Stories from the Sales Frontlines

1…936937939941942…2003

Comments

  • bronsonbbronsonb Member Posts: 170
    Thanks Driver! I actually AM (or was?) an English major in undergrad and grad school. Although it was a long time ago, I did teach composition at Clemson during my grad school years, and I taught grammar and other lit courses part time when I entered the corporate world as a tech writer. I'm not as good at editing my own writing as others are, and I do wince when I see people refer to a person as "that", write "can not" rather than "cannot" (it's one word unless you mean to say, "Take this can not that one."), ask for "advise" (the verb) rather than "advice" (the noun), and talk about "alot" (wrong...it's TWO WORDS) of things.

    I am now a project manager for a major technology services company (three letters...and they aren't HAL...don't know if I am allowed to name the company here or not).

    Anyway, we did buy the CC. We bought it the same day we test drove it. We hadn't really planned on buying it that day, but my wife was just so taken with it, and it really WAS a great deal. I liked the Infinitis, but my wife smiles every time she gets behind the wheel of the CC. We've had it for almost two weeks now.

    I understand that the CC is based on the Passat, and for 2009, it was actually called the "Passat CC" but for 2010, it's just "CC." It's longer than the Passat, and the interior is completely different. I understand CC stands for "Comfort Coupe." But it's a four door sedan...not a coupe. Oh well, I'll let VW have their coupe name ;-).

    And thanks to roadburner for the lesson on the proper references to BMWs. I now stand corrected and "learnt" as they say in the south and shall now refer to BMW autos as "Bimmers."

    Thanks!
  • lrguy44lrguy44 Member Posts: 2,197
    To go further, if I say I have discounted the car $8000 because it is an 09 with miles, I even if I have $20,000 incentive, I would not be a liar. I have discounted the car $8000 for whatever reason. I really do not have to discount it $.10. I may not sell it, but what I discount for how much for what reason is my business.
  • driver100driver100 Member Posts: 32,676
    A rebate is manufacturer money to the consumer.
    A dealer incentive is manufacturer money to the dealer to use as he wishes.

    Great explanation and much appreciated. I didn't think about the dealer incentive part. I got it now!

    2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250

  • driver100driver100 Member Posts: 32,676
    I actually AM (or was?) an English major in undergrad and grad school.

    Oh, oh, You and Richard are going to have a great time, it's going to be like homecoming week around here.

    I got a feeling you knew a thing or two about writing, since you told a very complex story and you made it very easy and at the same time interesting to read.

    I am glad you bought the CC and it sounds like the both of you are really going to enjoy it.

    2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250

  • fezofezo Member Posts: 10,386
    Oh, I was an English major as well. I do realize that sometimes that is difficult to accept....
    2015 Mazda 6 Grand Touring, 2014 Mazda 3 Sport Hatchback, 1999 Mazda Miata 2004 Toyota Camry LE, 1999.
  • driver100driver100 Member Posts: 32,676
    Oh, I was an English major as well.

    Uhh, yeh, I have to admit that did get by me.

    We have a very distinguished group here. We will really have to watch our Ps and Qs. But, I try to be as grammatically correct as possible, my wife is also an English grammar mavin, and her pet peeve is the improper use of apostrophes.
    Another one is when she spots a store that sells "stationary". The other day we drove by a new survey that had houses "for sail". :cry:

    2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250

  • fezofezo Member Posts: 10,386
    But, I try to be as grammatically correct as possible, my wife is also an English

    I won't fix the entire post but in the quoted piece above there is a semicolon just dying to be used..... Try it after possible instead of the comma.
    2015 Mazda 6 Grand Touring, 2014 Mazda 3 Sport Hatchback, 1999 Mazda Miata 2004 Toyota Camry LE, 1999.
  • driver100driver100 Member Posts: 32,676
    I won't fix the entire post but in the quoted piece above there is a semicolon just dying to be used

    Thanks, I appreciate your help. It's too(got that right at least) late though (something about trying to teach old dogs.....) to try to work on me, because, although I try, my wife doesn't even attempt it any more. I know, a run on sentence..........and that is the least of my grammatical problems.

    2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250

  • jipsterjipster Member Posts: 6,299
    If the dealership discounted the car $8000 because it was a demo, as reported by OP, then the dealership owed the $3k rebate money, which was not given. Also, my mileage to kilometers conversion is a bit off... how many miles were on the demo. Wouldn't seem like a lot of miles for a $8,000 reduction, which shoujld have raised some eyebrows.

    Perhaps this greenpea salesmen wasn't a "slime ball" and mistakenly used the wrong terminology. If he had said they were discounting the car $5,000 (includes 3k rebate) because it was an 09, and then discounting another $3,000 because of the demo mileage... then he would have been in the clear.
    2021 Honda Passport EX-L, 2020 Honda Accord EX-L, 2011 Hyundai Veracruz, 2010 Mercury Milan Premiere.
  • fezofezo Member Posts: 10,386
    Just having fun, lad!
    2015 Mazda 6 Grand Touring, 2014 Mazda 3 Sport Hatchback, 1999 Mazda Miata 2004 Toyota Camry LE, 1999.
  • tidestertidester Member Posts: 10,059
    Another one is when she spots a store that sells "stationary".

    Would "stationary" be merchandise that doesn't move? :P

    tidester, host
    SUVs and Smart Shopper
  • lrguy44lrguy44 Member Posts: 2,197
    On the paperwork they have to show the rebate and usually there is a form the customer must sign. The dealer needs both to collect the rebate from the manufacturer. Therefore, the $8000 discount would include the rebate. If you read the newspaper ads they include rebates in the sale price.
  • tallman1tallman1 Member Posts: 1,874
    I graduated with a degree in elementary education but specialized in language arts. I was going to be a high school English teacher but liked little kids too much.

    Of course, then I moved to the dark side... administration. Now that I'm happily retired doing consultant work, I'll let Richard take care of all the grammar mistakes. ;) I'll just hang out here: Grammar and the Peeves that Pet It.
  • sterlingdogsterlingdog Member Posts: 6,984
    "Of course, then I moved to the dark side...administration."

    So did I. It WAS pretty dark, wasn't it? If the public only knew...! :sick:

    Richard
  • sterlingdogsterlingdog Member Posts: 6,984
    LOL! You are really good.

    Richard
  • tallman1tallman1 Member Posts: 1,874
    If the public only knew...!

    If the staff only knew.
  • fushigifushigi Member Posts: 1,459
    Would "stationary" be merchandise that doesn't move?

    Yes, that would be Chrysler.
    2017 Infiniti QX60 (me), 2012 Hyundai Elantra (wife)
  • imidazol97imidazol97 Member Posts: 27,749
    Based on the clip

    >But, I try to be as grammatically correct as possible, my wife is also an English

    It looks like a period would serve well after "possible" since the additional part is a compound sentence itself.
    In addition, the new sentence would state more clearly its meaning if it says, "My wife also is an English...." Otherwise it would like she is one thing and the English Maven is in addition to her first forte.

    2014 Malibu 2LT, 2015 Cruze 2LT,

  • driver100driver100 Member Posts: 32,676
    but liked little kids too much.
    Of course, then I moved to the dark side...

    Oh, when I started reading that part I was wondering where this conversation was going.

    Just joking, but nice to know we have such a well educated, intelligent group around here. Guess that is why I was attracted to this sight.

    2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250

  • driver100driver100 Member Posts: 32,676
    It looks like a period would serve well after "possible" since the additional part is a compound sentence

    Looks like another English major! You guys need the Edmund's sight; Let's all Correct Each Others Grammatical Errors".

    2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250

  • driver100driver100 Member Posts: 32,676
    Would "stationary" be merchandise that doesn't move?

    Not usually when it says "Acme Cards and Stationary". It bothers my wife a lot because if they are selling stationery, they should know how to spell it! If they can't get it right, then who can?

    I do have a question for the salespeople here though(can you end a sentence with "though"?)
    There are independent dealers that will lease you any make of car. There are also some franchised dealers (say Chrysler) that also say, we will lease you any make of car. The question is, "How can they lease cars, often for less money than the franchised dealer for that make? Does that mean that if I wanted to buy a car, I might be better off going to a private leasing company, and have them negotiate a price, pay them a small commission (it would be business they wouldn't have had anyway, so a few hundred dollars easy money might sound good), and then buy the car from them?

    2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250

  • lrguy44lrguy44 Member Posts: 2,197
    OK, I confess. BA in English but primarily creative writing. It comes in handy on expense reports.
  • driver100driver100 Member Posts: 32,676
    OK, I confess. BA in English but primarily creative writing.

    Now they are all coming out of the closet. Any more we should know about?

    2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250

  • imidazol97imidazol97 Member Posts: 27,749
    >Now they are all coming out of the closet. Any more we should know about?

    No English background here other than college courses. No confessions here.

    I enjoy jumping in when people start correcting other's grammar and structure. It adds a little levity for a short time but wears out quick. What's interesting is that most corrections to someone else's post re their grammar contain errors themselves! That includes mine. Often I look back at posts and am amazed at mistakes contained therein.

    2014 Malibu 2LT, 2015 Cruze 2LT,

  • jimbresjimbres Member Posts: 2,025
    You guys need the Edmund's sight[sic]; Let's all Correct Each Others[sic] Grammatical Errors".

    I think that you meant to write "site" instead of "sight" & "other's" instead of "others".
  • sterlingdogsterlingdog Member Posts: 6,984
    "It adds a little levity for a short time but wears out quick(ly)."

    We have been down this road more than once. Correcting the mistakes of others should be done rarely and with a good sense of humor. When I first came here, I was making corrections to various posts on a fairly regular basis. Isell and others reminded me that this was a site for expressive thoughts related to car sales, not a site for lessons in English grammar. I have tried to respect that opinion. We never want posters to feel that they can't share their stories or thoughts because of limited writing capabilities. When you can make a joke out of it, or teach a little lesson, it's suitable on a limited basis.

    You are correct when you say that those who play "expert grammarian" often make their own mistakes within the corrected post. I have make my own mistakes on this site. I don't mind having them pointed out to me. Then again, that's just me.

    Richard
  • tcp2tcp2 Member Posts: 66
    A rebate is manufacturer money to the consumer.
    A dealer incentive is manufacturer money to the dealer to use as he wishes.

    There is a big difference between the two.

    The fact that the rebate shows up when you build the car online on the subaru canada website seems to make it a rebate as any buyer will see it outright. This wouldn't be a deal between the manufacturer and dealer.
  • tcp2tcp2 Member Posts: 66
    In the US that may be true, but on the Subaru Canada website, when you build a 2009 Tribeca, there is an $8000 discount that shows up when you get to the pricing page...shown to any potential buyer. SUBARU.CA...in Canada, remember.

    edit: Actually up to $8500 for a 2009 Limited like they bought. I just checked.
  • tcp2tcp2 Member Posts: 66
    Looks like the discount is now up to $8500 for a limited Tribeca in Canada:
    image

    edit: OK, how do I make that image work?
  • driver100driver100 Member Posts: 32,676
    I went to the site but I can't find anything about a discount on the Tribeca (couldn't they find an easier name to spell?). This is the url:
    Suburu.ca
    but if you want to make an image, I could explain that, but I have to do some work, and imadoza explains it very well...he explained it to me and now I am a regular image mavin.

    P.S.If you are doing an url....hi-lite it at the top of the page, copy it, paste it in place, hi-lite it, press url button below, take out words "link" and write in what you want it to say. If you can understand these instructions, you also get a Mensa degree.

    2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250

  • fezofezo Member Posts: 10,386
    It looks like a period would serve well after "possible" since the additional part is a compound sentence itself.

    Oh, you are indeed correct. The beauty of a semicolon is that it separate what could otherwise be two sentences. I love seeing a well placed semicolon. This is a sign that I officially took too many English courses...
    2015 Mazda 6 Grand Touring, 2014 Mazda 3 Sport Hatchback, 1999 Mazda Miata 2004 Toyota Camry LE, 1999.
  • driver100driver100 Member Posts: 32,676
    The beauty of a semicolon is that it separate what could otherwise be two sentences.

    But, I heard people tend to use too many commas, and semicolons. But (not supposed to start a sentence with but - twice now) , I guess if you need them, you gotta use 'em. :sick:

    2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250

  • imidazol97imidazol97 Member Posts: 27,749
    >Correcting the mistakes of others should be done rarely and with a good sense of humor.

    Amen. Sometimes the mis-statements are funny because of puns they bring to mind or something similar. But most people don't want to be corrected. I accept that my posts often have typing errors and mistakes in wording.

    >I don't mind having them pointed out

    And sometimes a little diversion makes the site roll better, to use an automotive simile, metaphore, or analogy (I can never keep those straight).

    But I love reading the buying, selling, helping stories people have to offer. Since the slowdown last fall, those stories slowed down (another auto comparison).

    2014 Malibu 2LT, 2015 Cruze 2LT,

  • imidazol97imidazol97 Member Posts: 27,749
    >But, I heard people tend to use too many commas, and semicolons. But (not supposed to start a sentence with but - twice now) , I guess if you need them, you gotta use 'em.

    Search for lists of transition words on google. That will offer alternatives to the word "but." For example, here's a short but good list.

    In addition, the OWL at Purdue Univ. website also has a good list. However, I can't locate it in google right now. By and large, I've relearned a lot of them from helping my son by proofreading his advanced English class research papers to be sure all the parts are there for the rubric (grading) system. Indeed, transition words are a big part of that, at least in his high school system.

    2014 Malibu 2LT, 2015 Cruze 2LT,

  • fezofezo Member Posts: 10,386
    Too many commas is a common mistake. i don't think a majority of people even know what a semicolon is except when they are using it with a right parenthesis to make a winky emoticon.

    if things keep up like this in here I'm going to have to buy a car just to get a story. I am sure this is the ulterior motive of most of the sales guys here. ;)

    Heck, rover may want to sell me a highly discounted Saab now that they are becoming an orphan brand.
    2015 Mazda 6 Grand Touring, 2014 Mazda 3 Sport Hatchback, 1999 Mazda Miata 2004 Toyota Camry LE, 1999.
  • jimbresjimbres Member Posts: 2,025
    Search for lists of transition words on google. That will offer alternatives to the word "but." For example, here's a short but good list.

    Very helpful. Thanks!
  • wlbrown9wlbrown9 Member Posts: 867
    Slight correction :-)

    There is actually a BEAMER, but it is not a automobile or motorcycle. It is a central Vacuum http://www.beamvac.com/

    "There is no such thing as a "Beamer"
    Bimmer= BMW Automobile
    Beemer= BMW Motorcycle
    Thank you for your cooperation. "
  • tcp2tcp2 Member Posts: 66
    I'm not even going to try. This was screen captured this morning:

    http://picasaweb.google.com/tompreusser/Test#5416604229014278754
  • verdugoverdugo Member Posts: 2,288
    wow, MSRP $45,195 and cash discount of $8500. The rebate is almost 20% of MSRP. If you buy it at invoice, it would be even more!

    I know I already said it, but 'wow'
  • lrguy44lrguy44 Member Posts: 2,197
    Read the fine print. Price may vary. My guess is in an effort to move the 09s, the "build your own price" includes a dealer discount and rebate and maybe hold back. In any event, it is probably a thin or nothing deal.
  • 604doc604doc Member Posts: 182
    "The other day we drove by a new survey that had houses "for sail"."

    Maybe they were houseboats. ;)
  • driver100driver100 Member Posts: 32,676
    It is odd that you got it on that site, but when I went to the Suburu.ca site and looked up the price for the Trib.... or when I looked at special offers, no discounts were even mentioned. Seems only people who actually get to the exact right site, will even find out about this offer. The salesman probably realized, your parents are going to find out about the discount eventually since the Suburu manufacturer's check will have to be written out and sent to them.....so the dealer would just make it sound like a generous offer they were giving.

    To be kind (and to keep tempers from flaring up), I'll just say, it wasn't nice of this particular dealer, to do that to these 2 senior citizens.

    2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250

  • driver100driver100 Member Posts: 32,676
    Maybe they were houseboats

    Cute! However, it does make you wonder, when a house builder, who builds houses and then puts them up for sale, writes that on the side of a great big huge trailer. You have to wonder how good he is at getting all the details right with his construction work.

    2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250

  • lrguy44lrguy44 Member Posts: 2,197
    I do not know for sure how it works in Canada (boomchek can tell us) but the manufacturer here never mails a check to the customer. Any rebate is put in the deal at time of purchase and the dealer then recoups the rebate from the manufacturer.
  • jmonroejmonroe Member Posts: 8,989
    You have to wonder how good he is at getting all the details right with his construction work.

    I'm not going to waste my time wondering about that but I'm sure he can rig the sails on his boat perfectly. ;)

    jmonroe

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

  • jmonroejmonroe Member Posts: 8,989
    I have make my own mistakes on this site.

    Like that one? :surprise:

    I don't mind having them pointed out to me.

    I hope not. ;)

    jmonroe

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

  • isellhondasisellhondas Member Posts: 20,342
    This almost killed this thread awhile back and we lost some posters who got tired of it.

    I was going to be a HS English teacher but they sent me into Compton to observe.

    That did it for me! I have nothing but respect for those who can do it!
  • imidazol97imidazol97 Member Posts: 27,749
    >However, it

    ;) :shades:

    2014 Malibu 2LT, 2015 Cruze 2LT,

  • driver100driver100 Member Posts: 32,676
    I don't mind having them pointed out to me.
    I hope not.

    That's what we are here for....these days! ;)

    2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250

  • driver100driver100 Member Posts: 32,676
    However, it

    I am trying...and you said you weren't going to criticize.

    We are going through a lot of pages here, wasting lots of cyberspace, correcting each other.

    2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250

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