Options

Stories from the Sales Frontlines

15615625645665672003

Comments

  • fezofezo Member Posts: 10,386
    Actually I take 287 over the Tappan Zee, up to 684 and connect to 84. I take that all the way to the Mass Pike which I'm on for all of one exit and head north...
    2015 Mazda 6 Grand Touring, 2014 Mazda 3 Sport Hatchback, 1999 Mazda Miata 2004 Toyota Camry LE, 1999.
  • isellhondasisellhondas Member Posts: 20,342
    I agree abouut the Carpenters...sad day.

    A bit of trivia for you.

    When I was in the 10th grade, I sat in the auditorium in high school and I watched in awe as the lead in Carousel played his part.

    I vowed at the time that when I was a senior, I would be the lead in the Senior Play...and I was!

    The guys name was John Bettis. He went on to write most of songs for the Carpenters and he's done a lot of other things too.

    I guess, much of my life has been up on stage in my former life and even now, I have to be an actor sometimes.

    John Bettis had a hand in that, so many years ago....
  • isellhondasisellhondas Member Posts: 20,342
    Wow...out of curosity, I decided to "google" John Bettis after leaving that last post.

    I had NO IDEA what this guy has done!

    Oh...off topic...I think John had a 56 Chevy if I recall.
  • tjc78tjc78 Member Posts: 17,036
    Actually I take 287 over the Tappan Zee, up to 684 and connect to 84

    I do the same thing... anything to avoid the GWB and the Cross Bronx!

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

  • mackabeemackabee Member Posts: 4,709
    "Platters? I'm still trying to figure out how you saw the Righteous Brothers when there's only been one Righteous Brother for a number of years now. "

    I was thinking the same thing. ;)
  • sterlingdogsterlingdog Member Posts: 6,984
    I guess that we are of a kindred spirit. I also had the lead in the senior play---playing an old man of all things. Little did I know. I was also the vocalist in a local rock band. We actually made it as far as a Saturday morning TV show in Charlotte, N.C. on WBTV. That was it. I left for college to be a minister which changed into being a teacher. I didn't think that I was good enough to be a minister, so I gave up my scholarship. Seeing some ministers now, perhaps I could have made it. ;)

    To stay on topic: I didn't have a car in college---just my old bicycle. I was lucky to have my peanut butter sandwiches during the week and six beers on Saturday night. :shades:

    Richard
  • sterlingdogsterlingdog Member Posts: 6,984
    See post 29034.

    Richard
  • greanpea68greanpea68 Member Posts: 1,996
    I take that all the way to the Mass Pike which I'm on for all of one exit and head north...

    Where are you headed?

    You could always stop in test drive a Nissan ;)

    GP
  • bvdj84bvdj84 Member Posts: 1,724
    I keep getting treated horrible at my local Honda dealer! It drives me nuts, but I guess it is my own fault, because I keep going back to see if they are willing to do a deal. Also, its not a deal that no one will offer, it is a deal that other dealers are offering, and they simply come back to me, and say "No!" we cannot offer it. I reply, "so, you are going to let me walk right out the door, when I am ready to buy?" Well, the salesmen goes back to his so called manager, I just pick up my keys and went out the door and got in the car and left. I was mad!! Literally, I have given this dealership so many chances to treat me well! Now, I do look really young, I am 23yr old guy, and I go in there by myself, but literally I told the dealer, I have emails stating what the other dealers will do, and I am ready to buy if your ready to deal. I wanted invoice on an 08 Accord, and about a few months ago, a salesmen there said he would do it, and now this other guy says no. Do I have sign on my forehead, that says STUPID, please rip me off! I know exactly what I am doing! They act like I am a fresh customer, and haven't played the so called game.

    It made me so mad, they would rather me walk right out the door, He said, "you'll just have to go to the other dealer, because we cannot do it here. Seriously, why do these dealers hire these young people that don't have clue on customer service, If I saw my staff treat my customers that way, I would write them up, and then fire them if they persisted, Are they that desperate to make a sale? I am not sure they realize how stupid they look on the outside.Treating someone nice and with respect will get you a long way, and you bet I would totally do a deal with someone with a higher deal, but offered me good service, than to go with a better deal and be treated like animal... and you know what, you treat me right, I'll be back in a few years. It truly goes a long way!! I think anyone would be happier to pay a bit more to have some good service and that peace of mind. Just think of yourself when you need a car or something, would you want to be treated poorly? What goes around comes around...

    But, forgive me for saying this, for a person whom works for a dealer, it is not my problem that you chose to work in an establishment where you are commissioned, to me that is irrelevant, but at the same time I do not expect for you to make nothing either, but knowing that there is a line between this, and to know when your crossing it. Many salesmen do not they are walking around with huge DESPERATE sign on there face, here, I'll reach in my wallet and give you my money, I forgot you need to feed your family too. I understand that, but you chose the job of unsteady money, that is not my problem. Also, as a customer, I can take as long as I want to decide on what I want, its my terms, my signature at the deals end.
    This may sound harsh, but being said with my own experiences. I move slow on things, why rush into anything.

    Best thing to do is inform yourself of the system, and the product, that way you'll know what to do. Don't waste time on a dealer if they treat you bad, just move on,

    Not all dealers are this way, some are truly amazing and offer no pressure, sure they want your deal, but they are respectful on what I want.
    Anyway, there is my speech for the day...lol :) Hope no one takes this personal, this is just from own experience, and thoughts of it, and does not reflect upon a general opinion of all dealers.
  • sterlingdogsterlingdog Member Posts: 6,984
    I looked up John Bettis as well. He is an amazingly talented guy.

    Richard
  • jescuejescue Member Posts: 521
    If it is a deal other dealers are offering why not go to one of them and buy a car? :confuse:
  • chikoochikoo Member Posts: 3,008
    A 9 is as good as a zero! They don't even read the written comments!

    I have a suggestion.

    The survey should come PRE-PRINTED with all 10's filled out.
    on the bottom, there should be a line.

    _ I agree
    _ I disagree

    Pick one.

    Would make the life a lot simpler :sick:
  • fezofezo Member Posts: 10,386
    Lee, NH. I'm sure my family would kill me on that one but where is it you are?

    We get off the Pike and head up 290 (?) through Worchester, eventually getting off up in Haverhill and local roads from there. It's an awfully long trip for basically a day but what the hey. We have fun.
    2015 Mazda 6 Grand Touring, 2014 Mazda 3 Sport Hatchback, 1999 Mazda Miata 2004 Toyota Camry LE, 1999.
  • mackabeemackabee Member Posts: 4,709
    And your point is?
    :shades:
  • mackabeemackabee Member Posts: 4,709
    You would think so! just wait until I continue the story. It gets better!
    Mack
    ;)
  • mackabeemackabee Member Posts: 4,709
    True, but the Platters, Coasters, etc... are before my time. Even Elvis is before my time, I never cared for his music. Sad but true, most of the 60's, 70's, groups are retreads. For example:
    Journey: no original members.

    Chicago: four original members, horn section and keyboard/singer/songwriter. Original drummer DS started his own band and play Chicago songs better than the current Chicago does. Even without a horn section. :)

    Santana: Carlos is the only original.

    Tower of Power: four original members. This band has seen more line up changes than the Boston Red Sox.

    AWB: one original member.

    and the list goes on and on and on and on!.
    :shades:
  • laurasdadalaurasdada Member Posts: 5,205
    Hello, GP: No, never been to Santarpio's. I don't get around Boston proper that much. When I'm in town, it's usually Back Bay/Copley/Theatre District... I miss Pepe's and Sally's pizza in New Haven!

    But, I'll keep it in mind.

    Yeah, I've taken the Green Line to Fenway a few times, from Riverside. SLOWWWWWW! But, effective. I used to go to games on Sundays, drive in and park for free on the side streets off Comm Ave, BU area. Always found parking on a Sunday.

    '21 Dark Blue/Black Audi A7 PHEV (mine); '22 White/Beige BMW X3 (hers); '20 Estoril Blue/Oyster BMW M240xi 'Vert (Ours, read: hers in 'vert weather; mine during Nor'easters...)

  • laurasdadalaurasdada Member Posts: 5,205
    Hey, don't forget the PawSox (I know, AAA)! A stone's throw from Fenway (Pawtucket, RI) and just about major league baseball at minor league prices! Our cub scout pack is having a camp out this summer at McCoy Stadium!

    '21 Dark Blue/Black Audi A7 PHEV (mine); '22 White/Beige BMW X3 (hers); '20 Estoril Blue/Oyster BMW M240xi 'Vert (Ours, read: hers in 'vert weather; mine during Nor'easters...)

  • fezofezo Member Posts: 10,386
    I was being nice and sticking to Connecticut for BR but anything I've heard about Pawtucket has been great. Back in the days when Trenton was the Red Sox AA we'd see guys move through and get kicked up to Pawtucket. I was at Nomar's last game in Trenton and they announced during the game he was getting promoted. Used to watch Trot Nixon there and a bunch of others. If I want to see future Red Sox I have to wait until the Sea Dogs (who have EXCELLENT hats) come into town.
    2015 Mazda 6 Grand Touring, 2014 Mazda 3 Sport Hatchback, 1999 Mazda Miata 2004 Toyota Camry LE, 1999.
  • chikoochikoo Member Posts: 3,008
    when sales people don't get their "perfect" scores, manufacturers and owners alike tell them it can't be tolerated.

    SalesPeople Unite.

    Labor Unions exist for a reason.
  • laurasdadalaurasdada Member Posts: 5,205
    Yeah, I think the Sea Dogs do a great business in Portland. Yeah, cute hats! Portland is two hours for me, Pawtucket a half hour...

    We even have, in Brockton, independent baseball, The Rox. Owned by Mike Veeck and Bill Murray (yeah, Groundhog Day Bill Murray...) among others. Big drop in talent level, though. Akin to college ball, but fun for the family. I think they do a decent business, too. Oil Can Boyd pitched for the Rox a couple of years ago, I think he's in his mid 40s? Saw him pitch for The Rox, he did ok but a far way from winning 15 games for the Sox! But, for the love of the game...

    '21 Dark Blue/Black Audi A7 PHEV (mine); '22 White/Beige BMW X3 (hers); '20 Estoril Blue/Oyster BMW M240xi 'Vert (Ours, read: hers in 'vert weather; mine during Nor'easters...)

  • chikoochikoo Member Posts: 3,008
    I would be teaching HS English except they sent me into Compton, CA on a practice assignment and that changed my mind!

    And what's wrong with Compton? Did you know that George HW and George W Bush lived there?

    No wonder...Bush Blunders
  • british_roverbritish_rover Member Posts: 8,502
    Yeah I would probably stay to more local games this summer with the way gas prices are. Although if I ever get this motorcycle thing worked out then I would love to do a couple of longer trips on the bike.
  • chikoochikoo Member Posts: 3,008
    The salesperson has a better chance gouging the customer and taking the money up front, rather than discounting the price and then waiting for a stupid survey to dictate if he earned some more or not.
  • fezofezo Member Posts: 10,386
    So which town is your dealership in, anyway?

    Meanwhile, the local used car lot has a really nice looking Volvo C70 HPT convertible in dark blue newly on the lot. Just killing me... Really attractive car.
    2015 Mazda 6 Grand Touring, 2014 Mazda 3 Sport Hatchback, 1999 Mazda Miata 2004 Toyota Camry LE, 1999.
  • greanpea68greanpea68 Member Posts: 1,996
    Really... I don't live to far from Haverhill. A couple towns west... :)

    I have a idea where of you are going. I may be wrong but if you take the pike to RT. 495 that might be more of a direct route to Haverhill. When will you be in this area? Are you travelling to buy the car? ( staying on topic :P ) Or are you going on Vacation?

    GP
  • fezofezo Member Posts: 10,386
    Friends of mine have had a Memorial Day party for 20 odd years. Close to 30. Started out in New Jersey but moved up to New Hampshire.

    My wife would likely kill me on this but where are you?

    Still ahven't found out where BR is....
    2015 Mazda 6 Grand Touring, 2014 Mazda 3 Sport Hatchback, 1999 Mazda Miata 2004 Toyota Camry LE, 1999.
  • greanpea68greanpea68 Member Posts: 1,996
    Back Bay/Copley/Theatre District... I should have known better... you do own a Lexus and a Acura if I remember correctly ;)just taking a little shot at ya

    Santarpio's is in East Boston... the exit right before you enter Logan Airport. If you get over to airport.... ahhhh my bad again that is coming from the North Shore. Well anyway right after the Callahan Tunnel is where I am talking about. I can't say I have ever been to New Haven. I don't get off the North side of town to often... :blush:

    GP
  • british_roverbritish_rover Member Posts: 8,502
    We are in Canton about 20-30 minutes west of Hartford. Canton is about midway between Hartford and Torrington.
  • greanpea68greanpea68 Member Posts: 1,996
    don't forget the PawSox (I know, AAA)! A stone's throw from Fenway (Pawtucket, RI) and just about major league baseball at minor league prices!

    I go to the Lowell Spiners games since I live in Dracut... They are a great game also. For people who don't know they are the red Sox's AA team or a step below the Paw Sox.

    GP
  • greanpea68greanpea68 Member Posts: 1,996
    and Bill Murray (yeah, Groundhog Day Bill Murray...) among others.

    No kidding I didn't know that... :blush:

    GP
  • jmonroejmonroe Member Posts: 8,989
    The older ones train the younger ones in the "old sounds". That way, the group keeps going. Other groups, like the Coasters, the Embers, the Tams, the Zodiacs, etc. have done the same thing.

    It sounds like you and some of the other old timers here (you paying attention ‘isell’?), would (maybe even do) like the Doo Wop specials that have been on PBS for at least the last 5/6 years.

    They just filmed another one in a downtown Burgh theater (where all this stuff started) in Jan. 08’ and it should be ready to air any week now.

    Just thought you guys might want to know.

    To get this on topic, make an evening out of it and car pool over in a new large 10 seater/5 couple SUV to a friend’s house that has a large screen TV hooked up with surround sound and slow dance the night away. Just think, if the hosts home has hardwood floors, take your shoes off and it becomes a sock-hop. Remember, if you do that, don’t forget to take along some air-freshener. :D

    jmonroe

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

  • fezofezo Member Posts: 10,386
    Tsk tsk... Lowell in high A. Portland is AA for the Sox.

    We go right through Lowell (and I think Dracut) on the way up.

    I forgot - there's a AA team in Norwich, CT as well.
    2015 Mazda 6 Grand Touring, 2014 Mazda 3 Sport Hatchback, 1999 Mazda Miata 2004 Toyota Camry LE, 1999.
  • greanpea68greanpea68 Member Posts: 1,996
    Tsk tsk... Lowell in high A.

    I always get them screwed up. They are a great time though..

    Fezo I just sent you a email on your carspace. Let me know if you get it.

    GP
  • greanpea68greanpea68 Member Posts: 1,996
    Fezo,

    You are probably going I-495 North to Rt. 125... I know that area. I-495 will bring you through Lowell...

    Br,

    Correct me if I am wrong... Canton is South West of Springfield?

    GP
  • fezofezo Member Posts: 10,386
    Got it! Replied...

    May have to look at the Mapquest but I think I'm enough away that you might not want a couple of six year olds on a Saturday anyway....
    2015 Mazda 6 Grand Touring, 2014 Mazda 3 Sport Hatchback, 1999 Mazda Miata 2004 Toyota Camry LE, 1999.
  • mikefm58mikefm58 Member Posts: 2,882
    I don't see anything in your post that resembles poor customer service or dis-respect on their part towards you. They wouldn't meet your price, which is a price that you feel other Honda dealers are willing to meet, and you took it personal. Just walk out and go to another dealer that you feel will do business with you on your terms. We're not talking rocket science here.

    For every vehicle I've bought, I've rarely bought at the first place I tried. I just moved on the next place.
  • british_roverbritish_rover Member Posts: 8,502
    Yeah Canton is between one hour and 45 minutes south west of Springfield. If you know all the short cuts and the traffic is just right you can make the trip in a little less then 45 minutes.
  • fezofezo Member Posts: 10,386
    Ah! So THAT'S where you are!

    OK, a little out of the way.... If I didn't have the wife and three out of four kids.....

    You'd have a fun lot to look at!

    Right now I'm fighting looking at what a local lot wants on a 2004 Volvo C70 HPT convertible. Nice looking car and I'm a sucker for nice convertibles.... And one with Volvo seats yet!
    2015 Mazda 6 Grand Touring, 2014 Mazda 3 Sport Hatchback, 1999 Mazda Miata 2004 Toyota Camry LE, 1999.
  • british_roverbritish_rover Member Posts: 8,502
    So let me get this straight...

    1. You offered a price (A price I think is unreasonable on a brand new redesigned model but thats neither here nor there)
    2. They declined the offer.
    3. You pressured them to accept it.
    4. The salesman said he would talk to the manager again which does sometimes work.
    5. You got up and left in the middle of negotiations without waiting for the salesman to return.

    Sounds like you were the disrespectful person. I would find it disrespectful for someone to just leave in the middle of a deal without saying something to me.

    If other Honda dealers are offering the price go to the other Honda dealer. Its not like there is a shortage of Honda dealers out there.
  • british_roverbritish_rover Member Posts: 8,502
    Right now I'm fighting looking at what a local lot wants on a 2004 Volvo C70 HPT convertible. Nice looking car and I'm a sucker for nice convertibles.... And one with Volvo seats yet!

    What are they asking for it and what are the miles.

    I have a 2004 C70 HPT as well...

    I also have a manual transmission HPT coming.
  • fezofezo Member Posts: 10,386
    It's got 33,500 on it. They want $19,995 (could be worse - they could want $20,000...).

    Unfortunately I can't link it directly but if you go to Manahawkin Auto Sales and just search the convertibles.

    I'm not sure how this guy stays in business at times. He's had an Outback that's been on the lot for two years! Normally has a couple BMW convertibles (as he does now) - always overpriced and with automatics. At least a Volvo with an automatic I can live with.

    Do realize I just bought the Celica to have a convertible and am pretty much window shopping. I have shown I can crack under pressure though....

    As soon as Craig sees this he;ll go, "Steve! Not a Volvo!..."
    2015 Mazda 6 Grand Touring, 2014 Mazda 3 Sport Hatchback, 1999 Mazda Miata 2004 Toyota Camry LE, 1999.
  • british_roverbritish_rover Member Posts: 8,502
    19,995 is not a bad price if looking at the C70s we have is any indication. The 2004 C70 HPT that we have has 40,000 miles on it and it is certified to 100,000 miles but I don't think we could let it go for under 20,000. It is priced at $21,995 right now.

    image

    Not a bad looking vert and I like that dark blue paint.
  • madmanmoomadmanmoo Member Posts: 2,039
    I went car shopping for my brother last week. They decided that it was time to get a new minivan. My dealership owns about 13 dealerships in the Metro Atlanta and a Honda store was one of them. I knew that I got an "employee" deal and called up to the dealership to see if I could pass that along to my brother. They said sure and to come on down.

    I checked their preowned lot and saw a couple that I thought were a good fit. If any of you remember from my earlier stories, "Psycho Salesman" works there now. I called him directly and inquired about 2 vehicles that were on his website. One had very low miles and the other was in the low 30's. He checked on the low mileage car and told me that it was sold, but that the other model was still available and looked in great shape. I told him I was going to come down and take a look.

    When I arrive, I find that the Odyssey is on the back line and the entire bumper is caved in. He seems nonplussed when he sees it and says the lot boy did that that AM. Okay........

    We try to find something that I think my brother and sister-in-law will like, but everything looks super rough and way overpriced. Even with my "employee" discount. I ask what the certified warranty covers.... he doesn't know. How long does it last? Doesn't know. What's the special rate that's being offered? Doesn't know. The weirdest part is, he just tells me to go to the website and look it up. This is with U/C managers standing feet away from him!

    I won't ramble on too much, but the experience was less than fantastic. His idea of telling me that I'm getting a deal is letting me know that I didn't have to pay the junk fees that the dealership normally tacks onto their cars. $699 Appearance package.......

    Looks like I'm either finding another salesman or another dealership. I feel for you folks out there shopping right now. Make sure to find a decent salesman, because it's the difference in a great/bad experience.

    On a bright side, I suppose these bad salesman make my job that much easier. :P

    -moo
  • isellhondasisellhondas Member Posts: 20,342
    My thoughts exactly!

    He sounds like he has a major chip on his shoulder along with a bad attitude.

    It's like "How DARE they not accept my INVOICE offer on a brand new Accord?"

    He actually WALKED OUT on his salesperson who was in there fighting to get his offer accepted? And HE was mad??

    not a person I would want for a customer!
  • fezofezo Member Posts: 10,386
    Yeah, the dark blue is nice. Really works with that car.

    Say, for the sake of argument, I'm trying to compare apples to apples here. On that car what do you figure certification is worth?

    Man, I shouldn't have driven by there. I really like that thing....
    2015 Mazda 6 Grand Touring, 2014 Mazda 3 Sport Hatchback, 1999 Mazda Miata 2004 Toyota Camry LE, 1999.
  • fezofezo Member Posts: 10,386
    Yeah, even to a non-salesman such as me that seemed pretty nasty. Some people are just born that way and you pretty much have to write it off.
    2015 Mazda 6 Grand Touring, 2014 Mazda 3 Sport Hatchback, 1999 Mazda Miata 2004 Toyota Camry LE, 1999.
  • greanpea68greanpea68 Member Posts: 1,996
    On a bright side, I suppose these bad salesman make my job that much easier.

    Good to hear your breathing Moo-

    There is a toyota store the next block down from us. Wheen someone says they are looking for toyota I stress that they go look at it right away at this dealership. 8 Out of 10 times when they actually go they will come back upset about the way they were treated. It may be a mini deal but a deal is a deal.

    GP
  • greanpea68greanpea68 Member Posts: 1,996
    I understand it may take a while for customers to come back from the desk with offers. What people forget is there may be 2 desk guys trying to do numbers on 12 sales people. Run credit, appraise cars, look at whats available, call whole salers, refilling the printer machine and the list goes on.

    As frustrating as it may be for the consumer it is also frustating ( only speaking for myself ) the sales person. I know every second counts when I have a customer is in front of me. But it does take time.

    As for the young kid who walked out I took his story as the negotiations were over and it was time to leave but after hearing other responses i am wondering if the sales person was working with the desk to get his payments lower. Which very well may have been the case. These youngsters today may be a little inpatient after growing up with everything available at the click of a button. :confuse:

    GP
  • british_roverbritish_rover Member Posts: 8,502
    I think the warranty cost of Volvo's certified warranty is around 1,300 dollars but I might be off a little on that but Volvomax would know for sure. The other costs that go into the certification are a little harder to pin down. If the car was kind of rough to begin with and they had to put tires, brakes, cosmetic work, windshield repair, etc into the car to get it up to the certification level then that price goes up.

    On a car like a Volvo I guess a certification is worth a couple of thousand extra but probably no more.
This discussion has been closed.