Stories from the Sales Frontlines

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  • driver100driver100 Member Posts: 32,594
    edited March 2013
    Explorer - Saw lots of new Fusions today. They look really nice on the road, seem to look like a lot more car than you would think. I always liked Fusions and the new ones are especially nice.

    GG I have been told cars never sell from a sign on them. This could be wrong, but, I think I would have trouble buying a car from a sign. It says to me the guy doesn't have enough money to sell the car through proper channels. If I was interested, I would think it was a distress sale and I'll pick it up extra cheap. I think it is particularly hard to do if the car is a more expensive model.

    Also, I could be wrong, but you just can't sell a used car for the same price as a dealer. People know you don't have the same overhead as a dealer. As others mentioned, a dealer has to warranty the car and will do a complete check up. A private guy, well I would trust you, but, total strangers might not. btw, people expect to get a discount if they are buying privately, they want to get some benefit from not buying through a dealer. Also, $35K now might be better than say $36K after paying for advertising and going through a lot of test drives.

    Just random thoughts.

    2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250

  • roadburnerroadburner Member Posts: 18,389
    I can remember when I would have killed to have the copper or avacado appliances. How times and tastes do change!

    Of course now I'm hearing that brushed stainless is going out of fashion... :(

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

  • sterlingdogsterlingdog Member Posts: 6,984
    I'm so happy that you took the time to stop, and that you trusted my opinion. Actually, I'm flattered. As you saw, it is a really beautiful place. I had forgotten to mention all of the cars that the "beautiful" people drive. We've done breakfast and lunch there, but never stayed overnight. We always drive on to the Island House in Key West to spend the night. I can understand your passing the entrance the first time. It's a little tricky to see and just suddenly comes up before you know it.

    Your "imaginary cyber friend",
    Richard (Though it seems impossible, I'm a real person. :P )
  • fezofezo Member Posts: 10,386
    So while you were poking around Key West did you steal a Hemingway cat?
    2015 Mazda 6 Grand Touring, 2014 Mazda 3 Sport Hatchback, 1999 Mazda Miata 2004 Toyota Camry LE, 1999.
  • jmonroejmonroe Member Posts: 8,989
    My SIL loves coupon books but there wasn't any discount coupons for the Cheeka.

    Remember what I said a year or two ago…the first rule in sales is “you don’t give away what you can sell”.

    This relates to what I say below.

    At times Mrs j gets really irked at the grocery store prices around here. There are a couple grocery chains in the area but the one Mrs. j prefers is the one that has the highest prices so in reality for her there is only one store. I tell her to stop complaining and go to the other store. I’m told that the other store is not stocked as well even though it is much closer and she would rather go there. I tried explaining to her years ago that the grocery store is in business to make money not provide their customers low prices. Only competition will lower prices, improve selection and insure better stocking which should get customers in the door, not complaints.

    A Wal-Mart will be moving to the grounds where there was once a Sears store for over 50 years. It’s even further than her preferred higher priced grocery store and she can’t wait for Wal-Mart to build their new store. For the last few weeks ever since the Wal-Mart announcement she has been all smiles. Not that she plans to do all of her shopping there but because she says the competition will help lower grocery prices. Gee, I wonder where she got that idea.

    jmonroe

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

  • jmonroejmonroe Member Posts: 8,989
    Of course now I'm hearing that brushed stainless is going out of fashion...

    Great. I still have a White dishwasher in the basement. My price to Richard just went up. :)

    jmonroe

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

  • oldfarmer50oldfarmer50 Member Posts: 24,277
    edited March 2013
    http://tampa.craigslist.org/psc/ctd/3604797206.html

    Wonder if driver100 ever sees this place.

    Hope he's keeping his eye out for sinkholes too. :surprise:

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

  • graphicguygraphicguy Member Posts: 14,140
    Driver.....dunno.....maybe I'm just an Ohio hick at heart. I have no problem with sticking a "For Sale" sign in my car. I've actually sold a couple like that. It's an easy way to get eyeballs as I'm driving around, parking at the grocery store, etc. People can think what they want. Message is simple.."this car is for sale".

    Fact is, I got a hit last night from someone who saw the sign. I guess he saw it in the mall parking lot while I was having dinner with friends at the Cheesecake Factory last night. He's coming by this afternoon. The "neighbor" left a voicemail for me to call him. I'll assume he wants to talk about the car, again.
    We'll see how all this turns out.
    2024 Kia EV6 GT-Line AWD Long Range
  • imidazol97imidazol97 Member Posts: 27,695
    >It's an easy way to get eyeballs as I'm driving around, parking at the grocery store,

    How about spending some time parking it at the local BMW dealer? Spend some time browsing the cars on the lot, in the showroom, and asking the SM what you car might be worth--anything just hoping some BMW shopper sees your sign. Might even spend time shopping at other luxury car stores... MB West Chester?

    2014 Malibu 2LT, 2015 Cruze 2LT,

  • graphicguygraphicguy Member Posts: 14,140
    imid....thought about that....pulling into the MB dealer in West Chester (close to home) and picking a parking spot right in front, where it can be seen from the street. :P

    I'm going to both The BMW Store and to Sweeney, once I meet with the guy who called me from the mall sighting last night.

    Former GF is moving out tomorrow. Would love to have this wrapped up with the cars by then. Makes everything relatively tidy and neat, so we don't have to prolong what's clearly an uncomfortable period for both of us.
    2024 Kia EV6 GT-Line AWD Long Range
  • isellhondasisellhondas Member Posts: 20,342
    Our city fathers wisely blocked a Wal Mart from coming here a couple of years ago but the next town from us got one and after saying I would never enter another Wal Mart, we took a look.

    All of the jokes about Wal Mart are TRUE!! Won't be going back!
  • abacomikeabacomike Member Posts: 12,388
    edited March 2013
    This morning, the temperature was 53 degrees (now it's 62, the high for the day) so I put the heat on for about 20 minutes to warm up the condo. I pulled out my hooded sweatshirts, sweaters, jeans and warm socks out of the back closet in preparation for what is supposed to be the coldest 3 or 4 days this year. Tomorrow morning, the temps are supposed to dip into the low 40's and even high 30's in the western suburbs (close to me). This is the part of living in Florida that I don't particularly enjoy - our housing units are not insulated as well as those up north for obvious reasons. We are on the second floor of a 4 story building with apartments to our left, right, below and above so we usually are insulated by the other units.

    You northerners have to realize that we are coming off two months (January and February) that were the warmest in history for southern Florida. We are just not used to the cold. However, a respite from hot temps is always welcome for a day or two, but not for a week like they are forecasting. Even the heated seats in the car came in handy this morning as we drove off for our walk.

    At the Boca Town Center Mall, they are getting ready for their 1st annual auto show. On the floor inside the mall they had a couple of Lotus coupes, a MB SL550, a Fisker, an Aston Martin, a white Rolls Royce Ghost, a white Bentley Coupe, and some really gorgeous Ford Hot Rods (1933 coupe and 1937 coupe) with V8 turbo charged engines. The paint job on those two cars was unbelievable - like a new car coming off the assembly line.

    We are going up there tomorrow for the show - 120 exhibitors will be there including my Mercedes Dealer. The show is going to be outdoors between Bloomingdales and Nordstroms. I think I will be wearing my leather jacket and a sweatshirt and may even take a pair of gloves. They are forecasting a high of 55 degrees tomorrow with winds from the northwest at 25-35 mph. My proverbials are beginning to shutter just at the thought of temps in the low 40's tonight.

    2024 Genesis G90 Super-Charger

  • sterlingdogsterlingdog Member Posts: 6,984
    "The neighbor left a voicemail for me to call him."

    Just remember that I said it here first. :P

    Ex-gf moves out tomorrow? Good deal. Once you get organized again, you'll begin to feel better. It will take a few months to completely get it all out of your system. You'll be working and doing other thngs. That will help to pass the time.

    Richard
  • abacomikeabacomike Member Posts: 12,388
    I have no problem with sticking a "For Sale" sign in my car.

    GG, just be careful about meeting guys to look at your car who respond to your for-sale signs on your car. We have all heard stories of car-jackings pulled off by perps who responded to for-sale signs on a car or in the newspapers.

    As a suggestion, have a friend or two present when these people look at your car or drive it. If this was happending in the 1950's or 1960's, we wouldn't worry about things like this. But in the 21st century, everything and everyone is fair game - SO BE CAREFUL OUT THERE!!!

    2024 Genesis G90 Super-Charger

  • sterlingdogsterlingdog Member Posts: 6,984
    You are so funny talking about that leather jacket, sweatshirt, and gloves. Still, I guess that the body has to adjust after months of really warm weather. People look at me like I'm crazy (strong possibility), but I wear shorts and a crew neck sweater when it's in the 30's. I never put on long pants unless it dips below 30 degrees. As long as my upper body is warm, it doesn't bother me. I forgot. I do wear long pants to church.

    When you go to the car show, let me know some details about the Bentley and the Rolls. I love both.

    Richard
  • sterlingdogsterlingdog Member Posts: 6,984
    I hate to disappoint Mrs. J. but the new Walmart will NOT cause the other chains to lower their prices. We've seen this where we used to live and where we live now. We have three chains here plus the Walmart. The others don't seem to care if Walmart's prices are lower. Go figure.

    I hate Walmart with a passion, but I'll say one thing. Their grocery prices really are better. I recently saved a long grocery ticket from another grocery store. One night after dinner, we decided to take it to Walmart and do some comparison shopping. We were really surprised. Some paper goods, cereals, juices, etc. were anywhere from $1 to $2 cheaper. I would NEVER buy my meats from there, but we have begun to buy some name brand items that we like.

    I'll tell you another good store for some items---Aldi's. Their garbage bags and paper plates are better than any name brands and way, way cheaper. Also, their bananas are fresher than anywhere in town---and not bruised. They have a cookie brand---Benton I believe---that's really good for bought cookies. Their eggs, potato chips, and foil are cheaper than Walmart and really good.

    Richard
  • sterlingdogsterlingdog Member Posts: 6,984
    At least you live in a more sophisticated, educated area. If you lived in the rural South like I do, you would not BELIEVE what can walk in to a Walmart store. Yes, the joke pictures are true---and worse. :sick:

    Richard
  • sterlingdogsterlingdog Member Posts: 6,984
    Mike, that was excellent advice to GG. I hadn't thought about what could happen with some of these strangers out there.

    Richard
  • isellhondasisellhondas Member Posts: 20,342
    Oh, I believe it! I thought we were in a third world country when we went to the new Wal Mart near us.

    Not for me!
  • graphicguygraphicguy Member Posts: 14,140
    Richard...Mike....good point.

    We're actually meeting at Panera (where I'm currently having a delicious lunch) in about 30 minutes.
    2024 Kia EV6 GT-Line AWD Long Range
  • explorerx4explorerx4 Member Posts: 20,806
    You could leave a message at work with the a description of the car and the driver.
    Panera - Wasabi Roast Beef - Yum.
    2024 Ford F-150 STX, 2023 Ford Explorer ST, 91 Mustang GT vert
  • bwiabwia Member Posts: 2,913
    edited March 2013
    This morning I was on a kitchen and bath designer website and voila my computer was hijacked.

    The computer, my wife's Dell Latitude D610, has been a reliable workhorse. But since I switched to FIOS I have been getting three times the amount of spam mail than before. The Verizon technician offered virus protection for my desktop but not the laptop.

    Now back to hijacking story. When I try to log on, this is the message that appears.

    FBI. Cyber Crime Division
    International Cyber Security Protection
    and pretty convincing logos for the following organizations:
    ICSPA, FBI Cyber Division, Federal Crime Division and a windows logo with the phrase:
    "Supported and protected by Microsoft"

    Lower down the webpage, in bold red it reads....

    Attention! Your PC is blocked due to at least one of the reasons specified below. You have been violating "Copyright and Related Law" (video, music, software) and illegally using or distributing copyright content, thus infringing Article 1, Section 2 and Clause 8, also known as the Copyright Criminal Code.

    The scary part of this bizarre situation is that they show all of the files on my laptop's desktop. Thank God, this computer does not have a folder with all of my passwords that I keep on my main desktop computer.

    The saga continues. In a bold font in the middle of the page it states...

    ....To unblock the computer you must pay the fine through MoneyPak of $300.
    In went to say that you can buy the MoneyPak at 7-Eleven, Rite Aide, Wal-Mart, K-mart or Walgreens. Then enter the digits from the MoneyPak in the payment field and press >.

    And Syanara! (insert literal translation here)

    Now, what do I do? I shut down the laptop, turn it back on but I can't get past that fake FBI screen. Help! I have been hijacked.

    .
  • abacomikeabacomike Member Posts: 12,388
    When you go to the car show, let me know some details about the Bentley and the Rolls. I love both

    Will do that, Richard. I'll get some information from Brahman Rolls/Bentley when I am there.

    I wear shorts with a sweatshirt when it is above 60 degrees. Everyone else around here looks at me like I am crazy. I agree, as long as the upper part of the body is warm, the rest follows suit, so to speak.

    But it's not just the cold temperatures, it's also the strong winds that will bring the windchills down here into the 20's at night, 40's by day. 35 mph northwest winds are nothing to sneeze at.

    2024 Genesis G90 Super-Charger

  • imidazol97imidazol97 Member Posts: 27,695
    edited March 2013
    >Hel! I have been hijacked.

    Here's a Norton link in a youtube video by Norton. It uses Power Eraser that can be downloaded from their site.

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_dKBXeoLIFo

    Power Eraser from Norton
    https://security.symantec.com/nbrt/npe.aspx?&env=beta

    Later,
    I'd download a self standing boot disk on the other computer.
    http://www.avira.com/en/downloads#tools
    Use the one called Avira Antivir Rescue System
    Download the iso if you understand how to burn an iso image to a disk...
    Or the exe version will do it for you.

    Then boot the computer with that CD in the optical drive. Follow directions. It may take a long time to check the hard drive...

    Because you have another working computer, you are in good shape. What was the antivirus on the laptop that failed? Why did it fail?...was it recently updated?
    This

    2014 Malibu 2LT, 2015 Cruze 2LT,

  • boomchekboomchek Member Posts: 5,516
    Now, what do I do? I shut down the laptop, turn it back on but I can't get past that fake FBI screen. Help! I have been hijacked.

    First thing I always suggest is disconnect it from the internet. If you're connected by a cable than unplug it, if it's through wireless connection see if you can change your router or modem password through your other computer.

    At least this way there's no way of any of your computer files or info being sent out to whoever hijacked your laptop.

    Then you should take it to a computer professional to get it cleaned out.

    2016 Audi A7 3.0T S Line, 2021 Subaru WRX

  • abacomikeabacomike Member Posts: 12,388
    I hate to disappoint Mrs. J. but the new Walmart will NOT cause the other chains to lower their prices.

    You are right, Richard! We do most of our "grocery" shopping at Walmart because prices on their canned goods, bread, milk, cheeses, etc., are significantly lower than any of our chains (Publix, Winn Dixie, Western Beef). Here are some examples:

    Sugar Free Popsicles in 20 piece carton...............$3.75 elsewhere....$4.35
    Sandwich sliced bread........................................1.10 elsewhere..... 2.00
    Vitamin D Whole Milk.........................................3.29 elsewhere.....3.89
    Mozarella Cheese, 1lb........................................3.19 elsewhere.....4.25
    We buy Sargento's Mozarella in 2lb blocks at Costco - $5.49 (2 lbs)
    Sharp Cheddar Cheese, 2lb 6.00 elsewhere.....7.99
    We buy same cheese in 2lb block at Costco................$5.99
    Hunts Spaghetti Sauce.......................................1.00 elsewhere......1.39
    Imperial Margarine, 1lb...................................... .92 elsewhere......1.49

    We find that we save about 20 dollars a week shopping at Walmart. But we do not buy our meats or cold cuts there. We go to a place called Penn Dutch where we save about 20.00 a week on meats and things like swiss cheese, american cheese, steak, brisket, chopped sirloin, etc.

    We use Costco for very few items, some of which I mentioned about. We go to Costco about once a month to stock up on a few things. Most things at Costco down here are extremely high priced compared with Walmart.

    But, we do go to Publix when they have 2 for 1 sales - like pasta, Redenbacker's Popcorn, etc. But the more expensive chains are much cleaner, better stocked, more help, more registers, etc. Our Publix and Winn Dixie stores here are brand new - very expensive, but you get great quality produce.

    We've tried Western Beef (it's a New York City/Brooklyn based company) that opened a store down here in Boca Raton. They have great quality "everything", but very expensive compared to most other stores. We go there for their fresh baked italian and french breads, their own brand Deluxe boiled ham, their own brand pasta sauce (which is outstanding for $1.39 a jar).

    I just read what I posted above and if this were 20 years ago and I read what I just posted, I would commit suicide just seeing what my late 60's would be like. This is terrible! I'm posting things about the prices of foods. What is wrong with me?

    2024 Genesis G90 Super-Charger

  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
    Here's a couple of other links that offer some ways to get rid of the MoneyPak trojan.

    Microsoft Community

    bleepingcomputer.com (I've had good luck with Bleeping Computer instructions on other virus issues helping friends)
  • imidazol97imidazol97 Member Posts: 27,695
    >bleepingcomputer.com ((I've had good luck with Bleeping Computer instructions on other virus issues helping friends)

    I second the bleepingcomputer help forums where someone helps with removing PUP and junk from your computer.

    I also suggest techsupportforum.com for a similar kind of help. IIRC, both have a sticky on a topical forum for the kind of problem you are experiencing that says how to do certain kind of checks, often by downloading, running, and sending the output document in your post describing your problem with your machine.

    I was surprised to see a Norton youtube about that specific problem. I have been happily using Norton after it shrank its footprint. I like free but a 3 computer pack using a $20 approx version of Norton Internet Security has impressed me.

    2014 Malibu 2LT, 2015 Cruze 2LT,

  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
    Another good link, thanks. I have a dual boot issue from updating Win 8 "beta" to the "real" version that I need to tackle.
  • sterlingdogsterlingdog Member Posts: 6,984
    I'm so jealous of you. You have Winn-Dixie and Publix. I grew up on Winn-Dixie, but about 20 years ago they pulled out of North Caroina. I always loved their own brand of corn flakes and their Palmetto Farm pimento cheese.

    My sister introduced us to Publix when she built her vacation home in West Palm. I love all of their sandwich mixes, breads, desserts, etc. When we visit once or twice a year, we take a cooler and fill it the morning that we leave to come home with goodies from Winn-Dixie and Publix.

    "What is wrong with me?"

    LOL! I know the feeling. Who would have thought...?

    Richard
  • explorerx4explorerx4 Member Posts: 20,806
    TJ,
    No, my Fusion does not have the self parking feature. My wife's Escape does, though. I don't expect to ever use it.
    Took the Escape in for the first service today, 5000 miles.
    Oil change was free and I got the tires rotated.
    The gave me a discount on the tire rotation, so it cost a little over $16.
    2024 Ford F-150 STX, 2023 Ford Explorer ST, 91 Mustang GT vert
  • cdnpinheadcdnpinhead Member Posts: 5,621
    . . .I thought we were in a third world country. . .

    Well, you were. They are among us, and they can vote. Sometimes they actually do. Watch the news.
    '08 Acura TSX, '17 Subaru Forester
  • robr2robr2 Member Posts: 8,805
    I'm so jealous of you. You have Winn-Dixie and Publix. I grew up on Winn-Dixie,

    Sounds like the love upstate New Yorkers have for Wegman's. When one opened about 40 miles from Boston, I knew of quite a few people who started going out there regularly.

    One is opening in my town in early 2014. I've been told to expect mobs...
  • bwiabwia Member Posts: 2,913
    First thing I always suggest is disconnect it from the internet....At least this way there's no way of any of your computer files or info being sent out to whoever hijacked your laptop.

    Thanks. All good advice but I don't think I will ever use this laptop again.
  • bwiabwia Member Posts: 2,913
    What was the antivirus on the laptop that failed? Why did it fail?...was it recently updated?

    Unfortunately, the antivirus hasn't been updated in over a year. It is my wife's laptop and she is supposed to bring it to the office for fixes and updates but has neglected to do so in quite a while.
  • robr2robr2 Member Posts: 8,805
    It's a piece of malware. Follow this link from a safe computer and try the solutions:

    http://malwaretips.com/blogs/remove-icspa-virus/

    BTW, your wife doesn't need to take it into the office to have Norton updated. All you need to do is run the Norton update tool once a week.
  • bwiabwia Member Posts: 2,913
    I second the bleepingcomputer help forums where someone helps with removing PUP and junk from your computer.

    I checked out these websites but the instructions seem too complicated for me so my next move is to buy another laptop at BestBuy or TigerDirect.

    By the way, I just came back from BestBuy and Staples. They have cheap advertised prices on HP and Gateway laptops but unfortunately they ran out of stock on these cut throat prices. Upon relating my story about the FBI virus to the Geek Squad they laughed, as I was one of the dozen or more people who came in today looking for help with the MoneyPak virus.
  • bwiabwia Member Posts: 2,913
    edited March 2013
    BTW, your wife doesn't need to take it into the office to have Norton updated. All you need to do is run the Norton update tool once a week.

    Nice advice robr2 but a little too late though. And should I were to remove the virus I will never connect the laptop to the internet again. It would just be too unsettling.
  • driver100driver100 Member Posts: 32,594
    We've done breakfast and lunch there, but never stayed overnight.

    We were all glad we stopped to see Cheeca Lodge...it was a real surprise and a total surprise. It is sometimes nice to see how the other half lives (I felt like a cheapskate with a measly 535). But, it was nice having a free coffee out on the restaurant patio and imagining we were one of the people who were actually staying there.

    Key West was well worth seeing too. The main streets where the restaurants, bars, and weirdos hang out is something worth seeing. But the nicest and most interesting thing to see are the back streets a few blocks from the main street. Some of the architecture of the homes, buildings, B&Bs etc., are magnificent. You can have a very fine older house and then right next door an ultra modern home.

    Speaking of cars, the Honda dealership in Florida City is the largest car dealership I have ever seen. I would say it is about the size of a football field and it is 5 or 6 stories high...kind of like a large garage.

    image

    2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250

  • driver100driver100 Member Posts: 32,594
    So while you were poking around Key West did you steal a Hemingway cat?

    LOL, No, but we did see a huge beautiful rooster walking down the sidewalk right downtown.

    2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250

  • driver100driver100 Member Posts: 32,594
    Wonder if driver100 ever sees this place.
    Hope he's keeping his eye out for sinkholes too


    Was I supposed to see a Chev Lumina? Those sinkholes are about 30 miles North of here in Brandon....that's pretty close. They told me about possible hurricanes, but nobody told me about the Pythons and sinkholes...now I find out.

    2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250

  • abacomikeabacomike Member Posts: 12,388
    edited March 2013
    I forgot to mention that a dealership from Delray Beach had just pulled in an Eqquis on front of Nordstroms this morning inside the mall. Dad and I went over to look at it - quite a big car with a very long wheel base. The inside is huge with room on the back seat to stretch out your legs on the footstools they provide. I sat in the front seat - very comfortable - but the design and arrays of the instruments was somewhat lacking. The dashboard is not of the same caliber as the Mercedes interior, but for $59,000 and the dealership willing to negotiate, along with some conquest money available, I would think $55000 ought to buy it.

    It is on a par with a 750i or an S Class in terms of size. I don't think I would be interested in one for various reasons including resale values. They sure have come a long was over the past 10-12 years, but I do not see that car in direct competition with other luxury cars. But for someone who keeps a car a long time and doesn't want to spend $65,000 - $90,000 on a BMW or Mercedes, it would be an ideal car. It was a powder Silver exterior with black leather interior.

    Tomorrow, I'll give everyone the details on our visit to Boca Raton Town Center's auto show when we get back.

    2024 Genesis G90 Super-Charger

  • driver100driver100 Member Posts: 32,594
    .. My proverbials are beginning to shutter just at the thought of temps in the low 40's tonight.

    This is a tough crowd, doubt you are going to get much sympathy around here.

    Now sinkholes, there's a problem, just send money please.

    2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250

  • driver100driver100 Member Posts: 32,594
    I'm so jealous of you. You have Winn-Dixie and Publix.

    We have a Winn-Dixie, Publix, and Walmart all within 10 minutes of us. They are all good at what we do but we like Sweetbay, a little more expensive but they have fresher produce.

    Unfortunately they closed about 35 of the 100 Sweetbay stores because people look for lower prices at Walmart and Publix has the market locked up. We try to buy at Sweetbay as much as possible, hoping they will stay in business.

    That's the bad thing about Walmart. Their prices are low and the good stores we have will disappear, because too many people don't support these stores. I know it is hard to beat the convenience of getting a bunch of stuff under one roof, and the large savings, but for most basic grocery items we would rather pay a bit more and keep real grocery stores in business....not to mention keep the employees working.

    2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250

  • oldfarmer50oldfarmer50 Member Posts: 24,277
    "...was I suppose to see a Chevy Lumina..."

    Well, yeah but the part I found amusing was the seller saying he could finance you as long as you weren't on America's Most Wanted. He probably figures that when your store is out in the sticks you have to be clever with your ad copy.

    Be careful when you go to bed tonight. Tie a board across your chest just in case.

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

  • abacomikeabacomike Member Posts: 12,388
    but for most basic grocery items we would rather pay a bit more and keep real grocery stores in business....not to mention keep the employees working.

    *driver, why would the average person want to spend 20% more for groceries at a Publix or Winn Dixie or some other Epicurean Specialty Store? To keep people working? Because it is upscale? With the economy in such difficult straits these past few years, people look for places where they can save money, not spend more!

    I'm talking about basic groceries like bread, milk, margarine, canned goods, soft drinks and juices (I buy pink grapefruit juice for $2.56 a half gallon - $1.00 less than Publix) as well as pies, cakes, cereals, stuffing, etc., which are significantly less at Walmart. Remember, we're talking about branded items, not just their own branded foods and groceries. The Walmart we shop at is on an upscale suburb called Coral Springs. Lots of Mercedes, BMW's, Audi's, Cadillacs, etched., in the parking lot. It's not just for lower and middle income people, but people from all walks of life who are looking to save money where and when they can.

    I am not so snooty that I won't shop at a store where the hoi polloi shop (the peasants of the world for those who don't know).

    2024 Genesis G90 Super-Charger

  • isellhondasisellhondas Member Posts: 20,342
    Never heard of Winn-Dixie, Publix or Wegmans but we do have Wal-Marts here and there. Thankfully not in our town.

    It's funny...people hate Wal-Mart and fight to keep them out of their towns but when they arrrive it's all about PRICE.

    People abandon the family owned stores that have treated them fairly for years and flock to the store where they can save 20 cents on a gallon of milk.

    Then when the mom and pop stores have been driven out of business the prices get raised.

    Guess that's what America is all about now. Paying as little as possible.
  • abacomikeabacomike Member Posts: 12,388
    Guess that's what America is all about now. Paying as little as possible.

    Only when food prices are going up and up and up. If food prices would stabilize a little, I would rather shop at Publix or Winn Dixie, but food prices keep gong up, gas prices keep going up, so people on fixed incomes must look for ways to save a few bucks. The mom and pop grocery stores are a thing if the past down here. It's all the big 3 or 4 chains that are surviving.

    I would love to shop at an epicurean specialty store or even a Trader Joe's, but we don't have any places like that around here. I would have to drive 30 miles to the closest one.

    2024 Genesis G90 Super-Charger

  • driver100driver100 Member Posts: 32,594
    he could finance you as long as you weren't on America's Most Wanted.

    Cute and certainly attention getting.

    Sorry, I am so tired I missed that part. I did find it interesting that the ad never mentions the actual price of the Lumina. They tell you the payment plan, $695 down and $60 weekly, but don't even say for how long you will pay. $60 a week is $240 a month...haven't I seen ads where you can lease a new car for about that amount? At least something better than a 1998 Lumina!

    Tie a board across your chest just in case

    I am considering wearing water wings to bed.

    2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250

  • driver100driver100 Member Posts: 32,594
    why would the average person want to spend 20% more for groceries at a Publix or Winn Dixie

    There are certain things the higher price grocery store will carry that Walmart won't. Walmart carries only the products that sell in big numbers. I don't want Walmart to be a monopoly. Walmart might carry 4 kinds of Mustard but Publix or Sweetbay may have 12 different kinds. I can get certain items in a real grocery store that Walmart won't carry because it doesn't sell in big enough numbers. Sometimes, it is the opposite. I still want choice.

    Have you ever read about the businesses Walmart has ruined? You can read about some examples at this site;
    Walmart and Vlasik pickles

    There are 8 pages but the article isn't that long. Walmart holds all the cards with it's suppliers. Some call them smart operators...I tend to think there is smart but then there is just plain obnoxious.

    We shop at Walmart at times, especially if we need a few various items that would require stopping at 3 or more stores. I know we save a lot, but for what we buy, say $60 or $80 worth of stuff, I'll pay the extra amount to keep the much handier and pleasanter local grocery store in business. Time and convenience are worth something too.

    2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250

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