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Stories from the Sales Frontlines
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Not sure, but I read that in the dealership statement to the press. People lie to the press all the time (which is fair since the press lies to us all the time).
2011 Hyundai Sonata, 2014 BMW 428i convertible, 2015 Honda CTX700D
Whoever has it tucked away in a garage is going to be in control. Might as well be the guy that paid for it!
But, if the dealer is claiming a mulligan, they better have immediately refunded his check, and given his trade back.
I would sue them if they already sold the trade in, since they are claiming the deal was void, so they have no rights to it.
Old Bill should really pay attention to what his people are doing. The bad press is probably going to cost him more than the value of that truck!
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
Has less then 1,500 miles on it they bought it less then a month ago but they just could not stand it anymore.
Two months ago we took in our first R500 for a Range Rover. Same story owned it for about a month drove it less then 1,000 miles and he just could not take it one second longer.
A full report will be coming once I get a chance to drive this junk with the Three pointed star on it.
The R500 was about the most painful vehicle I have ever driven and I have driven some junky cars.
And there will probably be a new salesman ...
Don't be sure that the error will be caught at the time. I have seen some outrageous errors in the last few years on utility contracts (confusing Kilowatt and Megawatt hours).
From my reading of the story, the dealership gave the original owner his Mercedes back. According to the statement from the dealership, the sale happened on July 2nd but the check could not be deposited until July 23. Don't know why that is.
But, by that time, the check could have been canceled by the buyer or returned to the buyer.
To further exascerbate the issue, the dealership states that there was no price on the truck to begin with. How's the buyer supposed to know what they'll sell it for if that's the case?
Dealership says they had $15,800 in the truck (again, how's the buyer supposed to know this?). I guess they wanted to sell it for the KBB retail value of $21,240.
How the dealership expects the buyer is supposed to know any of this, I don't understand. The buyer made an offer (his Mercedes and a $7,500 check). It was accepted. Transaction was completed and he drove away.
If the dealership gave him the clear title (which they usually don't do until the check clears and all paperwork is filed), then I agree. Go pick up the truck with the extra set of keys the buyer already has.
If this dealership is that sloppy in it's business practices, I'm surprised they're still in business.
I think Old Bill pays attention to things that either make or lose him money. It appears he's pretty successful.
As for the bad press, he has probably already thought of this and as the old saying goes, unfortunately, "there's no such thing as bad publicity".
jmonroe
'15 Genesis V8 with Ultimate Package and '18 Legacy Limited 6 cyl
Search for the bill Heard name. Seem to be several hits.
2014 Malibu 2LT, 2015 Cruze 2LT,
If consumers would demand ethics from retailers and not reward sleazy dealings these places wouldn't be in business.
I don't know about that.. Maybe for a rock or movie star, but in the case of a car dealer, you would think that this would make folks think twice.
The dealer is clearly in the wrong here (love how they place all the blame in their letter to the police on the "rookie" salesman, but do not mention the fact that at least three people (salesman, sales manager, finance) all looked over the contract).
I think their action is over the top, and I am not sure why anyone would trust doing business with these jokers. There are plenty of places to buy a new or used Chevy out there... Most of the dealers that post in these forums seem pretty honest to me, what do you guys think? Is this really worth a couple grand? Would this type of publicity really help get more traffic at your dealership?
Clearly, they solicit business from those with credit problems via their advertising. Still, some of the stuff I read.....making a deal, then changing the terms of the deal well after delivery? Salespeople fighting with customers? Blocking the customer in when they tried to leave? Calling customers names?
The recurring theme, though....customers still tried to negotiate with these people, even after being treated so poorly. I don't know how many posts I read where the customer said the sales person called the customer a liar, and then the customer sat back down to negotiate....unbelievable.
Untrustworthy dealership group, that's for sure. I don't get it and never will get it....dealing with people and businesses you don't trust.
I think my favorite one is when they told the customer it was their fault they were lied to because their credit was bad.
You should see a few of the alleged quotes from the "Official Anti-Bill Heard" website.
2011 Hyundai Sonata, 2014 BMW 428i convertible, 2015 Honda CTX700D
We have several lines: BMW, Porsche, Buick, Volvo, Jaguar and Land Rover. Not to mention any used cars we decide to retail.
Recently, we traded for an 02 Trailblazer. Something pretty cheap for an SUV, about 12K retail.
Our oldest (70's) and longest term employee caught an "up" at about 10 a.m. a few days ago. He did not see what he drove up in or anything (turns out he was dropped off), but nevertheless, showed the car and went on a demo.
They get back to the dealership and are talking numbers when the customer says he's hungry and would like to go get something to eat. However, he said he did not have any money... That may have been the first clue something was up.
Our salesman, being the nice guy he was, gave him $6 and put him in the Trailblazer to go get something to eat.
A little while later, customer shows back up and is again talking numbers. After a while, he decides he wants to buy it. But before he does, he wants to show his wife the car, who is at home ... supposedly. Again, the salesman gave him the keys, and the guy said he would be back in about an hour. As you might have already guessed, he was not back in an hour.
The next day, the search begins, and we begin to find out a lot about the guy. Turns out he just got out of jail, had violated his probation or something and was wanted again.
The following day, we receive a call from the man's ex-wife. Turns out, he had called her once he had gotten into Tennessee and wanted her to bring the kids up so he could see him. He told her what he did, and while she was on his way up to Tennessee, she called us and the State Trooper Association to tell them where he was.
We heard about 10 officers arrived guns drawn to snag the guy. So, back to jail he goes.
Of course, since the salesman has been here since Day 1 back in the 70's, they let it slide. I've been here working for BMW for 2.5 years ... I wonder if they would be as easy on me?
bmw3434
Back to Bill.
So who thinks this is an honest mistake on some paperwork or a sly attempt to extort more money from the buyer? How often do you think they pull it and what is the percentage of buyers who go along?
this person will pretty much be in the custody of the state for the rest of their life, sad. :sick:
story #1: it is cold and nowhere to go, so they sit in the emergency room of a hospital. guy delivering chinese food brings in an order. subject person jumps in the still running car, drives to his brother's house. knocks on the door and says, 'i got us all chinese food for dinner'.
cops called, but he gets way for a few days.
story #2: calls me up after get released. he always asks about my mustang 'the horse'. says is going to stop over for my daughter's birthday party if it is ok. 'sure fine with me'. anyways he asks 'what are you driving now?'. i tell him 'eb explorer'.
day of the party he shows up driving one. turns out he sat outside the dealership where i bought, in a snow storm. when they moved the vehicles to plow the lot, he jumped in one they had just moved and left with the keys in it. :mad:
...says is going to stop over for my daughter's birthday party if it is ok...
C'mon, you don't really socialize with people like this let alone let him near your daughter.
Please tell us this ain't so, that your just funnin us.
I might have to hang-out at a different thread, stuff like this could be contagious !!!
jmonroe
'15 Genesis V8 with Ultimate Package and '18 Legacy Limited 6 cyl
Bill Heard seems to be the type of sleeze-bag (and that description is being kind) that has given dealers in general their bad name. Is it possible that an automobile dealers assoc. or something like it can do something to put an end to guys like him or is he too powerful ?
I think I know the answer but your input is welcome.
Consumers should be able to do it but we know they are too dumb !!!
jmonroe
'15 Genesis V8 with Ultimate Package and '18 Legacy Limited 6 cyl
I've read scores of posts, from members who have gotten "burned" on vehicle purchases from dealerships they had bought from before... and had "trusted". So, I wouldn't be putting to many of my eggs in the "trust" basket.
Very antiperson, pro business.
In my opinion, the repossession should have been rewarded with charges.
2014 Malibu 2LT, 2015 Cruze 2LT,
tidester, host
J.R...exactly.
I don't get it and never will get it...dealing with people and businesses you don't trust.
My guess is that most people who buy at these places are not the informed, educated, rational people that have bothered to seek out forums like Edmunds, researched values of vehicles, sought opinions/buying experiences of friends/colleagues, etc. I would think that a large number of buyers at a "Bill Heard" type store are there because of a screamer ad, drove by on a whim, or have low FICO scores and will buy at the first place that can get them financed.
I made the mistake once of thinking that the deals were better in the big city and drove about 3 hours to Atlanta to find a used truck. NEVER AGAIN. I visited two different Nissan dealers there and I believe that they used every trick in the book to get me to sign on the dotted line. I knew I was in trouble when I am pulling out of the lot and the sales manager (I assume) is out front grinning like a cat giving me two thumbs up as I drive by. High pressure and every cheezy come on line in the book. Second dealer was also very high pressure and even went so far as to offer to let us sleep in the dealership that night as our toddler was getting tired, fussy, and hungry. I am really not sure if he was serious or not, but he did offer several times. STRANGE!! Needless to say, we got a hotel that night and bolted for home first thing in the AM. No way would I reward a dealership like that with my money. I have found that buying in Smallville is a lot less stressful.
BTW, I have lurked on some of these boards for years and thoroughly enjoy all of the horror stories about bad salespeople and bad customers. Keep 'em coming!
You don't have anything to worry about. There is no shortage of those things here.
Isn't that why we are all here. I'll probably get slammed for this, but most of us need a real life.
Here's to more good ones,
jmonroe
'15 Genesis V8 with Ultimate Package and '18 Legacy Limited 6 cyl
2011 Hyundai Sonata, 2014 BMW 428i convertible, 2015 Honda CTX700D
Bill Heard seems to be the type of sleeze-bag (and that description is being kind) that has given dealers in general their bad name. Is it possible that an automobile dealers assoc. or something like it can do something to put an end to guys like him or is he too powerful ?
It's really the result of obsolete sales tactics. Dealer managers usually came up through a system that taught them that these sales tactics work. The industry seems almost completely insulated from more modern, professional sales techniques - where the salesperson is is a highly trained, highly skilled, and highly compensated individual. In high tech business, a salesperson who discounts is considered weak. In the auto industry, they brag about how deeply they can discount. Go figure.
Bryan Tracy (among others) said, "People love to buy - but hate to be sold."
besides, this person only take cars so they can get around for a fews days until caught again.
if 'brit is reading, that was some job of parking that LR3 out front.
is it bringing in any traffic?
i just noticed this discussion is on west coast time.
You can set your own time zone in "Display Preferences" - link is to the left on this page.
tidester, host
Post pics next time!
I backed right over that huge boulder with minimial throttle. I was probably using 10% throttle or less.
besides, this person only take cars so they can get around for a fews days until caught again.
Oh, I get it now, a thief in the family who only steals on an as needed basis.
Give me some time to check if that's legal in my neighborhood and I'll get back to you.
jmonroe
'15 Genesis V8 with Ultimate Package and '18 Legacy Limited 6 cyl
Nope, it ain't.
jmonroe
'15 Genesis V8 with Ultimate Package and '18 Legacy Limited 6 cyl
i'm sure it has happened.
jmonroe... i'm sorry if this upsets you. it was not my intention to do that to anyone.
No need to apologize, I'm not that thin skinned.
I just thought it was an interesting story that I couldn't pass up commenting on.
Still friends ?
jmonroe
'15 Genesis V8 with Ultimate Package and '18 Legacy Limited 6 cyl
sometimes my posts do elicit a 'nastygram' from the hosts, though.
There is no place like home.
hope you like your car.
Hey, we've become kinder and gentler - you could at least acknowledge that! :shades:
tidester, host
BTW....More Bill Heard....
http://www.newschannel5.com/content/investigates/20957.asp?q=newschannel+5+inves- tigates
On the other hand I now live in a smallish town that's 130 miles from any large metro area and the local dealers know it. ADM stickers abound, most places are "non-participating" on deals and there is a "take it or leave it" mentality among some of the dealers.
On the Bill Heard thing, why does Chevrolet still have them as a franchisee? I would have thought the negative publicity would lead them to pull the plug. Maybe sales numbers count for more than customer service?
Bingo its the sales, As long as their sales numbers are good Chevy won't do much. Remember that the bad press is against the dealer not Chevy.
Also since you say you're 130 miles away from any large metro area could you please define what you would call a large metro area?
2011 Hyundai Sonata, 2014 BMW 428i convertible, 2015 Honda CTX700D
Currently, I live in Bend, Oregon. The nearest metro area to use would be either Eugene (129 miles) or Portland (162 miles). Both are across the mountains on two lane roads. As far as car dealerships go, we have all the standard makes (except for Saturn) spread around four dealerships. We also have a BMW/VW/Audi and Porsche dealer (all those under one roof!), a Subaru/Kia/Hyundai dealer and an M-B place. Want a Lexus, Jag, Infiniti, Acura, Saab, Saturn, the it's off to Portland.
What really got my attention was the Dodge salesman's claim that "90%" of the customers who walk into the showroom end up buying a car from the dealership. I'm almost certain I heard that correctly, though to be sure I wouldn't swear to it under oath. Is such a hugely high percentage at all possible? Or did I somehow mishear it?
Just imagine how many "just checking" the new model (as for the reference) with no intention of buying whatsoever and you get the picture.
2018 430i Gran Coupe