Stories from the Sales Frontlines

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Comments

  • driver100driver100 Member Posts: 32,594
    Did you know that at most dealerships, sales has to "buy" accessories from parts and then mark them up?

    I didn't know that but I am not totally surprised. I worked many years for a media giant that had movies, records, books and many other divisions. One division didn't know or care about the other, even if you were working on a project at the same time there was no cooperation.

    I suppose it is the structure of a company, and in a car dealership there are probably tax implications as well. All divisions have to show an increase in sales, and if you give it away to sales, then it hurts the Parts Dept bottom line.

    It doesn't make sense, but it isn't going to change.

    2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250

  • dino001dino001 Member Posts: 6,191
    Yes, every market has its pecularities. Florida's dealer fee is one of those. However, paying the dealer fee may not necessarily mean paying higher price.
    - scheme A: Car is $15000, no fee
    - scheme B: Car is $14300, 700 fee.

    Total exactly the same. It is possible that people in Florida pay more, but perhaps not. Without actual survey of comparable transactions, one can't say for sure. Just because people pay the fee, it does not mean they pay more.

    However, it is fair to say that Florida market is more difficult for inexperienced buyer - there are more opportunities to be taken advantage of than in more regulated market in a given transaction. However, it is hard to assess without statistical data whether in aggregate those transactions are in fact higher. It is very likely that majority of people adjust their expectations and factor in the fee by demanding lower price, rather than fighting the fee. Seems like more efficient and rational course of action. Same will go with warranties - walk into "as is" mom and pop store, demand lower price than franchise dealer who, in their words, "stands by their product".

    The comment on regulation was just that - media like to show a problem and politicians love to run on fixing the problem, preferebly by some new law requiring additional regulations and protections of those who are perceived as weaker side of the transaction (here customers) and limit freedom of those who are perceived as stronger and without morals (dealers). However, the product of such regulation will often result in aggregate higher cost, which will be passed on those who are supposed to be protected.

    2018 430i Gran Coupe

  • driver100driver100 Member Posts: 32,594
    I think a lot of people would feel better buying from a place that stands behind their product with a warranty.

    The simple answer is, if you are buying a used car in Florida buy it from a new car dealer....they give warranties. If you are knowledgeable, you could buy a car from a private dealer. But, that is very risky with curbsiders and considering they can sell you a car that was in a major accident or a flood.
    Used cars....buyer beware!

    2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250

  • driver100driver100 Member Posts: 32,594
    scheme A: Car is $15000, no fee
    - scheme B: Car is $14300, 700 fee.


    That is a good example. There is a Ford dealer near Tampa that advertises "no dealer fee". They say, why should you pay us because you want to buy a car from us? Actually, their prices seem quite good as well. They are a volume dealer and just want to sell lots of cars. Another place may take more off the list price and then add the dealer fee.

    VW dealers all seem to want to collect the fee, most want $699, our dealer is $500. I just told them what I was willing to pay for the Passat, they can subtract it from the list price or the dealer fee....that's up to them. It was a take it or leave it deal, and I think it was a fair price, $285 lower than Edmunds Value Price.

    2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250

  • abacomikeabacomike Member Posts: 12,388
    edited September 2012
    Yes, every market has its peculiarities...

    I agree with you *dino. Florida, as a State, may not sell as many cars as California or New York, but in Southeast Florida, they sell more cars than any other region in the country. As I mentioned in a previous post, some of the largests dealers and dealer networks in the country are located in Southeast Florida.

    It would appear that dealer fees do not mean fewer sales - just that the average buyer must be aware of those fees and negotiate with the dealer as an "out the door" price rather than a price before tax, fees and registration and/or title. You all know, from my posts over the past 6 months, that I detest dealer fees (those that are merely added profits)! In actuality, what a dealer has to incur in terms of clerical or prep costs is considered as the cost of doing business.

    In conclusion, the fact that dealer fees are legal in Florida does not mean that Florida sells fewer new cars.

    2024 Genesis G90 Super-Charger

  • dino001dino001 Member Posts: 6,191
    Exactly. No point of arguing with it. It is counterproductive and likely fruitless. Since they already formally charged this fee somebody else today, they have to charge you, too. So just say what you think it's worth as total, regardless how they break it down, and if they don't like it, there will be no transaction.

    2018 430i Gran Coupe

  • abacomikeabacomike Member Posts: 12,388
    Exactly. No point of arguing with it.

    When I go in to buy a car from a dealership (which is very, very seldom), I already know what I am going to pay. I take the invoice of the car, subtract the USAA purchase agreement price, and the offer that price + tax, tags, and fees. I already know what I want for my trade, so I subtract that from my offer, and that is the net offer +++. All dealers in this area charge $500-$800 as a dealers fee (my dealer's fee is $600). So I know that the dealer is selling me the car for $600 over invoice less the USAA discount or incentives.

    When I purchased this last car, I was surprised to see a counter offer from the General Manager of $875 below the USAA pricing. That means the car was sold to me for $275 below invoice since his dealer fee is $600. He still makes about 2% hold back on each car he sells, so he didn't lose any money on my deal, but it was a very decent deal for me.

    They also made a 1/4 point on my financing, which is negligible considering the loan is for only $15000.

    But when the average person goes into a dealership to buy a new car, that Mr. Average Joe should know, within $200, what he will pay out the door for that car. If he doesn't, he will be taken advantage of, for sure.

    2024 Genesis G90 Super-Charger

  • isellhondasisellhondas Member Posts: 20,342
    edited September 2012
    Mike,

    I guess you don't "know" me as the others do since somehow I lost track of this forum awhile back. I've been around these forums since they began around 1996 and, yes, I sold Hondas at the same family owned store for close to 14 years.

    We didn't lose deals over dollars either and we could only hope that our old owners would at least check with us. There was a long standing rumor that cars are cheaper in Oregon and people would drive there to find out.

    High end cars may be different and attract different customers. We had salespeople leave to work for hgh end stores only to come back begging for their jobs.

    We had a nice waiting room but nothing like you describe. It's the customers who end up paying for those amenties and Honda people can be pretty frugal.

    As far as warranty work, we did it all and we didn't remind people where they bought their cars. It was annoying when a customer who bought elsewhere would ask me how to set up their bluetooth or explain their navagation system.

    For those who don't know, dealerships do NOT enjoy doing warranty work for the most part and they do NOT make as much money as customer pay work.

    Trying to fix a rattle in the dash that happens "sometimes" is no fun. Also warranty customers can be very demanding sometimes.

    Back in the "old days" some stores would flat out refuse to do warranty work on cars that had been bought form other stores in the area.

    The car companies came out with thier little surveys that ended much of this.

    Our store consistently had top scores both in sales and service.
  • isellhondasisellhondas Member Posts: 20,342
    Your method may work on cars that aren't in short supply and high demand.

    I used to love it when some customers "knew" what they were going to pay and "knew" what their trades were worth.

    Sometimes they were right and other times they would walk.

    I was always nice and usually I would see them again after they had shopped themselves to death only to find out that their little "method" didn't work on te car they wanted.
  • dino001dino001 Member Posts: 6,191
    edited September 2012
    There is know and there is "know". I suspect Mike being a (now former) industry insider, most likely really knows, but most people you dealt with probably just "know" how much they should pay and get for the car. Mike would probably know not to expect a big discount on a car in high demand and low supply, but he'd have no problem figuring out how to take the holdback if the particular product was not a big seller.

    2018 430i Gran Coupe

  • isellhondasisellhondas Member Posts: 20,342
    I agree that he wouldn't try that method on a car he knew was in short supply.

    I am surprised that he mentioned holdback. Holdback certainly doesn't fall to the bottom line as profit. It was orginally put in place to help dealers pay for bank flooring charges.

    Our store paid for it's cars but a lot of stores don't.
  • isellhondasisellhondas Member Posts: 20,342
    Costco employees are always happy it seems. I have contact with a lot of them from rank and file to higher managerment and they all love working for Costco.

    It's even hard to get fired. You have to either steal from them or not show up for work. They will even send drug abusers to treatment, I think two or three times before letting them go.

    Oh, they really look down on "grazers". These are employees who eat the food samples. That too can eventually get a person fired.

    The 1.50 hot dogs include a drink with refills. This has been a sacred cow to Sinegal. He's gone now but they say the prices won't increase.

    They even bought thier own meat processing plant to keep quality up and the price the same.
  • abacomikeabacomike Member Posts: 12,388
    edited September 2012
    Costco employees are always happy it seems. I have contact with a lot of them from rank and file to higher managerment and they all love working for Costco

    I was first introduced to Costco when I lived in the Palm Springs area of the Coachella Valley - Palm Desert, to be exact. They had a store out there that had just opened and I went in there one day to see what it was like - picked up a temporary membership card (good for 7 days) and roamed the place. The first thing I noticed was the size(s) of the products they sold - so if you had a family, the bulk pricing really worked out nicely, but for single individuals or couples, it wasn't always economical because there is just do much you can use of a product.

    I ended up becoming a member and would go in when I needed certain items as I had just moved there and was not making a whole lot of money - any savings on food was heavenly to me.

    I remember one day I was finished shopping and took my cart over to the check-out counter. On the check-out line to my right I met Rod Laver - famous champion tennis player during the 50's and 60's (Australian by birth), to my left I met Dorothy Hamel (Gold Medalist figure skater whose daughter attended my school), and right behind me, I me Don Drysdale and his wife who also had kids at my school. So, not only did the store attract the average person looking to save a few bucks, but it attracted personalities and stars who also wanted to save a few bucks.

    When I moved here to Florida, we joined the store here in Pompano Beach. We shop there for Mozzarella Cheese ($4.70 for 2 lb. pkgs), Cheddar Cheese ($5.99 for 2 lb. pkgs), they have great broiled chickens that are plump and juicy, their in-store baked bagels and muffins, snacks, salami and cold cuts, etc. Their meats are excellent, but a little overpriced compared to Penn Dutch, which is where we buy all our meats and poultry for much less with good quality. They have spectacular pricing on various HD TV's and audio systems and their prices on replacement tires are quite good (I know, how would I know about replacement tires on a car), and their wines and spirits are reasonable as well.

    The place is ALWAYS jammed and well kept for a bulk shopping club store and compared to Sam's Club and BJ's, which are not.

    You are correct in your assessment about employees - they seem content, always willing to lend a helping hand, and always a smile. It's a no nonsense place to do shopping, to be sure.

    As *driver mentioned, they don't carry lots of brands, but they carry sufficient varieties to make purchasing foodstuffs there worthwhile. We just don't buy in large quantities.

    We have a new ALDI's that just opened - they carry no brand named merchandize, but their prices are spectacular. I buy coffee for $5.49 a can, which is over $2.00 under what I would pay anywhere else, but the coffee is of excellent quality - arabaca beans. Their snacks are the cheapest I have ever seen in any other store - their wines are very inexpensive - $2.79 a bottle for California wines that are quite good - just not branded if you know what I mean.

    But Costco is a great company - just look at their stock!

    2024 Genesis G90 Super-Charger

  • driver100driver100 Member Posts: 32,594
    I have contact with a lot of them from rank and file to higher managerment and they all love working for Costco.

    They are a very savy retailer. But, I think they have their faults too.

    We have great books that I know would sell in their stores...they outsell 95% of the products out there in discount department stores.

    Getting through the buyer is almost impossible. Buyer is too busy to even have a meeting or to run a no-cost test. I think this is not a good attitude for a retailer. I have noticed the retailers I admire most will try new products and go with the times.

    They are successful, but sometimes that leads to arrogance too. They think they know what is best because they have been successful in the past. They will continue to do well because they have figured that market out pretty well. They will lose business too if they don't don't realize they don't know everything.

    2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250

  • driver100driver100 Member Posts: 32,594
    Rod Laver - Dorothy Hamel Don Drysdale

    Of course they shop at Costco......at least someone there still recognizes them.

    2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250

  • robr2robr2 Member Posts: 8,805
    We have a new ALDI's that just opened - they carry no brand named merchandize, but their prices are spectacular.

    Don't forget to bring cash to pay for your goods, a quarter for the shopping cart and your own bags!!

    ALDI is good for staples is my understanding. They carry fewer items than Trader Joe's. They keep their prices low by not offering the conveniences. They are a true "Stack it High and Watch it Fly" operation.
  • graphicguygraphicguy Member Posts: 14,137
    Mike....what you described is the exact way I buy my cars. I look at demand, stock levels, incentives, etc. Then I make my one offer. No bump, back and forth....I don't waste the dealer's time. They don't waste mine.

    There are lots of dealers who want to grind me. I walk from those places.

    There are times when I actually put a sheet together showing my deal....trade value, taxes, reasonble doc fee...all rolled into one true, out-the-door number.

    Sometimes the deal isn't accepted, in which case, I thanks the dealer for their time, andmove on to another dealer.
    2024 Kia EV6 GT-Line AWD Long Range
  • abacomikeabacomike Member Posts: 12,388
    edited September 2012
    of course they shop at Costco ...

    *driver, this was back in 1993, 20 years ago. Don was broadcasting for the Dodgers at the time - he died in a hotel room Montreal a few hours before he was scheduled to go on the air. I was at his funeral in Forest Lawn near Dodger Stadium - sat next to Sandy Koufax. Dorothy Hamil was previously married to Dean Martin's son Dino, but Dino died in an airplane crash. Rod Laver had retired and lived in Rancho Mirage. There were many celebrities whose kids or grand kids attended the school I was head of. Dennis James was active with my school as was Buddy Rogers, and Don Drysdale and Paul Burke. Tommy LaSorda used to be quite active as well.

    2024 Genesis G90 Super-Charger

  • jwilliams2jwilliams2 Member Posts: 910
    Mike, sounds like you got a nice deal on your Mercedes, and I'm glad you are happy with your new car. I worked (Sales and Sales Management) at an MB dealership for 11 years before I retired three years ago. I too could tell stories, but just don't have the time to keep up with this forum like I used to. Seems every time I log in there are hundreds of posts to read just to catch up. And the post I would have responded to has already been thoroughly hashed out.

    In my view, anytime you can get close to invoice less any MB support such as Monthly Market Assistance, USAA, Conquest, Retention, or rates, you are doing well. Although MB actually has a 3% holdback, which is supposed to support inventory interest expense.

    I do enjoy your stories, and always operated with the same values you did. Treat the customer properly and with respect, regardless. Of course, the main purpose of any dealership is to make money, and as long as it is done honorably and above board, all is good. Just like any business. Our store had many long time employees, with the most senior salesperson having over 38 year's service.

    Of course, we cut things close when we had to, and sometimes over valued trades on paper to make a deal. It's just a matter of sizing up the buyer. In our Northeastern market, we charged $299 "conveyance", and although I never liked it, it was just part of doing business and mandated by ownership. Our store used that to support our office expense, title clerks, etc., and sales got no part of it.

    I enjoyed my years at the dealership, and would probably still be there if my "wheels" had held up a little better. You are 100% correct in your point that it is tough on the body. The miles walking and standing on hard surfaces do take a toll. And I remember well many snow and ice days clearing off hundreds of cars with a short staff. Lots of fun.

    Jim
  • abacomikeabacomike Member Posts: 12,388
    ...don't forget to bring cash and a quarter...

    They take cash as well as debit cards. You use a quarter to unlock a shopping cart, but you get the quarter back when you return the cart to the front of the store. The do not provide paper bags or plastic bags to carry your purchases in, so you need to remember to bring your own bags. If you can manage to get over a few inconveniences, you can sure save a lot of money - I know we do!

    2024 Genesis G90 Super-Charger

  • abacomikeabacomike Member Posts: 12,388
    Mike, sounds like you got a nice deal on you MB

    Great post, Jim. I can tell you this, if I could not get the USAA pricing and the MB financial loyalty, I would not be able to get a new Mercedes. When you can get a new MB for $3000+ under invoice, it's hard not to make the move!

    2024 Genesis G90 Super-Charger

  • jmonroejmonroe Member Posts: 8,989
    Oh, they really look down on "grazers". These are employees who eat the food samples. That too can eventually get a person fired.

    If the employee over does it I can see where that could be a problem.

    Like I said earlier, we don’t go to Costco because as far as I’m concerned they are too far away for the same stuff that I can get much closer at Sam’s Club. One day I’m sure someone will offer to take us to Costco when we will be able to take advantage of the invite and see what that store has to offer that is so much better than Sam’s Club. So far when we’ve been asked, we can’t go.

    When we go to Sam’s it is usually after we go to breakfast on a Sunday morning. Sunday morning is the day that the local Sam’s has the freebie food samples and they have a lot of these. Since I just came from breakfast I am not in the mood for any more food and neither is Mrs. j so we can’t take advantage of what might be some good samples. I can’t say that about some of the people we have just seen at breakfast then see these same people at the sample booths munching away like they had not eaten yet that morning. Those have to be the same type of people that I saw when we went on a cruise years ago at the midnight buffet. As I’ve said before about the midnight buffet, I went the first day we were on the cruise just to watch what goes on. Man, those people acted like they had never eaten yet we saw a lot of them at dinner time.

    Don’t get me wrong, Mrs. j and I enjoy food as much as the next guy but we can only eat so much. Boy, did we get an education on how to pack food away while watching the midnight buffet that first night. :sick:

    jmonroe

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

  • driver100driver100 Member Posts: 32,594
    Don was broadcasting for the Dodgers at the time -

    Ah, they were current big personalities. I didn't think they would do their own shopping....especially at Costco. Just goes to show you....um...er .......something.

    2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250

  • abacomikeabacomike Member Posts: 12,388
    edited September 2012
    ...just goes to show you...

    Celebrities are just people like you and me - just better known and wealthier than us. I have known many of them and some I was fairly close to, but they really are just plain people. They prefer not being recognized or made a fuss over. Many of them had my phone number and I had their phone numbers.

    Life in the California desert is very different than in most places. Everyone knows everyone. It's a very closely knit community. If you go out to dinner at Ruth's Christ or LJ's Steakhouse you will frequently run into celebrities. You just don't run over to them and ask for their autograph. I was at Palamino's one evening and Tim Conway and his wife were sitting right next to us. We also frequented an Italian restaurant in Palm Springs and often ran into Frank Sinatra and his wife Barbara or Bob Hope and Delores Hope.

    It's a totally different life out there - very sedate and laid back.

    2024 Genesis G90 Super-Charger

  • mako1amako1a Member Posts: 1,855
    Ahh, Ruth's Chris Steaks. 1 inch thick and thoroughly cooked to perfection.

    Mr Drysdale, I thought he was the banker for the Beverly Hillbillies.

    Buffalo Bills had a 14 point lead on the NE Patriots...I thought the earth had reversed on it's axis. Don't worry oldfarmer, it's back to normal now.

    2013 Mustang GT, 2001 GMC Yukon Denali

  • abacomikeabacomike Member Posts: 12,388
    Ah, Ruth's Christ Steaks. 1" thick...

    Whenever I'm at Ruth's Christ's, I never had a steak that was less than "2 inches thick"! They broil their steaks in butter which is not common in the steak business.

    My entire family is flying in with my brother's family in 2 weeks and we're taking my Dad to Morton's Steakhouse in Boca Raton for his 90th birthday. We were able to procure a private room there so it should be lots of fun! I haven't eaten at a Morton's since I lived in Palm Desert. Sure hope the food is great and the evening even better.

    2024 Genesis G90 Super-Charger

  • fezofezo Member Posts: 10,386
    Wrong Mr. Drysdale but thanks for playing. I forget the name of the actor that played him but I remember all the rest of the cast hated him. Was a pain to work with.

    I tell my one daughter who is job hunting to try at Costco. They start everyone pushing shopping carts but promote entirely from within. Their to officers started out pushing carts. If you have what it takes and work for them they'll find you and move you up the ladder.
    2015 Mazda 6 Grand Touring, 2014 Mazda 3 Sport Hatchback, 1999 Mazda Miata 2004 Toyota Camry LE, 1999.
  • abacomikeabacomike Member Posts: 12,388
    That's two straight games they've lost in a row in overtime. Tannehill threw for over 400 yards and Hartline caught for over 200 yards, and they still managed to lose again. Boy, this is going to be another long year on South Florida sports. Dolphins keep losing. Panthers keep losing. Marlins keep losing. Very depressing, to say the least!

    2024 Genesis G90 Super-Charger

  • tjc78tjc78 Member Posts: 17,071
    Morton's is fantastic, enjoy it Mike. From what I understand they don't bring the tray of meat for you to choose your cut any longer but the menu looks the same. I was going to make a reservation there in NYC the night before our cruise but decided on Keen's which is more "NY".

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

  • mako1amako1a Member Posts: 1,855
    Ruth's Christ Sorry, no t at the end. Although some may praise the restaurant.

    image

    2013 Mustang GT, 2001 GMC Yukon Denali

  • abacomikeabacomike Member Posts: 12,388
    Morton's is fantastic...

    I remember that they used to bring out the raw meat that you select, now that you mentioned that. I am not disappointed that they discontinued that part of the presentation. As I mentioned, I haven't had dinner in a Morton's in over 15 years. I'll bet the tab for the 16 of us will be close to $2000 with drinks and wine, not including the tip. No wonder they gave us a private room.

    I can't drink much anymore because of my liver problems but every so often I enjoy an Absolut Vodka Gimlet and/or a good wine, but since I'm driving, it will be one or the other. Should be nice. I believe we made the reservations for October 13th at 6:00 PM.

    So from what I gather, your cruise for your honeymoon will be leaving from New York Harbor. Nice time of the year for a cruise - hurricane season only runs for about another month and those that did develop this year seemed to travel north and the northeast for a change. Weather is beautiful down here and in the Caribbean in late October through late November . Perfect time for a cruise!

    2024 Genesis G90 Super-Charger

  • abacomikeabacomike Member Posts: 12,388
    edited September 2012
    About 10 miles southwest from us in Sunrise, Florida, the have a mills outlet mall, 100% indoors and air-conditioned, with over 500 stores, mostly outlets. The stores are outlets for Bloomindales, Levi-Strauss, JC Penneys, Target, Brandsmart, Forever 21, Victoria's Secret, Sports Authority, Black & Decker, Corning, Armani, Bose, Izod, Van Heusen, Burlington Coat Factory, Best Buy, Marshalls, American Heritage Furniture, The Gap, Saks Fifth Avenue, Skechers, Johnston and Murphy, Sony, just to name a few. On Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, it is estimated that over 100,000 people shop there, with over 50% being people who fly in to MIA from South America (mainly Brazilians) and Europe and Central America. They wheel around these huge rolling suitcases and spend an estimated $350,000,000 a year there.

    Our dollar here in the US has devalued so significantly that these visitors can purchase goods for 40% less than they have to pay on their countries of origin. Needless to say, the place is literally jammed from opening to close, especially on weekends.

    We were there today and I bought 2 IZOD golf shirts for $28.00, or $14.00 a piece. The regular retail price on each was $67.50. They are not irregulars or damaged, first class merchandise. This Sawgrass Mills is the largest outlet mall in the country and is second only to Disney World in terms of annual visitors.

    Truly an amazing place!

    2024 Genesis G90 Super-Charger

  • sterlingdogsterlingdog Member Posts: 6,984
    I haven't posted lately because I was busy planning for our high school reunion. I chaired the committee and served as emcee. We graduated with 150 classmates. There are 25 now deceased and 25 too ill to attend. The other 100 came, along with their spouses if they were still living. It took a year to plan and everyone said that it was wonderful. We had a lake side bar-b-q on Friday night with rock band. Saturday morning was a breakfast followed by golf, boating, bridge games, or nature walks---all depending on your preference. A cocktail party was held at 5 PM at the cultural center and dinner was served at the country club at 7 PM. From 8-11 PM a formal dance was held to the music of a live orchestra. We had a memorial service for our deceased classmates this morning followed by a farewell brunch at a club down by the river. I was so thrilled with the weekend because everyone made such an effort to attend. They came from all over the country, plus England, Germany, France, Japan, and Brazil. The logistics of planning such an event took some effort---invitations, programs, contracts, decorations, hotel bookings, rental equipment for bands, floral arrangements, etc. I had a great committee of 8 classmates who made it all work. For some of us, it is probably our last one but we made it a good one.

    Repairs on the Cat? TO BE CONTINUED...

    Richard
  • jmonroejmonroe Member Posts: 8,989
    Seems every time I log in there are hundreds of posts to read just to catch up. And the post I would have responded to has already been thoroughly hashed out.

    Oh, I take it that you were going to chime in on when to do an oil change and what oil to use when it was done or was it how you like/don’t like the big membership shopping clubs or maybe it was you wanted info on a dishwasher. Yeah, all of those have been “thoroughly hashed out” at least twice. Dishwasher’s probably 3 or 4 times. We’re just about ready for another round of “doc fees”. I can’t even guess how many times we’ve done that one. :confuse:

    jmonroe

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

  • tjc78tjc78 Member Posts: 17,071
    So from what I gather, your cruise for your honeymoon will be leaving from New York Harbor. Nice time of the year for a cruise - hurricane season only runs for about another month and those that did develop this year seemed to travel north and the northeast for a change. Weather is beautiful down here and in the Caribbean in late October through late November . Perfect time for a cruise!

    Yes, the sailaway from NYC is fantastic. I am hoping for good weather, the end of Oct is rare for a hurricane. Fingers crossed!!

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

  • jmonroejmonroe Member Posts: 8,989
    Boy, this is going to be another long year on South Florida sports. Dolphins keep losing. Panthers keep losing. Marlins keep losing. Very depressing, to say the least!

    If you want depressing come to Pittsburgh. When the Pirates lost yesterday that insured them of their 20 th straight losing season. By losing I don’t mean they missed making the playoffs or the World Series…they finished below 500 for 2 straight decades. That’s what I call DEPRESSING.

    Back about 2 months ago there were a lot of folks around here that drank the kool-aid when the Bucs were in first place for a few days. Yeah, they really were.

    Water seeks it own level.

    jmonroe

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

  • imidazol97imidazol97 Member Posts: 27,691
    >About 10 miles southwest from us in Sunrise, Florida, the have a mills outlet mall,

    I finally realized we've been to that mall. Went there in early 90s when visiting my sister who was then living in Ft. Laud. I don't recall how many stores were there at that time, but I recall the lighting was relatively dim inside and it was hot as could be everywhere.

    2014 Malibu 2LT, 2015 Cruze 2LT,

  • graphicguygraphicguy Member Posts: 14,137
    tjc....yes....please do let us know how the cruise goes. GF and I are sailing out of New York harbor next June.

    We're lucky in my neck of the woods. We have two outstanding steak restaurants that are locally owned. One is Jag's (closest to my house). The other, The Precinct, is owned by a long time Cincinnati restauranteur.

    Went to Mortons once. Can't say that it was better than either of those restaurants, while costing more. Never been to a Ruth's Chris, which is just finishing a restaurant in Downtown Cincinnati.

    And, the Reds are in the playoffs, and the Bengals are winning.
    2024 Kia EV6 GT-Line AWD Long Range
  • driver100driver100 Member Posts: 32,594
    . The logistics of planning such an event took some effort---

    Sounds like a great event. Planning must be a huge job. I have to plan our tennis matches this week and that takes hours, reserving courts, figuring out who plays on what court. I like those reunions, but there are many people who dread them. I went to a high school reunion 6 years ago and saw people I hadn't seen for 40 years....I like catching up and finding out what happened to people. I know some people had a hard time getting decent jobs or family problems, and the reunion isn't too nice for them.

    What amazed me were some of the former cheerleaders. They would have laughed if I asked them out 40 years ago, now, I think they would be flattered!

    We better have some car stories soon or Isell will be taking off and forget our address again!

    2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250

  • driver100driver100 Member Posts: 32,594
    edited October 2012
    We’re just about ready for another round of “doc fees”. I can’t even guess how many times we’ve done that one.

    lol....yes, and steak restaurants, renovations, grade of gas to use, how to wax a car, warranties, TVs, stereos, and occassionaly a car sales story.

    2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250

  • jmonroejmonroe Member Posts: 8,989
    I haven't posted lately because I was busy planning for our high school reunion.

    I’ve been to a couple of those and they are nice events. Glad you enjoyed all the work you put in. Just a couple years ago we went to Mrs. j’s 50 th high school reunion. I went to grade school with at least a third of her classmates when we lived in the Burgh. We moved at the end of my 8 th grade so I never went to her high school but I would have if we didn’t move to the suburbs.

    Repairs on the Cat?

    Which model, the D9 or something smaller? :P

    jmonroe

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

  • oldfarmer50oldfarmer50 Member Posts: 24,263
    "...Don't worry old farmer..."

    Football doesn't worry me. While I slightly favor the Bills, NE is a good team too. I save my emotions for baseball.

    It's the Yankees I hate because of their past crimes against me and all of humanity. :mad:

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

  • abacomikeabacomike Member Posts: 12,388
    I finally realized we've been to that mall...

    The mall was expanded four times since you were there and it definitely is not dim. I believe it opened with 40 stores in the 90's. In fact, right now, they are getting ready to open another 60,000 square foot addition in a few weeks. There was a big article in the Sun Sentinnel about the numbers of Brazilians who travel here weekly - some of the stores have added employees who speak portuguese because of the onslaught of so many visitors from that country.

    When you come down again, you will not recognize the place!

    2024 Genesis G90 Super-Charger

  • abacomikeabacomike Member Posts: 12,388
    edited October 2012
    lol....yes, and steak restaurants, renovations, grade of gas to use...

    Ok, *jmonroe, here's a list of topics I don't think we've discussed yet. Just pick a few and start "espousing" your opinions:

    *The life expectancy of the Boa Constrictor!
    *How much does "your" hair grow each month?
    *My barber is better than your barber!
    *Which fertilizer is better for your grass?
    *How can you tell if you need a botox injection and where can you get one?
    *Are oranges better for your health and grapefruits?
    *Who is running Al-Qaida lately and where do they hold their weekly meetings?
    *The sex life of the koala bear - good, bad or indifferent?
    *Which animals make for the best pets?
    *What would you do if you found out your significant other was running a prostitution ring?
    *Whose wife is more loyal to their husband, Michelle Obama or Anne Romney and why?
    *Which news media company is the most candid and honest in their reporting of the news?
    *Do blonds have more fun or just better sex?
    *Whatever happend to the boy group N'Sync?
    *Which aircraft manufacturer builds the best planes and why?

    If you don't like any of the topics above, I have several thousand more you can choose from - just let me know, *jmonroe.

    2024 Genesis G90 Super-Charger

  • tjc78tjc78 Member Posts: 17,071
    edited October 2012
    *Which news media company is the most candid and honest in their reporting of the news?

    Actually, we may have touched on this. See post 73915. :)

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

  • abacomikeabacomike Member Posts: 12,388
    edited October 2012
    Actually, we may have touched on this...

    I looked up post #73915, and that's about all that happened - it was "touched" on. Not really an exhaustive discussion like what we normally have on oil, cars, gasoline, etc.

    IMHO, Fox News Channel "is" the least skewed of all the news outlets only when it comes to news reporting! As an example, Brett Baier, Sheppard Smith and Bill and the Blond news show from 9:00 - 1:00 and Gretta VanSusterin report both sides of every story. That does not happen on CNN, MSNBC (which is more socialist than liberal), CBS and ABC.

    But Fox News Channel's Opinion shows like Hannity and Bill O'Reilly are definitely skewed to the right, especially Hannity. O'Reilly is less skewed, but still more conservative than most Opinion Shows.

    If I want to know the truth or facts about something, I turn on Fox News. The other media outlets are definitely skewed to the left if not socialistic, as I mentioned above.

    2024 Genesis G90 Super-Charger

  • isellhondasisellhondas Member Posts: 20,342
    I had no problem with customers who used your approach. It saved me time and trouble.

    Sometimes their numbers worked and sometimes they were impossible and I would have to walk the customer.

    I had to be very careful when doing this especially when I knew no other store would do that deal. I would usually say..." sorry but we can't quite stretch to those numbers but we might not be too far away from a deal"

    If the customer perceived me to be dismissive or arrogant I knoew they would never give me the satisfaction of returning.

    They would usually return after realizing they numbers wouldn't work and a deal would be made.

    The biggest dealbreaker was often a trade. If the trade was something he falt didn't want for a number of reasons, we would get on the phone and do our best to get a buy bid from someone else.

    Usually if we didn't want it, nobody else did either.
  • jmonroejmonroe Member Posts: 8,989
    Ok, *jmonroe, here's a list of topics I don't think we've discussed yet. Just pick a few and start "espousing" your opinions:

    Some from your list are not in keeping with the bylaws in this place but I’ll try a couple of the safe ones.

    *The sex life of the koala bear - good, bad or indifferent?

    I heard it is down about 25% due to bad weather (too hot). :surprise:

    *What would you do if you found out your significant other was running a prostitution ring?

    Buy a bigger house and a new car for the garage. If it was participation, now that is another matter. :(

    I’ll leave the rest for some of our more daring posters.

    jmonroe

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

  • abacomikeabacomike Member Posts: 12,388
    *The sex life of the koala bear - good, bad or indifferent?

    Maybe too hot for you, but certainly not for them. Eucalyptus leaves are a refreshing tid-bit and tend to reduce body temperatures. So, after a nice meal, even with heat, they should be "ready"!

    But, IMOH their sex lives are more "indifferent" than anything else. Just take a look at their habits - hanging out in trees, nibbling on leaves, moving at a snail's pace among the branches and limbs, and definitely in no hurry to do anything. I call that "indifferent"! If a member of the opposite sex should snuggle by on his/her way to a higher limb on the tree, did you ever see one of them chase after the other? Never, ever. They just look, ogle a little bit, and then munch some more.


    *What would you do if you found out your significant other was running a prostitution ring?

    I'd definitely find out how much he/she was charging just to make sure prices were competitive around the neighborhood. After all, if they were too low, my house would be inundated. If they were too high, I'd have to find a second job since business would be much too slow to accommodate me in the life style I am so accustomed to.

    However, if business was good, I'd be the first one to order a new 2013 Rolls Royce Ghost, in silver or off-white with dark saddle or brown leather interior. It would be the only chance I'd have of actually driving one, let alone owning one.

    NEXT TOPIC

    2024 Genesis G90 Super-Charger

  • nyccarguynyccarguy Member Posts: 17,541
    It's the Yankees I hate because of their past crimes against me and all of humanity

    Cmon oldfarmer. You can't HATE the Yankees! Join us! Root for us! See our winning ways!

    It actually killed me that I WAS FORCED to root for the Red Sox on Saturday night. They LAID DOWN for Baltimore & they will play The Yankees close for the final 3 games of the season.

    I'm going to the game on Wednesday night.

    2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2025 Camry SE AWD

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