Date:         Wed, 28 Jun 1995 13:35:41 -0500
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@vanagon.com>
From:         Sergio Derada <derada@texas.nrlssc.navy.mil>
Subject:      RE:Dealer Service

> I think one of the keys to dealing with ANY department at a dealership...
> sales...parts...service is letting the "manager" know that:
> 
> 1. you know your stuff....
> 2. you don't take any $hit...
> 3. you EXPECT the job to be done right...
> 4. and if you aren't treated properly you will BITCH and BITCH and BITCH!!
> 
> Unfortunately if you don't communicate the above, you will be treated like
> a sheep...the sad part about the above is that you could probably
> replace "dealership" with restuarnt....doctor....lawyer....laundrymat...
> retail sales establishment, etc...etc...
> 
> Howmany people send food back when it isn't cooked to their expectation...
> or tell a doctor off after sitting in the waiting room and finally seeing
> the dweeb 1.5 hours AFTER your scheduled time?
> 
> Call me a pain in the ass....(ok...not so loud huh!) but I figure
> if I'm paying good money for something I expect that I get what I bargain
> for....
> 
> now back to the dealer....I have my local dealer trained....the sales
> people know that before I've walked in the door to buy a car I have
> the price, financing info down not only for his dealership, but for
> the competition as well...
> 
> I have bought enough parts that I was able not only to get the garage
> discount, but a line of credit as well...Hey, I don't get this stuff...
> I'll drive 10 minutes extra in the other direction and hit the other
> local VW dealership....
> 
> The service people know that I won't be too pleased if the work isn't done
> right the first time....
> 
> On the other hand, I do admit when someone goes out of their way,
> I will make sure that "extra" is rewarded...the parts guy gets
> a case of beer for  Christmas...the service guys get a couple of
> bucks if they have done that little "extra"...
> 
> Bottom line...we have a nice arangement at my local dealership...
> sort of mutual respect...or mutual deterance...I don't know which.
> 
> But in the past 10 years I've bought 4 new cars from them...and a couple
> of used ones as well.
> 
> Ric

1. I know my stuff, but I don't know much about mechanic work and that's Why I expect them to
   be there. I pay the big money for the repair... I expect it done right! I do know what's 
   done right!

2. I take no shit. I have been reasonable, polite, etc, etc and although they have gotten
   extremely rude and apathetical with me, I kept my cool.

3. Yes!!! I DO.

4. Can't you tell I am bitching like a bitch! I have bitched to everyone starting at service, via
   manager, ending in the owner...who buy the way wouldn't take my call. Of course, I was a polite
   bitcher. I've talked and bitched about it with VWoA, BBB, Autoline, News... Believe me, I have
   bitch, I bitch, and I will bitch. (THIS IS MY BITCHING OPINION)


Sounds like you have a great relationship with your dealer! I wish I had a similar one, unfortunately,
I don't think many people do.

sergio