Originally Posted By: 01rangerxl
Quite the temper tantrum. No, I don't know how to run a business, nor am I a website developer, or in charge of IT. So how am I [censored] on customers by pointing out that dealer websites are a joke?
Because you always seem to come up with the option that blames the customer and leaves the dealer smelling like roses. It's the customers fault the dealer site sucks? It's the customers fault that the site gives a reservation that goes to the circular file? Why defend something that you know to be wrong? Do you honestly think that the more you defend the dealer the less likely you are to be let go? Life lesson ahead there. If you're just trying to let us know "how it is" at a dealer with this, we got it: they don't give a [censored].
Originally Posted By: 01rangerxl
Your 40 bay Honda dealer is doing nothing but a few FI cleanings and maintenance jobs with AC Delco parts? You know this how? And you went into the back of the parts dept and saw that there were only a few bins? Sounds like a [censored] dealer if that's really the case, why do you continue to patronize it? Why not go somewhere else? If that dealer won't stock their parts department or do major repairs, I'm sure there is one who will. More than likely though, there is a lot more going on at that 40 bay Honda dealer than you realize. BTW - dealers don't "sign deals" with aftermarket parts brands...that's not how it works.
The "parts dept" (what was left of it) was completely visible. The counter remained and on it was groups of boxes with workorders attached (daily jobs). The only Honda parts were filters and drain washers. ALL other boxes were AC Delco. Brakes, cooling, suspension, et al. I could easily see that the rest of the space was occupied by only a few shelves with common Honda replacement SKUs. The rest was a monster AC Delco display. I verified with an employee that they order everything that isn't on those shelves in as needed and that this was what was left of the parts dept. This is your future.
Originally Posted By: 01rangerxl
The parts department where I work is the major source of profit for the dealer, followed by the body shop. Not from retail walk ins though, and certainly not from people who scream and spew about parts people [censored] on them. We sell parts all over the Southeast to wholesale customers. That's why I have no problem referring retail customers to other sources for parts.
The key word is consolidation. The part orders make money for the dealership. You don't. You standing there providing [censored]-poor CS and barely caring about your job because the customers are so mean and because "F" the dealership certainly doesn't help your chances. They'll offload you as soon as ordering in costs them less than you carrying a box to the counter and taking 15 minutes to do a writeup. Internet sales going well? Grand! Open a warehouse that serves the dealership (on one-day delay) and online sales. You're out on your butt and don't expect anyone to care. If customers truly had an option they'd never darken the current dealer network doorstep ever again. They're begging for an alternative. So keep on fanning the flames.
Originally Posted By: 01rangerxl
The idea of dealers or any shop stalling on repairs is ridiculous. They want the ticket closed quick too. If they are busy, they are busy. If it's too busy for your schedule, go somewhere else. It's really that simple.
... says the man-in-charge while twirling his mustache. There is no "somewhere else" when most EVERYWHERE else conducts business like this. As least for now. It's all in how you handle it (I know, again with the CS). If the rep apologizes and it's a one-time delay, no reasonable person would blow their stack. When it's time after time, and appts mean nothing, and no one seems to care about their jobs while demanding $150/hr then people get angry. Dealership employees don't even keep up the charade anymore.
Originally Posted By: 01rangerxl
The only award winning attitude I see here is you. It's not surprising your interactions with people at your dealer are apparently poor. I'm sure they will be thrilled if you buy your parts elsewhere.
I do buy my parts elsewhere, and I'm touched by your evaluation of my attitude. My presence at the Honda dealer was only to pick up a family member who was being accosted by a service writer (shocker). They aren't MY dealer, I assure you. I buy parts from sources that at least seem to value my business and I sing their praises from the rooftops. It doesn't matter anyway, this isn't the first dealer I've seen with an apparent side-deal to aftermarket and the AZ/AAP/Napa cars are in the dealer parking lots more and more often. They're coming for you... smile!
