Dealer doesn't respond?

[TOMDEE]

So being old and crusty, I've lowered my expectations for most things post-pandemic. As someone that can easily afford a Ranger, I have a dealer that just doesn't feel I'm worthy enough for them to bother with me and simply doesn't respond back when I've inquired about several vehicles. Sure, I know the typical response: "so what, move on and find another dealer". I agree with this sentiment and have no problem doing so, but maybe someone can help me understand the utter lack of any courtesy whatsoever. Mind you, I've already been the dealer twice and have test rode some vehicles. Two different salesmen won't respond to me. Odd or am I just old?

nobody uses morse code anymore lol

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[DangerRanger8721]

Before I got my Ranger I had my Subaru Impreza in for a recall and state inspection….they have me a very nice new forester as a curiosity car. They finished much quicker then expected and called me to come get it one day right as a began a closing shift at work. Told them I’d have to pick it up the next day but since it’s going to be just sitting there to appraise it. When I picked it up they following day and asked about the appraisal they told me they didn’t have time!! Now if you were a dealer KNOWING a customer Is driving around in a brand new loaner car asking you to appraise their VERY low mile great condition vehicle wouldn’t you jump on that. I mean if they gave me a price that was the even KBB price i probably would’ve went for it. But no they didn’t have time at a car dealership to try to sell a car.

Anyway it turned out good for me because nowI have my Ranger and absolutely love it!

It’s probably due to the service rep having a heavy workload but I mean come on it would have only taken a minute to call a salesperson and say hey you should take a look at this.

 

[SigOris]

nobody uses morse code anymore lol

Not exactly as HRO’s do

http://www.arrl.org/code-transmissions

 

[Zaph]

My local dealer doesn't even have any rangers to sell. In fact they barely had anything. On their lot they had like 10 Escapes. a couple of F150's. That's it.

I'm not even sure how they keep any salespeople employed at this point.

 

[Jbrubakerjr]

IMO a good dealer should do what the customer wants, not what the dealer wants. If the customer wants to order a vehicle, the dealer should order a vehicle. A dealer trade could be an OPTION (if they can find a vehicle with exactly what the customer wants), but it shouldn't be the ONLY option, IMO.

My rule of thumb in sales:
1. What is best for the customer?
2. What is best for the company?
3. What is best for me?
Following this has led to great customer relationships and a lot of long term business. Puts you in the position of being a trusted advisor. And trusted is the key word there.

 

[RedlandRanger]

My rule of thumb in sales:
1. What is best for the customer?
2. What is best for the company?
3. What is best for me?
Following this has led to great customer relationships and a lot of long term business. Puts you in the position of being a trusted advisor. And trusted is the key word there.

It is getting harder and harder to find trusted advisors in today's world..... I don't mind paying a bit more for advice and service that I can TRUST.

 

[Blue Streak]

I miss the day's of the 70's 80' & 90's. Was in good with a Ford sales rep. When I wanted something I called him he looked called me to come in we make a deal or order if need be then shoot the breeze. When needed I would ride with him to do a dealer swap. One ride took me to Iowa with him. Like I said miss those day's.

 

[MrBirdman330]

IMO a good dealer should do what the customer wants, not what the dealer wants. If the customer wants to order a vehicle, the dealer should order a vehicle. A dealer trade could be an OPTION (if they can find a vehicle with exactly what the customer wants), but it shouldn't be the ONLY option, IMO.

Dealers try to refrain from ordering for the reason that the customer can and will most likely still look around for A what they want rather than wait 3 or more months, and B the better deal. Some people have patience others won't stop looking.

 

[RedlandRanger]

Dealers try to refrain from ordering for the reason that the customer can and will most likely still look around for A what they want rather than wait 3 or more months, and B the better deal. Some people have patience others won't stop looking.

Sorry, I don't buy that argument - absolute worst case for the dealer is they end up with another vehicle to sell. It doesn't seem like manufacturers are building things that aren't pretty widely acceptable these days. Back int he day they had some pretty horrible colors - my grandfather bought a "medium orange" Chevy Nova - and MAN was that thing ORANGE - a cousin of mine got a great form of transportation (it only had like 3000 miles on it - basically new) for pretty cheap, but it was hideous to look at.

I still maintain a GOOD dealer will assist a customer with what they want, not drive them to what is best for the dealer - that is how you build loyalty. And a loyal customer is worth a LOT.

 

[MrBirdman330]

Sorry, I don't buy that argument - absolute worst case for the dealer is they end up with another vehicle to sell. It doesn't seem like manufacturers are building things that aren't pretty widely acceptable these days. Back int he day they had some pretty horrible colors - my grandfather bought a "medium orange" Chevy Nova - and MAN was that thing ORANGE - a cousin of mine got a great form of transportation (it only had like 3000 miles on it - basically new) for pretty cheap, but it was hideous to look at.

I still maintain a GOOD dealer will assist a customer with what they want, not drive them to what is best for the dealer - that is how you build loyalty. And a loyal customer is worth a LOT.

Sorry, I don't buy that argument - absolute worst case for the dealer is they end up with another vehicle to sell. It doesn't seem like manufacturers are building things that aren't pretty widely acceptable these days. Back int he day they had some pretty horrible colors - my grandfather bought a "medium orange" Chevy Nova - and MAN was that thing ORANGE - a cousin of mine got a great form of transportation (it only had like 3000 miles on it - basically new) for pretty cheap, but it was hideous to look at.

I still maintain a GOOD dealer will assist a customer with what they want, not drive them to what is best for the dealer - that is how you build loyalty. And a loyal customer is worth a LOT.

Assist which means what is in the customer's best interest is, not what they want.

 

[Langwilliams]

Dealers try to refrain from ordering for the reason that the customer can and will most likely still look around for A what they want rather than wait 3 or more months, and B the better deal. Some people have patience others won't stop looking.

I sold cars an we were pushed to sell what we had even if we didn't have what they wanted. The theory is once someone wants a new car they buy one within 48 hours of the decision. This may have changed with low inventories. Looks like the factory is offering a better incentive to order than to buy out of stock to encourage ordering. Some people order a car exactly like they want it. Most decide they want a car an go find it. I've bought about 20 new cars in my life, my brother works for Ford has bought more than that an neither one of us has ever ordered a car. We'd just find the closest thing to what we wanted an get the best deal. I bet half the cars I bought were model year end deals with big discounts an rebates because the new models were rolling in.

Sorry, I don't buy that argument - absolute worst case for the dealer is they end up with another vehicle to sell.

The flaw to this thinking is now Ford wants a 75% or higher delivery rate to the person that ordered. It was covered on here but I don't remember why. It might have been once it's a regular inventory car the dealership can play games with mark ups an add on junk that is turning people off to the company.

 

[Jbrubakerjr]

Sorry, I don't buy that argument - absolute worst case for the dealer is they end up with another vehicle to sell. It doesn't seem like manufacturers are building things that aren't pretty widely acceptable these days. Back int he day they had some pretty horrible colors - my grandfather bought a "medium orange" Chevy Nova - and MAN was that thing ORANGE - a cousin of mine got a great form of transportation (it only had like 3000 miles on it - basically new) for pretty cheap, but it was hideous to look at.

I still maintain a GOOD dealer will assist a customer with what they want, not drive them to what is best for the dealer - that is how you build loyalty. And a loyal customer is worth a LOT.

Agreed and well-said!

 

[MrBirdman330]

I sold cars an we were pushed to sell what we had even if we didn't have what they wanted. The theory is once someone wants a new car they buy one within 48 hours of the decision. This may have changed with low inventories. Looks like the factory is offering a better incentive to order than to buy out of stock to encourage ordering. Some people order a car exactly like they want it. Most decide they want a car an go find it. I've bought about 20 new cars in my life, my brother works for Ford has bought more than that an neither one of us has ever ordered a car. We'd just find the closest thing to what we wanted an get the best deal. I bet half the cars I bought were model year end deals with big discounts an rebates because the new models were rolling in.



The flaw to this thinking is now Ford wants a 75% or higher delivery rate to the person that ordered. It was covered on here but I don't remember why. It might have been once it's a regular inventory car the dealership can play games with mark ups an add on junk that is turning people off to the company.

Essentially similar to what you said, though they told us, customer is wanting to buy "now" and it's easier to get them something on the lot rather than take the risk of order and customer walking away. Low inventory forces changes to be made as now it is order order and order. A large dealer here is doing order guarantee, order it and if you change your mind for what reasons when your vehicle arrives. You can walk away no questions or fees asked.

When I did new cars the dealing was done upfront and trade value locked in when an order is placed. It's changed since I considered for a brief moment to order a blue Ranger STX Special Edition, now you're told to throw down $500 and if or when your ordered vehicle arrives then there will be dealing. Ford is working its own version of Tesla's sales model and with a bit of how Europe does it. Test drive a demo, spec out and order what you want but will get to where there won't be a need for an independent dealer but company owned.

Second issue is that dealers have been known to jack customers on orders, there was a nasty incident over ordering a Bronco and the dealer said here is the price but didn't lock it in. So said Bronco arrived and they tack on a hefty $10k markup on the customer. Customer made a social media fuss, lawyers got involved and I believe there was some compromise over it. So sometimes better to just take what you get and go so you're not screwed in the end. I have a Race Red STX Special Edition instead of Velocity Blue.

 

[VAMike]

So sometimes better to just take what you get and go so you're not screwed in the end. I have a Race Red STX Special Edition instead of Velocity Blue.

...which works if you want a common configuration. I'm not willing to drop this kind of money on something that's "kinda" what I want. If the dealers don't like it, I'll just get something else. It sucks if you have to have a car right now--but I'm buying something I want, not something I need, and the pressure tactics simply won't work.

 

[MrBirdman330]

...which works if you want a common configuration. I'm not willing to drop this kind of money on something that's "kinda" what I want. If the dealers don't like it, I'll just get something else. It sucks if you have to have a car right now--but I'm buying something I want, not something I need, and the pressure tactics simply won't work.

I have the options I wanted just not the color. I'm not going to lay money down and wait upwards of a year for a specific color and have my model year changed since I purchased in late September. Ford watered down the STX Special Edition for 2022. So again take what could get or be more disappointed when I get a watered down model. Ford is wonderful about that first model year has everything subsequent model years have less.

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