First off, this is my first NAM post - so hello everyone!!!

I just called my MA and touched base with her after not hearing from her since receiving my production number. My Mini is currently on the Virgo Leader and I called my MA just to see what extra info she had. When I left her a message, I failed to let her know that I already knew my car was built and on a boat. She returned my call and said my "mini WAS a mini now" and that I was awaiting transport and she'd let me know more when she received information. Uh... is this a bad sign.. that I know more than the MA selling me the car? Granted, I found her a bit ditsy when I met her, but I already had my spec sheet ready when she approached me.. I thought maybe I took her by surprise because I was so prepared....
So are all MA's out of the loop like mine appears to be? Or was the WW website confused when it had my VIN listed as being loaded with 156 other Mini's? Now I don't know what to think....

*k*

 

MA's (and service departments too) seem to be all across the board as far as level of knowledge or level of service or commitment to customer "satisfaction"...

Do not fear.

My MA was perfect, start to finish, and when I got frustrated at no updates on Owner's Lounge and stuff, he always had the DETAILS right there - he knew the ship and the dates and all that, before OL did, which was definitely ok with me. I consider myself pretty lucky, a happy customer (so far, i only got 2500 miles or so on the clock).

1) get your car
2) thank your MA
3) have a chat with MA's boss, if you're really concerned, that she might benefit from some additional "training" ??

I'm too nice, i know,
Tatt

 

My MA was pretty much about as up to date as the OL, sometimes slightly ahead. I was mildly dissapointed at the time, but in retrospect, I know they are busy, and I really don't expect them to be repeatedly (arguably obsessively) checking the shipping company's website like I was.
I was a little more annoyed that he didn't seem to know details about the products they themselves sold.

All in all, I'd say that if your MA has served you pleasently and attentively during your sales process and makes themselves available for questions both before and after pick-up, then that's pretty good. Some dealers are busier than others and I personally wouldn't sweat it to much if they don't know the day to day movements of each individual car. On the other hand, if they go the extra mile, then that's a bonus, and you win.

To be perfectly honest, I tend to worry a whole lot more about the service departments, because that's where you can get royally screwed. I've only needed them once (something very minor), but I was pleased with the service. Mini of the Hamptons (my plug).

 

While dealer hopping and Mini test driving, I met with MA's that were both impressive and disappointing. All were very friendly but only 1/2 were knowledgeable. I ended up educating a couple of them on a variety of things. It was my experience that all had very good customer service skills but those that were less knowledgeable were new to the team. So, it's all good in my book.

 

Many people have run into the problem of having more knowledge or being more up to date than their MA's. My service manager supposedly walks around tearing his hair out over the lack of communication to dealers from MINI.

If you think about it, it makes sense that given the lack of communication from MINI, we would know more at times. The MA's job is to sell MINI's. He is not going to go home and scour the boards for signs of new equipment and options etc., nor does he probably have time to do so during the workday. So he relies on his company to keep him informed at work, which they don't do.

My MA was telling me the other day that he was assured months ago that the JCW kit would be able to be fitted to the new MCSa. So he placed about 3 orders for just that for customers. Now it turns out that that will void the warranty (until they come up with the official kit).

I myself had to "teach" him about the web-spoke wheel option when it first came out. As far as he knew, they were $1100, not the $500 that I eventually got them for.

 

Hi Noisegirly.....welcome!!! I agree, I've known some MAs who were EXTREMELY savy, and some who weren't. No surprise, really. The best MAs I have ever known were also owners and hence, know first-hand ALL the tools at their (and often...your) disposal to track your MINI. Best thing, imo, is to just be as patient as you can. I expect they are trying to be helpful...its just that they, after all, aren't superhuman (although I have known a few MAs who I swear are). Fortunately for us, there's lots of tricks one can learn to track one's MINI pretty effectively and most of those can be picked up here and from other owners. Remember, some folks here at NAM are on their second (or third?) MINI. Lastly, if you think effectively tracking you MINI will keep you from going mad, lotsa luck. My advise......just get it over with and let go of your sanity. You'll lose it anyway when your shiny MINI arrives so what the heck.