Dealers Are all car salesmen the same?

Keasden · 25th September 2007, 17:24

I am getting extremely annoyed at the lack of contact from car salesmen once you have signed on the dotted line and just wondered if they were all like that.

I ordered my new civic on Saturday and the salesman said he would ring me on Monday to answer one or two queries I had about the fixed price servicing and finalise the delivery date.

I then rang his showroom on Sunday to say that I had sorted out the loan quicker than expected and could take delivery on 1st Oct. Another salesman said he was busy with a customer and he would get him to ring me back.

No call back so I rang him on Monday morning and managed to sort out the delivery date but asked what the registration number would be so I could get the insurance in place so they could tax the car. I'll get back to you he says.

No call back Monday.

Rang him this morning, colleague answers, he will get him to ring me back.

Gave it to 3pm, no call back, rang again, spoke to the receptionist and explained that he had failed to return several calls over the last 2 days.

Its now gone 5pm. Do you think he has rung me back?

It was a similar tale at a different dealership when I had a query over the delivery of my Jazz.

Am I expecting too much thinking a salesman should return calls to customers who have already signed on the dotted line?

I know he probably sells cars every day and its no big deal to him, but this is the second biggest purchase I have ever made in my life.

Can't wait for the customer satisfaction phone call from Honda UK.

Rant over, feel better now.

robbo51 · 25th September 2007, 17:28

Not all like that BUT it sounds familiar!!

andylangtree · 25th September 2007, 17:37

Same here. Ordered car 1-7-07 and told delivery would be 2 September. Still aint got car and have had to chase dealers all the time because they never call. I am speaking to one of the directors now because the salesman or sales manager dont call back when they say they will. As you say they sell cars every day but it doesnt take long to call customers and keep them informed. I was supposed to pick car up today but luckily i called them last Friday to be informed it would be Thursday. I have called them again today to be informed it wont be Thursday either and they will call tomoz morning and let me know when, if only they would call me and keep me informed. If i would not have called them i would probably have drove down to them to pick car up to be told not there. i am seriously considering telling them to shove it and then buying a different make, although i do want my Type R GT.

Keasden · 25th September 2007, 18:21

I can't even begin to think about backing out of the deal because i am certain I won't be able to better it elsewhere.

Finally got hold of him after ringing him again half an hour ago. Claimed he had not got any of my previous messages but admitted that he had totally forgotten about sorting the reg number out.

Leave it with me he says, give me 10 minutes max and I'll ring you back.

That was 35 minutes ago. Has he called. Has he hell.

HappyMan · 25th September 2007, 18:38

I think they only think about the sale and forget the customer service after you have signed on the dotted line. I don't think it is on purpose I just think they are under pressure to sell more than call customers.

This is ultimately the problem of the owners of these showrooms to deal with as happy customers come back to dealerships and unhappy ones either go to a different dealer of the same marque or they go to a different marque. If the General Managers and Director of these companies encouraged customer service and paid greater basic salaries then dealership customer service would be a whole lot better. Until that day we will continue to experience bad customer service.

Dalboy · 25th September 2007, 19:32

Quote:

Originally Posted by Keasden

Can't wait for the customer satisfaction phone call from Honda UK.

Rant over, feel better now.

Don't rely on getting a customer satisfaction call from Honda UK, as I've been waiting for 6 months

Topcat · 25th September 2007, 19:54

When I was buying a civic I got it through my neighbour who works at Chiswick (lets not talk about Chiswick) !!

I went to Ruislip to have a look at their demo and explained to the sales girl there called Angela that I was buying at Chiswick and she still let me have two 24hr test drives !! She was really helpful and friendly I bought her a huge bunch of flowers to thank her and now whenever I go to Ruislip for service (which is quite a lot) we always have a good chat, all the sales staff there are relaxed, informal and very friendly so I would say that not all sales staff are the same.

I am sure someone on this forum wont agree with me, maybe I just have a good relationship with Ruislip but I definately think out of every dealership I have ever been to they are the best and that also includes Ford and VW dealers, most of them seem full of themselves and only interested in your money.

robbo51 · 25th September 2007, 19:56

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dalboy

Don't rely on getting a customer satisfaction call from Honda UK, as I've been waiting for 6 months

Ive NOT been contacted at all by either my dealer or Honda since my purchase in June!!
I'm NOT IMPRESSED Stratstone, Bradford and HCS!!

screawm · 25th September 2007, 20:55

This isnt just Honda, try dealing with FIAT, what a nightmare.
I dont think they have heard of customer service, so glad that I don't have to deal with them anymore.
So far my experience with Honda has been far better, but like its been said, I think the lack of call backs are due to pressure to sell.

I've been dealing with Stuart Graham Honda, in Crewe, and I cant really fault them.

Haven't got the car yet though, due to pick it up on Thursday afternoon, but they have confirmed that the car is in. (Again I had to ring them to find out), only took 1 call, funnily enough the guy I was dealing with wasnt available, but he did call me back within 5 mins.

I know this doesnt help you, but like I said it could be worse , think

(F)ix
(I)t
(A)gain
(T)ony

Keasden · 25th September 2007, 20:57

Well its now nearly 9pm and my last conversation with the salesman ended with him promising to ring me back in 10 minutes - maximum with the reg number of my new car so that I can sort out the insurance for when I collect it.

That was at at 17.50 tonight. The dealership closed at 7pm. Do you think he rang? Would I be on here moaning if he did.

I have been trying to get this reg number since Sunday, tomorrow is Wednesday and I am no closer. I wouldn;t mind if I was asking for something difficult rather than something HE overlooked at the time I placed the order.

I personally couldn't have walked out of the dealership at 7pm to go home if I was him knowing that I had promised to call a customer an hour previously. But then maybe I give a stuff.

The red baron · 25th September 2007, 21:02

i dont the salesman do it deliberately!
remember we are not their only customer, whilst i DO understand that there are poor salesmen out there there are good ones too!

car selling can't be an easy job especailly as they are all viewed as sharks mainly due to a rough ride they gave everyone in the 80's and 90's etc.

if you get no joy find out the dealers sales managers name especially first name then ring back and say is Mark in etc! then air your view to them!

whenever ive dealt with a sales man called Paul at my local dealer in Bolton he has been great!!

Keasden · 25th September 2007, 21:09

Quote:

Originally Posted by screawm

I know this doesnt help you, but like I said it could be worse , think

(F)ix
(I)t
(A)gain
(T)ony

You're talking to an ex Fiat Strada owner, you know the ones with the iconic advert, Designed by computers, built by robots. Bought by Morons !

I always thought it was Fix It Again Tomorrow.

HappyMan · 25th September 2007, 21:16

There are some genuinely good salesmen out there and I am absolutely sure that the guys or girls don't go out of their way to cause pain but why didn't the guy say to Keasden " Listen it's ten to six and there isn't much I can do tonight, can I call you around mid morning tomorrow when I have time to have a look at it" then Keasden wouldn't be annoyed that he hadn't been called back in what was obviously an unrealistic time span.

Generally we are spending a lot of money on cars and I guess in some cases it is the second most expensive thing we can buy after our houses. This is why salesmen should be more attentive to the value of the purchase. I remember a few years ago talking to a Rover salesman and he told me his basic salary and it was really peanuts and so I can understand why he was more interested in selling cars than calling me to tell me about my car etc.

I don't think it is right, but until the owners change their policy of sell, sell, sell this will continue and we will have to accept it!

screawm · 25th September 2007, 21:47

guess you could make FIAT stand for anything, but I guess crap would be better

(Obviously that is my opinion)

btw. I had a Fiat Grande Punto Sporting.

The only decent part of the car was the Blue & Me system, it could show Hondas HFT a thing or 2.

Keasden · 25th September 2007, 21:48

Quote:

Originally Posted by HappyMan

Tbut why didn't the guy say to Keasden " Listen it's ten to six and there isn't much I can do tonight, can I call you around mid morning tomorrow when I have time to have a look at it" then Keasden wouldn't be annoyed that he hadn't been called back in what was obviously an unrealistic time span.

Sorry HappyMan, I don't agree with you there. I rang him at ten to 6, the showroom was open for another hour and ten minutes and all I want is a bloody registration number !! How hard can that be. And remember I have been waiting since Sunday for it.

Anyone taking bets on tomorrow being the salesmans day off

HappyMan · 25th September 2007, 21:54

Quote:

Originally Posted by Keasden

Sorry HappyMan, I don't agree with you there. I rang him at ten to 6, the showroom was open for another hour and ten minutes and all I want is a bloody registration number !! How hard can that be. And remember I have been waiting since Sunday for it.

Anyone taking bets on tomorrow being the salesmans day off

Ok, but to me it is obvious that he was either on his way home, having a laugh with his workmates and he was never going to get back to you in ten minutes, I say that because I guess he said no later than ten minutes because he was going home at six.

I actually have no idea how they get the number for you so I may be talking out of my bottom, but is it, was it realistic to get the number for you at that time of day?

My point mainly was that whatever you think he should have done or should be doing, he wasn't or didn't and should have been a bit more honest with you regarding getting back to you.

On the note about being off tomorrow - of course he will be

nellz_bassettshonda · 25th September 2007, 22:13

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dalboy

Don't rely on getting a customer satisfaction call from Honda UK, as I've been waiting for 6 months

for some reason they only call a selected number of customers !! I usually contact my customers for feedback within 48 hrs & only 1 in 4 claim to have taken the call >>>>

robbo51 · 25th September 2007, 22:19

Quote:

Originally Posted by nellz_bassettshonda

for some reason they only call a selected number of customers !! I usually contact my customers for feedback within 48 hrs & only 1 in 4 claim to have taken the call >>>>

I have had no call from my dealer. Does that mean I'm not in their selection too??

nellz_bassettshonda · 25th September 2007, 22:25

Quote:

Originally Posted by robbo51

I have had no call from my dealer. Does that mean I'm not in their selection too??

its possibly because your dealer did'nt click the contact preference when registering your car ?

insanojackson · 25th September 2007, 22:59

I had the same when i ordered my type r last nove, got it 1st of march but had to pester the dealer all the time for info after i had signed on the line...that was springfield on scotswood road

25th September 2007, 17:24	#1 (permalink)
Keasden Supporter Valve Cap Join Date: 27th August 2007 Posts: 44 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts iTrader: (0)	Are all car salesmen the same? I am getting extremely annoyed at the lack of contact from car salesmen once you have signed on the dotted line and just wondered if they were all like that. I ordered my new civic on Saturday and the salesman said he would ring me on Monday to answer one or two queries I had about the fixed price servicing and finalise the delivery date. I then rang his showroom on Sunday to say that I had sorted out the loan quicker than expected and could take delivery on 1st Oct. Another salesman said he was busy with a customer and he would get him to ring me back. No call back so I rang him on Monday morning and managed to sort out the delivery date but asked what the registration number would be so I could get the insurance in place so they could tax the car. I'll get back to you he says. No call back Monday. Rang him this morning, colleague answers, he will get him to ring me back. Gave it to 3pm, no call back, rang again, spoke to the receptionist and explained that he had failed to return several calls over the last 2 days. Its now gone 5pm. Do you think he has rung me back? It was a similar tale at a different dealership when I had a query over the delivery of my Jazz. Am I expecting too much thinking a salesman should return calls to customers who have already signed on the dotted line? I know he probably sells cars every day and its no big deal to him, but this is the second biggest purchase I have ever made in my life. Can't wait for the customer satisfaction phone call from Honda UK. Rant over, feel better now.

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This thread is about: Are all car salesmen the same?, it's in Buying, Dealers and Servicing at the Honda Civic forum Civinfo; I am getting extremely annoyed at the lack of contact from car salesmen once you have signed on the dotted line and just wondered if ...

25th September 2007, 17:28	#2 (permalink)
robbo51 It's my fault! Civinfo guru Join Date: 1st July 2007 Location: Bingley, W.Yorks Posts: 3,874 Thanks: 66 Thanked 75 Times in 72 Posts iTrader: (0)	Not all like that BUT it sounds familiar!!

25th September 2007, 17:37	#3 (permalink)
andylangtree Supporter Valve Cap Join Date: 10th August 2007 Location: Blackburn, Lancashire Posts: 43 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts iTrader: (0)	Same here. Ordered car 1-7-07 and told delivery would be 2 September. Still aint got car and have had to chase dealers all the time because they never call. I am speaking to one of the directors now because the salesman or sales manager dont call back when they say they will. As you say they sell cars every day but it doesnt take long to call customers and keep them informed. I was supposed to pick car up today but luckily i called them last Friday to be informed it would be Thursday. I have called them again today to be informed it wont be Thursday either and they will call tomoz morning and let me know when, if only they would call me and keep me informed. If i would not have called them i would probably have drove down to them to pick car up to be told not there. i am seriously considering telling them to shove it and then buying a different make, although i do want my Type R GT.

25th September 2007, 18:21	#4 (permalink)
Keasden Supporter Valve Cap Join Date: 27th August 2007 Posts: 44 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts iTrader: (0)	I can't even begin to think about backing out of the deal because i am certain I won't be able to better it elsewhere. Finally got hold of him after ringing him again half an hour ago. Claimed he had not got any of my previous messages but admitted that he had totally forgotten about sorting the reg number out. Leave it with me he says, give me 10 minutes max and I'll ring you back. That was 35 minutes ago. Has he called. Has he hell.

25th September 2007, 18:38	#5 (permalink)
HappyMan Super Moderator Civinfo guru Join Date: 16th August 2007 Location: Poland Posts: 3,601 Thanks: 30 Thanked 91 Times in 85 Posts iTrader: (0)	I think they only think about the sale and forget the customer service after you have signed on the dotted line. I don't think it is on purpose I just think they are under pressure to sell more than call customers. This is ultimately the problem of the owners of these showrooms to deal with as happy customers come back to dealerships and unhappy ones either go to a different dealer of the same marque or they go to a different marque. If the General Managers and Director of these companies encouraged customer service and paid greater basic salaries then dealership customer service would be a whole lot better. Until that day we will continue to experience bad customer service.

25th September 2007, 19:54	#7 (permalink)
Topcat Supporter Civinfo guru Join Date: 11th May 2006 Location: Middlesex Posts: 2,753 Thanks: 0 Thanked 9 Times in 9 Posts iTrader: (0)	When I was buying a civic I got it through my neighbour who works at Chiswick (lets not talk about Chiswick) !! I went to Ruislip to have a look at their demo and explained to the sales girl there called Angela that I was buying at Chiswick and she still let me have two 24hr test drives !! She was really helpful and friendly I bought her a huge bunch of flowers to thank her and now whenever I go to Ruislip for service (which is quite a lot) we always have a good chat, all the sales staff there are relaxed, informal and very friendly so I would say that not all sales staff are the same. I am sure someone on this forum wont agree with me, maybe I just have a good relationship with Ruislip but I definately think out of every dealership I have ever been to they are the best and that also includes Ford and VW dealers, most of them seem full of themselves and only interested in your money.

25th September 2007, 20:55	#9 (permalink)
screawm Valve Cap Join Date: 21st July 2007 Posts: 31 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts iTrader: (0)	This isnt just Honda, try dealing with FIAT, what a nightmare. I dont think they have heard of customer service, so glad that I don't have to deal with them anymore. So far my experience with Honda has been far better, but like its been said, I think the lack of call backs are due to pressure to sell. I've been dealing with Stuart Graham Honda, in Crewe, and I cant really fault them. Haven't got the car yet though, due to pick it up on Thursday afternoon, but they have confirmed that the car is in. (Again I had to ring them to find out), only took 1 call, funnily enough the guy I was dealing with wasnt available, but he did call me back within 5 mins. I know this doesnt help you, but like I said it could be worse , think (F)ix (I)t (A)gain (T)ony

25th September 2007, 20:57	#10 (permalink)
Keasden Supporter Valve Cap Join Date: 27th August 2007 Posts: 44 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts iTrader: (0)	Well its now nearly 9pm and my last conversation with the salesman ended with him promising to ring me back in 10 minutes - maximum with the reg number of my new car so that I can sort out the insurance for when I collect it. That was at at 17.50 tonight. The dealership closed at 7pm. Do you think he rang? Would I be on here moaning if he did. I have been trying to get this reg number since Sunday, tomorrow is Wednesday and I am no closer. I wouldn;t mind if I was asking for something difficult rather than something HE overlooked at the time I placed the order. I personally couldn't have walked out of the dealership at 7pm to go home if I was him knowing that I had promised to call a customer an hour previously. But then maybe I give a stuff.

25th September 2007, 21:02	#11 (permalink)
The red baron Valve Cap Join Date: 18th September 2007 Location: Location,Location Posts: 12 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts iTrader: (0)	i dont the salesman do it deliberately! remember we are not their only customer, whilst i DO understand that there are poor salesmen out there there are good ones too! car selling can't be an easy job especailly as they are all viewed as sharks mainly due to a rough ride they gave everyone in the 80's and 90's etc. if you get no joy find out the dealers sales managers name especially first name then ring back and say is Mark in etc! then air your view to them! whenever ive dealt with a sales man called Paul at my local dealer in Bolton he has been great!!

25th September 2007, 21:16	#13 (permalink)
HappyMan Super Moderator Civinfo guru Join Date: 16th August 2007 Location: Poland Posts: 3,601 Thanks: 30 Thanked 91 Times in 85 Posts iTrader: (0)	There are some genuinely good salesmen out there and I am absolutely sure that the guys or girls don't go out of their way to cause pain but why didn't the guy say to Keasden " Listen it's ten to six and there isn't much I can do tonight, can I call you around mid morning tomorrow when I have time to have a look at it" then Keasden wouldn't be annoyed that he hadn't been called back in what was obviously an unrealistic time span. Generally we are spending a lot of money on cars and I guess in some cases it is the second most expensive thing we can buy after our houses. This is why salesmen should be more attentive to the value of the purchase. I remember a few years ago talking to a Rover salesman and he told me his basic salary and it was really peanuts and so I can understand why he was more interested in selling cars than calling me to tell me about my car etc. I don't think it is right, but until the owners change their policy of sell, sell, sell this will continue and we will have to accept it!

25th September 2007, 21:47	#14 (permalink)
screawm Valve Cap Join Date: 21st July 2007 Posts: 31 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts iTrader: (0)	guess you could make FIAT stand for anything, but I guess crap would be better (Obviously that is my opinion) btw. I had a Fiat Grande Punto Sporting. The only decent part of the car was the Blue & Me system, it could show Hondas HFT a thing or 2.

25th September 2007, 22:59	#20 (permalink)
insanojackson Locking Wheelnut Join Date: 14th October 2006 Posts: 108 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts iTrader: (0)	I had the same when i ordered my type r last nove, got it 1st of march but had to pester the dealer all the time for info after i had signed on the line...that was springfield on scotswood road