I did something about the crappy customer service at my local dealer....

[4churchill]

I was at my dealer yesterday clearing some things up on my new truck, and i started talking to my friend who is the GM/part owner, about the horrible level of service i received. in the last year their whole HUMMER staff quit so they have chevy/caddy salesmen selling the HUMMERS. these guys dont know dick and it shows. So my buddy insteade of just taking my criticism, he made a challenge to me. Well all said and done, I am now the HUMMER product specialist at a dealer. I have had my dealer/sales license for a while being that i use it in my business. Starting tomorrow, i will be spending my fridays, saturdays, and sundays, selling HUMMERS. my plan is to only do this until they can find a full time HUMMER guy, but i just couldnt take these guys selling the rigs w/o knowing anything about them....i feel like a vigilante http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif, im taking matters into my own hands, oh yeah and discounted oil changes too http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gif

[4churchill]

I was at my dealer yesterday clearing some things up on my new truck, and i started talking to my friend who is the GM/part owner, about the horrible level of service i received. in the last year their whole HUMMER staff quit so they have chevy/caddy salesmen selling the HUMMERS. these guys dont know dick and it shows. So my buddy insteade of just taking my criticism, he made a challenge to me. Well all said and done, I am now the HUMMER product specialist at a dealer. I have had my dealer/sales license for a while being that i use it in my business. Starting tomorrow, i will be spending my fridays, saturdays, and sundays, selling HUMMERS. my plan is to only do this until they can find a full time HUMMER guy, but i just couldnt take these guys selling the rigs w/o knowing anything about them....i feel like a vigilante http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif, im taking matters into my own hands, oh yeah and discounted oil changes too http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gif

[dochummer]

Way to go. Which dealership is it?

[GONEGOLFING]

CONGRATULATIONS! Good job. I'm glad somebody finally actualy listened to your concerns and did someting about it. I remember back to the purchase of my first H2 and the sale specialist didn't know squat. Of course I only realized this after reading the Hummer owners manual. It apauls me that the people selling the vehicle don't brush up on the technical end of the product. And not to mention the service attitude that makes a customer feel like they are being treated with some respect. Good luck with you new temporary position and you will represent us well.

[4churchill]

thanks for the well wishes. my intent is to regain the quality of service so many of the more recent purchasers of HUMMERS have been without. I am also planning on taking th HUMMER certification test, so I can become a HUMMER Product Specialist. They have given me one of the two offices in the HUMMER showroom, and all HUMMER sales on the days I am there will have to go through me. They have also authorized me to park my rig right out front, because like i said to them, I feel a person looking at a HUMMER would feel better about buying form someone who already drives and knows the vehicle. I start tomorrow morning 8:45 sharp. I am nervous, i must admit, i spend all day helping people buy high line cars, but i have yet to actually work at a dealership, i hope once they see the difference having a dedicated knowledgable HUMMER salesman makes, they will make sure the full-time guy they hire is not only HUMMER Certified, but HUMMER passionate, which is a trait many of today's salesmen are missing.

[timgco]

CONGRATS! http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

How about the Limited RED SUT for 3K under invoice? can you make it work? Oh yeah and I want the trade done from here in CO. I have a used pair of rollerbaldes that I want 5K for too? http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gif

Seriuosly though, this would be perfect for people that are looking to buy that visit this site. I believe that you will get business through here. Everyone talks to one another. Good luck on Sat. and don't be nervous, have fun with it!!!!!!
Congrats again.
Tim.

[4churchill]

thanks for the well wishes tim. I think a good night's sleep and a nice hearty breakfast will help deal with the nervs. I am definately excited though, and I can't wait for my first customer. BTW: ill have my used car guy get a trade in value on those roller blades for you http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gif

[frank6150]

Very nice work! Too bad you can't spend some time over this way and train the retards that work at the dealerships near me. It was quite a battle when I traded my '03 in for a new one. I'm sure you will do a great job considering you have the talents to sell high end vehicles to snobby rich folk! http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

[H2Finally]

DAMN! LUCKY DAWG! Way back when, when the passion was thru-the-roof (noob), I actually made inquiry at local cadillac/hummer dealer abt working weekends there -- just because I was bursting with joy and NEEDED to share it with EVERYGAWDAMNHUMANONTHEFACEOFTHEEARTH!! http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

Alas, they said, no, can't do part-time, they only take full-time employees... http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_frown.gif http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_frown.gif

[4churchill]

yeah i think they hoooked me up b/c i know the bossman, but i hope to make a change....frank where in pa are you? ium a jerzy guy by birth and heart http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

[frank6150]

About 45 minutes - hour south of Pittsburgh in the middle of freakin nowhere. I'm due for another trip to Jersey soon, gotta get there before Spike puts his summer rims on so I can steal his lug nuts.

[ROX]

The dealership in the Portland is selling their franchise. Dick Hannah of Vancouver, WA, has changed their General Manager, and ever since then the staff all changed, and it's up for sale. Only one sales guy is left, and he really gets into the Hummer thing. Everyone else is gone. I wish I knew something about it, or I'd snatch it up in a hurry. Make sure your rig is good and dirty!!!! Good Luck!

[4churchill]

really? ive dreamed of owning a dealership...i wish i could put a group together

[timgco]

I can see it now.

Vancouver Hummer
...owned by H2 Source members.
:-)

[Humdinger]

I hope they make it worth your while besides just low cost oil changes? With knowledge comes power. You are adding a value to their service. Make sure you are taken care of for stepping up and saving their ass!

[NJ H2]

Congrats!!
Now pick up a new H2 for that GM Employee Discount while you can! http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

[4churchill]

dinger, when i heard the commission structure, it became very worth my while, lets put it this way 1 h2 sale a month = pays 2 months on my rig. nj i just picked up a new rig a few weeks ago, i did better then employee pricing http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gif as the zero hour comes closer ive been thinking alot about what i want to do and say, and i realized the main thing is i want to be an "anti-dealer" dealer. I want to talk to people about the prospect of HUMMER ownership without them worrying about sales tricks or any games, and i swear i will never say "...let me introduce you to my friend XYZ (the closer)so he can help me help you..." I hate that **** when im buying a car. immediately you know it isnt his buddy just a closer and you begin to feel swindled. I also want to make sure every owner knows about the locker, and tc2 etc...before they drive off. the current salesmen arent required to explain the systems to people.

[KenP]

As a salesman your job is to sell the vehicle. Management will make sure you don't f#@$ up. They will also make sure you get the deal signed, then you will T.O. the customer to F&I. After that you are pretty much out of the loop as they will try to make a few extra bucks on the back end. So yes you will say, "let me introduce you to my friend XYZ" in most cases.

Of course you know all this already. It's your job. http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_cool.gif

[4churchill]

ken, i hear ya on that, i dont think though i could bring myself to say my friend though, i may just say this is xyz, thats really what i was alluding to. i understand the process as i usually spend 1-3 days a week at different dealerships w/ my customers, i think it will be good for my business too, to be on the other side, temporarily i'll be "one of them"...i am excited though, i love HUMMERS, and this is a great way to get more and more involved, and i also feel like i definately will be able to turn the image of this dealerhsip around.

[Andre]

Whats the name of the dealership?

[Darren]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by 4CHURCHILL:
my plan is to only do this until they can find a full time HUMMER guy, but i just couldnt take these guys selling the rigs w/o knowing anything about them.... </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

4Churchhill,

I hope you stay there for a while! I will have had my SUV for three years soon and want to buy an 06 model H2 Duramax - It would be great to be able to buy it from you!

[LasVegas]

How about a group buy 4C http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

[Tully]

wheres the dealership?

[4churchill]

guys dealership is TEAM in Northen California. First day went good. I didnt have any HUMMER sales myself, but i helped 1 guy on a deal he was doing (saved his ass...this multi millionaire was having her rig delivered and she was all over the fact that she had to have a 6 disc changer, but she had nav, they told her the 6 disc was there already, thakfully i cought it and they told her that it wasn't available) I also sold a Chevy Silverado. Having my rig there was a nice touch, as several customers liked the fact that I had one myself. I must say, Car sales is a much different gig when your on the side of the dealer. I think this is going to be a good thing. If anyone needs anything, ask me, no promises but I'll do what I can

[frank6150]

I sure could use a 2 tier black brushguard. You could just take it off a new or used one and sell it to me for cheap! Cheeeeeeeaap! http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif

[HUMMERcustoms.com/TAZ]

Hey 4C congrats. The customer that will be coming there now, do not realise how big a help You will be.

If You get to looking into Dealer ownership and at some point get to where there could be a serious discussion on what it takes for proccess and finances. My family owned a Pontiac/GMC dealer for many years put I was in my late teens so I did not learn much. I just ran around and went with people on test rides so saleman did not have to do it. You know basicly just goof off most of the time like most teens would do at the family business.
But, anyway where there is a will there is a way. I do not take no for an answer when I want to do a project until I'm the one that says no. That way I'm positive I gave it 120% before I give up.
Well when You ever get to the serious stage let Me know as some in Our club could get it done or i have connections to possibly do it. Know some venture capitalist. The only bad part with that is they are hard nose not all but alot of them are. They most of the time only work deals where they have controlling interest and You are back to working for some else. I have some options that could work with that where control is in the lest number of hands. It's not pie in the sky as long as it is a vision to work towards and not a wish.
Good Luck!!!
TAZ


<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by 4CHURCHILL:
really? ive dreamed of owning a dealership...i wish i could put a group together </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

[LasVegas]

4C...My opinion of 95% of all car salesmen is that if their lips are moving they're lying. Be interesting to hear your opinion now that you're on "their" side. And tell the truth, if you still can http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gif

[KenP]

True story:

I started selling cars when I was 19. It was a Hyundai dealership in '86, their first year I think. I would pick overage units to sell because they had the best spiffs and I liked the money.

One day I had the chance to "modify" a vehicle for the showroom. I picked an overage 4 door automatic sedan with a/c and roof. I had them add pin stripes and PLASTIC CHROME hub caps. It could be yours for about $8500.

I would show that vehicle, or other overage units to every customer no matter what they wanted. Finally, I was showing a family the showroom model and the wife asked, "Is dem steel wheels?"

"Well ma'am, yes they are..." I could see my manager just about fall out of his chair. I sold the vehicle to that family and they were happy as can be.

I later had to explain to my manager that I did not lie. The WHEELS are steel. The hubcaps were plastic.

Not all salesmen lie. http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_razz.gif

[4churchill]

Jonahs lets put it this way, i wouldn't trust one of these guys to house sit for me.....i must say today i was immersed in a sea of bull****, but i also understand why they use it. the way commissions work, and howmuch they are, will lead a salesman to say anything. one guy today even told a guy that his staff sized golf bag woudl fit in the trunk of the xlr. the guy was inside signing the papers and i said to the salesman, i dont think those clubs will fit,a nd he said "well he'll just have to find that out after he gets home..." implying that once the deal was done it was too late. i dont think i could bring myself to do things like that. lets put it this way, even when we are getting these "great deals" and "$100 over invoice" deals on our rigs, THE DEALER NEVER LOSES. They will refuse to do a deal if it costs them $0.01 more then they paid for the rig. And another word of advice, im sure most people know this, but you will actually get a better deal on your rig if you lease or finance it. CASH DEALS MAKE LESS MONEY FOR THE DEALER, so they will be more willing to deal if you plan to finance.

[LasVegas]

Hmmmm...just how fine can you split a hair Ken? http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gif

[4churchill]

ken that wasn't a lie it was a salesman stretch of the truth http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gif

[KenP]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content"> Posted by 4C:
CASH DEALS MAKE LESS MONEY FOR THE DEALER, so they will be more willing to deal if you plan to finance </div></BLOCKQUOTE>Back end money.

Jonahs, no hair splitting friend. She asked a question and I gave a straight, honest answer. Really, it didn't occur to me she meant the hubcaps. Damn, I can't read minds. http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif

[KenP]

Hey, if she would have asked, "Are those plastic hub caps?" I would have replied, "Yes ma'am, on steel wheels." http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

[LasVegas]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">THE DEALER NEVER LOSES </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Here's the difference Church. In Vegas if you seriously ask any casino they'll tell you they're out to get your money. At least they're "honest" about it. Most car dealers/salesmen think they have to lie, cheat & steal to make a profit/living, when in fact they don't. I've been around a long time and let me tell you a story of a Cadillac salesman back in Indiana. He worked for the same dealer for years and had such loyal customers he didn't have to worry about making one "new" deal to make his annual living. All repeat customers for one reason...he was honest. When he retired (early might I say) he actually sold his little black "book" of customers to another saleman and it wasn't cheap either. Enough to retire on. I've only known two other car salesmen of that caliber in my life. Sooo, the bottom line is that you don't have to be like the rest. It may take a little more time and a bit more work but in the long run be more profitable and satisfying. I couldn't sleep at night if I had to make a living like most car salesmen. And the "game" they play on the typical customer is down right insulting to our intelligence. Most don't like to see me coming!

[LasVegas]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by KenP:
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content"> Posted by 4C:
CASH DEALS MAKE LESS MONEY FOR THE DEALER, so they will be more willing to deal if you plan to finance </div></BLOCKQUOTE>Back end money.

Jonahs, no hair splitting friend. She asked a question and I gave a straight, honest answer. Really, it didn't occur to me she meant the hubcaps. Damn, I can't read minds. http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

B.S.

[LasVegas]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by KenP:
Hey, if she would have asked, "Are those plastic hub caps?" I would have replied, "Yes ma'am, on steel wheels." http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

True

[4churchill]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">All repeat customers for one reason...he was honest. When he retired (early might I say) he actually sold his little black "book" of customers to another saleman and it wasn't cheap either. Enough to retire on. I've only known two other car salesmen of that caliber in my life. Sooo, the bottom line is that you don't have to be like the rest. It may take a little more time and a bit more work but in the long run be more profitable and satisfying. I couldn't sleep at night if I had to make a living like most car salesmen. And the "game" they play on the typical </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

jonahs i would never, resort to the tactics of a slimy car dealer, i too know a couple of stand up guys in the car business, who too work mostly on repeat business. i have too much respect for myself, and for the HUMMER brand to tarnish either of our reputations. unfortunately i cannot control the actions of my sales manager and "deal closer", all i can do is do my best to show people what a wonderful thing the HUMMER is, and put them in the hands of the "money" guys. today the owner of the dealership complimented me on the fact that i was the first salesman he's had at that dealership that actually cared about the vehicles i was selling, and not just the $$$. i wont lie, i think its great i can get paid to spend all day surrounded by HUMMERS, but I also will not under any cicumstances do anything to comprimise my morals, or again ruin the HUMMER brand.

[LasVegas]

Church...I wasn't impying that you are like the others....yet http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gif

[4churchill]

jonahs i did find myself putting extra "grease" in my hair this morning http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

[KenP]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Posted by LV:
He worked for the same dealer for years and had such loyal customers he didn't have to worry about making one "new" deal to make his annual living. All repeat customers for one reason...he was honest. When he retired (early might I say) he actually sold his little black "book" of customers to another saleman and it wasn't cheap either. Enough to retire on. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>I know one salesman like that. He is now part owner of a string of dealerships. He did well for himself and it has paid off. I have never heard of him taking an "up" and he TO's all his customers and has been doing it for years. You know the guy does well when he has his own employees. Good for him.

As for the "b.s.", I was 19 and I swear I remember it that way and that is the story I am sticking to. I have to. I've been telling it for so many years.http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_razz.gif

[4churchill]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by KenP:
I've been telling it for so many years.http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_razz.gif </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

when you were 19, was Kennedy still president http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

funny as hell though, no joke this morning 6 out of 9 salesmen were either hungover or still drunk as we entered the sales meeting....i bet the percentage of car salesmen who need liver transplants is pretty high http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_cool.gif

[DRTYFN]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by 4CHURCHILL:
when you were 19, was Kennedy still president http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

</div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Try Truman.http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gif

[PARAGON]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by DRTYFN:
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by 4CHURCHILL:
when you were 19, was Kennedy still president http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

</div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Try Truman.http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gif </div></BLOCKQUOTE>Umm..... while I get the funny, both were dead during the Reagan era Kenny boy was talking about. Not to mention no Hyundai car was made until the mid '70s or sold in the US until '85.

[KenP]

I get the joke too, but damn. I'm not that old. I do find myself looking at the obits more frequently. I don't like seeing 50 yr olds dieing.

Back in the day, most of the salesmen drank heavily. Being so young, maybe that's why I fit in. Those Sat morning meetings are hell for teens. I can't tell you how many I missed or how many times I was sent home to "take a nap and clean up."

[dochummer]

My first real experience with a car salesman was definately not the best. The guy lied through his teeth, and I didn't find out till the next day. Of course, I never went back there and told everybody to avoid the place like the plague. I've heard they've overhauled the management there.

I have a buddy who's got some money, and he went to a beemer dealership. Nobody would give him the time of day (he was in his late twenty's and dressed in sweats)-short scrawny guy. Finally a sales guy walked up to him and helped him out...bent over backwards to help him out and sold him a z8. My friend was so impressed, he asked the salesman if he'd ever dreamed of owning his own dealership, the guy said yes...so he bought him one....

If you're an honest dealer/salesman, you WILL have loyal customers and repeat business. That's my 3 cents worth...

[4churchill]

well i sold my 1st car all by myself today, a chevy cobalt. i must say it was a good feeling. i also gaot "halfers" on two H2 deals. I interacted with 5 HUMMER customers today, of which 2 bought, 1 couple is coming back (supposiddly) and one couple, and their son were just tire kickers. I also took in a 2003 h2 yellow adventure w/ 45K miles. I gave the guy $34k for it, so if anyone is looking for a good deal lemme know http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

[Albie]

MOVE!

[4churchill]

Albie, have an extra room?? http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif