As a customer, what things should I consider doing in order to have the best service experience at a MINI dealership? I think everyone has their own plan - I thought I had a really good one but it didn't work.

Thanks, in advance, for your feedback

 

Just out of curiosity, what was your failed plan?

 

Depends on the personalities and the dealership involved. I've just been fair and open w/ my SA and tried to take good care of my MINI, consulting him when necessary. Things have gone superbly and I'm on my second MINI. That said...he's one of the best in the nation.

 

Most service dept. and service writers like food. Take them some bagels or dougnuts. That usually works.

 

My plan: be patient, flexible, and courteous.

 

A wise solution to get most things done in life.

 

For the best service experience don't mod your car (functionally, cosmetics generally don't come into play unless you alter something along the way).

 

Since I work on the oppisite side of the service desk from most of you I figured I would chime in. The best customers to deal with are the ones who love their car and show it. There is nothing like listening to concerns from a smiling face. Unfortunatly there is alot of people in the auto business that, well, should not be in the auto business.

 

Yeah, and too many of them have somehow ended up at a certain dealer in Sterling, VA.

 

They do tend to group together. We have an expression around here, the fish rots from the head down.

 

And to that I add, no matter where the fish is rotting, it stinks.

 

 

im a sa like 08r56 is. food is alway good. but the main thing is just be nice. to the op,what happened where your plan didn not work?

 

I think one strategy is not to settle for the "we've never heard of this before" line. I've gotten it, and I know others who have, too--from the same SA for the same problem.

Of course, it was much more prevalent when the car was new--I had a week 3 build, when there truly WEREN'T others in the US with that particular issue. I credit NAM with building a data base of problems with the new R56. For example, I was the first to post that my cruise control "dropped out" at times. Gradually others began to report it, too, and it turned out to be a software problem. Reprogramming fixed it!

 

That's the weak spot with Mini owership, lack of dealerships. Long lines for service. Hurry-up maintenance and sloppy work.

Be very zen, do it yourself, or get a Toyota...

 

And slip the tech a 20

 

how about the golden rule

 

Pizza delivered before lunch. My Harley mechanic gets beer and peanuts.

 

Paying for warranty work? I don't think so.

I'll probably catch it from the SAs and techs on the board...

 

No way I'm gonna bribe someone to do their job. Isn't that what a paycheck is for? I just treat them nicely and at least as my equal.

 

Never underestimate the power of a well placed 20.

"It's not tipping I believe in. It's overtipping" Steve Martin as Vinnie in My Blue Heaven

 

A few years back, I had some work done at an independent shop, on my Subaru. I didn't know until after that it was cash/check only. I had to drop a check in the mail once I got home (3 hours from me). I put an extra $25 on there, telling the proprietor to buy the guys a case of beer for staying late and getting the work done. They took care of me before that, but always after as well.

fast forward two years later...I'm at Mach V in Sterling, VA to chat with Dan. He's tuning a car. The owner of that car sees me, walks up, and says "I know you. I can't place from where, but..." Sure enough, I recognize him too. We compare notes. He was a tech at Delta V Motorsports....one of the guys who worked on my car. He now has his own shop and told me to look him up if I needed a favor.

I agree with LynnEl's comments about MoS, but also Nathan's about looking after the guys. Basically, I'll be the meanest, rudest SOB who won't let up if you cross me, or the nicest, most generous customer you could ever want - it's up to how I'm treated. /rant

 

you tip your waitress and practically everyone else in the service industry afterwards don't you ?

How about just cleaning all the junk out of your car You wouldn't believe the some of the disgusting or just troublesome junk people leave in their new cars.

trying to slip someone a 20 at the dealership will just make things awkward, bring a box of donuts or two, or some bagels, as long as some of them make it back to the shop/techs

The question was, what's the way to get the Best service experience right ?

Thank-you's and treats seldom make it back to the tech's taking care of your baby, but the few that do, get the very best service.

 

Yes, I do tip my waiters and waitresses. I do so because they typically make about $2.50 an hour, and depend solely on their tips to keep from starving. Other service people, and I guess mechanics are loosely in this category, are paid by the hour, or are on a salary.

Look, I don't want this to degenerate into a war of payments. I just think we shouldn't feel pressured on this thread or in real life to tip our mechanics! I agree with those who feel the best way is to act like a decent human. Golden Rule, and all that. And for that matter, how would you even know that money is getting TO the wrench turner? At my dealership one never gets near one!

 

That works here too.