Stories from the Sales Frontlines

abacomike

Young people can adapt to changing technology easier, since they are raised on it. I don't like mastering something only to have the technology change on me.

You're just a "bah, humbug" kind of guy. I usually get caught up with updated technology about 2 years after the rest of the world adapts, but at least I get there - slower than most but I get there!

jmonroe

I didn't say anything but my Stepdad had been in the hospital with unexplained respiratory issues for the last month.

I noticed your absence and figured something was going on. I just got in here after a few days of doing nothing. You have my condolences. There is never a good age for this. I’m sure you know that you are in our thoughts and prayers.

jmonroe

Sandman6472

I second that! I got my new android phone, an HTC one which is very nice, a few weeks ago and when my kid saw it, she took it and played around with some stuff and made things even easier for me! She has an iPhone5 but knew exactly what to do with my android one and even agreed for someone as tech challenged as I, this is the perfect phone. Tried the iPhone 4 and 4s but didn't like them much and spending the $ she did on her 5 was not gonna happen so I paid $.01 and got a brand mew HTC One VX and it is new tech supposedly which just came out recently. Caught Radio Shack on a sale and the guy saved me one of his last one's when I called. Came back from a Tampa run and got to the store at 8:30 p m. Luckily, ATT was still open and they did the change before 9. They even took off the $36 activation fee since on our plan, it's supposedly free...and it was! And we priced it out...with our 5 phones, 3 of them smart ones, it still is cheaper for us to stay with ATT than go to MetroPC or any of the others...still cheaper. So, we're staying put and will let the other 2 get smart phones when they ask for them. Dad doesn't mind paying for them as I know they all have bills so if I can help out a bit, why not!

The Sandman :sick: :shades:

Off again today

robr2

You're just a "bah, humbug" kind of guy.

That's only at Christmas - the rest of the year he's a yelling at clouds kind of guy...

bwia

I was at my Buick dealership this week for service, and while there, decided to visit the showroom to see the new Regal GS. Big mistake. I was literally ambushed by a hoard of saleswomen, and get this, they wanted my 2011 CXS and they would sell me a 2012 model for $250.

Why such a generous offer? Because my car is in mint condition with only 18K miles and they claimed customers are clamoring for CPO's of that vintage. Obviously, I said no but they still persisted. I bolted and took refuge in the finance manager's office. Another big mistake.

The finance manager said he could sell me a 5-year, 60K mile extended warranty for a mere $2,600. Fair enough, except it is not the GMPP warranty, but rather Fidelity Warranty Services. I said I had never heard of this company so I would not consider it unless I had done some basic research. What did I find? Complaints after complaints that Fidelity Warranty Services did not honor claims and would always find a loophole to deny legitimate claims.

At this time, I am ready to walk and in comes the sales manager offering to sell me a new car with my trade minus the $2,600 I would otherwise have paid for the warranty. Guys, thus this sound unusual or this is par for course? That experience left a sour taste in my mouth and I don't believe I will ever return to this dealership again.

And by the way, the dealership used to be a nice family run business but it was acquired by one of those giant mega-dealership conglomerates.

driver100

That's only at Christmas - the rest of the year he's a yelling at clouds kind of guy...

Hey, that's me!

There are some good people and companies. I needed a new filter for the air exchanger....the old ones got badly dented and warped, I probably stepped on it when vacuuming it..

I called the company that makes them, Vanee. They said to call my local dealer and gave me the number. The dealer ordered the part, and told me it would cost $48. They called a week later and said the filters came in, what is my address? They said they would deliver them to my house when they were in the area and they would leave or mail an invoice. I didn't think that happenned any more.

But, then I have my idiot neighbor who chopped down 6 30 foot Spruce trees to build his ugly swimming pool. His yard looks like the municipal swimming pool, and people can see his pool from the road. Most of the trees he planted in the yard are wilting. Now I have to watch him go for his swim. When he is out on the deck entertaining (although I have never seen them have visitors) I am going to run around in my backyard with a Speedo and a rubber duck.

Grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr..............yes, morons and clouds make me grumpy.

driver100

they wanted my 2011 CXS and they would sell me a 2012 model for $250.

That is just plain wierd. They must be desparate to make their quota, or they are going to nail you for $2000 worth of mop n glo.

explorerx4

The add on warranty doesn't make sense, but there are 2 $1500 rebates on the 2012 GS. Not sure if what you were offered was a good deal but it is the end of the quarter.
Your car + 250 sounds like a good deal. Your car + 250 - 2600 sounds like a better deal.

isellhondas

When I was in high school, one of our Spanish teachers got a 75 pound sack of Gravy Train in his swimming pool one night.

I got rounded up as one of the "usual suspects" but I wasn't the one that did the deed.

Might be fun!

abacomike

Why such a generous offer? Because my car is in mint condition with only 18K miles and they claimed customers are clamoring for CPO's of that vintage. Obviously, I said no but they still persisted. I bolted and took refuge in the finance manager's office. Another big mistake.

I don't have equipment, invoices or Manheim at my disposal, however you must remember it's the end of the month! Sales goals are set monthly and for the novice car buyer, the end of the month deals are usually better than any other time. But you are not a novice at car buying - and most of us here are no novices either.

It sounds like a great deal, but beware of wolves, especially on the last few days of the month. Sounds like you we're cornered by a vixen or two at your dealership. Those are the best times to take a deep breath, take five steps backward, and ask yourself, "...do I want or need a new car?" If your answer is NO, then no deal is good enough. Instead admit though, I ask myself that same question every 9-12 months, step back, say to myself no, then sign on the dotted line anyway. That's because I'm hooked on new cars - especially Mercedes. But I don't support anyone, have no kids at home, and enjoy the little pleasures new car shopping can give me in an otherwise boring life here on the Sunshine State.

So, BWIA, don't do as I do, do as I say - no, you don't need a new car - but it sure sounded like they wanted to give away a car!

driver100

one of our Spanish teachers got a 75 pound sack of Gravy Train in his swimming pool one night.

ooowwwww, I like it!

They have a Lab too, so maybe he'll jump in when he sees the Gravy Train.

Do you think I should heave over some Finish Dishwashing Pellets into the pool too?

bwia

It sounds like a great deal, but beware of wolves, especially on the last few days of the month.

Sounds like a good deal yes, but remember it was 2012 model. If it were a 2013 I definitely would be more amendable. Besides, the new 2014 model LaCrosse, with advanced telematics, will be out next month.

explorerx4

has Richard64 been lately?
Hopefully he is ok.

abacomike

They are broadcasting the Wizard Of Oz on the Cartoon Network right now. I noticed it was playing tonight. I tried to remember all the stars in the film and I got them all except for one - The Wicked Witch!

I got Judy Garland, Frank Morgan, Jack Haley, Ray Bolger, Burt Lahr, Billie Burke, but for the life of me I forgot her name. Had to Google it - she was Margaret Hamilton. She did a lot of commercials for Maxwell House Coffee on the 50's and 60's.

What I still am amazed at is the vivid colors in one of the very first Technicolor movies ever made. Today, to make a movie like that would cost over 100 million dollars. I think I saw somewhere that it cost almost 1 million dollars back in 1939. The special effects were even miraculous considering this movie was made 74 years ago.

I still get a kick out of watching it.

abacomike

... would be more amendable. Besides, the new 2014 model LaCrosse, with advanced telematics, will be out next month.

Oh, I didn't realize it was a 2012 - in that case, it is a rip off. GM probably has a $6000 incentive on a car like that.

What is included with advanced telematics? I have Mbrace 2 which has Internet access from the car, even the car's entire manual is accessed by the Mercedes Telematics system. What else could it have? They can detect the car's location (if stolen) via satellite telemetry anywhere in the US and I can remotely open/lock doors using my smart phone app and can locate the car anywhere within a mile of my location on case I forgot where I parked it. I can send a destination from my computer or smart phone right to the car. When I start up the car, it would bring up the route and guidance system and start GPS NAV.

I guess GM has even more stuff on it.

cdnpinhead

Hopefully he is ok.

He's fine -- came on awhile ago to report that he had a consulting gig that would take up quite a bit of his time and that he wouldn't be posting so much. He may have mentioned another factor that was taking up time, but I don't remember the details.

nyccarguy

My brother in law's (he's married to my sister) mother had (I think) a 2010 Accord which lease was up. In 3 years she drove less than 9,000 miles. I told him not to turn the car in to Honda, but to trade it in. She got a 2013 Chevy Equinox. I don't know how that deal worked out, but my brother in law took my advice. After the deal was made for the Equinox, the salesman asks what they are going to do with the accord.

My brother in law casually mentions they are going to turn the car in. Salesman asks: "what's the buyout?"

$14K, but we both know its worth more than that.

Goes to see his boss & comes back with an offer of $16K! That's $2K in their pocket, plus a lease disposition fee they don't have to pay to Honda.

explorerx4

Thanks, I had forgotten about the consulting he is doing.

tjc78

There is never a good age for this. I’m sure you know that you are in our thoughts and prayers

Thanks J!

tjc78

Goes to see his boss & comes back with an offer of $16K! That's $2K in their pocket, plus a lease disposition fee they don't have to pay to Honda.

This seems to be fairly common with the crazy used car values right now.

My LaCrosse is scheduled to return in October 2014. I know there is a dispo fee and I will be under miles on it. Six months or so before the lease is up I will begin the search (well not much of a search wife wants an Enclave and she drives the LaCrosse now) and hopefully it too is worth more than the residual.

I cashed out $1500 on my 09 Genesis with a straight buy bid from a local dealer.

bwia

I have Mbrace 2...I guess GM has even more stuff on it.

Not necessarily more stuff, but better integration with OnStar, safety and infotainment systems. For example, many operations that required several steps were reduced to one, and voice intelligence has improved to the point of natural conversation. The basic objective is to lessen driver distraction so they can keep both hands on the wheel and concentrate on the road ahead.

Which brings up an interesting marketing strategy; why would GM put more tech in a Buick instead of their true luxury brand, Cadillac? Then again, Buick is trying to attract a younger demographic that is more tech savvy who are demanding such gizmos in their new ride.

driver100

They are broadcasting the Wizard Of Oz on the Cartoon Network right now

Do you watch the "Cartoon Network" very often?

Our youngest daughter loved The W of O so much she must have watched it 100 times. And then she would be Dorothy and I would have to march around the room following her down the yellow brick road.

The story about the use of color in the movie is fascinating. Apparently they used 3 step technicolor film which is a slow and expensive process and would never be used today....they did this to get those magnificent brilliant colors.

Here is a short article about the color used to make the film;

Short article about the color film used in The Wizard of Oz

Talking about it makes me want to view the movie again but really watch for things.

robr2

But, then I have my idiot neighbor who chopped down 6 30 foot Spruce trees to build his ugly swimming pool.

You have to let go of this. You may not like it but it's his property and he can do whatever he wants with it within the law.

driver100

You have to let go of this. You may not like it but it's his property and he can do whatever he wants with it within the law.

I can't let go of it because I have to look at the ugly mess every day - when I am here.

However, I accept the fact, he can do whatever he wants to do on his property. I just choose not to talk to the ignorant pig him because he is a self centred individual who couldn't care less about his neighbors.

I accept all that. i will put outside tint on the windows that look at his pool so he won't be able to see into our house, and he won't know when or if I am watching him. Also, I may say "hello" to him but I won't be talking to him.....I am particular about who I care to talk to. I don't talk to or care about people who are insensitive to the feelings of others.

I have never seen anyone visit him...no friends or relatives. I think I know why!

But, don't worry, I have let it go :P

isellhondas

"I have to let it go"

Let what go? The Gravy Train?

roadburner

Congrats again- a fantastic milestone, my friend!!!

roadburner

I do like having some distance between us and our neighbors

I agree with what one of my friends always says:

"If you can't take a leak in your front yard, then your neighbors live too close!"

roadburner

We are all so very proud of you fezo, and we are also thankful to THE ALL-MIGHTY for letting us have fezo as a friend.

I agree 100%!!!

roadburner

I am so sorry to hear of your loss. I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers.

roadburner

They are broadcasting the Wizard Of Oz on the Cartoon Network right now. I noticed it was playing tonight. I tried to remember all the stars in the film and I got them all except for one - The Wicked Witch!

Did you know that the first musical number with the Munchkins had to be re-shot because they were singing "Ding Dong! The B*tch is Dead!"?

driver100

Let what go? The Gravy Train?

That reminds me another neighbor had muskrats or possums - I forget which one, hide under his pool cover. The animals, whatever they were, ate through the fibreglass pool liner and did $10000 worth of damage.

Maybe the little critters will dive into the pool to try to eat the Gravy Train. :mad:

I'm sooooo glad I am over it! :shades:

driver100

the Munchkins had to be re-shot because they were singing "Ding Dong! The B*tch is Dead!"?

That's actually true according to one of the Munchkins Jerry Malen in an interview he said;

. "Do you have a favorite memory?"

"Yes, when we were singing 'Ding, Dong, the Witch is Dead;' actually that number was pre-recorded, so they couldn't hear us, we were kidding around singing Ding, Dong, the [non-permissible content removed] is dead."

There are lots of interesting things about the movie, one fact is nobody thought it would be such a huge success.

stickguy

spend more time in Florida. And just give up and sell the Canadian place and downsize to a condo, so it will be easier to leave it unattended for long periods.

jmonroe

What I still am amazed at is the vivid colors in one of the very first Technicolor movies ever made.

Not really. It was enhanced by the movie lab. They can clean up any movie so it looks like it came out yesterday. Just like they did with the 10 Commandments that I put on the DVR so my grandkids could see it. The picture quality was great compared to the grainy quality that I remember seeing when I watched it the last few times on TV. The kids had never seen it before which surprised me. When my sons were in Sunday school it was required viewing and they had to take notes for classroom participation the following week. Probably a little bit of movie making literary distortion of facts but they enjoyed it.

Happy Easter and Passover to all my poster buddies and their families.

jmonroe

driver100

spend more time in Florida. And just give up and sell the Canadian place and downsize to a condo

And let my neighbor win? Never!

Remember, we still live in Canada for 7 or 8 months of the year, so it is our primary home.

Besides, I could do that, but, my wife wants our primary house to be a detached house, it would be hard getting her into a condo or townhome. Her mother lived in a detached house up until 2 years ago, when she was 98. Now she is in a retirement home....and she is 100 1/2.

They had to take her kicking to get her out of her home. And, up until she was 98 she did gardening and even shovelled snow.

abacomike

Not necessarily more stuff, but better integration with OnStar, safety and infotainment systems. For example, many operations that required several steps were reduced to one....

Mbrace only requires one step - press one of three buttons - "i" button for information, a button with a picture of a wrench on it for road service, or the red emergency button for fast, immediate response. It takes about 30 seconds for the first two buttons, 5 seconds for the emergency button for a reply.

Once connected, everything is voice recognition. They can send route details to my NAV system, make a reservation at a restaurant or theater for me, etc. then there is the smart phone app that does a myriad of things.

I think all these telematics services are about the same. Mbrace is run by Hughes, a subsidiary of Hughes electronics and aviation, from what I've been told. It also connects your car to the web. Amazing stuff, but I never use it.

All I do is press the "i" button about once each month to make sure the system is functioning properly. The main reason I keep the service is because of stolen vehicle recovery - I save about $150.00 a year on my auto insurance so long as I keep it activated.

Like I said, I'm sure they are all about the same.

abacomike

Do you watch the "Cartoon Network" very often?

Actually, last night was the very first time. I saw it listed on the Channel Guide, so I put the movie on. I didn't even know I could get the cartoon channel. But I did enjoy the movie for the 100th time, give or take 20.

driver100

Not really. It was enhanced by the movie lab.

I thought the same, but, I can't find any information that Wizard of Oz was enhanced. All the articles I found said they used a 3 step process which is extremely expensive and would not be done today, they use a one step process even today.

The early part of the movie, the black and white part has been enhanced, but, unless someone can find out otherwise, I can't find anything to say the color portion was altered, and in fact the colors are brilliant in the movie.

Happy Easter and Passover to all my poster buddies and their families.
Very nice thought and I'll second that!

abacomike

First, I would like to wish all my buddies here on SFTSF a Blessed Easter and/or a Happy Passover. The and/or is for any families who celebrate both.

All the shopping malls down here were closed today except for one - Sawgrass Mills was open which really amazed me! They have about 250 stores there and from what I read in the newspaper, Sawgrass Mills is the second most visited destination in the State of Florida - second only to Disney World. I was shocked when I read that. Brazilians are the most frequent visitors there because of the weak dollar. They can purchase just about anything there at almost half the price as they would pay in Brazil. Scandinavians and Western Europeans are the next largest group followed by the Caribbean and Central Americans.

We took a drive down there - they opened at 11:00 AM.

Some of the stores include Bloomingdales, Polo Ralph Lauren, Victorias Secret, Calvin Klein, Brandsmart, JCPenney, Forever 21, TJMaxx, Best Buy, Neiman Marcus, Jockey, Rockport, Sketchers, Samsonite, Aeropostale, Bed, Bath, and Beyond, Saks Fifth Avenue, Levi-Strauss, Corning, Black & Decker, Vanity Fair, Legos, Toys R Us, Marshall's, Van Heusen, Izod, Brooks Brothers, Godiva Chocolates, Kay's Jewelers, etc., and hundreds more. The mall takes up 200 acres, one of the largest in the country, with 90% indoors and air conditioned, 10% outdoors in two attached areas.

It was so crowded, we stayed in the car, had lunch at McDonalds, and came home.

If you are ever down here, it is definitely worth the short drive over to Sunrise, FL, to experience a truly amazing shopping mall with prices that would astound you. You should have seen the luxury busses parked in the parking lots from all over the State of Florida.

driver100

You should have seen the luxury busses parked in the parking lots from all over the State of Florida

What are luxury busses? Do they have "the feel of the road"?

I know they have Mercedes busses and they are nicely made and are more comfortable than the usual busses. Are there other luxury makes...Audi or Ferrari?

abacomike

I know they have Mercedes busses and they are nicely made and are more comfortable than the usual busses. Are there other luxury makes...Audi or Ferrari?

I did not take the time to look at the makes of the busses, but I'm sure you know me well enough that you trust I can tell a LUXURY bus from a SCHOOL BUS or your RUN OF THE MILL busses! I would venture a guess that there were at least 50-60 LUXURY-LINERS parked around the mall areas.

Remember, except for a movie, Sawgrass Mills was the only show in town (so to speak)!

driver100

you trust I can tell a LUXURY bus from a SCHOOL BUS

Did they look like this:





or like this?



And, not like this:

mako1a

You'll see this terrible accident on the news today. It happened about 20 miles from my house.

The area of I-77 around Mile Marker 5 to 6 had dense fog near Fancy Gap, Virginia. Folks living nearby were telling of hearing one crash after another. One semi truck caught fire causing his tires to pop making loud bangs and scaring the folks along side of the road.

I pay particular attention to warnings of fog in that area as I was once in the pea soup like fog. Fortunately there wasn't much traffic, but it was sure scary. Visibility went from a nearly clear day to being lucky to see 20 feet in a matter of seconds at 65 MPH. I dropped to 20 MPH and lit up flashers and even tapped my horn hoping to warn others. I had no incident that day, but it sure was scary. All I wanted was for the fog to lift or to drive out of it before being rear ended.

Virginia State Police and rescue folks did a good job of finding a place to stay for those stranded with an inoperative vehicle. 3 people died and many were injured. The rest could only stand along the highway until the crashing stopped and they were taken to safety. The road is now re-opened after a 14 hour cleanup.

driver100

You'll see this terrible accident on the news today. It happened about 20 miles from my house

I did see that accident on the news broadcast and those multi-car pile ups are scarry. These accidents happen pretty frequently and they are prone to happen on roads where fog comes in on a regular basis.

It would be good if manufacturers could come up with a warning system to protect against fog. Drivers think they will be able to stop or pull over in these situations, but, usually the fog comes up instantly, and some people slow down or stop while others keep going.

verdugo

I can't let go of it because I have to look at the ugly mess every day - when I am here.

I accept all that. i will put outside tint on the windows that look at his pool so he won't be able to see into our house, and he won't know when or if I am watching him.

Couldn't you just plant trees on your side of the property? Better to look at trees than at your neighbor's pool.

Also, I may say "hello" to him but I won't be talking to him.....

Wow, you Canadians are hard cored. You sure know how to do a feud!

abacomike

...or like this?

Most of them looked like the second picture "or like this" you posted.

abacomike

Wow, you Canadians are hard cored. You sure know how to do a feud!

Verdugo, where to you think the "Hatfields" and the "McCoys" emigrated from? You guessed it, it had to be Canada based upon *driver's dilemma with his neighbor.

I would plant two rows of trees on your side of the property - one row that your neighbors would see should be dead trees with no leaves painted in a charteuse irridescent - one row you can see filled with Shademaster Honey Locusts, Maples, etc., in full foliage.

That should make you even for what he did to you!

driver100

Couldn't you just plant trees on your side of the property? Better to look at trees than at your neighbor's pool.

He took down 6 30 foot Spruce trees. You can only replant 15 foot trees. That cost us $8000. It will take a few years for the trees to grow tall enough and wide enough to completely hide his ugly backyard and the house beyond his (which is about 50 years old) and we can see through to the street now.

Also, I may say "hello" to him but I won't be talking to him.....
Wow, you Canadians are hard cored. You sure know how to do a feud!

Unfortunately we aren't allowed to carry guns here so we have to do it the old fashioned way.

driver100

one row that your neighbors would see should be dead trees with no leaves painted in a charteuse irridescent

I was thinking of an 8 foot (I think that is the limit) high fence that would be natural cedar on my side, and would be orange, chartreuse, yellow and purple clown faces on his side.

See how he enjoys his pool then...............

verdugo

You can only replant 15 foot trees. That cost us $8000.

Two thoughts. If you had planted the trees when the pool first went in, you'd be on your way to 30 ft trees.

Also, I don't remember if you told us this already or not, but did you talk to the neighbor about splitting the cost of planting the trees?

Finally, isn't $8,000 like $1/day using your patented amortization method? :P