| Author | Message | ||
| DES (Sickspeed)
Intermediate Member Username: Sickspeed Post Number: 1165 Registered: 8-2002 |
Brian, David, thanks for your input... i feel like less of an assh*le after everyone's stories- it doesn't seem like what i did was so bad... In any case, i dropped the letter in the box at the post office a little while ago... he should get it tomorrow or Thursday... Thanks, everyone...  | ||
| BRIAN FAHERTY (Brian)
New member Username: Brian Post Number: 15 Registered: 10-2002 |
DES Write the lettr and mail it!!! I have been doing this for years. Keep it short and full of thank you's. I have been in the construction bussiness for twenty years and have "Thank You" letters all over the place. I even send letters to good people I have had tough times with. Men are funny with their feelings, but will always accept a compliment. Send it Now and you will feel better. I have walked into shops I have not patronized for ten years, and my letter still hangs on their wall, They love it. By the way, I called everyone in the New England area when I was buying My mondial. A year later I bought it from a stranger. The stranger had the car I wanted at the time. I see some of the people I had spoke with at shows and they compliment me on my purchase. No bad feelings. The Ferrari family is a great place, and we all get along. Live the dream. Start saving. | ||
| David Lewis (Davidlewis)
New member Username: Davidlewis Post Number: 31 Registered: 2-2002 |
When I go to these places I pretty much am truthful. These guys are usually pro's and know your "real story" after 30 seconds, regardless (or because of) what you say. Anyway, I have nothing to be ashamed of or hide. When I'm on a looky-loo mission, I wouldn't bother staff that appears busy - but this is rarely the case. High-end sales staff have a bit more time on their hands than their Honda brethren. If the salesman is BS'ing with me and a "real" customer walks in, I find that guy will politely, but resolutely excuse himself and attend to business. I have abolutely no problem with this. However, to blow me off at first base is completely unacceptable, unprofessional and ultimately BAD for the bottom line. Hell, dealers (yes-even F-dealers) pay advertizing $$$ to just get looky-loo foot traffic through their show rooms. This just happened here at FoSanDiego. Exposure and warm/fuzzy first impressions = $$$$. | ||
| DES (Sickspeed)
Intermediate Member Username: Sickspeed Post Number: 1116 Registered: 8-2002 |
Commission...? Ed, congratulations... It's awesome to hear that you're in the market for a dream car, i hope you get the best one out there... Anything over there interest you...? They've got a lot full of used stuff, but apparently they have some newer stuff, too... Brian was a nice guy when i went, which is why i want to send him a letter... Let us know how things go for you and certainly post pictures... | ||
| Ed P. (Ebp)
New member Username: Ebp Post Number: 11 Registered: 12-2002 |
DES, If it makes you feel better....I just happened to drive past it today and thought that must be the place you were talking about. I had a little time so I stopped in and spoke to the salesman, Brian, who was very nice and helpful. I just started shopping , but who knows, you might be inline for a commission! lol | ||
| arthur chambers (Art355)
Member Username: Art355 Post Number: 869 Registered: 6-2001 |
Des: I'd write them a letter thanking them for the time and effort thye put into showing you the vehicles. There may come a time when you are able to buy a Ferrari, and given the way they treated you, I'd start there. Many dealerships that sell Ferrari's know that the people who buy these kinds of cars don't just walk in and buy them, they look, prod, etc., then they shop them, and finally they buy them. The salesman also knows that he made a good impression with you, and if you are going to buy a Ferrari, you will probably start there. A thnaks letter will boost their day however. Art | ||
| DES (Sickspeed)
Intermediate Member Username: Sickspeed Post Number: 1108 Registered: 8-2002 |
Ed, that's exactly the dealership... | ||
| Ed P. (Ebp)
New member Username: Ebp Post Number: 10 Registered: 12-2002 |
DES, What dealership is this? Is it the Bentley dealer on 25 in woodbury? | ||
| DES (Sickspeed)
Intermediate Member Username: Sickspeed Post Number: 1104 Registered: 8-2002 |
Jack, John, thanks for sharing, i appreciate it... i hear what you guys are saying, but i can't just let this go, open-ended... i have to do something to let him know i appreciated his time, especially since i won't be going back there anytime soon... i'm gonna send the letter out this week... i went by last night to see the yellow 360 coupe that they replaced the 360 spider with... There's just something about that car... sigh... | ||
| John L. Jordan Jr. (Up2nogd)
Junior Member Username: Up2nogd Post Number: 97 Registered: 8-2002 |
DES, I wouldn't sweat it! I don't think there is a single person here (including Horsefly ) that hasn't BS'd a little at a high line dealer -even being able to purchase it is a bit intimidating - there will always be people out there with way more money than you can count and there will always be people out there that wish that they could just drive down to that dealership at will (think about it!!) Here is a recent true story about myself and Shelton Ferrari -- This past June I was taking a cruise to Grand Cayman - left a day early just to stop off at Shelton and gauk at some cars - Benn greated me when I walked in, offered coffee or soda - I expresed my desire to purchase a Ferrari and he pointed me in the direction of the F40. It must have been my hesitation that caught his attention, but he immediately changed gears - he went from a salesperson to a friend. He showed me everything from a 328 to a F40 - we were encouraged to sit in a 360 F1 Spyder as well as a 550 -- I was in heaven - the hell with the cruise!! Anyhow, the tour of the facility included more Ferrari and the service area - he laughed and asked if I was ready to write that check - before I realized what I was saying the words slipped out -- yea I can write you a check and if that thing gets loose somebody in here is going to get hurt!! He laughed gave me his card and told to look as long as I liked! The point of this Story - I now own a Ferrari 328 GTS - it was that little bit of time that was allowed that pushed me over the edge! I did not buy my car from Shelton's nor Benn - I have since called Benn thanked him and told him of my purchase - he laughed and told me he hoped I didn't write a check!! These guys are true professionals, just like all of us they have good days and bad days - but all in all they are doing what they are doing because they love Ferrari as we do!! **And Benn if you are reading this post - If life continues to be kind and generous, I plan on repaying your kindness and will actually write that Check!! | ||
| Jack (Gilles27)
Member Username: Gilles27 Post Number: 633 Registered: 3-2002 |
DES, I wouldn't bother writing any letters at all. Perhaps it's possible that the salesman knew you were merely there admiring, and since it was close to closing time, he felt like being nice and indulging an obvious Ferrari enthusiast. It reminds me of a couple years ago, before my wife and I got our dog. We were suffering a "dog-jones" one afternoon, so we went to the pet store. We asked to see some lab puppies, and tried to look like we were serious about getting one. When the manager walked by, he casually asked if we'd be taking a dog home today. The sales lady quickly replied that, no, we were only there to play with the puppies. Pretty lame comparison? You bet. But don't underestimate the intuition of the sales people. Had you gone in on a Saturday afternoon, they may have ignored you, or worse. Relish the experience, and remember that some day you'll be going back to the dealership for the real thing! | ||
| DES (Sickspeed)
Intermediate Member Username: Sickspeed Post Number: 1070 Registered: 8-2002 |
J, that's probably true considering her never called me like he said he would, but that tells me more than ever that he knew i was no real client, yet he STILL gave me time and respect and i appreciate that... i gotta let him know... | ||
| J. Grande (Jay)
Member Username: Jay Post Number: 944 Registered: 10-2001 |
DES, I think that is a good idea to write him a thank you letter, but I gotta tell you, you are over analyzing this way too much! This guy probably won't even remember you by now! | ||
| DES (Sickspeed)
Intermediate Member Username: Sickspeed Post Number: 1064 Registered: 8-2002 |
Nebula, i don't feel like a jack-off based on your post from a few weeks ago- i knew i was a jack-off WAY before then, but thank you... i did a helluva job leading the guy on so going back there and telling him "i'm not in the market" would be kind of contradictory to our meeting this past Monday... i am sending him a thank-you letter, as per Greg's advice... i will also include in the letter that, after careful consideration, a Ferrari is not the best thing right now, but i DID appreciate his time and assistance... Lastly, they are primarily a Bentley dealership that comes across the exotics i like, so the chance of an F40 or a 550 or an Enzo going to their lot is highly unlikely... | ||
| Nebula Class (Nebulaclass)
Junior Member Username: Nebulaclass Post Number: 80 Registered: 11-2002 |
Too bad I missed this one, DES. I hope you don't think that you were being a jack-off based on the post I made a few weeks ago. When I sold Ferraris, I LOVED getting enthusiastic customers. Only about 1% of the walk-in traffic actually bought a car, so it is expected to get Ferrari fans with no way of buying. I remember being a kid and wanting SOOOOO bad to sit in a Ferrari, and I even went to dealers whenever my dad would drive me to them. Never did a salesperson allow me to sit in one. When I sold, I remembered wat it was like, and if someone wanted to sit in one, I let them! In fact, I often offered the opportunity because I knew most people were too worrieda bout asking. I'm sure the saleperson knew you weren't going to buy. If he was like me, he didn't care, and he was happy to have a fellow enthusiast to talk to. Go back and visit him. Tell him you appreciated the opportunity, that you are not *yet* a buyer, and build a relationship with the guy. He might let you sit in an F40 or a 550 or even an ENZO! | ||
| DES (Sickspeed)
Intermediate Member Username: Sickspeed Post Number: 1061 Registered: 8-2002 |
Ok, at Greg's sound advice, i'm sending a thank you only letter... no apologies within the letter... it's probably better this way... On a related note, i went out with a friend tonight and decided to take her down there, to show her the car that i was fortunate enough to sit in... Well it was gone... Just as quickly as it appeared, it DISappeared... HOWEVER... they replaced it with ANOTHER 360... A fly yellow 360 Coupe... Holy 'notice me as i blow past you', Batman... this car looks intense in any color... i don't know what it is, but there's just something about the 360 that captivates me... i'm gonna go back tomorrow night... | ||
| Michael Fennell (Mfennell70)
Junior Member Username: Mfennell70 Post Number: 81 Registered: 7-2001 |
Good story John. A few months ago, we were out driving late one night in our Lotus Esprit S4s when some kids in a lowered and loud Golf zipped by, then slowed down to stare. We slowed down, dropped to 3rd and zoomed by (4cyl Esprits don't "howl", unfortunately). Did this a few times. The kids went NUTS. I hope we hooked another one on the whole idea of exotic car ownership. | ||
| DES (Sickspeed)
Member Username: Sickspeed Post Number: 972 Registered: 8-2002 |
John, that thought crossed my mind, but i'm hoping that he won't be pissed and that he'll understand... that's my main concern... & i agree with you, it's not just a car... | ||
| John A. Suarez (Futureowner)
Member Username: Futureowner Post Number: 344 Registered: 3-2002 |
DES, Let us all know if you receive any kind of response(crossing my fingers he rewards your honesty with a quick spin in an F-car)!!! And to answer the whole "its just a car" thing. I beg to differ. Kinda like saying Heidi Klum is just a woman, or better yet that your wife is just a woman. Anyways, enough ranting for tonight, Tulane's short winter break ended yesterday, and I have class at 11:30 in the morning. It is almost scary of how many dreams I have that directly invovle Ferraris. One day, one day... | ||
| DES (Sickspeed)
Member Username: Sickspeed Post Number: 967 Registered: 8-2002 |
No, John, actually you're quite right... It was only a little while ago that i finished typing the letter i intend to send to the salesperson and at the bottom it states that if i'm ever really in the market for a car, he'll be the one i approach... Sames goes for anyone i come across who's looking for something... his number will be the number i give... Thanks, John... | ||
| John A. Suarez (Futureowner)
Member Username: Futureowner Post Number: 341 Registered: 3-2002 |
In fact, DES will be recomending this dealer to potential buyers. The dealer stood to lose sales from clients had DES been shunned away and made to feel inferior or bothersome. AM I wrong? | ||
| John A. Suarez (Futureowner)
Member Username: Futureowner Post Number: 340 Registered: 3-2002 |
I could not disagree more with some of the previous statements. About the B&N thing. Even if someone spends an hour reading a magazine in the store, the store is banking that there will be some of those people who eventually either by a sandwich or a cup of joe. These people are not idiots. Furthermore, if I were the salesman at the dealership I would GLADLY let a non buyer sit in the car for a few minutes. It may be an experience like that which hooks another person on F-cars. I remember the first time I saw a Ferrari on the road. It was a 94 348 Spyder. I was in a car next to it on the interstate. The driver of the 348 looked over and saw me absolutley in awe. You know what he did? He gave me a smile, a wave, and a big thumbs up. He then dropped it into 3rd and took off. It was glorious. It completely solidified my love of these cars. I'll bet I would have felt a lot different if he had looked over, flipped me the bird, and got off the next exit. This is the right thing to do, especially if there is nothing of more importance going on in the showroom. F-car and exotic dealerships deal with a very specific clientele consisting of buyers who most likely have their mind made up about what car they want to buy before they step on the lot. Not many people are pressured into buying exotic autos in the manner that they may be pressured to buy a honda civic. Trying to say that exotic car salesman and the garden variety Honda saleman have the same approach to selling is a swiss cheese arguement. | ||
| DES (Sickspeed)
Member Username: Sickspeed Post Number: 950 Registered: 8-2002 |
Hans, that's awesome, but you're more of a potential buyer than i... You already have a Ferrari and he knows that at any time, you could be in the market for another... Still, i see what you're saying... thank you. | ||
| Hans E. Hansen (4re_gt4)
Member Username: 4re_gt4 Post Number: 725 Registered: 4-2002 |
DES: I was in Ron Tonkin (the Portland F-dealer) this past weekend. The salesmanager first politely asked how the 'GT4 was doing, and then asked if he could show me anything. I said, "No, I'm just wasting time while my wife is shopping." He said, "That's OK. We very often get buyers who hang around here for 5 or 6 years before making up their mind. It's typical." He opened up several cars for me to look at and sit in, knowing full well that I wasn't a buyer. | ||
| DES (Sickspeed)
Member Username: Sickspeed Post Number: 948 Registered: 8-2002 |
With that said, Kevin, everyone else there was being tended to, and i didn't seek the guy out- i just asked someone (a non-salesperson) if i could have a seat... i was in no way looking to waste anyone's time... i just wanted to sit in it... Arlie, don't you remember the first time you sat in a Ferrari...? i mean, this guy was standing over me, so i couldn't make the "vroom, vroom" noises, like i wanted to but still, it was intense... i'll never forget it... and it wasn't even my first time, it was just my first time in a 360 Spider... | ||
| Kevin Butler (Challenge)
Junior Member Username: Challenge Post Number: 54 Registered: 9-2002 |
Arlie, Even when I read your posts and disagree, I chuckle a little. I'm with you on the B&N example; I don't want to trip over the cheapskates clogging the aisles when I go to purchase the FORZA with Chris Parr's car on the cover (that actually was the last time I was in a B&N). But a Ferrari dealer is different. It is not a relationship with a newsstand. The clerk is your typical Birkenstock/latte/grad-student type who is indifferent about your sale. A F-dealer should not only be on the lookout for customers who can buy today, but also those who present themselves as a potential buyer down the road. Hell, DES may be the next corporate titan in a few years. That said, if I'm pulling the saleman's chain (Timewaster) and a customer rolls up in a 355, I'd gladly move out of his way and let him do real business. | ||
| Michael Fennell (Mfennell70)
Junior Member Username: Mfennell70 Post Number: 80 Registered: 7-2001 |
"If I was in charge, I would remove the chairs, keep the aisles clear, and encourage people to BUY THE MERCHANDISE." Has it occurred to you that Barnes & Noble may have considered this and came to the conclusion that a casual environment actually increases sales? They probably even tried it. They do seem to have a few stores available to experiment with... I'm with Kevin. Looky-loos are the cost of doing business. | ||
| Tim N (Timn88)
Intermediate Member Username: Timn88 Post Number: 1915 Registered: 6-2001 |
I was excited when i got a ride aorund the block in WHArts, 550 barchetta. I was also excited when Rijk took me out in the daytona and really opened it up. I was excited when hutch and i went tearing around with a bunch of sportscars on the freeway for 3 hrs inhis 308. I was excited when matt karson took me around lime rock in his F355 challenge for 15 mins. Iwas excited when billy took me out in his TR. DES seems to be more excited from sitting in a car. hmm, i can only imagine what will happen when he gets a ride. | ||
| DES (Sickspeed)
Member Username: Sickspeed Post Number: 941 Registered: 8-2002 |
Arlie, this isn't Glengarry Glenross here, we're not talking about leads, cold-calling and such, we're talking about high end cars and these guys' base salaries are still pretty nice, without the commission... Now again, i'm not trying to justify what i did, but like Mike said, there's emotion involved... A Ferrari is not some loaf of bread where you just go in, look around, find the one you like and buy it... & if Lemus would let me pry a free jacket out of his hands, you could better your ass i'd wear it- goddamn right i'm a WANNABE- i WANNABE in a Ferrari... i WANNABE an owner, i WANNABE a driver, i WANNABE blowin' by you on the highway in my brand new, sweet freakin' Ferrari...! i have to agree with Kevin (thanks, Kevin) that customer service is not always selling the product- you're selling a service... If i ever have the money to buy a Ferrari, Arlie, guess where i'm going...? If i ever know someone who wants a Bentley or other high-end car that i think this guy might have, guess where i'm referring them to...? By the way, Barnes & Noble took their chairs out for precisely that reason- you're thinking of Borders... (& sometimes, the people in the bookstore are looking at the book to make sure it's what they're looking for; or they're sampling a chapter to see if it'll hold their interest- kinda like a test drive.) | ||
| Don Vollum (Donv)
Junior Member Username: Donv Post Number: 52 Registered: 1-2002 |
Also, I'd bet a significantly higher percentage of a Ferrari dealer's sales are to previous customers than a typical auto dealer. So, making someone a loyal customer would have a lot of value. | ||
| Don Vollum (Donv)
Junior Member Username: Donv Post Number: 51 Registered: 1-2002 |
I would imagine that the Ferrari sales cycle is a bit different than the typical Chevy sales cycle. For one thing, the total volume of cars moved is going to be much less-- I doubt most Ferrari dealers sell one car a day, maybe one car a week is more like it. I further doubt that they sell many cars to walk-ins, although I'm sure it happens (but I bet the percentage sold to walk-in buyers is lower than at a typical GM/Ford dealer). However, the dollars on each sale are more. This means the sales person has more time to spend cultivating business which will pay off over a longer cycle, rather than "will you drive it home today." In DES's case, who knows, maybe in a few years he will be looking to buy a Ferrari, in which case he will look kindly upon that dealer and may end up being a customer. I'm sure that process is not unusual in the Ferrari world. I'd be interested to hear from some of the Ferrari dealers who post to this board on this topic. | ||
| Horsefly (Arlie)
Member Username: Arlie Post Number: 570 Registered: 5-2002 |
Hey Kevin; let's talk reality instead of hypothetical. How many times have you walked into a Barnes and Noble bookstore and seen dozens of people sitting around in the aisles and in the chairs reading books for an hour or so. If I was in charge, I would remove the chairs, keep the aisles clear, and encourage people to BUY THE MERCHANDISE. I go there to look for a book that I find interesting, take it to the checkout, and pay for it. I'm not interested in tripping over other people who think that a bookstore is their living room where they are free to lay around and browse for free. I wonder how the Ferrari dealership would feel if I took my service manual and reclining lawn chair into their service shop and "hung around" for a few hours. | ||
| Matt Lemus (Mlemus)
Intermediate Member Username: Mlemus Post Number: 1315 Registered: 8-2002 |
Arlie has a good point. Car sales are based on commission meaning that if you do not sell a car, all you get is your base. Say a dealer has two salemen on duty. and you are the next in line for the walkin's. Timewaster comes in a attaches him/herself to you. Timewaster has no money to purchase the car but insists on kicking the tires. Another customer comes in with cash in hand. But since the timewaster took your time and your spot for the next customer, you lost out. The stakes are even higher in the upper crust of the car feeding ladder. Higher the car, higher the commission. | ||
| Kevin Butler (Challenge)
Junior Member Username: Challenge Post Number: 52 Registered: 9-2002 |
Arlie, let me give you a lesson in business psychology: I would walk out of your hypothetical antique shop and newsstand with my cash still in my pocket if they actually posted signs complaining about CUSTOMERS looking at their f-ing merchandise. Lighten up! | ||
| Horsefly (Arlie)
Member Username: Arlie Post Number: 569 Registered: 5-2002 |
You got that right Mojo. I bought one of my Corvettes on a pre-arranged deal with a customer who knew the sales manager of a local Chevrolet dealership. He sold the car to the dealer and I bought it back from them in order to get it financed through GMAC. The day that I went to pick up the car, I was sitting in the showroom and listened to the sales guys analyze everybody as they walked onto the lot. They were like a bunch of lions looking for a wounded wildebeast. Every potential customer was just a cash cow headed for the potential slaughter as far as the salesmen were concerned. Make the deal, sign the contract. That's what it's all about. If you weren't there to buy TODAY, then here's my card, get out of my way, come back later because I'm here to sell cars and make money. That's their line of thinking. As for the Ferrari "lifestyle" and assorted merchandise and "trinkets"; that's all just a WANNABE lifestyle. If you're not a member of the country club, would you walk around wearing a country club sweatshirt? If you're not a member of the NRA, would you walk around wearing an NRA cap? For many years, I wore a satin baseball jacket with a Lear Jet logo patch on the front. My brother got it as a freebie from a Lear Jet test pilot. I had many people ask me if I was a pilot. Of course I had to say no. I can't imagine how many people would think that you own a Ferrari if you walk around wearing their apparel. I would feel like a WANNABE. In my opinion, you gotta pay to play, or get out of the way! | ||
| Joseph (Mojo)
Junior Member Username: Mojo Post Number: 220 Registered: 9-2002 |
Its all an act, Lets be real bottom line, (money) Some are just better actors. | ||
| Tyler (Bahiaau)
Member Username: Bahiaau Post Number: 441 Registered: 12-2001 |
DES, great story, I think the guy would love a letter. Mark, must be an Acura thing, had the same thing happen to me. | ||
| Mike Procopio (Pupz308)
New member Username: Pupz308 Post Number: 41 Registered: 10-2002 |
Jay, I was working on that last post when yours went up--looks like we're pretty much on the same page! --Mike | ||
| Mike Procopio (Pupz308)
New member Username: Pupz308 Post Number: 40 Registered: 10-2002 |
Arlie, I see your viewpoint about running a business, but I disagree with the details... I bought my first Ferrari--78 308 GTS--from Ferrari of Central Florida about four months ago. Was a great experience. I've since moved, but when I happen to be visiting Orlando, I always stop by the dealer. I'm typically looking like a college-age bum, but I've found the staff and managers to be very respectful. Why? The staff there know that Ferrari ownership is a lifestyle. To blow me off would be be a bad business decision. I need to be there around the cars, to understand them--to see how they affect me emotionally, to build respect for them. I know you say you don't go in until you're ready to buy--for me, if I could buy something of this nature without seeing the car, without really understanding it, based purely on my past research, I'm not sure I'd be pleased with my decision. More to the point, a Ferrari dealership is in fact quite different from a stereo shop--people buy Ferraris for very complex, often emotional reasons, much different than stereos. Yeah, so I agree with you, Arlie, that they're a business and are there to turn a profit. But having people come to sit in the cars is part of that business and nobody can escape that. In a salesperson's shoes, I would be far more fulfilled in selling somebody a TR on their 5th visit over the course of a year than to somebody who walked in off the street and plopped down a cashier's check. Any salesman who had it in their head that I was "wasting their time" should rethink the situation over. And if I ever picked up on that attitude, I'd tell them a thing or two about salesmanship! | ||
| DES (Sickspeed)
Member Username: Sickspeed Post Number: 908 Registered: 8-2002 |
J, i completely agree... My boss is the owner of his business and i'm his executive assistant- nary a decision is made without him at least mentioning it to me, so i hold a rather steady position in the office. We understand above all else that it's not the product we're selling, it's the service. We bend over backwards for plenty of potential clients who have gone with "a friend of the family" and just tapped us for information, but you can never make that judgment (and never flip them off, afterwards) as we may provide a service that "cousin-so-and-so" doesn't or they just might want to go with us, down the road, after all... We keep everyone's name in the database and have someone call, the next year and the year after and we've earned some of those people, just from service, alone... ...ok, with that said... i still feel like an ass. i have to go write this letter... | ||
| J. Grande (Jay)
Member Username: Jay Post Number: 937 Registered: 10-2001 |
It's not wasting time, it is good business! Ferrari makes more money each year on merchandise from people who will never buy a Ferrari. Don't you think that by spending 5 minutes with someone you will increase the Ferrari passion? Let's face it...Ferrari is a lifestyle. That's why people who can't afford a $100K car still by Ferrari products, like hats, model cars, t-shirts ect. I'm self employed and I know that sometimes people won't hire my services but ask me lots of questions. I still take the time to educate them so that they can make good decisions, it's called customer service, even if they are not customers...yet. By building a good relationship with POTENTIAL customers you get and build a good name for yourself. It is never a waste of time. | ||
| DES (Sickspeed)
Member Username: Sickspeed Post Number: 904 Registered: 8-2002 |
Arlie, there's a big difference between whiffing sweet, spring air in the forest and making the air, itself GASP FOR AIR as you rocket down the road, propelling your internal organs to the back of your body, pressing them against your spine, with more pressure after each upshift... & not once did your initial post chastize me for wasting his time- which i did, and i feel horrible for it... i WILL write him a letter, i'm just hoping Greg or someone else will tell me whether i should tell him the truth in it or just write him a "thank you for your time" letter... Personally, i'd rather tell him the truth, that's probably the only thing that might alleviate some of this guilt... and i understand your donut shop analogy (or was it a metaphor?) and can appreciate that you wouldn't want your time wasted if you were the salesperson... Arlie, i'm not trying to justify what i did, but EVERYONE in this world is a potential customer, even if they're not "in the market" at that very moment... i appreciate his kindness above all else... Mine wasn't a 'mobile' Ferrari experience (no test drive) but it was a Ferrari experience nonetheless and he helped make it a positive one for me... Now that i think about it, he could've been a complete jag off considering it IS a Bentley dealership and the two Bentleys in the showroom on either side of the spider probably cost 50k more, and cost twice as much as the 355 we ended up going into detail about... J., thanks for understanding, it makes the guilt a little less painful... i think i'll go ahead and write the letter, include the truth and explain to him this passion that burns within... hopefully he won't be pissed... i really appreciate everyone's comments on this, even you Arlie... it's helped me appreciate the situation more, as a whole... Thanks, everyone. | ||
| Kelly (Tifosi1)
Member Username: Tifosi1 Post Number: 437 Registered: 2-2002 |
If you think you had a good time. I judged 2 of them for the french Quarter Concorso. Talk about checking out a car. WOW | ||
| Horsefly (Arlie)
Member Username: Arlie Post Number: 566 Registered: 5-2002 |
DES's reasoning is flawed. At my suggestion to take a walk in the woods, he replied, "fresh air makes me stuffy". If fresh air doesn't suit him, why would he want an open air Ferrari??? Sorry Jay, but as for me, I still don't believe in wasting people's time unless I am ready to buy. I do my research on my own time, not theirs. A car dealership, a stereo store, a lawn mower shop; it's all the same. They aren't social clubs, they're businesses and the people are there to sell products and make money. It reminds me of a sign that I saw in an antique shop: This is not a museum, this stuff is for sale. A similar sign at a newstand: This is not a library; buy something! | ||
| J. Grande (Jay)
Member Username: Jay Post Number: 935 Registered: 10-2001 |
Arlie, that reasoning is flawed, and I'll tell you why. For many years I went into the local Ferrari dealership to "look around". I didn't have enough money to buy a new car or a used one for that matter. Some salesmen ignored me others asked "Can I help you?" in a tone that suggested I get the hell out. But one salesmen, the manager in fact treated me very well. He asked if I would like to sit in a Testarossa or any other car there. Many different times he made an espresso for me and my wife. He showed us pictures of Ferrari events. I ended up joining the club and buying many items from his dealership, but not a car. Last year I bought my first Ferrari, nobody was happier for me than this guy! The bottom line is that over 8 years later I am a Ferrari owner and he is not! You never know what someone will become. I never really believed I would achieve my goal of Ferrari ownership. But it happened and now he has a relationship with a future client (when I want to upgrade!) DES a letter would probably make his day and will go a long way in making a "friend" on the inside. | ||
| Horsefly (Arlie)
Member Username: Arlie Post Number: 563 Registered: 5-2002 |
If I made regular trips to a donut shop knowing full well that I was too broke to buy a donut and would never have the money to buy a donut in the forseeable future, I wouldn't blame the donut shop owner for ignoring me and asking me to hit the door. I would, in effect, be a donut WANNABE. Insert "Ferrari dealership" in place of "donut shop" and you get my point. | ||
| Bart Boonacker (Sharky666)
Junior Member Username: Sharky666 Post Number: 145 Registered: 9-2002 |
DES that would be one dream come true. Driving an Enzo. Man If I ever got the chance to do that I'll probably die behind the wheel of excitment. | ||
| DES (Sickspeed)
Member Username: Sickspeed Post Number: 887 Registered: 8-2002 |
Bart, that sucks that they wouldn't email you back, i'm sorry to hear that- it's people like that, that i don't mind bilking. i hope you get to sit in one- hell, i hope you get to drive one... just come back and tell us about it...! | ||
| Bart Boonacker (Sharky666)
Junior Member Username: Sharky666 Post Number: 144 Registered: 9-2002 |
Woow DES that's cool. Wish We had a dealer like that around here I was wondering, would this go for an Enzo aswell ?? I mean, over here, at the Dutch Ferrari Dealer an Enzo is arriving within 2 weeks and I would love to go and see/sit in it. It's also shown at the RAI in A'dam, and I'm going there aswell, just for the Enzo, but I guess changes of sitting in the Enzo there are just as slim as the change of owning one. I asked my boss at the karting track if he knew some people at the dealer, and if he could ask them if I were able to sit in the Enzo on the RAI. He told me, that it would be near the impossible since he thought the dealer got the Enzo on a loan basis from the factory. That way the dealer should pay for all the damage it ever got, even if that meant ripping the leather orso by letting some sit in it. I'm now thinking of visiting the dealer itself but I'm affraid I'll get waved off since I really don't look like I can afford an Ferrari. I once sent out an email to them and at first I got a cool reply, saying they will receive a Enzo in Januari and displaying it at the RAI in february. But when I replied, telling them I couldn't afford a Ferrari yet but asking if there's a way I could sit in one orso, they just ignored me  What do you guys think ? btw, Sorry DES for going off topic, but this just came to mind and I don't want to start a new topic about it. | ||
| DES (Sickspeed)
Member Username: Sickspeed Post Number: 874 Registered: 8-2002 |
Thanks, Doc, i appreciate it... i don't see what i'm writing as negative- just more towards real. | ||
| Dr. Shelbee (Shelbee)
New member Username: Shelbee Post Number: 16 Registered: 12-2002 |
DES, that is the difference between Porsche buyers and Ferrari buyers. We don't f**K around. We know what we want and pay cash instead of Porsche buyer, lease, financing, blah blah blah!!!! Ferrari buyers know what they want their car next, Prancing horse, off course, faster than the current one, and more money. Not a lot of people had to sell their 360 coupe because of divorce settlement but because they just got their spyder or 575M they ordered 3 years ago with 10k they put it in. Some people have been putting their money down for the replacement of 360 in 2005, it is called 420!! I hope this will make you be in the real world of Ferrari a little bit, so what your write is not always negative Just trring to help. | ||
| DES (Sickspeed)
Member Username: Sickspeed Post Number: 871 Registered: 8-2002 |
Arlie, i don't like John Wayne or Westerns, fresh air makes me stuffy and Maxim sucks... For some people, happiness isn't in the corner of every turn in life... And you're right, man does not live on Ferrari worship, alone- that's why i have this whole Diablo worship thing going, too... i'm not building myself up for years of anything... no one understands better than me, that it will be a while before i own a Ferrari... and i'm perfectly fine with that, but there's nothing wrong with stealing pieces of a dream, now, while i wait (unless i waste someone's time in the process)... i'm not building myself up for years of disappointment or anything like that, i just like to take advantage of the little opportunities that present themselves, here and there... It was nice to be able to sit in that car for a minute and forget about everything else outside of it and relish in a piece of the future... and if that won't be my future, then i was smart enough to take a piece for my past... And it may be just an automobile to you, but i'm sure i feel the same way about some things you think are "more that just" whatever they are... | ||
| stu cordova (Balataboy)
Member Username: Balataboy Post Number: 350 Registered: 4-2001 |
As I said, honesty is good!! | ||
| DES (Sickspeed)
Member Username: Sickspeed Post Number: 868 Registered: 8-2002 |
Thanks alot, guys, for the suggestions... One more question: Do i tell him the truth in the thank you letter...? | ||
| Mark Lambert (Mlambert890)
New member Username: Mlambert890 Post Number: 37 Registered: 4-2002 |
There aren't *that* many real 360 buyers out there (even on Long Island). People browsing the dealership comes with the territory. It's great that the salesman was a decent guy, that scenario was nothing to get worked up over. I had sort of the opposite experience recently at an Acura dealer that will go nameless. I pulled in on lunch because I noticed they had an 02 NSX. I was actually driving my 98 NSX, but they hadnt really noticed. Admitedly, I was looking a bit ratty (hadnt bothered shaving, was in casuals, etc.), but the brush off I got from the receptionist and sales guy when I inquired about the NSX was surprising. I asked the guy if he could run the numbers for me to give me an idea of the best they could do on it and he completely blew me off, never returning. After about 10 minutes I got fed up and told the receptionist that I didn't have a lot of time and had to leave. Her look basically said "don't let the door hit ya in the ass on the way out". Needless to say I made sure to linger by my car a bit before getting in. My revenge was the "oh crap" look on her face when she saw me getting into my car. I'd say that your experience at that dealer tells you that if you ever can afford that Ferrari, you should give them your business... Think of it that way. | ||
| Joseph (Mojo)
Junior Member Username: Mojo Post Number: 217 Registered: 9-2002 |
Wow I agree with all those posts up to mine. Even and especially Horsefly. | ||
| Jordan Witherspoon (Jordan747_400)
Junior Member Username: Jordan747_400 Post Number: 118 Registered: 12-2002 |
Tom, you are the kind of salesman i remember from Texas in my youth. The people at FoH were so gracious to me. They would show me around everywhere and let me sit in priceless F-cars like the F40 and some F1 car they had for sale there. They even let me have a Birthday party at the dealership for just me and my family and they gave me some cool little gifts If only I could remember those people's names...I would love to write them a letter...or better yet, finally buy something from them! | ||
| stu cordova (Balataboy)
Member Username: Balataboy Post Number: 347 Registered: 4-2001 |
Excellent suggestion Greg! DES, as the owner of a dealership, I have a lot of people come in, take up my time, with no intention of buying. It goes with the territory, so I don't sweat it. But I have never received a "thank you" letter (phone call - yes, but never a letter) from a non-buyer as Greg has suggested. If I did, it would make my day. Go ahead, make that salesman's day!! As for your passion, I think it's refreshingly honest. Yes, a bit over the top, but who cares, honesty is good! | ||
| Tom Jones (Ferrarioldman)
Junior Member Username: Ferrarioldman Post Number: 57 Registered: 6-2002 |
While working at a dealer, there use to be a Father and son who would come by every now and then to admire, touch and talk cars. Now, many years later, that young man works under me trying to learn the Ferrari ways. Even now we encourage young people to come in and enjoy being around the exotics. I love to see the smiles on their faces when we let them set in the cars. There have been several who remember way back when you were nice to them and they may one day become your new customers. | ||
| Horsefly (Arlie)
Member Username: Arlie Post Number: 559 Registered: 5-2002 |
Sounds like somebody needs to get a life outside of the world of Ferrari automobiles. Much ado about nothing. Hey DES, might I suggest watching a good old John Wayne western movie or taking a walk in the woods for some fresh air? Or perhaps browse the latest issue of Maxim magazine. Man does not live by Ferrari worship alone. Don't overestimate your importance in that Ferrari salesman's life. He probably forgot about you 2 minutes after you left. Don't build yourself up for years, and then be in for a let down. If you ever buy that 360 Ferrari and then some guy with a rusty Volkswagen smashes it to pieces, or worse yet somebody steals it, you would have a heart attack. Don't build your happiness around an automobile. It's just a car. | ||
| Greg Owens (Owens84qv)
Member Username: Owens84qv Post Number: 604 Registered: 10-2001 |
DES...I don't think a letter of apology is in order, but rather a thank you letter. Thank the salesman for the opportunity to meet him and look at the car. Do you think that you are the first person to walk in and embellish on your current circumstances to pick up the keys to your new Ferrari? Over Christmas, I visited Ferrari of Atlanta. Primarily to pick-up a small present for myself, but also to look at thier selection and meet some of the salespeople. I explained that I'm still ~2 years away from upgrading to a 355, but wanted to get to know the dealership. There are many people on this board that visited thier local dealership for 5+ years before being able to buy the car of thier dreams. Continue to visit the dealership...build a relationship. Thank them, don't apologize. | ||
| DES (Sickspeed)
Member Username: Sickspeed Post Number: 866 Registered: 8-2002 |
i'm seriously considering writing a letter of apology... let me explain. We all know there is no cure to this perverse obsession i have with 360s. We all know i've been making frequent trips to Bentley to see the new 360 Spider they have in the window. Well, after work this evening, i figured i'd go there and take a look before going home. Much to my surprise, they were still open...! There were two young guys checking out the car- it had appeared they were just off work, as well. Salespeople and secretaries made their way around the showroom to various offices and back rooms while i just stared in amazement at the car before me. i couldn't believe i was inside the dealership, face to face with one of the most beautiful machines ever created. i touched it, too. It IS metal...! i approached gentleman who didn't look busy, pointed to her (the car) and said, "can i take a seat...?" "Can you take a seat...? Well, i don't know, i think there's an alarm on it... Hey, Brian... c'mere... is there an alarm on this, this gentleman wants to sit in it..." Brian fetched the keys. i thanked the other fellow and waited patiently (but extremely anxiously) for 'Brian' to return. He unlocked her, thus disarming the alarm. He opened the door for me and i slowly got in. He was talking to me. i was responding, but who the hell knows what we were saying- for Enzo's sake, man, i was sitting in a 360 Spider...! With some hesitation, he asked if i'd like him to close the door; like, did i want privacy. Yes, i answered, and followed with a thank you. i sat in it, stretching my feet to touch the pedals, wrapping my gloved hands around the steering wheel, bathing in an experience rivaled by nothing else in life. He continued talking to me. i hate coming off as the true person i am- just here browsing, with not enough money to pay for the prancing horse caps on the wheels, so i bullshitted a bit. Told him i had a friend who had a coupe; gave me a ride and i was hooked. but i also explained that a new model was 'slightly out of my price range'. After exiting the car, we continued to talk about some other Spiders and coupes that were available, as well as a 355 F1 (blue/bone), to lease for about $1350 a month, with about 8-10 down. Since the Spider i just sat in was an F1, i asked if the yellow coupe in the back was a stick. He went to check, but couldn't find out; for some reason, he couldn't just go in the back and check it out. In any case, he said he could find out, that he'd call me. i asked him for his card, told him i'd call HIM, later on in the week (my assumption is this: if he's got my phone number, he'll call me, thinking i might be a potential sale- i didn't want to waste his time, i'm just a fan, so i didn't want to give him my number). But sure enough, like a good salesman, he got my first and last name out of me, along with my phone number (now i'll be in Ferrari's don't-take-this-person-seriously database!). He'll be doing some foot work, checking into that yellow 360 coupe for me and i have no intention of buying ANYTHING. i feel like such a complete anus and i feel terrible; i don't know if i'm man enough to go down there and apologize to him, face to face, so i was thinking about writing an apology letter, explaining everything and dropping it off, on the day he's not working (Friday). i never wanted to waste anyone's time, but on the same token, i just had to get into that car. i mean, it's a 360 spider for cryin' out loud...! The car was beautiful, too, i thought he would have to wipe me off the interior- when i got in, i melted. i just feel bad about how i let it snow ball- i don't wanna waste his time, there are other, REAL customers out there. Any suggestions...? |