Stories from the Sales Frontlines

explorerx4

MY mom has always complained about gas prices and how much she spent on gas.
Her last car was an '03 Malibu that we swapped it out last August.
It had 54k when it got replaced by the Fiesta.
When i filled up the Fiesta before the weekend trip, it had 2700 miles on it.
The funny thing is, she is visiting my sister and has called twice to make sure her car is ok.

sterlingdog

Lethario you say? Quite possible I suppose. After all, seduction is the corner stone of the sales world whether it be cars, dishwashers, or education. I seduced my students into learning, my peers into my mode of thinking, and my superiors into thinking that my ideas were actually their own. It wasn't survival of the fittest; it was just survival.

As for your post on education, I have to comply with most of your thoughts. As in all fields of endeavor, there is the bad associated with the good. I knew hundreds of excellent teachers who planned their work carefully, cared for their students, used creative methodology, and taught with great passion. I also knew many who would have been better served had they dropped dead. Damage to children, whether it be verbal, physical or by neglect is the unforgivable sin. In my years as a teacher association president (not union in North Carolina), I was forced to defend all dues paying members. During those six difficult years, I found myself representing more of the bad than the good. The good ones, through no fault of their own, had become victims of a narcissistic, domineering, overly zealous school principal. You know the type. The bad ones were their own enemies---lazy, uncaring, and suffering from the lack of an IQ above 70. They were either the products of a quota system or the rotten limb on a political family tree. Regardless, the dues money went toward the defense fund.

When I became an administrator, I learned why my superiors had not cleaned house when necessary. As a former superintendent once told me, litigation is an expensive process that a school system can ill afford. Still, we were able to rid the system of some of the worst apples in the crate. When I finally moved into personnel at the central headquarters, I was able to hire some wonderful talent for the children. Those moments, outside of teaching, were my happiest. Though I still had to hire some relatives of school board members, and others to meet certain quotas, I tried to maintain one perspective: The majority of new hires were passionate about teaching and arrived with new ideas and bursts of energy to share with students. When I taught new teacher courses at the local college, I was gratified to see the interest and the eagerness to learn about children and how to best help them. Though my forty years were not always the easiest, I wouldn't trade them in for any other career. It's not for everyone, but it was well suited to what I wanted out of life.

Richard

sterlingdog

"Completely Finished"

That is so funny! I totally agree with you. Completed is not the same as finished. When I tried to repair my computer, I COMPLETED the job, but I was totally FINISHED. :P

Richard

sterlingdog

"You have a greedy friend here..."

You're not greedy; you're just hopeful.

Richard

sterlingdog

"WHAT'S IN THE BOX?"

OMG! If you only knew how funny that story is for the posters here. Based on my previous posts, they will all think that school administrators can't screw in a light blub. Jmonroe will have a field day with this one. BTW, I purchased an office chair for my wife last month. When the salesman said that he would help me load the box in the car, I stopped him cold. I told him that I would gladly pay the $10 assembly fee. There was no way in hell that I was going to assemble that monster. There are other stories posted here that are probably better left buried in the archives.

You did remind me of something. When my nephew was six years old, he wanted Santa to bring him Rodan The Flying Monster. I was up all night on Christmas Eve tryng to get the damn thing together. It must have had 500 parts at least. I had my wife and the couple next door trying to help me. We got it all together about an hour before sunrise. Never did that again. In the following years, I gladly paid to have wagons, bicycles, play staitons, etc. assembled and picked up on Christmas Eve.

Richard

stickguy

me and the wife were at staples shopping desk chairs this weekend. They advertised assembly for $7.99 on any chair. Almost cheap enough for me to bite. But probably not. I have put enough of them together that I highly need to look at the directions. Plus the box is easier to fit in the car!

sterlingdog

"I knew this was going to be good....but I didn't know it would come out this soon."

Yep. I just knew that you were going to jump on that story. I have to admit that I bent double with laughter when I read it. Heavenly days, this thread just can't hold two of us.

Richard

sterlingdog

$7.99? I should have waited a month; I could have saved $2.

Richard

abacomike

do you think salespeople are changing?

By necessity, of course they are changing - but not because the are younger or smarter - but more because the technology is improving and changing so fast.

In the near past, a salesperson would never "call" a customer at 10:00 PM, but now he/she can text or email the customer at 1:00 AM without disturbing that customer, and still maintain great relationships. Years ago, a great salesperson maintained close contact with all clients because these appreciative clients would refer all their friends to that salesperson. The same is true today, but relationships are more easily maintained with high tech tools.

Remember, only 20 years ago, the auto industry did not have computers to determine money-factored leases in 5 seconds. It took 10 to 30 minutes to calculate a lease. When I sold cars and managed dealerships, I had computer resources at my disposal that were 1000 times more powerful than the computers that guided manned flight to the moon 25 years earlier.

I generated email strings to contact 1000's of customers in 1-2 seconds with Christmas wishes or birthday wishes.

Yes, they are changing because technology demands it!

abacomike

Thought selling cars would be fun

That salesperson (BMW) is just smart. He just takes some of his work home with him at night like I did when I was a school principal or private school headmaster. I did that because I could adroitly solve problems or plan in a relaxed environment away from the stresses of the work environment. I made less mistakes and had a glass of wine with chips and salsa at hand, as well.

So, it's not hard work 24/7, just smart work 12/5! Get my drift?

abacomike

at staples looking for a desk chair

The real solution to my problem was to have the chair delivered already assembled. But, if two of the four screws were stripped on the arms, I wouldn't find out for a couple of months when I fell out of my chair in the middle of a FLIGHT SIMULATOR trip to Hawaii - I could get wet from that mishap - maybe even drown.

Almost forgot, when I lived in California, I was part owner of a Beechcaft King Air 350, so I've done a little flying in my time!

Now, all I can afford is a few flights in a simulator.

LOL

bolivar

I've been away for a couple or three days - I think there was 101 new messages for me to read in here. Just had some out patient surgury, and luckly the anesthetist did not kill me, which almost happened with one of my wife's procedures. If things just grow back together ok, I think I will call it a success.

So, aba, you are telling me a BMW or Mercedes will sell me a car at invoice, or maybe even a little less???? I didn't think they would do this for one of their 'feel of the road' autos.

If I can adjust my wife's attitude, I might actually be in the market for something like this. She still wants to buy a replacement Cadillac tank for her Deville. But Richard, she did spy an SRX and say 'What's that Cadillac?'

I don't have a 'sales' story, but a couple of weeks ago, I was down in the big city by myself and talked with BMW, Mercedes, and Cadillac salemen. Sometime later I will try to give the details of this shopping trip, but not right now.

But if I can buy a BMW 335i below invoice and get the wife's attitude adjusted, there might be a sale story. Not right now, but maybe in a few months.

abacomike

so of I can buy a BMW 335i for...

Glad your surgery worked out. Had my gallbladder removed 3 weeks ago and they used laparoscopic surgery, which is less invasive. Still a little pain, but surgeon said nothing to worry about.

If you are a member of USAA, you can get one for $1500 or so below invoice. If not, I would not think you could get one below invoice easily. If you are a veteran, or have an immediate family member who is actively serving or is a veteran, the can become members. Then, once they are members, you can become a member. You need to contact them to get the details. My dad joined, then I joined. Then, to qualify for their car buying service, he took out a $25.00 policy on his ring. Then, I used their buying service to get my new Mercedes vehicles at $2000 under invoice + another $2000 for MB Financial loyalty.

Even if you get a USAA credit card like I did after becoming a member, you can qualify for their special pricing.

Without that "in" you still have Costco's buying service. But head-to-head negotiations usually won't get you below invoice - but you can get very close with incentives. They have a $1500 incentive on their 5 series now, perhaps even on their 3 series.

Hop I've helped a little.

imidazol97

>I was totally FINISHED

Errrrr, you mean the _computer_ was finished!

While I was troubleshooting a friends Vista 4-year old computer recently, I kept thinking about your adventure into computer repair. I was very careful to not do anything to cause harm to it. Finally decided it was a motherboard failure of some kind.

Delivering the bad news was almost like telling them their dog had died. They replaced it with new Windows 7 box. I inherited the bad one. Now I'm going to try to replace capacitors on the motherboard. With luck, I'll have a working computer. I would never mess with motherboard issues on a computer I hoped to return in working order--only my own junk. I know it's neither a BMW nor a convertible like Fezo hopes to inherit, but I appreciate each day and what it brings.

The house is getting a new roof today (and probably tomorrow), so I may try to do motherboard work. It'll take my mind away from the hammering.

driver100

But if I can buy a BMW 335i below invoice and get the wife's attitude adjusted

Glad you are back and good luck with the healing process.

Ask your wife to test drive the 335. It will be a unique experience and she probably won't want another car if she tries it out.

My wife's 335 is a 2008. But we went to the dealer to test drive the new 328s. I loved the 328, but I really like a 4 cylinder with a turbo. The reviewers say the 335 is a very different experience from the 328, but the 328 felt right to me. Unfortunately, my wife wants another 335. In Canada, the 335 costs about $6000 to $7000 more (it will have some options on it that will make the difference not as much of a difference), but that difference could at least get you a 328, which she might love.

Not sure if it matters, but my 535 gets 30 mpg on the highway...the new 328 probably gets mid 30s.

driver100

OMG! If you only knew how funny that story is for the posters here.

Yes, I forgot to mention, that story was hilarious....mainly because it has happened to all of us. Especially the part about seeing the box delivered, and that sinking feeling as you realize the box is a lot smaller than the chair.

Every time we get something from Ikea, I always say, never again. We bought a bed in Florida and it must have had about 800 parts. It took 2 people 2 days to put it together. Some parts had to be disassembled and then reassembled because they don't show you which side is supposed to face out.

It was a great bed when done (by my brother in law and my wife...I can't do that stuff) but someone pointed out and it is true. The problem with Ikea things is if you ever move you can't take it apart and move it. Students buy it because it is cheap and practical, but, unlike normal furniture, yo can't just take it apart and move it to another location.

imidazol97

>Still, we were able to rid the system of some of the worst apples in the crate.

Were in you in urban districts when you found all these bad teachers? I'm not clearer on whether you are saying there were an overwhelming number of bad teachers or a small percentage which had accumulated over time due to lack of diligence of predecessors?

I notice that when our suburban teachers talk about the urban teachers, they have a much lower regard for their professional abilities. The urban schools do seem to have more problems with teachers, which based on my observations through my wife is more likely a principal and administration problem for not having employed properly, guided the teachers they had, nor having moved the small number of truly bad apples out. I find it's interesting as I think back through the bad apples, there have been more cases of principals and administrations who are publicly or quietly moved due to "problems."

Currently in our state, which is different from other states, the smear against public school teachers continues. Senate Bill 5 to remove all rights from public employees was recalled by a ballot initiative. So the governor and his legislator cronies are trying to remove tenure rights by using Cleveland City Schools as a test market. Cleveland has had major problems, along with other urban districts and has had some special treatment. So the governator has decided to take away tenure rights and other union-busting techniques in Cleveland under the guise of trying to fix the school. Of course, it's the parents and students who bear the brunt of the blame. The school workers can't fix the kids and the urban society problems. But the governor sees another chance to put a hook in. This time he hopes that by smearing all public teachers he can try to work one districts and then spread it to the state before he loses in the next election.

Amazingly, the same legislators who feel tenure (in Ohio under Ohio's laws) is wrong for teachers, themselves CANNOT (excuse my yelling) be removed because we voters in Ohio have no recall ability for legislators nor for governor. They have TENURE (excuse my yelling to make my point). Hypocrisy. If it weren't for tenure, several of my wife's friends and maybe herself would have been replaced with some excuse from the administrator.

There are, of course, mostly good administrators, but the stories of bad ones show a higher percentage of failure than the percentage of teachers who don't do well.

imidazol97

>the box is a lot smaller than the chair.

Our dear friend, a retired teacher coworker of my wife's, calls me when she gets anything needing to be assembled. The people who write and illustrate the instruction manuals should be shot. They usually don't make clear the positional relationship one part has to have, so things get assembled with the part turned and then I have to tear apart and start again from the step with the wrong position. I see an opportunity for myself to have a fulltime job doing manuals for companies--too bad most of the jobs have moved to China.

>Ikea

There were lots of good furniture choices at Ikea. We shop there regularly for lots of other things. It's only a hop down the road. We bought a chest with drawers from Ikea for my son's OSU apartment. I had the feeling I could disassemble it if it even needs to be reduced in size for moving space in a van. The items you have probably are different. But as to moving stuff, I had thoughts while moving him in to the 6 bedroom apartment about just taking a sledgehammer to things for the dumpster rather than moving them very far by van, if he ever graduates. It might be cheaper on the body and mind just to buy new again!

abacomike

There are bad teacher in every school, in ever district, in ever county, in every state of the US. The problem originates when an idiot Principal or Personnel Asst. Supt. hires a teacher without observing them in the classroom prior to the hire. Then, after two or 3 years of neglecting these teachers and allowing them to acquire bad habits, they get their tenure. Then, these principals die, retire or get fired and the new principal inherits the bad apple. In my case, I had an asst. supt. transfer, through some district recall, three of these teachers to my school. I had no choice in the matter. After a few months, it became apparent to me that these were incompetent teachers. The complaints from parents and fellow teachers on the staff were overwhelming. I tired for 3 years to bring them up on charges of incompetence, but I was why over my head as these teachers were represented by those same teachers who complained over and over again about their incompetence, but not as teachers, but as union reps.

Obviously, I became the bad guy, and these teachers were protected by lawyers, union reps, etc.

So, I decided that it was them or me. I went to the superintendent, who was originally the one who transferred these idiots to my new school, and he said your are stuck with them. So, I said either transfer one or two out to another school or I am quitting. He calmly had his secretary come in to take my resignation dictation, and I did that and never looked back.

I ended up in California as the headmaster of several schools, making more money and having no aggravation.

The public school systems in many parts of our country are doomed. Why do you think there are so many Charter Schools and schools run by corporations like a business?

First, to be a great teacher, you must have a great and dynamic personality. You must constantly keep your students on the edge of their seats, eager to learn. Even in cases where the school is in an inner city area. These teachers, usually quite young, need guidance and structure - but most of all, we should pay them 10x more than we pay an average teacher. But becasue of union contracts, we can't. Some districts are going to merit pay, but that is going to be a disaster because of the people who will administer it - administrators carefully controlled by school boards and unions.

I'm going to quit this response because I feel that my blood pressure is rising to0 a dangerous level, and I vowed I would never let this happen over this issue.

jmonroe

Glad you’re back and hope any pain diminishes quickly.

…and get the wife's attitude adjusted,

It will never cease to amaze me how things pop up on this board that are so timely. Speaking about adjusting a wife’s attitude, Mrs. jmonroe now has XM in her Subie. She got it last night with my help with almost no problem. As I’ve said before she didn’t want it but I did and it wasn’t really the money either but it worked in my favor since she led me into it.

It went like this:

Again yesterday at work just before I left I got another call from XM to take advantage of their promo price for one year at $86 (all in with taxes and fees $94.43). With that fresh in my mind I mentioned it while we were eating dinner.

A little history first. She has been after me to call (and let me tell you she has been hounding me to do this for more than a month) about our US Airways Mastercard to tell them we don’t want to pay the annual fee because we have gobs of miles but never use them so we wanted them to drop the fee before the card renews next month. I was expecting them to say that they would drop the fee but we wouldn’t get the frequent flyer miles anymore. I called and told the young lady what I want and she says, “oh, no problem, you’re a good customer and have been with us since 2005 so let me tell you what I’m going to do for you. We will waive the $79 fee (I didn’t know it was that high since I don’t pay the bills. I thought it was $50) for this year and you can continue to use the card and still get your frequent flyer miles with all purchases just like you have been getting. How’s that, Mr. jmonroe”? :surprise: I wasn’t expecting it to go down like that so I was happy about that.

Now for the good part. I tell Mrs. j what happened and she said, “so now I guess you want to use that money for that radio thing you’ve been griping about, huh”? I’m thinking OK you said it I didn’t. So, I say, “yeah, what’s wrong with that. We just found some money and we have a perfect use for it.” She says, “I knew it. I just knew it, you’re going to get your way again. No sense in me saying another word. I know what’s going to happen. Yeah, go ahead BABY, call them before I have to get you a BIG box of Kleenex”.

And you guys doubted me, huh?

jmonroe

fezo

I'm not sure who adjusted who there but you can't beat the result.

I dunno. I usually think a complete replacement is probably cheaper than most spouse adjustments....

imidazol97

Hi glad to see you're posting more. Feeling better?

>a complete replacement is probably cheaper than most spouse adjustments

Is that like replacing an older sedan with a new sports model in bright red? :shades:

Kirstie_H

Gotta be careful with that, because in my experience, most spousal trade-ins leave you upside-down - you continue paying on the old model while paying for the new model at the same time.

jmonroe

I dunno. I usually think a complete replacement is probably cheaper than most spouse adjustments....

From what I’ve heard a complete replacement is pretty expensive.

I don’t buy into that 2 twenties for a 40 thing. In my case it would be more like 3 twenties for a 60. That would FINISH me off for sure, in more ways than one.

So, tell us, how are they treating you? (talking about the nurses at your new pad)

jmonroe

fezo

I am indeed feeling better. It's a long road but we've got progress every day.

Nothing's totally linear. I was progressing nicely and then the other night dinner came up as quickly as it had gone down - quicker even - but that's all part of things.

I learn yesterday that the whole chemo and transplant throws your body's fluids all off. You end up on lots of lasix and such and your feet grow gigantic. Well, my vision went all funky which was a big reason I wasn't posting. The doctor tells me that's because even the fluid in your lens is affected. People try to replace glasses but it does no good because you have to wait it out and see where it lands. I'm more or less back to where I was before.

They may let me visit home in June so I can see at least one softball game for my girls' team. Way cool.

No nurses where I am now. I'm at Hope Lodge NYC, a place provided for by the American Cancer Society for those that live too far away for the hospital's liking. It's like a nice hotel. You can even send mail, money, Edmunds hosting contracts, etc to me c/o ACS HOPE LODGE PO Box 2284
New York, NY, 10116

jmonroe

I am indeed feeling better.

That’s very good news. Keep going in that direction.

No nurses where I am now.

It's like a nice hotel.

For a second there I thought you had it pretty bad. Then I see that you can order in whatever you want.

jmonroe

abacomike

I'm new on this post, so I really don't know all the details, which I am sure are not necessary at this point. In any case, it sounds like you are on the mend, which is the most important aspect of illness and organ failure.

It also sounds like you are getting some great help.

Heal quicly, and get home to see those softball games. I remember those when I was younger and my daughter and son were actively involved in sports. Those are important experiences that one remembers for a lifetime.

God's Speed!

dino001

What you used to do was definitely not wrong (morally, legally, or else) - but it did not have to be a good business. You say said it yourself - you almost never got your first pencil. Now ask opposite question - did you lose something?

Think of it this way - how will a baseball game look like if EVERY SINGLE swing was in attempt to make a home run, regardless of the pitch, circumstances on the bases, etc. Would that be a winning strategy for the team? How about EVERY SINGLE throw in basketball was to score a three pointer? Or - EVERY SINGLE play in futbol was in attempt of a touch down? That, in essence is a stance which assumes that first pencil has to be MSRP, lowball trade and high interest rate, because no harm asking...

Just like with sports, once in a while you may actually come up with it, but would it actually win the game for you? I have my doubts. How about customers who walked away insulted by that offer and vowed never come again? You don't know how many were out there - there are no tools to estimate that accurately. I always hear "we do it because it works, our sales and profits show it". It may be true, but I think sometimes it is worth to ask a question, how many sales actually did not happen and do those outweigh the gains. Perhaps not, but I think it is worth asking.

You may think of yourself as a great judge of people so you'll know upfront whether the person came unprepared or not. Perhaps you are - but are you sure, really sure you didn't lose more by attempting to get that outsized profit you have ever received for number of those unprepared customers.

abacomike

Yesterday afternoon, I took the first of 2 classes, 3 hours each, on Defensive Driving to qualify for a discount on my auto insurance when it comes up for renewal in December. I save almost $200 a year on a $1042 yearly policy, so it's definitely worth the investment of time and money.

I enter the large room where I see 18-20 DECEASED persons (I don't have to explain what DECEASED means at this juncture, I don't think) sitting there anxiously awaiting the class to begin. I take my seat and within a minute or two, I hear someone asking where the boys' room is. A second or 2 later, I hear someone ask if he can go with this guy to the boys's room because he didn't think he could wait for the class to be over before he could go on his own. All of a sudden, 8 or 9 of them stand, and leave the room to go to the bathroom.

Next, the instructor comes in and starts to take attendance. "...Feingold, Irving are you here?" Someone answers that "...Fanny Gold just went to the bathroom - and that she'll be back soon!" The instructor says that he didn't call for Fanny Gold, he called for Irving Feingold. Someone answers that he's in the bathroom too.

This goes on for 20 minutes or so with people coming and going to the bathroom. One nice lady stands and tells everyone she brought potato pancakes and applesauce for everyone as soon as the instructor let's her open her large shopping bag.

After anothger 10 minutes of this, and remember, the class still hasn't started, and he hasn't been able to finish his roll call, he then asks everyone to just give him their name, etc.

Now I'm 67, and most of the particpants are old enough to be my mother or father, if not grandparent in some cases. It's like a three ring circus in there. But, as long as I get my certificate to send to the insurance company, I'm not complaining.

He starts by showing a film about lights, crosswalks, speed limits, etc., and several of the people complain they can't see the screen or hear what they are saying - to increase the volume - to move the screen closer to the tables - etc. By this time, I am beginning to excrete a SOLID BRICK naturally. After all, how much can a younster like me take?

He then distributes a test for everyone to take - but of course, most can't see the small print and start to complain that they will have to have someone read the test for them and mark down the answers for them.

I finish the test in a few minutes, turn it in, and thank the instructor - "...I'll see you on Wednesday for the 2nd class..." The instructor asks if I would be kind enough to sit with a few of these DECEASED individuals and read the test and help them mark their answers. I say of course.

I sit down with a group of 4 of them, and of course they all smell like mothballs for some strange reason. After 5 minutes of this, I stand, walk over to the instructor and inform him that I just don't have the patience or the time - that I need to go to an appointment. I again inform him that I"ll see him Wednesday, and he replies:

"...there is no way in hell that I am going to return Wedesday to this! They'll have to get a substitute to finish this class!"

Now if anyone out there has any doubt that this is what I experienced yesterday afternoon, you need to know that I don't lie, I don't cheat, and I never tell stories that are untrue.

I'll give you an update on tomorrow's class - that is if it every get's started and finished!

abacomike

I think you misunderstood my post. Let me try it one more time. If this doesn't work, I will give up.

When a customer was serioius about buying a car, as exhibited by willingness to begin negotiations, my sales personnel would total up the costs, etc., and present it at list price. The customer would then say - I won't pay list. The sales associate would then say - of course you won't, I don't expect you to. What would you consider a fair price to be?

Most of the time, we had such a large inventory of new vehicles, the customer had already selected a car after a test drive. So they would begin negotiations on that particular car.

As for losing more customers than we should have, the answer is no. If my sales personnel presented a discouinted price to the customer at the very beginning, the customer would begin negotiating at that price, rather than a higher price, and those are the customers we lost - those that wanted to pay below invoice for the car they selected.

Like I said in one of my recent post, if you want to pay $200 less for a car you are negotiating for, don't offer $200 less. Offer $500 less. That way, you might get your $200 or even more. But if you aski for $200 less, you won't get $200 less.

The same is true when the dealership begins negotiations. If we discounted the car by $3000 right off the bat, the customer would want another $1000 or so, and then we would lose money on the deal.

Do you understand what I am trying to say here?

dino001

No, I think I understand you well. There is always the other side of the coin. You are right to say that when you start with 3 grand off, people will want 6 grand off. Mostly, because car businesses taught them throughout the years that is the way to buy a car (dealers of course say it's because customers want it that way, but I don't buy it - if that were true, we would have price haggling at supermarkets and apparel stores). Doesn't really matter "who started", but at this moment it is fair to say that both sides are conditioned to enter "price discovery" process and it is very difficult to change that. I say it is fair to ask for more than you are actually hoping to get - that's a social convention. It is only a matter how much.

Case in point - I remember over ten years ago I saw a Mazda 626 on a floor at the Tallahassee Mall. This was probably last year of that model, or close to it - so it was selling close to invoice with decent manufacturer incentives. The car wasn't even particularly popular - Camry and Accord were beating the pants out of it. And the dealer had ... $1500 ADM on it :surprise: :surprise: :surprise: The sticker had a long lithany of those phoney, but officially sounding "reasons" (market conditions, blah, blah, blah). Now, there may be some old lady somewhere out there who will actually pay it - but a question of an insulted walkout becomes legitimate in this case, as the spread between "asking" price and real market value was beyond ridiculous.

driver100

and of course they all smell like mothballs for some strange reason.

That story was priceless. I can't wait to hear about Wednesdays class.

btw...I believe every word, especially when talking about Florida. It's the land where dances and entertainment begin at 5:30, so every one can go home and be in bed by 9.

What is the name of those offices where you pay for your licence and other things. The "Bills Collection Store" or something. Went in there to find out some information and there mucst have been 150 people waiting to pay. Half the people did look deseased or ready to go into a coma. Florida is unique!

driver100

I think I understand you well.

Your original post did make an excellent point, and I can see how aba's original statement could be misconstrued.

I have walked into a dealer and have asked the price. I don't mind if they say the car lists for........., or I'll work out a price for you......but if they just lay it on me the price is full MSRP, or if they insinuate that is what the car will cost, my defensive radar helmet covers my head pretty quickly.

In fact, with the 335 Dealer B said they would give me a discount of 4% immediately on a 2012. My original Dealer A who I bought 3 cars from gave me full MSRP and said he would only take off $1500 if I bought a 2011 in September....no discount for a 2012.

I walked...................right over to my new dealer B and if all goes well he will sell another car to my wife in the Fall.

So, I agree with the point you were making.

fezo

Dino - are you in Tallahassee? Went to grad school there. Great city.

Kirstie_H

In bed by 9?? NINE?? Are you kidding me? What kind of wild and crazy night owls are you hanging out with? 8:30 seems more sensible, especially when you know you'll be up by 4.

Actually, even though we're only in our 40's, the Florida schedule would suit us better. We'll occasionally go out for happy hour, but all of the live entertainment around here starts at 9pm or later. If I'm not already out by 9, there's a 0% chance of getting me to leave the house. Probably not a huge surprise that our goal is to be on the southeast side of the US within 5 years.

Kirstie_H

Remember what I said over the weekend about "calling you into duty" elsewhere? Here's a good one for you (or anyone else who's so inclined):
http://townhall-talk.edmunds.com/direct/view/.f1aea81/2944#MSG2944

dino001

No, I'm in Tampa, but I did go to grad school there, too. College of Engineering.

fezo

I was library science.....

abacomike

and of course they all smelled like mothballs

You don't know the half of it. Bed by 9:00 or 8:30 is about when my Dad hits the hay. So, yes, dances, trips to the casino, cruises, etc., all have to be back by 7:30 or 8:00 so they can get to bed by 8:30 or 9:00.

But you forgot all about the EARLY BIRD MENUS AND THE DECEASED!

First of all, if you expect to get a table at a restaurant down here between 4:00 and 5:30 for the EARLY BIRD SPECIAL, forget it. Have you ever tried to find a parking spot at a Chinese, Italian or Delicatessen restaurant down here during those times? Not only that, if a spot opens up and you are 10 feet from the parking spot, invariably you put your life and car at risk by pulling forward to park - a little old lady and man who both can't see over the steering wheel, plow right into the spot with horn blowing, lights flashing, etc., even though you have been waiting for the prior couple to pull out of the spot for 20 minutes while they walked to the car, opened the car, put their "DOGGIE BAG" in the trunk, open the doors, close the doors, start the engine, and as they inch backwards, you say to yourself, thank goodness I found a spot. NOPE, you take your life into your hands at these restaurant parking lots as they fight you to peal in between the lines, if lucky.

Then, when in the restaurant, there is a long line of DECEASED persons waiting for a table and to be seated. SCHWARTZ, party of 3, and 10 people rush forward to the greeter thinking their name had been called. "...No, I called SCHWARTZ, not Stein." And this continues for 45 - 60 minutes while you begin the final stages of starvation right there on line.

Then you sit. The waiter doesn't welcome you, he/she just throws garlic rolls on the table along with a few menus and says they will be right back. Well, they never return until you go to the manager and ask what happened to your table server.

When they finally get to your table, they say, "...EARLY BIRD DINNERS, RIGHT?" I respond, "NO, WE WANT THE REGULAR MENU" Why do I ask for the regular menu? Because there isn't enough on the Early Bird Special for a frog to eat, let alone a grown human being.

Then, THE DOGGIE BAGS! Every restaurant that has an Early Bird Special has to have a daily delivery of plastic bags and styrofoam containers from their suppliers so the DECEASED can take home the remains of their nibblings so they can eat dinner the next night at home.

My God, it's a rat-race down here. It's like living in a ghetto. I do feel for these people who's life savings have vanished because of inflation and loss of the value of the dollar - so they subsist on 900 a month Social Security.

I only live here because my Dad refused to move. He feels secure here in his little condo. That's it, they all feel secure in their little condos. The problems arise when they take to their cars. They can't see 2 feet in front of themselves, yet they drive cars.

God, like I said in a prior post, I GOTTA GET ALIFE!

abacomike

what's the name of those offices where they buy their tags

They call them TAG AGENCIES. They pop up and then go out of business all in a matter of weeks, it seems. If you want tags, or handicapped parking placards (wait, I've got stories about HANDICAPPED PLACARDS also, i just need to catch my breath here) you must go to a TAG AGENCY because the state and county only sell tags at City Hall, and if you've ever been to Ft. Lauderdale or Miami's City Hall, it's where all the criminals are. So you never go there to save the 20 bucks or so, you go to a TAG AGENCY so they can do it for you.

abacomike

calling you into duty elsewhere

Yes, I read the post. The repsonse he got from the other poster was right on target.

I've had to take cars back from customers a few days, or even weeks, after they leased or bought the car due to credit issues, incorrect money factors, etc., and yes, I had to eat those cars. Lost a lot of money on some of them. Had to end up selling those cars as demos because they had so many miles on them.

The customer is in the driver's seat when it comes to these situations.

Kirstie_H

Your restaurant story reminds me of an episode with my grandmother (father's side), which our family still gets amusement from today.

She lived in a small town in northern Ohio, where there weren't many restaurants, and few chain restaurants nearby - plus she was just an awful, awful driver. She did love good food, and one of her great wishes, which she mentioned frequently, was that she would LOVE to go to Olive Garden. So, when she came to visit my parents in Columbia, MO, I drove into town for the Great Olive Garden Experience. When we got there, she raved about the decor - looked over the menu, and raved about the selection.

When the waiter arrived to take our orders, she asked if she could have a grilled cheese sandwich and tomato soup. Of course, grilled cheese sandwich is not one of the menu items, but the waiter asked the kitchen staff, who were kind enough to accommodate the request. She waited 10 years to go to an Olive Garden so she could order something she could easily make just as well at home!

driver100

Probably not a huge surprise that our goal is to be on the southeast side of the US within 5 years.

You will fit right in.

I used to be on a later schedule but decided to go on my wife's schedule, especially since it was really necessary to get a lot of work done in the morning when I started out on my own....at age 46.

I like it better, feel better, more productive in the morning, after 9 is a good time to wind down, read a book, watch the news or fall asleep watching TV, and then getting up and look forward to starting a new day (without a throbbing head).

kyfdx

My stock picking skills are woeful, at best... but, I think I got one right, finally...

We were discussing Sears (SHLD) a couple of months back, and my response in part, was:

Personally, I think this jump in Sears stock is misguided.. and if you own it, this would be the perfect time to get out.

Here is the link: http://townhall-talk.edmunds.com/direct/view/.f09ff51/77461#MSG77461

On that day (Feb.27th), the stock was at $68.76.. It did go up to $83.43 on March 15th...

However, today, just 8 weeks after my prediction, SHLD closed at $50.59

Thank you, thank you very much...

driver100

Remember what I said over the weekend about "calling you into duty" elsewhere?

That was an interesting one. The advice right below it sounded perfect and our own aba agreed.

I once leased a 1984 Camaro. After the lease was up the dealership called me in for a meeting. I had no idea what it was about so I went. They said they realized the secretary in the office used the wrong formula when they leased me the cars and they were out $1600 which they would like me to pay.

I was totally surprised, and naive, I said I was going but I would think about it. I left and never heard from them again. I thought it was crazy asking me for the money, but, they tried to appeal to my sense of fairness etc., but I thought, if I overpaid I don't know how fast they would be to give me my money back.

driver100

Thank you, thank you very much...

Speaking about "Thank you, thank you very much...", we went to see an Elvis contest on Sunday. 40 Elvis's were competing and the best would go to Memphis for the finals.

About the Sears stock..........that was an excellent prediction.

Now that we know your good, can you tell us something that is going to go up so we can buy some.

imidazol97

> She waited 10 years to go to an Olive Garden so she could order something

Do many of their menu items come out of a portion pack? I recall recently someone talking about Applebees or Fridays being that way: every thing is portion pack, heat open, splatter correctly, and serve.

I enjoy Olive Garden soup and salad.

Kirstie_H

I had a similar one as well - dealership called me a week after the deal was done and said they had inadvertently overvalued my trade and wanted something like $1,000 from me. Something like they thought it was an automatic, but it was a manual. I think I actually LOL'ed, right before I told him never to call me again.

abacomike

leased a 1984 camaro

A few posts ago, remember I mentioned about computers and how easy it is to calculate a lease today, but back in the early 90's, before technology had reached the car sales business, all leases had to be done by hand. Can you imagine the number of leases that were incorrectly calculated, both to the good of the dealer as well as the good of the customer?

One had to determine the money factor for the specific term of the lease. Then, they had to determine the residual value. Then, they had to add in the bank fees for the lease. Then, they had to insert the out of pocket money the customer as going to put down. Then, they used a hand calculator to determine the monthly payment without tax. Then with tax. And if there was the slightest change to the term, the amount out of pocket, or the car, it had to be recalculated.

I would have committed Hari Kari if I had to figure out leases by hand with a hand held calculator.

Thank goodness for computers.

Kirstie_H

No idea. I haven't been there in years, though I do enjoy their salad. When I've had their pasta dishes in the past, I usually leave thinking that it was good, but that I could have fixed the same thing at home better and for less $$.