Dealers, you have to laugh..

[Wyldie85]

When my Dad wanted an E46 M3 he went to Woods in Hook. This is back in 2003.

The guy there (Danny) didn't have any cars to test drive so he let them have his for the weekend.
He had a particular CD in the car that my Dad commented on when he took the car back and said how much he liked it.

So the deal was done. Car ordered and my step mum bought my dad a number plate for his birthday and arranged for it to be on the car when they went to collect it.

When they went to collect the car, Danny got my step mum a huge bunch of flowers and had already put a copy of the CD in the autochanger.

Danny commented on what a pleasure it had been to deal with them. This could be the usual sales patter of course but just the CD has always stuck with my Dad and it was a nice little touch.

I think it's something like that that keeps people coming back and recommending them in the future. I appreciate they have sales targets and money to make but a glimmer of a human being behind the navy suit is a welcome touch.

[Bing]

I agree with the sentiment, but looking at it from the other side... If you can afford a £40k car then spending and extra £20 on a short aerial shouldn't be beyond you... And youre just as tight as them expecting it to be thrown in. The whole dealership has profit margins to hit, and you're just one of thousands of customers expecting a wee bit here and a wee bit there.

Just sayin'

No that's a good point Bing, as you say every customer wants a freebie it mounts up. Fair shout.

Reading that back John, it's a little harsh - I'd want a freebie too, it's in my blood much like Angie Just an alternate viewpoint, and you did say it was petty in your first sentence, I guess I have my opinionated head on today

[Stark]

Very rare these days. Gone are the flowers for the Mrs..... Just about get key rings and that ones with dealers stamp all over them

[rhys4]

Just mention to them if they would like you to give all top ratings on the sale when you have the phone call or email from the manufacturer.They have to reach a certain level with the points you award the garage.You will soon find a few bottles in the boot.

[Stark]

I normally ask for umbrellas and flowers for the Mrs......but this all depends on the discount you have got off the car too

[Yorkie Z]

Make sure when you pick it up there also give you the old arial they took off..!!!

[john-e89]

I agree with the sentiment, but looking at it from the other side... If you can afford a £40k car then spending and extra £20 on a short aerial shouldn't be beyond you... And youre just as tight as them expecting it to be thrown in. The whole dealership has profit margins to hit, and you're just one of thousands of customers expecting a wee bit here and a wee bit there.

Just sayin'

No that's a good point Bing, as you say every customer wants a freebie it mounts up. Fair shout.

Reading that back John, it's a little harsh - I'd want a freebie too, it's in my blood much like Angie Just an alternate viewpoint, and you did say it was petty in your first sentence, I guess I have my opinionated head on today

Tell you what Bing we'll call it one all and shake on it ok? Tbh still niggling me that crass comment I made after the rugby about 'typical Scot', it was totally made in jest and banter but I think it did'nt come across like that and was clumsy to say the least. Things can get a bit mis-interpreted on the written word.

Thanks for the post Wyldie and Stark, all food for thought.

[john-e89]

Just mention to them if they would like you to give all top ratings on the sale when you have the phone call or email from the manufacturer.They have to reach a certain level with the points you award the garage.You will soon find a few bottles in the boot.

Had'nt thought of that Rhys, I'll wait for the call, but as Stark is saying it's a sign of the times that it's all so clinical nowadays which is a shame. Ah well it does'nt really matter, especially when there's so much awful stuff going on like the plane crash etc. It's nice to get people's views and opinions though, they are appreciated.

[Chii]

When you sign the deal, dont forget to put the pen straight into your pocket....

Hahaha super! Get a handful if possible! £20's worth

[ronk]

Tell them that you are going to post a dealer survey on this forum!

[pvr]

I got a free touch up paint when the dealer messed up my private plate transfer. Well, not really free as I had to pay £15 to Admiral to change the plate for a second time.

I did get the "50th" Anniversary coffee cup set, but think that is a manufacturer gift. For the model I had to fight, and after much sighing etc I got it. I was expecting one of those lovely big models like I have for the Z but no, it was such an embarrassing one that it is still in the box somewhere in a cupboard.

[rhys4]

The dealer told me that private plate transfers can now be done immediately at the dealers,when they are taxing the car.Only came in last week.Will save a lot of hassle.

[cossied]

We are talking about a company that thinks prematurely snapping road springs is not their problem.

[Bing]

john-e89, I'd already forgotten about that mate, not sure I was even too offended at the time... it's all good

[channy106]

The dealer I bought the iS from was very good to us. I have to say that even after the discount (which was very generous) we still got flowers and swapped a cap for an umbrella.

To date I now have a collection of gifted BMW umbrellas and various keyrings from dealers.