Stories from the Sales Frontlines

Kirstie_H

You might have better luck with this question somewhere on the Automotive News board - just hit "browse by board" on the right side of the page to get there.

abacomike

Somewhere in Africa or Russia

That would not surprise me at all! But you can imagine how many senile seniors would respond to this. It only takes a few hundred a scam artist steals the identity of 50 or so, which is a success in their view.

abacomike

To iPhone or not to iPhone

Ask AT&T if they are still running the promotion on the iPhone 3GS, free if you sign a 2 year contract with them, which is what I did last December.

Unless you need a phone that talks to you, this 3GS meets all of my needs and more. Does just about everything the 4S does with few exceptions.

I found the iPhone much more reliable through my investigations and if you want it free with a contract, I'd grab one.

I took out an extended warranty (2 years total) with Apple because these batteries are finicky. If the battery fails during the warranty, they replace the phone, and if they run out of 3GS models, they replace the phone with a 4 or 4S. Definitely worth the cost of the extended warranty.

I truly love my phone. It's my computer away from home!

nyccarguy

my 2001 Honda Prelude Type SH. I took delivery of it 10 years ago today!

fezo

Actually Awfuls Awfuls were from a Friendly's competitor called Bond's. They were great. If you could drink three they put your name up on the wall and gave you a certificate for a free one.

Bond's went bankrupt but some outfit in Rhode Island bought up the rights to the Awful Awful.

abacomike

Honda Prelude birthday

May it live long and prosper!

abacomike

Friendly's filed for bankruptcy

Yes, I remember hearing that a few months ago. All I remember is the "Awful-Awful" milk shake that was humongous, to say the least. I would buy one, with two straws, and share it with my twin brother or one of the girls from the camp. Sharing it with one of the girls was much better, but my brother enjoyed them too, to say the least (the awful awfuls and the girls)

driver100

You might have better luck with this question somewhere on the Automotive News board

Are you saying we don't know what we are talking about around here? :sick:

Kirstie_H

Not at all! Just that there's a larger pool of members from which to solicit opinions.

driver100

We collect nine million emails id that are active online and electronic
balloting System was use to select rightful winner without the winner
applying and we only select five people every year as our winners,through
electronic balloting machine without the winner applying,note your
identification numbers:Lotto number......Lwh35447 Winning
number......Lwh09788 for your information, this Lottery will be announced
on BBC and CNN Network.

You would think Nestle would have copy writers that wouldn't write run on sentences.

10.Choice of delivery/ Online bank wire transfer or Recieve check through our registeredcourier company

They should also have checked the spelling of "received".

But, why not give it a try....what could possibly go wrong?

driver100

Not at all! Just that there's a larger pool of members from which to solicit opinions.

Don't tell him to go to the Passat Forum....he might turn into a skeleton by the time someone gets back to him.

Larger....but are they more knowledgeable?

fezo

Awful Awfuls

Remember sharing them with my high school sweetie.

jmonroe

I always wonder how the chain pizza places survive where I live.

So…we’re back to pizza again. I don’t wonder about anything I would only throw down the sewer.

You can hardly throw a stone without hitting a good independent pizza place.....

The Burgh area where I live has its share of good Italian restaurants but only 2 pizza joints worth my time. One is what they claim is New York style pizza (thin but not that thin) and another place that is more of the normal style. I prefer the New York style place because they use the sliced sausage not the crumbled type that the others use. When I lived in SC the best you could do was pizza from a chain. Pretty much lost my appetite for pizza the 5 years I lived there. Now things are back to normal.

jmonroe

kyfdx

...they put that "cheese" stuff on the hamburgers, too...

Not good..

Great Italian food on The Hill in St.Louis, though... (nothing to do with pizza...)

explorerx4

All that talk about Friendly's makes me hungry for a Fribble and a grilled cheeseburger (2 grilled cheese with a hamburger in between).

driver100

Seems to be a slow day here unless you want to discuss pizza. I love it, but try to eat it as seldom as possible, too many carbs and too much salt.

So, if you have nothing better to do check out this crazy lady driver....

Wish I could drive like this - (55 seconds)

abacomike

Check this crazy lady out

For some reason, it reminded me of a BUMPER CAR RIDE at Coney Island when I was a kid. At first, I thought a kid was driving.

abacomike

are you saying we don't know what we're taking about

THAT's EXACTLY WHAT I THINK SHE IS SAYING! After all, she knows us better than anyone, RIGHT? I never know what I'm talking about - that's why it is so comforting to monitor the posts here - no one knows what they are talking about which makes us all equal! Let's face it, we're just a bunch of Know Nothing's!

abacomike

chain pizza restaurants vs something else

Yes, I think the chain restaurants survive because they are less expensive than the individual proprietorships. If you've got a family of 4-6 people or more, those chains are the cheapest way to go, with the exception of Cicci's which is an all-you-can-eat place for $5.99 or thereabouts. I am not going to describe the taste of their pizza, mainly because I haven't been successful in actually "tasting" it.

But to get great pizza, you have to be willing to pay for it!

abacomike

all that talk about Friendly's

When I lived in California. I used to go crazy for TRIPLE TRIPLES and DOUBLE DOUBLES at In N Out Burgers! If you like your burgers greasy, cheesy, and beefy - and your fries greasy and crisp, then it is definitely worth a round trip ticket on Southwest Airlines to Burbank or Ontario Airport for a true feast at In 'N' Out Burger. Truly unbelievable.

Anyone out there have the same experience?

mako1a

I found you a great parking space.

snakeweasel

2 hours later, I am putting in the last two long screws to attach the arms to the seat and back of the chair and, of course, they are stripped. Won't tighten.

You should have taken the one off the stores floor.

abacomike

found you a parking space

THANKS! But I wouldn't park a TONKA or a RADIO FLYER there. Reminds me a lot of the last car dealership I worked at - an accident waiting to happen!

abacomike

should have taken the floor sample

The floor sample was in worse shape! It retailed for $299 and they have it to me for &199. Then, they have me a $60 credit on my charge card if I kept it. All I did was put a little string around the two screws, and they tightened right up.

For $139, I made out great!

abacomike

Nestlé lottery contest winner

I decided to google this, and after a few minutes, I was able to bring up a warning that it is a reported scam and that it is recommended that the email be deleted.

Interesting that I got one. I'm one of those younger seniors who actually can tell the difference between a scam an some spam.

Surprised no governmental group (local, state or federal) has not investigated this. I never received a response from Nestlé who I am sure would want this stopped!

jmonroe

Cicci's which is an all-you-can-eat place for $5.99 or thereabouts.

Here we go again with a timely post.

On Tuesday afternoon I was right next door to what used to be a Cicci’s in my burgh. I guess you can call me a pizza snob because there is no way I would even think of going into that place. I don’t think that place lasted long enough for a light bulb to burn out. There must be a lot like me around here but some had to try it to find out.

Car related thing as to why I was next door. I was at a tire store making good on my lifetime balance, tire rotation and lifetime front end alignment that I bought when I replaced the worthless OEM Dunlops on the ‘09 Genny in May of 2010 with only 18K miles on them. This is one of the few times I get an extended warranty, so to speak. This is the second time I have had this done since the original purchase and the price has already paid for it self.

The amazing thing is that the car holds an alignment very well and the guy said he only made a minor adjustment even though it was still in spec since it was on the rack and he wanted me to think I was getting my moneys worth. What’s even more amazing is that last year when I had the same work done the guy said he wanted to see how the tires balanced before he took the weights off since the alignment was so good last year too. Then he would pull the weights off and balance them. He just wanted to do a little experiment. I liked that idea because he was thinking like me. Believe it or not (and I wouldn’t have if I didn’t see it with my own eyes) all 4 tires were still in balance after a year of driving and around 15K miles. He ask me if I wanted him to try to put the needle in the center of the green acceptance band but since they were all so close to that already I told him not to bother. I have never, ever, seen that before. :surprise:

jmonroe

abacomike

Cici's and wheel balancing - what a combination

If your tires are properly balanced from day one, and assuming you do not hit a curb harshly or some other impact that would tie some rubber off the tire or cause a weight to jar loose, your tires should stay in balance for their entire life. What causes issues is the allignment (toe-in, toe-out, camber/ caster issues). Today 's automobiles are designed to maintain proper allignment even with low impact collisions with curbs, railroad tracks, etc. proper balancing and proper allignments will add significant life to a set of tires.

What this has to do with Cicci's pizza, i'll never know - but remember, we are KNOW NOTHINGS with tremendous knowledge about absolutely nothing at all. Gosh, I fit into this group beautifully. Ecause I know absolutely nothing about anything. In fact I know so little about anything, I forgot shat I was responding to. Now that takes a lot of nothing to figure out!

driver100

urprised no governmental group (local, state or federal) has not investigated this.

I don't think the government or law enforcement agencies can keep up. We get official looking ones from banks...even with logos. Nestles won't care.

You just have to believe no one is going to give you something for nothing. Age or having your marbles doesn't stop them, they just send them out at random and hope they get 1% to respond.

murphydog

Bwia -

What kind of phone did you have before and did you connect it to your car previously?

Let us know what you chose - either way would love to hear how well it works with your car.

iPhone does offer free navigation as well, there is no audio, you have to read the screen. Every once in a while my iphone provides better directions than my android, but both are worlds better than the OEM systems I have played with from both Nissan and Lexus

abacomike

what kind of phone did you have before

Yes, we would like to know which phone you decide on. Prior to getting an iPhone, I had several of the old Motorola Razr's, which were excellent for Bluetooth connectivity to my car(s), but only if you did not text, want web access, or anything else besides making phone calls.

With the new iPhones, bluetooth connectivity in my Mercedes is markedly improved as it automatically downloads my entire address book and updates entries and deletions every time you activate Bluetooth. I can even select an address I want to go to the next day and send it through Mercedes Mbrace via iPhone and when I get into my car and start the engine, my navigation system immediately starts talking to me and asks if I want to begin route guidance to the destination I sent to the car via the iPhone. AMAZING!

When I had the Motorola phones (the Razr's), I had to go through several steps to connect Bluetooth. With the iPhone, it automatically connects with the push of a button on the phone. I can leave Bluetooth on all the time and every time I get into the car, it connects once the ignition is turned on.

It's amazing how fast technology has expanded in the past few years. Most new cars can now be ordered with WiFi connectivity right in the car. But all this worries me.

So many people down here in south Floida are on their cell phones without Bluetooth connectivity talking with their phone in one hand and steering with the other. There has been a significant increase in accidents caused by cell phones and by texting while driving. I just wish all states would pass a law that if you are talking or texting on a cell phone without bluetooth connectivity, you should have to pay a fine of $500 for the first time, then doubling every time thereafter.

I'll sit behind a driver at a light that has turned green for 30 seconds or more because that driver is either on his phone (phone in hand) or texting. It's really bad now.

driver100

So many people down here in south Floida are on their cell phones without Bluetooth

In Ontario we have pretty heavy fines for talking on the phone, but I still see quite a few people doing it.

When we are in Florida it seems about half the people are talking on their phones at any given time. Stopped at a light and not going on green is bad enough, but there are people weaving all over the road while on their phone.
The ones that scare me have the phone up to their ear in their left hand, blocking their vision to the left, while they make a left turn with their right hand.

They were talking about outlawing cell phones (w/o bluetooth) while we were there, I hope they do it...the sooner the better.

abacomike

so many people down here in Florida

It's getting really bad. A senior citizen was on her cell phone when she drove right into a canal last month. There was a hit and run 2 months ago and when they caught the guy, he said he was on his cell phone and didn't see the women.

When seniors use cell phones when driving, it's even worse because their reflexes are already hampered by their age.

Something has to be done about driving a car with a cell phone to your ear or one in your lap as you text. THERE OUGHTA BE A LAW that is so stringent and so heavy with fines and penalties for driving while on a cell phone.

jmonroe

I don’t blame them for sending the bill immediately. I would do the same thing if I had a business.

As I mentioned on Tuesday, I called XM the night before to get Mrs. j’s Subie connected. In yesterdays mail we received the bill. The bill was exactly what I was expecting $94.43 for the year plus $2 to have the bill sent because I did not want to give my credit card number that would have enabled them to automatically renew me at the prevailing rate next year. I will do the same thing again next year when they call.

Now for the interesting part. Mrs. j remembered what I said about the cost of the service being $94.43 but she didn’t hear me say there would be a $2 mailing fee (selective hearing. I guess). So, she says, “this bill is not right”. I explained it to her and this is the discussion we had:

Mrs. j: WHAT? They charge you to send you a bill? I don’t get that from the electric company, the gas company, the credit card company…” and she goes on and on and on.

I explained to her why I did it.

Mrs. j: Boy, when you want something you’ll fall for any line someone gives you, huh.

Me: I fell for your line before we got married but you have conveniently forgotten about that, huh.

Then I got one of those looks.

Me: Just pay the bill before they turn off the signal and we have to pay to have it reconnected.

Mrs. j: That’ll be the day.

I guess she would fit right in around here. She doesn’t like “doc fees”.

jmonroe

tjc78

Ok, so this really made me chuckle last night. My fiancé is driving an 08 Elantra. She bought it right before we got together and unfortunately buried it on a six year loan. She had an 03 Mustang before that which was hurting her in gas on her long commute at the time.

Anyway, I told her that maybe early next year after the wedding we would get her an SUV or a sporty mid size car (Fusion sport, Camry SE V6, etc). So, last night she tells me she wants another Mustang. I said, well that is great but not really practical since I know we want to have kids, and who wants to deal with a two door and a baby in a car seat. She then explains so proudly................ "We will just get a four door honey". I just couldn't stop laughing.

sterlingdog

I was on a waiting list to receive the Samsung Galaxy S II. I got the one with the large screen and I love it. Being technology challenged, I can definitely say that it is very user friendly. It even talks with you if you like. I can text, surf the web, take pictures, use the GPS, organize emails and voice messages, etc. It has been a great experience---and does fine in the sun. Good luck!

Richard

abacomike

Does fine in the sun

Do you mean you can see the screen in the sun, it won't get hot in the sun, it doesn't get sunburned in the sun? Remember, Richard, I don't know squat about anything.

What I did do, though, is get an Otter case for my iPhone. You all should really have one. First, it totally encases your phone in hard plastic to protect it if you drop it. Then, there is a non-glare film that goes over the screen (better in strong daylight) and then a hard plastic transparent screen over that. I believe they make cases for all upscale tech phones. Then, there is a belt holder for the entire case that just snaps the phone in.

If you don't have one, check it out. Keeps your phone like new. You can uncase the phone for cleaning, if necessary

tjc78

I had an Otter box on my previous phone. Does a fantastic job protecting it, but, makes the phone a bit bulky.

Kirstie_H

Not much they can do. These scammers send the emails from internet cafes and other public locations, and they usually operate out of countries that aren't particularly cooperative or are so poor they don't have the resources to track & apprehend the scammers.

abacomike

not much they can do

No, I guess not. But it is unnerving to get these. They obviously picked up my email address from somewhere and/or bought the address from some company I do business with.

In any case, I sure hope my security systems on my computer work well. I have that new Symantic Norton 360. It is a good security system and even makes it difficult to download things from the internet without first checking the download.

abacomike

iphone vs. galaxy

Yes, but it has to be a little bulky to protect the phone in case you drop it. I usually uncase the phone once a month to clean the plastic cover and remove dust and other grit. Then I recase the phone and it is ready for use. I like the fact the I can clip it to my belt. I phones tend to be difficult to carry in a pocket. If you carry keys or change in your pocket, you can easily scratch the screen.

driver100

THERE OUGHTA BE A LAW that is so stringent and so heavy with fines and penalties for driving while on a cell phone.

Agreed....it is ridiculous, incompetent drivers now have another way to become even more incompetent.

driver100

I can text, surf the web, take pictures, use the GPS, organize emails and voice messages, etc.

That's why you haven't been around much lately. :P

abacomike

iphone does offer free navigation

Yes. I was in a shopping center a few months ago and I forgot where I parked my car. I opened the iphone application for Mercedes Benz Mbrace (similar to OnStar) and pressed "find my car." In about 60 seconds, it opens a map from mapquest and flashes a "star" where the car can be found. I then walk toward the star and, low and behold, there "she" is. It works only for about a diameter of one mile. Definitely a nice feature - something you don't use often, but when you need it...!

Same thing with the stolen vehicle assistance. Car is always on "satellite" telemetry so, if car is stolen, you get the police to call Mbrace, they give Mbrace a case number, I authorize Mbrace to talk to the police, and they can locate the car anywhere in the continental United States.

I can also unlock and lock the doors to the car using my iphone app for Mbrace if I left my keys at the house. Can also lock and unlock the trunk for me. Great features.

Wonder when your car will give you a call to tell you a window is not completely closed, or you forgot to lock "me", or you need gas, or some other info. Not long, I would imagine.

driver100

they usually operate out of countries that aren't particularly cooperative or are so poor they don't have the resources to track & apprehend the scammers.

Do you mean they aren't going to send me that $20 million they were going to give me for helping to protect the Nigerian presidents life savings?

murphydog

Bwia -

One last idea - the local AT&T store will have all these phones live and active in their store (they should all be live!)

Try both of them out, send a few emails, use the web, send a text message etc. You won't be able to take one out to your car and try in there, but at least you get a feel for what works for you and what does not work.

Happy shopping!

snakeweasel

Basically, it is mass produced food, made in a central location, frozen, then shipped to their restaurants so any one can warm it up.

Thats one of the reasons I avoid those chain restaurants like the Olive Garden.

stickguy

the salad is good though.

snakeweasel

But if you want regular pizza, Chicago flat pizza has a crust much like soda crackers (awful and crunchy - the worst I've ever tasted).

Strange, I have lived in the Chicago area almost my whole life and never had a "soda craker" type crust.

snakeweasel

if you have nothing better to do check out this crazy lady driver....

Benny Hill is alive and well.

bwia

Reply to all:

Thank you guys for your input and terrific suggestions. I truly appreciate that and I owe you one, perhaps a seafood dinner on the Boston Waterfront. Now you have left me a wonderful dilemma, how do I choose? Nevertheless, later today I will start my shopping at Best Buy before venturing to the AT&T retail store.

As richard64 said, he is technology challenged yet is able surf the web, organize email and take pictures, etc. I am in the same boat but as an educator we ask students to do faculty evaluations (in class) on their cell phones as well as engage in active learning by using cell phones as classroom clickers. Cool stuff yes, but I am a little behind the technology curve and as you can see I need a cell phone that is much more than talk and text.

Wish me luck.