.. my local dealer MA just called me today (I haven't gotten around to calling him yet regarding my order in Chicago) and offered me a May production slot (as opposed to June that was originally promised).



I felt really bad, but there's nothing I can do, as my Chicago order went into production last week!

Why do I feel so guilty? This is just a car salesman, right? :impatient

Weird

 

Please do call back and explain the situation. Someone else is likely waiting for that slot. And your MA is a person, too. Never hurts to be nice to someone; karma works in mysterious ways.

 

In the end its all what works best for you - you are not committed to either car unless your contract says otherwise so you should be able to get your deposit back from either. In any case once you decide let the SA know, I'm sure they deal with it all the time and find another person to adopt your car/slot easily.

 

No, don't get me wrong, I didn't lie to the guy. I told him straight up that my car already went into production. I told him basically that if I had known about the May production, oh say, 2 weeks ago then that would've been great. But as it is now, I can't UN-make my car in England.

The guy was totally cool and set up the deposit refund process.

I guess I feel guilty because the MINI MA's here are really cool guys and just from a personal standpoint I like to reward non-pushy, helpful salesmen.

I did offer him an '09 purchase in the future, though...

 

Just remember, kiss 'em before you screw 'em.

Unlike your girlfriend, I think the MA will get over it.

 

I've seen that act vanish right before my very eyes when I confronted them with a cracked windshield. Cold, monotone, emotionless words prevailed.

You are making a business decision. Do what is best for YOUR business.

 

You need to call and explain for sure! you might need him for something in the future!

 

i explained it to him right then and there when he called me.

 

so the problem is solved?

 

I declare this the official "Quote of the Day" !!! LOL

 

well i explained it to him when he called me, and that's why he went ahead to start the process of refunding me my deposit.

i kind of feel like I should write a letter to his boss or something saying that he's a great employee/salesman it's just the rediculous sticker mark up and wait time that lost my sale...

 

You absolutely should, it will make his day--not many people take the time to do that sort of thing anymore. Good karma always comes around, anyway!

 

I agree, write a nice letter to keep things nice because you will be using the dealer for warranty service appointments. Then don't worry about it - they just go to the next person in line, it happens all the time.

 

I got my deposit refund check in the mail today. I'm going to cash it tomorrow and then give him a call and ask for an address where i can send a letter.

 

Deposited the check today, called my *local* MA and explained again (although I had already explained in the first call) and told him I got the deposit refund.

I got an address and name of his boss to send a letter, and chatted a bit about future upgrades (dinan, window tint, etc). I think he was pretty happy that i was going to write a letter.




Awww.. I made up with my 'girlfriend'..

 

Great story, Ron! I think it is VERY important to send letters of commendation/thanks to the bosses of good employees. It reinforces their good treatment of all other customers and will stand you in very good stead come service apppointment time. They will remember you as the cool guy who wrote the kind words for a fellow employee.