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In Reply to: Dealers, STOP WHINING posted by Feanor on February 15, 2007 at 09:12:41:
that they are supposed to do triple flips and crawl around the floor really fast every time someone makes an impossible demand, offers to pay less than cost, or merely wants to waste countless hours of time audio yacking and validating a purchase someone has already made elsewhere?
Follow Ups:
Most of the dealer comments I've read so far in this thread come across in a somewhat "if-it-doesn't-serve-my-interest-in-the-here-and-now-then-f**k-you-and-don't-waste-my-time" attitude. A strong reputation of customer service excellence (including respect), trustworthyness and value are probably the most powerful assets a dealer can have in any business. Sure there are people who can be a pain, but its critical to view each potential customer in a positive light. Qualify, but do it with respect and patience.
It's up to them whether they compete and stay in business.
Bill Bailey
___________________________________________
See my stereo config ... but always looking for cost effective improvements
The poster that suggested I keep my mouth shut was right. The potential customer has to make a one sided satement, and I have to explain the entire qualifying process behind any business meeting and the way we operate.Here's a couple answers:
One poster mentioned "you would think he smuggled the speakers in". The Sumiko policy is they will not sell parts into speakers that were not shipped to U.S. dealers by asking you for a serial number, hence stopping trans-shipping from dirty sources from overseas. Other companies do it too. Going both directions. More so now with the weak dollar maing U.S. goods cheap in Europe.
I have been very lucky and thankful to the customers that have made us do fine business-wise, and made the decision a couple years ago that if I smell trouble to steer clear of it. After 30 years in this biz my intuition is pretty good. If I lose a couple sales it's unfortunate, but what I gain in having fun with the customers I love and enjoy, ad maybe adding a couple years to my life, is worth it.Most of my business is repeat and referral, and after losing some people very dear to me I have learned life is too short to regret the price I paid for one waisted day that God has given me. You can't put a price tag on that.
But regardless some customers are abusive. This guy was nice enough on the phone. But if I see that his last purchases have been used, and he even stated "my policy is that if I demo it I will by it from the dealer" but has nothing to support THE ACTION, words are cheap. Even his purchase from me....I'd be happy to give you the details on with his permission. I keep every e-mail and every invoice from day one.
I have a guy named Ken M and his caller ID says "CTY of STA CLRA". He has wasted hours of my time, time after time, when indeed he was dealing in damaged goods he was buying/selling on A-gon. I finally demanded he stop calling me. He the started disguising his voice and using fake names but isn't too smart about caller ID. I get stuff like this daily...not the exact same motions, but same effect. So when he does that, he reduces the time I have for real customers. I finally a week ago got both his home and work number and next time he calls I'll give him one warning: I'm calling your boss if you do it any more.
So am I perfect? No....and never will be, But we have been successfull and have a very good formula, and most of all I look forward even after all these years to get to work. Most guys burn out. I started at 8AM and it's 11PM now
One day I will put up our favs. I have BS sessions about some of the "known offenders" that are so notorious that every dealer and company know of them. But that 5% sure make it tough on everyone else, and I'm truely sorry for collateral damage to those that don't desrve it. This is a pretty dumb industry that eats it's own young.
If you notice, the people that bitch rarely will give you a full ID on themselves. Besides that this year has been the busiest and most demanding ever.
It is up to you if you do this.
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