a Fusion.

*But, I will keep my eyes open, I wouldn't mind a baby Caddie for Florida, esp if it has a cloth roof.

ken117

As my teenage daughter would say - Whaaateveeer!

sterlingdog

Next time, ask her if she would like a tennis lesson on how to deliver a good back hand. :shades:

Richard

jmonroe

I paid my dues. I gave them to jmonroe. He said he would get a Kirby Vac. if he collected everyone's due's for you. You mean he didn't pass them on?

Yeah, that sucks doesn’t it but we now have a new Subie. :P

jmonroe

fezo

Well for those of you who based on my posts in here thought I should have me head examined (that would apply to almost everybody), yesterday I did. Actually an EEG and an MRI. Each annoying in its own way and of course it involves a whole day in New York but what the heck. Still have some glue in my hair from the EEG. Who invents these things anyway?

No results back yet so I neither confirm nor deny the presence or absence of a brain. I will know on Monday late. I'll keep you posted.

OK, jmonroe has gotten his Subie. That puts me on the top of the send in your dues list. Time to pay up!