Failed Delivery

[JayNine]

Well after two weeks I was off to Milton Keynes to pick up my 10 month old 9,000 mile CRD after much anticpation. Excellent deal, very happy. Sat there paid for it, and then the salesman said "oh dear ehmm...I forgot to tax it". And it was no joke. he had indeed not taxed the vehicle which means I have to wait another day, and after offering me a PT Cruiser (which I sneered at) they gave me a Grand Cherokee Overland to drive home in.

It never ceases to amaze me how crap sales people can be even when well intentioned. I work with developing them for another manufacturer, spent years trying to develop them for Chrysler amongst other things, but its not a profession, its too targeted, too easy come easy go for dealerships and it just doesn't seem like a truly valued profession. If I had not been used to and understanding of this sort of crap, I would have walked away furious. Instead I just accepted it as almost inevitable that something wouldn't be right and got on with it. I wonder if I am being too lenient? Too understanding? Or have my expectations fallen in line with my experiences?

So rather than a hey guys I'm really pleased to show you my V6 CRD - already christened in advance The Galactica, I have a moan.

[Derek Mc]

Your post is very eloquent and indeed portrays the attitude of the majority of car sales people. I myself am in "Sales" as a Director of my own company I recruited the person I wanted as Managing Director, long story won;t bore you all with that, my point though, is this.
I have been in the "Sales arena" since 1988, (I know looking at me it's impossible to believe ) I make it a point in the line I am in to take care of every detail no matter hom trivial or menial as the person I deal with is spending the largest sum of money as an investment in his or her business future I have the patience of a saint the shoulder of granite the empathy of a samaritan to ensure the client is fully aware and at ease with the six, seven or even eight figure sum (excluding pence,,,,before some smarty jump's in) we as a company, are entrusted with. But it makes little differenced if it is £10K or £10m as the little guy may become the big guy some day soon. It's respect, simple respect IMHO.

BUT!!!!!!!!!!!! Have I ever been treated with this level of attention when on the buying end?? I think NOT! It is exactly as you say fear the worst expect disaster and apply a philosophical atitude and there is always tomorrow next week or next year!

DARN it forgot to welcome you from a friendly Scottish member

[kevenj]

why did you have to wait another day?

[GoofyTimL]

Sorry to hear the story of today, but looking forward to the one on the 'morrow! WELCOME!

[300C-CRD]

I don't care about any other kind of salesmen but a car salesman must be 100% to us "Car enthusiasts", it is very personal thing selling us a car. Guess one day late better than one week late, good to have you on board "JayNine". Btw, did you lash out your frustration on the Grand Cherokee? Two black tyres mark leaving the dealer's forecourt?

[Rgr]

I guess you are referring to Glyn Hopkin Ltd? I bought my car from them in April (when they were Bells) and they were great. Initially I wasn't impressed as I had turned up for my test drive to find the salesman already out in the 300 demonstrator.

But they did me a good deal and when I needed an interim loan car in a hurry (the buyers of my old car turned up on my doorstep with the cash 4 days earlier than arranged) Bells sorted out a car (Jeep Commander) within 30 mins. They have since been excellent. Far better than the Audi dealer I used in MK who put me off Audi's for life.

I almost screwed up the great day when I picked up the 300. I had one of those moments when I forgot the pin number for my debit card! We had to rush home and fetch my wife's card.

[JayNine]

I suppose it was just plain disappointment to be honest, the sales guy and the company in general (yes it was Glyn Hopkin) were very helpful, and no I never beat the grand cherokee to death, too much wobble! I have to admit to all that I actually work in the motor trade, at head office level, so I know what goes on. Many years ago I set up and ran Chrysler Jeep customer services in Dover and then migrated it up to MK in 1999 when the merger happened. Jeeps and Chryslers have been a big part of my life, but not for the past three years.

Anyway having now got The Galactica I am as enamoured with it as I thought I might be, its fab! People either ogle it jaw adrift or wonder what on earth it is. I have taken great pleasure in switching the lights on and off to watch them self level, and genearlly ponced about in it, found it all exceptionally intuitive requiring little explanation and pumped my first £55 of diesel aboard. Bearing in mind i work at another manufacturer's HQ, the interest in it has been astounding. But what I like most is that it gets respect, people don't piss about with you when they see it coming, don't drive out in front of you, they wait, its far too big not to make others think twice.

But tonight I was compelled to make an overtaking move from around 20mph. My God did it move and I think it surprised them as much as it did me! I am not dissapointed, just got to wait for weeks to get the plate changed over now......This simply is one of the nicest cars I have ever owned.

[GoofyTimL]

Great to hear that Jay... and not really surprised... even on this side of the big pond!

[Stig]

Excellent news Jay you wont stop smiling or polishing....

Cheers

Stig