|
Car dealers and their service departments get a lot of criticism in this forum, which is contrary to my own experience. I'd like to pose a probing question. "Do you think that you're any more skilled, conscientious and trustworthy in your job than the employees of car dealers, and if so what are your reasons for thinking that?"
|
|
Yes, when I was working, my, and others lives depended on it.
|
Yes, when I was working, my and other's lives depended on it (Old RAF!)
|
|
|
|
There are too many generalisations about 'dealers', 'VW dealers', etc, as if they were a definite species. Like plumbers, builders, (enter your choice of trade), there are plenty with expertise and principles, and plenty without. It's usually a matter of using word-of-mouth recommendation to find a decent one. Or taking pot luck and risking disappointment. One advantage is that one can visit a car dealer's or repairer's premises and form a quick opinion.
But I can sidestep Snail's question by saying that it is nearly 10 years since I had a paid job. The ones I do for free: maybe, probably and I hope so, in that order.
|
Difficult one to answer this for the average Briton, could be accused of blowing one's own trumpet what.
And likely to get some serious mickey taking here..;)
As far as car dealers go, i've really only dealt with Toyota as a customer and so far i've found them to be truthful and decent.
Never owned a car new enough to be in the dealer chain for servicing before, if i should be rich enough to own a MB under 3 years (unlikely) then i would use my dependable, honourable, extremely old school and expert indy anyway.
|
|
|
there used to be a set of posters on the walls at work, one of them said 'Integrity is non negotiable'
I think that message was spot on...
|
|
Didn't many RAF pilots take the groundcrew up for a flight immediately a repair had been done?
|
An old employer had the motto:
We say what we do
we do what we say
we prove it
We improve it
Apart from the last line, I had no problems. It didn't last long!
|
"Didn't many RAF pilots take the groundcrew up for a flight immediately a repair had been done? "
Hard to do that in a single seat aircraft, surely?
And anyway, no, I don't think it's ever been the practice.
|
I always try to do the best I can for my customers, even if it means working longer for the same agreed price or dealing with their varying odd and sometimes perplexing requirements. I like to feel ive done the best I can for someone and I never make promises that I cant keep.
I worked behind the scenes at a large main dealer and while there may be individuals who try their best, at the end of the day, its about money first, customer second.
|
I think it's a respect thing. If you look upon your customers as a walking wallet, someone to fleece as much out of as you can, then you have no respect for them and all you'll be providing at best is some shine and flannel for that sale only
if however you nurture your customers, go out of your way to look after them, try to cater to their needs, respect them...then you'll build a lasting relationship and they'll come back again..and again
i don't understand why the first version is so prolific, but sadly it is
it's like the difference between a typical double glazing company and say John Lewis
|
>>if however you nurture your customers, go out of your way to look after them, try to cater to their needs, respect them...then you'll build a lasting relationship and they'll come back again..and again<<
In business terms, for a small service company anyway, this is far more cost effective than mass advertising as ive found that each satisfied customer, on average, leads to three more. Sometimes it takes a year for recommendations to filter through, but its a very solid business base as they have already been told you are good and need less convincing.
I have one customer who has lead to 9 separate new customers! But you have to believe in what you do and that doing it well is thee right thing, not just for business.
|
|
|
|
>An old employer had the motto:
I heard of a pharmacist with the motto 'We dispense with accuracy' ..
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Er yes. I had to be skilled,conscientious,trustworthy and meticulous just to get my Job and keep it. In any form of motorsport that I have worked in, your always having to prove how good you are as there are many wanting to take your place. As for car dealers, the limited personal experience I have had with them, has shown enormous variances from very good (Mercedes, BMW, Mazda) to very poor (VW). You can only go by your own experiences.
|
The garage man I use ticks all the boxes. He can do anything, doesn't scorn small or dirty jobs, likes cars, does impeccable work, tidies things up unasked and doesn't overcharge (indeed my film director friend, who recommended him to me, thinks he undercharges).
He doesn't sell cars.
|
Yes, anything where other peoples' lives depend on my "skill, conscientiousness, and honesty."
But then I'm the sort of person who will interrupt a salesman at, say, Currys, and tell someone that the £120 cables he's trying to sell them won't make the slightest difference.
Edited by David Horn on 11/02/2009 at 15:25
|
Yes, I am skillful, concientious and honest in all my dealings.
However whilst there is no room for doubt in honesty, I would say that I do go the extra mile with some customers depending on their attitude and previous history of paying on time. This can take the form of a more comprehensive report, or some additional advice free of charge or taking a bit extra time to research values which would lead to a higher value. I also try to find a way of not over charging a client if that would be a possibility if they want to instruct me to do something in a non-standard way.
|
If I was not skilful I would not eat as I trade shares for a living.
The buck stops with me. If I get it wrong, I lose money. Get it right and I make money.
Simple.
Black and white.
|
Quote:..""If I was not skilful I would not eat as I trade shares for a living""
Like other occupations, I expect there have been casualties among professional share traders recently.
|
I have to reply similar to madf.
I provide my own income.
Fail I starve and lose everything. get it right and life is ok.
To answer the OP directly, its impossible to compare. To dealers in general, maybe, to a specific dealer, maybe not !
Oh and life is ok !
Edited by yorkiebar on 11/02/2009 at 18:24
|
|
|
|
