Dealer story
So, I've contacted a couple of dealers with questions, very simple ones. I always add in that I'd like email contact only for now. However, the phone number is a mandatory field in the query form, so I give it. Yes, I've gotten calls to come in and test drive with NO acknowledgment that I even asked a question or requested email only.
But one dealer, Boch, really took the cake (they have the 2002 Caravan with 72K miles for $8k). I emailed with two questions and requested email only for now: Can the third row seating be completely removed, and are there options on the vehicle not listed in the ad that bring the car more than $2K over the blue book price accessed from the ad?
10 minutes later the phone rang. It was them, and they left a message for me to call to arrange a test drive. 2 hours later, another message from a manager asking me the same thing.
When I got home from work, I called to speak to the general manager. He wasn't there so I spoke to the sales manager, letting him know I was hesitant to so as I was familiar with how that works (the SM protects the salespeople). He listened to me, apologized profusely, and said he had had the discussion with his staff before about actually reading the queries when they come in. He then said he realized that I probably had a bad taste in my mouth for the dealership, but would personally take care of my questions if I wanted, and would allow a call back in about 20 minutes. I said sure! Never got a call from him.
Yesterday, a woman with a title called while I was gone (Rich got the call), then sent an email, asking me to call to arrange a test drive. I used the unsubscribe link to opt out.
This morning she called again. I told her the right hand should know what the left hand is doing, that I had discussed this with the sales manager already and I should not be getting calls. "Oh, there isn't a manager in this morning, sorry. I'll take you off the call list." A follow up email asking me to call for a test drive came in from her minutes later.
Then, 2 hrs later, an email came in from the first person who called Friday. I replied that I had opted out yesterday so their system must not be working. He replied that he'd take me off the list.
So tomorrow morning, I'm going to call the general manager and explain all this to him. I'm not expecting miracles, but at the very least I'll get it off my chest. Best case scenario, he'll reduce the car to KBB price or close. I seriously doubt it, but it can't hurt. The only reason I'd even consider a car from there is that they have great customer reviews and a lifetime powertrain warranty.
And they wonder why car dealers/salespeople have the reputation they have!!!!
Rant over!
