| Author |
Message |
Mitchel DeFrancis (4re308)
Member
Username: 4re308
Post Number: 838
Registered: 6-2001
| | Posted on Thursday, May 01, 2003 - 10:03 am: | |
Since I began going to FAF/FoA in 1981, they have treated me like a king. I was a wee lad and they took me under their wing and answered every question a little teenager had in 80s. I was hooked. I am still friends with most of the salesman, past and present. I run into Steve Ahlgrim at races and Ferrari events, same with Ric Schuman, Fred Repass, John Apen and others! I am friends with Terry Girone, Rick Rudiger, Paul Chichester, Harold Lovinger (whom I have know for almost 20 years!!) and Serio Sartor. Serio, Harold and Ken are just the best people and are true enthusiasts. Hugh Steward, Ed Wettach, Levi Gonzalez and Steven E have always gone out of their way to talk to me and shake my hand. |
John Delvac (Johndelvac)
Member
Username: Johndelvac
Post Number: 344
Registered: 11-2001
| | Posted on Thursday, May 01, 2003 - 8:39 am: | |
Mark:
I'm hate to dig this hole any deeper as I see that you definitly had a negative experiance. I have a theory that may be entirely wrong, but, here goes: I can tell you that Steven comes from Shelton and has many 'Lauderdale ties. In one cenario in my mind, Bud could have told Steven that you were shopping around, which is just fine, as dealers do talk. But, is it possible FOA might have thought you were inquiring with Shelton about the same car at FOA, as if they could make a dealer trade and provide the car to you cheaper? I'm not saying that this happened. But, only that it is one legit excuse for sales staff to be less enthusiastic about a customer I can think of. Nobody like to be played or have their time wasted. Please read on before blowing steam...
Can you imagine how many people contact FOA on a daily basis and say "I would like for you to locate a red/tan 308GTSqv or a F355B for me"? That is one of the problems FOA had to expect when they moved to such a high profile location. I would guess it would be real challenging to decide who to be more enthusiastic and aggressive with. Otherwise, I would think they would have to hire 3 extra sale guys (more than the 3 they already added). It's just not that profitable.
As for any sales folks actually being rude or nasty, there is certainly no excuse for this at any time (well, unless your kids are crawiling on cars in the showroom and you won't stop them). As for attitude after a sale. I would certainly expect to be envited for a beer - minimum.
These guys have always been so nice. Not meaning to rile you up or anything, but, is there any very small chance that you catalyzed their behavior? Just curious... If not, I would be glad to help you guys kiss and make up, if you desire. I sincerely believe that you are missing out on great experiances with the rest of the FOA staff by holding a grudge against one person.
For the record, my ramblings have no basis in reality. Maybe I'm better off keeping my mouth shut - but here goes. |
Mark Moon (Enzomoon)
Junior Member
Username: Enzomoon
Post Number: 86
Registered: 4-2002
| | Posted on Thursday, May 01, 2003 - 7:28 am: | |
John:
I guess I have just been unlucky enough to catch the guys at FOA on a "bad day"? There should be no such thing when it comes to customer service. I certainly would have expected at least a "thank you" for my business after I wrote a check for 112k. I guess they thought I was a "lightweight". When the salesmen there found out I purchased an F512M at Shelton(which by the way I inquired about to Mr.Echoff directly at FOA...Who basically brushed me off), their comment in front of an aquaintance of mine was.."oh, I guess Dr. Moon does better than we thought"... I guess that was another "bad day"?
Conversely, Bud Root and everyone at Shelton has ALWAYS treated me well. I actually wanted to buy the 355 at Shelton but Bud was honest when I called and told him what I was looking at and said that if the car at FOA was as nice as I described that I should go agead with the deal there as he didn't have one quite that nice at the time...refreshing honesty. From now on it is Shelton and only Shelton. |
martin j weiner,M.D. (Mw575)
Member
Username: Mw575
Post Number: 883
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Wednesday, April 30, 2003 - 6:14 pm: | |
Like Mark I am another Shelton fan.When I lived in Fl they took good care of me and Bud Root is a gentleman. |
John Delvac (Johndelvac)
Member
Username: Johndelvac
Post Number: 343
Registered: 11-2001
| | Posted on Wednesday, April 30, 2003 - 6:00 pm: | |
Fiat Alfa Ferrari. Originally, they were a basement operation supplying filters.
The FOA folks are mostly different guys. Nonetheless, they are still the best IMO.
I can't believe someone actually likes Shelton. I guess everyone has a bad day now and then. |
Jeffrey Davison (Jeffdavison)
Junior Member
Username: Jeffdavison
Post Number: 109
Registered: 7-2002
| | Posted on Wednesday, April 30, 2003 - 6:00 pm: | |
Ferrari, Alfa & Fiat
Jeff Davison |
Lucas Taratus (Karmavore)
Junior Member
Username: Karmavore
Post Number: 152
Registered: 12-2002
| | Posted on Wednesday, April 30, 2003 - 5:22 pm: | |
What did 'FAF' stand for? |
Mike Charness (Mcharness)
Member
Username: Mcharness
Post Number: 478
Registered: 8-2002
| | Posted on Wednesday, April 30, 2003 - 4:35 pm: | |
I think FoA is wonderful... they were the original sellers of my 308QV back in the FaF days. Their parts department guys, especially Harold and Ken, are extremely helpful and always willing to go the extra mile.
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Dr. I. M. Ibrahim (Coachi)
Member
Username: Coachi
Post Number: 253
Registered: 5-2002
| | Posted on Wednesday, April 30, 2003 - 4:10 pm: | |
FOA are definitely very nice. They were concerned that they had not fixed my car properly, called and asked to make amends. Having had nothing but trouble before with dealers, I had already found someone to repair the car in Tampa, Fl., some 600 miles away. But they were indeed nice and offered me a settlement...some credit towards some merchandise. I thought that was nice, though I wished they fixed my car properly to begin with. They are definitely nice. My bad luck is that i live 120 miles away, and can't afford to keep shipping my cars back and forth especially when they tell me that the car is fixed. |
David W Burnett Jr (Dbdreams)
Junior Member
Username: Dbdreams
Post Number: 62
Registered: 3-2003
| | Posted on Wednesday, April 30, 2003 - 3:28 pm: | |
I have to say the people there are really nice. I visited there about 8 years ago maybe longer when it was in Tucker. My girlfriend at the time had a couple of days training class there in Atlanta for her job back here in B'ham. I went along with her for the couple of days, she was only 20 and didn't want to go alone. Anyway, while she is in class I had nothing to do but waste time so that is why I visited them. It was a day during the week and when I got there I had driven my girlfriends car which was a beat up Chevrolet Beretta with a dent here and there and one fender was a different color. I went in a talked to Steven Eckhoff (not sure if that is spelled right)and he treated me as if I was actually a potential customer. I will never forget his kindness and the fun I had while I was there. He took the time to take me around to all the cars and tell me a little about them and their previous owners. He even took me out back to the service department where there was an F40. That is the one and only one I have ever seen outside of magazines. I probably took up a good hour of his time and he never once made me feel unwelcome.
I also went to their new place just a couple of months ago just to gawk. I talked to Levi that day and he too was really nice. Steven was busy with a customer who was buying a 456 but he was friendly and spoke when he saw me. Everyone there including the guy who helped in the accessories was nice. I must admit before I went in I fealt a little out of place but Levi and the others eased my mind so I didn't fell like "a goodun, redneck from Alabama". My experience however limited it may be has been positive with Ferrari of Atlanta.
From a business standpoint it is best to treat all customers or potential customers with the same good nature and respect no matter their satus in life because their status can change and these people will find the kindness they received as a "nobody" will be remembered a lot longer than kindness received just because they know you have money. Today's hard luck Joe might someday become Joe millionaire so while he might not be a customer today, one day he might if he has been treated with kindess and respect.
In my experience with Ferrari of Atlanta their generosity and kindess I think was genuine. They are just nice guys.
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Dave L (Davel)
Member
Username: Davel
Post Number: 264
Registered: 7-2001
| | Posted on Wednesday, April 30, 2003 - 3:12 pm: | |
Frank I agree with you but, a simple smile and welcome to 'Ferrari of whatever'....would be ok just to make someone feel a bit welcome. |
Lucas Taratus (Karmavore)
Junior Member
Username: Karmavore
Post Number: 150
Registered: 12-2002
| | Posted on Wednesday, April 30, 2003 - 3:11 pm: | |
I agree with Frank. Just like a good strip club.... ;-)
Luke. |
Frank Parker (Parkerfe)
Intermediate Member
Username: Parkerfe
Post Number: 2208
Registered: 9-2001
| | Posted on Wednesday, April 30, 2003 - 3:01 pm: | |
David, I have always been treated great by everyone at FOA whether I was buying something or not. I suspect that the FOA sales staff didn't give you any help because you didn't ask for it. A Ferrari dealership is not and should not be the same as a Chevy dealership with a posse of sales weasels fighting to get to you first to pester you into buying a car. Most people who enter a Ferrari dealership do not want to be approached by a salesman until they ask for help. I know I don't. I hate it when I go to any type of business and get hounded by sales weasels trying to sell me on some product. I wish more dealerships would show a little more discretion toward potential customers. To me the fact that you were not pestered by a salesman is a plus not a minus. |
Marq J Ruben (Qferrari)
Member
Username: Qferrari
Post Number: 330
Registered: 2-2002
| | Posted on Wednesday, April 30, 2003 - 2:46 pm: | |
Really glad to hear that, David. I bought my car at FoW and they have always been a First Class operation since day one. You can't walk in the door without at least 2-3 people saying hello/greeting you and calling you by name. What a pleasure it is doing business with them.
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David McGee (Damcgee)
New member
Username: Damcgee
Post Number: 5
Registered: 2-2003
| | Posted on Wednesday, April 30, 2003 - 12:49 pm: | |
I felt like they were snobby. Over Christmas holidays, my wife and I went to Virginia/DC area to visit her family. We stopped by Ferrari of Washington and were treated very respectfully, despite the fact that we are only 21 years old (college students).
On the way south, we went about 80 miles out of the way to stop by Ferrari of Atlanta, and although the showroom was first rate compared to FoW, none of the salespeople would even make eye contact me! I was completely ignored, and made to feel unwelcome. I realize it may be 15-20 years before I am in the market for a Ferrari, but I assure you I will remember my treatment at FoA and go the extra 500 miles or so to FoW. |
Stephen A. Thompson, II (Sat4re)
New member
Username: Sat4re
Post Number: 27
Registered: 2-2003
| | Posted on Wednesday, April 30, 2003 - 12:17 pm: | |
I love Ferrari of Atlanta! For my 14th Birthday (14 years ago), my parents took me to what was then called FAF in Tucker, GA. I had a wonderful time looking at all of the Ferraris. When they moved to the new location, the manager, Steve Eckhoff, invited me for a Saturday visit. I stayed the entire day, helped them move cars, and even got to drive the first Maserati Spyder they had received! It was a great day! They sell disposable cameras in the lobby for all of the gawkers that frequent the shop, and there were a lot of them that Saturday! Other guys just drove-up in their Ferraris to say hello. The whole place had a family feel. I would have bought my first Ferrari there if I hadn't been lucky enough to run across the one I now have, first. |
Frank Parker (Parkerfe)
Intermediate Member
Username: Parkerfe
Post Number: 2203
Registered: 9-2001
| | Posted on Wednesday, April 30, 2003 - 12:12 pm: | |
Greg, my wife and kids are at the Cape now. |
Greg Owens (Owens84qv)
Member
Username: Owens84qv
Post Number: 780
Registered: 10-2001
| | Posted on Wednesday, April 30, 2003 - 11:35 am: | |
I've visited FOA several times to browse and the last time I spoke with Levi. When I got home, I sent a "thank you" letter and then a follow-up email with a question on some help with parts. My email with the question never got a response. My business will probably go elsewhere for my next F-car. Another dealership also got my business for those parts. |
Mark Moon (Enzomoon)
Junior Member
Username: Enzomoon
Post Number: 84
Registered: 4-2002
| | Posted on Wednesday, April 30, 2003 - 11:11 am: | |
I wish I could sing their praises as well but my treatment there was poor at best. The sales manager was patronizing, and most of the sales staff were arrogant. On the day I took delivery of my car the sales manager walked past me in the showroom and not only didn't thank me for my business he didn't even say hello! I only deal with Bud Root at Shelton now. They are the class of the Ferrari dealers in my opinion. |
Greg Owens (Owens84qv)
Member
Username: Owens84qv
Post Number: 777
Registered: 10-2001
| | Posted on Wednesday, April 30, 2003 - 11:04 am: | |
Frank, my wife and I will be at Cape San Blas this Saturday... |
Vince (Manatee)
Junior Member
Username: Manatee
Post Number: 207
Registered: 6-2002
| | Posted on Wednesday, April 30, 2003 - 9:42 am: | |
FoA has always done extremely well by me. Class acts are getting harder to find these days. |
Ron Vallejo (Ron328)
Junior Member
Username: Ron328
Post Number: 101
Registered: 3-2003
| | Posted on Wednesday, April 30, 2003 - 9:23 am: | |
Although I didn't end up getting my car at FOA,
I'd say I did have a good experience with them, too. I dealt with Levy; he was very patient and accomodating. He let me test-drive a 328...my first time to drive an f-car! |
Drstranglove (Drstranglove)
Junior Member
Username: Drstranglove
Post Number: 164
Registered: 4-2003
| | Posted on Wednesday, April 30, 2003 - 9:10 am: | |
I got my 348 from FoA last Friday after getting brushed off by the butts at Foreign Cars Italia in Greensboro!!!!!
Carsen was professional and a joy to deal with.
DrS |
Frank Parker (Parkerfe)
Intermediate Member
Username: Parkerfe
Post Number: 2199
Registered: 9-2001
| | Posted on Wednesday, April 30, 2003 - 8:43 am: | |
I wanted to make this post as a recommendation to all Ferrari owners in the Southeast about how good FOA treats its customers. As most of you are aware I had a few minor gliches in the major service done on my Boxer. Both Mark and Chris took control and remedied those gliches to my satisfaction. The work done by FOA was EXCELLANT and I highly recommend them to anyone who needs work done on their Ferrari. While I was intially relunctant to use them out of my fear of the perceived higher prices charged by dealers, after all was finished I am happy with both the results as well as the price. I could not have got the quality job done by anyone else at the price I paid. Especially with a 12 month warranty by a dealer than stands behind its work like FOA. All I need now is some time off work so I can take a road trip ! |