CCI wrote:
I'll share my feelings about this (owning a small business).
Take what you can get.
Only deal with the people you like (ie. people that actually pay and trust you)
The stress isn't worth caring that much, people naturally are dumb, trust yourself after all it is your business.
In my experience, many people are out to get you in business, and give the rest of us a bad name. Sucks, but true.
By only dealing with the good ones, you will refine your customer base over time giving you longevity.
It doesn't matter who bought what where, it really doesn't, the world has changed, we all need to see this. It's how we react that will make the difference. Having the attitude that a guy saved $500 and you won't give him adequate service burns me. I realize it rubs people the wrong way, but you need to step back and look at it from their position, $500 is $500. I'd drive 300km for that (so would you)! And YOU just missed the opportunity to prove to someone that you are the bigger person, and maybe you missed a sale next time around. Take what you can get!!!!
Tell him "I'm not happy that you bought somewhere else, I want you to buy here, and I want your service here, so I'm going to get you going, but remember me next time around!" OR If he's just a weinnie, tell him to shove it up his proverbial arse, sit on it and rotate, and don't ever come back.... lol.
Cheers, just my 2c
See...this really depends on the position of the business...I agree, if you're hungry you need to eat shit sometimes and take the service business. I've been there and learned the lessons. The guy who you bend over backwards for and give the deal to is the first guy to stick it to you OR he will have issues that you've got to take care of (which always cost $$). The guy who will drive the 300kms to save a nickel will do so next time no matter how good the service...he will not see the correlation. I will NOT drive that far to save $500 on any type of new vehicle....it's not worth the time, effort or FUEL. I couldn't face the service manager the first time it needed an oil change. At our place our customers come first...everyone gets the same level of service (all the same guys work on the stuff using the same tools and parts) but if you buy your boat from me and dock with me and store with me you come first...the guy with the bass pro tracker does NOT come before a Crestliner in our shop. It just would be fair to those who fully support us. This attitude does not cost sales. I always sell this aspect of the business first...you buy here you will be taken care of here. People appreciate the dedication to our customers. Of course Mitch and I both work at well established dealerships so its easier....remember I'm not saying we don't do the work or take care of these customers just that they don't come before those that support us. AND sometimes you just need to rant because you have to bite your tongue at work....
i think your right. we bend over backwards for our regular customers and they stay regular because of that..... the injection molding world is a shit show as Todd knows makes it tough to make a buck when china is right around the corner.
i have never bought a new car or truck but if i did i would buy it from Gm here in barrie only because of the great service work they have done for me....i only own a $5000 truck but they treat me like i bought a $100,000 one....
this being said i dont think i would ever buy new... and i would drive 300kms to save 500 bucks... but i would not cross a dealership that treats me good and if they have what i'm looking for then the price would be adjusted so i dont drive 300kms..
