| Author | Message | ||
| Martin (Miami348ts)
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It is tough to judge these situations online. We have not been there and have not seen the salesman face, nor did we know how he said it or with what tone. I assume it was ambigious as you have not laughted about it and did not get his "joke". Who knows. I withhold judgement at this time. Definetely not okay because the customer did not understand it. Did he mean it or not, I do not know. That is your decision. The good thing is you have a choice. It is a product that you can compare not a service that you buy. To me buying a $ 200,000 car is no JOKE! | ||
| Danny R. West (Dan_West348ts)
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It sounds as if this Bryant guy monitors this chat site. I know Ferrari of Los Gatos's service department does. I hear about the posts that I and others post here, that do business there. I would take this guy up on his offer for dinner. I would also want FBH to supply some Laker's tickets for court side, not the nose blead section. Then if I was satisfied we could talk 512m. Collect the bennies up front !  Remember this... Bryant is a "used car salesman." There is no way you are going to win when it comes to the 512m deal. ...And that's my opinion! Dan | ||
| BretM (Bretm)
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You should buy a 512m or whatever you decide at another dealership and then go to BH and tell them thanks for not selling you one. If they had you wouldn't have come upon the one you got which is better, something along those lines. It may be childish to spite someone like this, but they're a$$holes so who cares. | ||
| Tenney (Tenney)
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I've only had good dealings w/Bryant in the past. | ||
| 1989 328 GTS (Vilamoura2002)
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A joke? Do you joke with this kind of things? I hope this guy was serious :-) Who is going to pay the dinner? | ||
| david schirmer (David)
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Everyone makes a bad judgement now and then. I'd take him up on his offer and enjoy your dinner. See how you get along. Accept the apology in the same manner which you would like to be treated. | ||
| magoo (Magoo)
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If I wanted this car, I would take all I could get from this guy, dinner, discount etc.. The ball would be in my court after the way he treated them. Then, maybe according to Vilamoura "they just didn't go with your face", whatever the hell that had to do with it. Give me a break. Get the car for the price you want or look elsewhere. | ||
| magoo (Magoo)
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Chris, I agree. Wouldn't you think if this guy thought they were potential customers he would have excused himself and said something like "I'll be right back." | ||
| chris cummings (Entelechy)
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That redeems him a little bit for me (not having been there), but it seems highly implausible that someone would make a "joke" like that and then walk away before getting any response or doing anything to indicate that it was in fact, a joke. It seems that anyone with a conscience (especially one in the position of trying to make a sale) would at LEAST have the courtesy to inform the Potential Buyer WHY they are leaving, especially on the heels of a comment in such poor taste. In fact,the more I think about it, the more I suspect that someone at FBH follows these boards (perhaps even Bryant himself) and it got back to management who "encouraged" him to try and make amends - especially knowing how "tied in" this wonderful Ferrari network Rob created is (I know I'll never go never go near Ferrari of New England even if it did get resolved - definitely casts a pall on the whole business). Like it or not, and whether it was his idea or not, I'm glad to hear Bryant at least had the professionalism to call and apologize and offer to take you to dinner. There's a line in a Paul Kelly song that reads "I'll forgive, but I won't forget" ~Chris | ||
| magoo (Magoo)
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Take it. All contributions accepted. Then judge for yourself whether this guy was serious or not. Pick a high dollar restaurant with all the trimmings. After dinner if Jimmy is still interested in the car then is the time to talk a nice discount. | ||
| 89MondialCab (Jmg)
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Guess he might linger on the boards as well...nice to see that they don't look down on any potential buyers. Take them up on it and make a good deal on your next ride. | ||
| Dima Efros (Defros)
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I received a phone call from Bryant today with an apology. He called me, since he did not have Jimmy's number. He explained that everything was a big misunderstanding and what he said was simply a joke. He went to the back to finish up what he was doing, and when he came back he was suprised that we left. I did not have a chance to complain to anyone, nor did Jimmy. He must have talked to someone in the parts department, since they knew what happened. I want to hope that it was a big misunderstanding. He asked if he could take Jimmy and me out to dinner to make up for our bad experience. What do you guys think? | ||
| chris cummings (Entelechy)
|
Wow! I'm more than a little shocked as I've been to FBH three times in the last three months (purchasing clothing and some Ferrari patches for a racing suit), and each time I was bowled over by just how courteous and friendly everyone I dealt with was. They were perfectly fine with letting me look at all the cars to my hearts content (an F-40, 550 Barchetta, and many others) and I respected the signage instructing me not to sit in or touch them without permission. Still, I poked my head into each and gave them a nice going-over. Once when I was there, a man walking by with his kids brought them in to look at the cars. He told them up front that they just wanted to see the cars, and the people at FBH just smiled and told them to enjoy. I was so impressed that I wrote a letter to the dealership commending them, as I've experienced the kind of crap that others have mentioned in dealing with high-end/exotic dealerships. That Byrant sounds like a complete ••••••• and I would've been enraged enough to take it to the head of the dealership. That kind of attitude is unforgiveable and inexcusable! (Just my opinion) Still, maybe I've just been fortunate, but my experiences there would have made any Ferrari fan proud - oh yeah, and each time I just walked in on a Saturday. Jimmy, you're a class act in transcendence! Hope you (and anyone else) never have to endure something like that again. ~Chris | ||
| Paul Newman (Newman)
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Thanks, my interior is red too. Paul. | ||
| JP Lavigne (Jpl)
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Paul, I beleive the official color is called Grigio Ferro (Metallic Grey). It is darker than the silver and in the shade looks almost like a charcoal grey. I have seen a few silver cars, much lighter in color, and usually combined with a red interior. | ||
| William H (Countachxx)
|
I went to a Ferrari Club Argentina meet at the F1 track in BA. They had a few 348,355, 308, 550, Testarossa, maybe 20 cars total. OF course being upper class Argentines they have an ego/attitude that is beyond anything 1 normally experiences in the US LOL. They werent very fast though. Its wierd cus just because Fabgio is from here so many clowns think they can drive like him & well, they find out the hard way that they dont have a clue | ||
| 89MondialCab (Jmg)
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I lived in BA - downtown near the office of my company but an't remember the exact street. Never been in a city with better restaurants and I have been lucky enough to travel all over the world. | ||
| Paul Newman (Newman)
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JPL, what is the correct Ferrari name for the colour of you GTB. My silver 308GTB has the same colour under the Ferrari sticker in the left door jamb - the original colour. Just curious, it looks nice. Thanks, Paul. | ||
| magoo (Magoo)
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Eric, I totally agree. I have worked in and run a few car dealerships. The attitude starts at the top. If the owner or G.M. has his nose stuck up his a-- so as it will be with his employees. If the owner is a fair guy and respects everyone as a potential buyer and is fair with his employees the attitude will reflect there also. | ||
| Eric Eiland (Eric308gtsiqv)
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Wow, JPL, that was a great story -- thanks for sharing it! (Superb 308 you have there too...I love the color! ) We all could certainly benefit from a lot more "Buds" in the automotive sales departments (and any other business for that matter). Employees / salespersons like him are a rare breed who go the extra mile, even though they don't have to. They add so much more to the experience and dream of owning such fine automobiles as the Ferrari marque. An experience like yours would certainly have made me a customer for life as well. On a personal note, as far as Ferrari dealers are concerned, I've been doing business with the parts dept. at Ferrari of Central Florida over the past 2-3 months; and must say that they have been some of the most pleasant people to do business with -- from the receptionist to the parts dept.! This speaks volumes for the management, employees, and Ferrari in general as far as I'm concerned. | ||
| kelly vince (Tofosi1)
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328 bobd told me to look at this thread. It goes to show the class separation of people. I have friends who are multi millionaires and some who have nothing. I talk just as easlily with one as the other. But on the subject of buying a car. There only one reason I own one today. Out of thirty people who came to see the car. I was the only one who had just some from church(Good Southern baptist) and I was the only one who brought my wife. That's it. I consider my self lucky too, the car was 25 miles from my house. My 2cents | ||
| William H (Countachxx)
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JMG when did u live in Argentina ? I live in BA now, its seriously messed up. Bet u r dying to move back aren't you ? I hear u can get a Really good deal on an apt on Ave de Mayo LOL | ||
| JP Lavigne (Jpl)
|
The reason I am now a Ferrari owner is because of a great salesman at Shelton in Ft Lauderdale. His name is Bud. About 7 years ago, my wife and I (we live up in Ottawa, Canada) were in at Shelton looking around and started chatting with Bud about Ferraris and asked if I could take a few pictures. He said it would be fine and took me in their back room to see some really special cars that were in the midst of restorations. There was an F40 (one of the first in the florida area), a 275 GTB/C (alloy competition), a 246 and a 250 SWB. He allowed me to snap away for about an hour. I thanked him, bought a few things at the boutique counter and left. The next year we were down in the Ft Lauderdale area and again dropped in to see Bud, he was ever so gracious again and this time asked me which car I preferred to drive the most. Being a Ferrari fanatic with limited money, I sheepishly said..."Well I haven't actually driven one yet". He asked for my license and within a few minutes we were off. I was driving a Ferrari for the first time. That same day, my wife spied a grey 308GTB that was in for service. The color was exactly what I wanted, unfortunately my bank account wasn't as big as my eyes were. We again said our good good-byes to Bud and left. The next year, we were back in Florida, cruising out of Ft Lauderdale. As we always drop in to see Bud, we did so again. This time the car was in the back yard again, but this time it was for sale (The pilot who owned the car had just traded it in) and I just happened to now have the money to buy it, so my wife said..."Buy it", so I did. We finished our vacation and about a month later I flew down with my brother and drove the car back over a week-end in late November. Bud even called my wife late Sunday to make sure I made it home alright (he had heard there were snow storms in Binghampton NY and this was the route I was taking home). I get Xmas cards and other info from Bud all the time. He helped set up my first Factory visit a few years ago, and will get all of my Ferrari business. Period end of story. | ||
| Ken (Allyn)
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Nika, that's like when my wife buys a car. She buys her own cars and recently bought a new Honda Odyssey. She kept trying to ask about the features etc. and the salesman kept asking her if she liked the color. Then he asked if her husband was with her (I was not). She told me she should have walked but they had one in stock that had what she wanted so she bought it anyway, but next time she'll go somewhere else first. | ||
| Ken (Allyn)
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When I was in LA a few years ago I saw a Ferrari Dealer; it must have been FBH since that's where I was. I just wanted to look around and after a few min. a salesman asked if he could help me. I said I just wanted to look at his beautiful cars and he left me alone. I thought that was pretty cool. | ||
| Nika (Racernika)
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Women at Dealerships Horror Stories.....I have them!!!Oh yes - had my other car go in for a bad fuel sensor.. I said the car was being a pig on gas and was ......(tried to say idling rough - check the sensor) but the rep butted in to say I quote: "WELL LIL LADY - YOU KNOW THESE SPORTSCARS USE UP A LOT OF GAS" As if I hadn't a clue!!!!???? [Nika's reaction is censored][claws retract] I've worked many an auto show when I was young & cute - I made sure I knew the product/car and that everyone that came up to talk was treated with respect. The largest exotic car collector here used to always be in jeans or sweats.....an Armani suit means nothing | ||
| jimmy (Fastjimmy)
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I would first like to thank you all for your comments. My father told us that �you must treat all your customers with respect and with the same level of detail because your enemy will never buy the brand�. The little bullshit artists are the fans and people that keep the brand image high and in the black. please dont feel sorry for me I know who I am! Think about the fan and the little guy or girl. when you lose them (fans and dreamers) that might be the end of the new models and models! | ||
| 89MondialCab (Jmg)
|
Perhaps this reminds me why I like living here in the US. Having lived in Germany, Portugal, Brazil and Argentina, the endless stream of asses one has to kiss to enter the "club" reminds me of how many folks got there because of the family's money and not their own hard work. Folks who have made it on their own merits invariably treat people based on merit. I guess I could say that I feel sorry for both Jimmy and Vilamoura. - JMG | ||
| DBP (Dilly)
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Jimmy I am sorry for your experience with BH. Women trying to buy cars have faced situations like that for years. I have a string of car salemens stories. Hey Nika, maybe a future article for Racerchick. | ||
| david handa (Davehanda)
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If Jimmy is still concerned with letting someone know of the situation at FOBH, he may wish to contact Ferrari North America. It is my understanding that they own and operate both that dealership and Ferrari of San Francisco.... | ||
| wm hart (Whart)
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Hey,guys..listen to what you are complaining about: not getting respect from a used car saleman. These people are there, not to share and sing the praises of your favorite marque, but to move some iron (or composite or whatever). My approach is to call in advance, even (more so) if i am just looking, introduce myself on the phone, ask when would be convenient to come to the showroom (saturdays are bad for walk-ins) and be honest about whether you are currently in the market or just looking. I agree that salespeople should have a longer perspective on customer prospects, and be receptive to "kids" as future customers,but to alot of these guys, its just a job. the Beverly Hills location must get the highest # of walk-in bullshit artists in the world, given its geographic and "spiritual" proximity to Rodeo Drive. I actually did a walk-in there a few years ago (contrary to above stated policy), tooled up in a Rolls with driver, and only after i strolled into the shop, after being ignored for 15 minutes,was i approached by a sales type. After i explained that i had already purchased a car from them the year before (through an east coast dealer) and was in the market for another, did i get any response. By contrast, last year, i called ahead to arrange delivery of my 550 to BH, for a weeklong driving excursion up the coast. They were wonderful, had the car prepped and ready to go as soon as it came off the truck, and washed it upon my return before putting back on the truck, all at no charge. I did have them do any oil change, at the usual dealer price. There was no difference in my credentials or "appearance" between these two experiences. Reach your own conclusions. | ||
| 1989 328 GTS (Vilamoura2002)
|
One more detail. In Portugal high class cars are in showrooms with a label on them : "SOLD" or "NOT FOR SALE" | ||
| 1989 328 GTS (Vilamoura2002)
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Thanks to everyone who understand my point of view specially Martin that has lived in Germany. You are right when you say that we know everybody who owns a Ferrari or a Rolls Royce or a Bentley.... because we are very few. Most of my cars were bought by appointment and some of them were brought to my home so that I could have a test drive. I think this makes a big difference from coming in a showroom and trying to get a car, doesn't it? | ||
| Mark C. Gordon (Markg)
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I have had expirences with 2 dealers: Ferrari of Los Gatos (10 years ago when I lived a mile from them) and Ferrari of Denver. I had good vibes from both dealers; Ferrari of Denver has an Englishman working in sales that is an absolute riot to talk with, and the only reason that I didn't buy my car from them is they sold the Griego 308GTS and both Mondials they had a few weeks before I had cash on hand (did not want to finance). | ||
| James Dixon (Omnadren250)
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That salesman should be fired, he turned away a potential sale, and is giving the dealership a bad reputation. On a much smaller scale, here is my real life example. My uncle has owned a high end clothing store for 40 years. He built it from the ground up and his store is now well know in the city. I work there on the weekends to help him out and have noticed many interesting things. I have had customers pull up in every expensive car imaginable, and have also had customers pull up in rusty old hondas and beaters. My uncle and the rest of the staff treat everybody equally, regardless of how they look or what they drive. There have been many occasions where the guy that pulls up in a Porsche or Ferrari complains about the high prices and leaves whereas the guy in the rusty honda or scruffy looking clothes plops down a wad of cash for a Hugo Boss suit. You can never tell who is going to buy from their appearance. | ||
| Martin (Miami348ts)
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John; I have heard also several great things about Ferrari of Atlanta. Your story just proves what difference respect can make. YOu may not sell today, maybe not tomorrow, but one day this person will come back and buy and they would not buy from anybody else but you. THAT is the difference! I owned my first Ferrari at age 21. Had several till age 24 and was always mistreated. A lot of people lost business that way, I am not even sure that they know. This is why I think it is so important to let the manager/owner know. He may not know what his idiot salesman in doing either. Sits behind his desk and is wondering why business is so slow. Let them know courtiously and with respectful words. If he gives you an attitude in return, then you can blast him! | ||
| Najib Amanullah (Najib)
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Maybe we are judging Villamoura a bit harshly. Like he said English is not his first language and maybe he was trying to say that he would not sell his peosonal carif he felt it would be mistreated. In the UK I had ordered a 348 and wanted to see it in the Motor Show but was told by the UK dealer that I could only enter the stand if I could produce my deposit receipt for the car. I argued that I did not carry this around with me to impress people and only after some convincing did they allow me to examine the car more closely. Then the elderly Italian Chief Engineer took delight in telling me all about the new features of the car like it was his child. Great. | ||
| John Delvac (Johndelvac)
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I'm 34 & have owned my first Ferrari for a couple of years now. However, I've been visiting FAF Motorcars (now Ferrari of Atlanta) monthly since 1982. Although I never asked to test drive a car, I have been invited to sit in any Ferrari I ever wanted to. Salesmen and dealership owners have personally given me hood open tours on over 15 occassions since I was 15 years old. One of the former owners, John Apen, and the former sales manager, Steve Ahlgrim, say that I am just another one of their success stories. Even when I was a teenage punk, they treated me with respect as a potential client. I still get the same friendly greetings from Steven, Levi & Hugh at FOA now. A dealer may not always be the cheapest place to buy a car or service. But, I will always give them the first opportunity to help me on future purchases & service. Why, because they never assumed I couldn't afford to be there. While I'm bragging on my local dealership, Ken and Harold have gone out of their way to find me an allusive part or a better price on several occasions. Best of all, service managers, Mark and Ron, have given me endless free advice and even made some quick adjustments for me just to be nice. I've also experianced two of the current mechanics, Rick & Frank, giving me enthusiastic visitor time. It appears that not all dealers are created equal. I envite anyone who has had a bad Ferrari dealer experiance to visit Ferrari of Atlanta where every Ferrari enthusist is a friend. I'd very much like for "Fastjimmy" to contact Ferrari, North America with his story. I read somewhere a set of rules for how Ferrari Owners should act & treat others. I'm pretty sure Mike Charness in Huntsville, Alabama wrote it. In any case, it calls for us to try making every person a Ferrari enthusist by treating them with respect. This can do nothing but increase the value of the Ferrari mystique. PS: Does anyone know how to run a spellcheck routine on these website postings? | ||
| J. Grande (Jay)
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Martin and Villamoura I agree with that arguement if it is your own personal car. I feel that way also. You develop a relationship and bond with your car, and you want it to go to a good home. But a salesman is there to sell, not make sure the car goes to a good home. I have walked in to places and because of my age, am treated like I can't afford the things I'm looking at. I always make a point to talk to the owner or manager when I am treated poorly. By contrast, when I go into Ferrari of Ontario, I am generally treated well. I've even been allowed to sit in a 550 even though It is way out of my leauge. However just before Christmas I was in F of O and asked what I needed to do in order to be included in the annual charity rally. The secretary told me I had to own a Ferrari! I just looked at her for a few seconds and said "Yeah..so what do I have to do?" She immediately jumped up and took down my info. Moral? Never judge a book by its cover. Yes I am young, but I do own a Ferrari and more then that I have a passion for the car and what it means! | ||
| Martin (Miami348ts)
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Guys, without saying that Villamoura is right, this is a more European thing. There is not a whole lot of people that you can tell your hobby and the cars that you own, because others do not understand that. Ferrari owners in Europe are a close circle of people. Dealers know them all and deals are rarely made by a person walking into a Ferrari dealership to buy a car. If you are new to Ferrari you know somebody that owns one and will make the connection to the selling dealer. It is a different animal altogether in Europe. Although I believe that is changing now with the growing popularity of Ferrari due to F-1. Just remember on all Auto Shows the Ferrari stand is always roped off and you can only get in by invitation. I still think that is wrong and that was one of the reasons I left Germany 10 years ago. | ||
| BobD (Bobd)
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Based on Mr. Vilamoura2002's comments early in this thread (bottom), maybe he would be kind enough to post his picture here so we can make judgement on him? | ||
| Richelson (Richelson)
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I didn't know that you can lease Ferraris. | ||
| William H (Countachxx)
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Ferrari has its own way of sorting its customers for its ultra top end cars like the F50, 550 Barchetta, & F60. You must own at least 1 Ferrari before you can buy 1 of these & you can only lease it with a purchase option to keep speculators away. Of course there r ways of getting around this like the guy with no Ferrari who wanted an F50. Ferrari said no cus he didnt have a Ferrari, so he went out & bought an F40 then Ferrari relented & sold him an F50 | ||
| 89MondialCab (Jmg)
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So what you are syaing Vilamoura2002 is that it is not the money but the first impression that makes your decision to sell? Hardly enough time to find out if the person is car worthy one would think. Glad I live in the Pacific Northwest of the United States where people tend to be judged on merit rather than looks...sorry that you don't offer the same leeway. | ||
| Martin (Miami348ts)
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I think you have misunderstood Villamoras response. He makes it clear that it is NOT about money. YOu can have as much as you want to but he would not sell you the car if you do not feel right to him to own this car. Although I agree in principle that it is everybodioes choice what they do in their business, it is also wrong to do it. It is discriminating and for the most part will give you a bad name. Fact is, you never know. In this example the salesman was NOT the owner and can not hold judgement over the person walking in. He himself does not make the money to buy the 1:18 scale model, nevertheless refuse to sell the 1:1. Such poor judgement and to make a point I would call up the manager and complain to him even after the fact. I can understand that dealerships do not want to give test drives to everybody that just walks in. Neither do I but showing the car and taking the time is your job and unless you have something much better to do take the time and help as much as you can. I sold the Spider on Saturday. The day I wanted to go down to the Keys with a Harley and have some fun. I took the extra time and explained every piece of the car. The new owner is very happy and I am sure that he will walk away from this experience positive and will call me first when it is time to upgrade. Makes me feel good, makes him feel good. In the end we both won. I treat my customers (in all my businesses) the way I want to be treated when I am standing in front of me. | ||
| Richelson (Richelson)
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What can the younger generation do when they want to go into a dealership and look at cars? I am sure that get treated unjustly. Just because of their age they probably won't get treated well but that doesn't mean they are not serious about purchasing a car. | ||
| Najib Amanullah (Najib)
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I am sorry but someone has posted a similar thread before. This seems to be fairly common in the US. Why? Surely, anybody who walks into a Ferrari dealership should be afforded the same level of curtesy whether he is just looking, buying a lower priced used car or the top of the range. Why do salesmen take such an arrogant attitude...as if they personally own the entire range of Ferraris or worse the entire stock of the dealership. I would ensure the guy was sacked. The person who sold me my car owned the garage and one would have thought he was making his first sale. He was very helpful and returned ever one of my overseas calls. That is service. | ||
| 1989 328 GTS (Vilamoura2002)
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Well, it looks that I have touched a sensible point. There is a big difference between our and your market. Because of exclusivity, refusing to sell something, you would only be alowed to buy the same product very far away if not in another country. I would rather sell one of my cars to a medium wage but motor sensible person, with the special bright in the eyes showing the enthousiasm of a dream than to a golden christmas tree(gold watch+gold bracelet+gold rings)smoking a big cigar. Apart from many things ..... :-)... money can't buy happyness. Sorry about my English. | ||
| Michael (Mtabije)
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Regardless of how you qualify people who have money if they should own a prestigious marque or the latest fashion clothes, it all comes down to who you are when you hang up your coat at night. There will always be people who don't appreciate a cars history or the biography of a famous clothing designer, or whatever. If you don't let them buy from you, they will definately buy from someone else. Where will that leave you? Less in your pocket (after all, you are running a business). If you decide to take their money and have second thoughts....well it's your money now. The issue goes beyond some short term panacea of refusing to service someone. Some people have the immediate need to satisfy wants and desires that money can fullfill...ah ha another panacea. Materialism can only get you so far, if at all. Those who are comfortable with themselves as a whole have no problems with dealing with the world and its sordid, honorable, and in between cast of characters. Your levels of comfort in all aspects (financially, emotionally, spirtiualy, or what have you) is what determines worth to yourself; but, unfortunately many, many, and I mean many, people don't see it that way when we face eachother. | ||
| Tyler (Bahiaau)
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Tim, it is tragic to see people who are struggling in spite of their efforts. It makes me sick to my stomach to see parents who through their poor choices rob their children of opportunity. I seen many sad situations. I spend time with outreach organizations who help mentor kids who are struggling with their living conditions. Some of what I have seen is heartbreaking but much of it is uplifting. This country has opportunities for all that are boundless. You can't save everyone, so make sure you take advantage of the opportunities you have so that one day you can guide those who haven't. Back to the subject matter. There are few better ways to showcase this country's opportunities than by driving a Ferrari. The look on a child's face when they first see one is priceless(I know I'll never forget the first one I saw). | ||
| Tim N (Timn88)
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Tyler, this is one moral dilemma i have. There are people so poor in this country, it is scary. There are people in this country so rich it is scary. Alot of the people who are rich work their @sses off for it. Some of the poor people sont do anything about their situation, but some do. The ones that do were just born into a bad situation. I am so thankful that i was born into a situation where i can live to my potential. Its a shame most people in my county, and peole all over the world dont realize this and take it for granted. | ||
| Dima Efros (Defros)
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I was the one with Jimmy when this happened. He left out the fact that the salesperson was more interested in watching a video of a race(midget cars),then sell a $170,000 car that also needs a 15,000 mile service. He was the only employee "working" at the time. If the manager was around he would have heard about it. In response to Vilamoura2002, he is not worth talking about. William, thanks for the lead on the car at Symbolic, I am good friends with the owner, and will take Jimmy over to look at their car. | ||
| William H (Countachxx)
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u guys should come to BA if u want to see people with amazingly arrogant attitudes. I dont want to see morons with Ferraris like that poor 512M with the red ostrich skin seats, giant subwoofers, behind the seats, & tires that stick out from the body, thats just Wrong!!! It would be good if Ferrari owners knew something about the marque & its history, other than that I dont care | ||
| Tyler (Bahiaau)
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Tim I agree with you that an individuals net worth has no bearing on what kind of person they are. I also agree that money can change people. But remember that lack of money can change people as well. I do not agree that the distribution of wealth is inequitable. I think the opposite is true in this country. As for people with, "more money than they could ever spend". Well, that's all relative. The people who have achieved such a level of net worth usually don't do it for the money anymore, they do the job because it is their passion. In addition, philanthropy, when done in a consiencable and effective manner is much more difficult than it appears. | ||
| Tim N (Timn88)
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I have to say that Villamoura2002's opinion is so condescending. If you think money makes you better than someone else you are terribly and tragically wrong. Also, money has a way of corrupting people. You cant let money change you, i know i wont let it ever change me. I will always stay true to myslef and my convictions. Also, whats the point of having so much money that you could never spend it (like bill gates, etc) There are so many unfortunate people in this country and world that could use some help. The distribution of wealth in this country makes me sick, and so does that response. Just because you have more money than some of us doesnt make you any better. Its people like you that give ferrari owners and wealthy people a bad name. | ||
| magoo (Magoo)
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BobD, I agree with you. As far as Vilamoura is concerned nothing was lost in translation. | ||
| BobD (Bobd)
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I personally have no respect for Vilamoura's viewpoint below (unless something was lost in the translation). If our whole world operated with this elitist type of attitude, it would be a very sad place. Jimmy, if someone treated me like that, I would look elsewhere. And I'd go way out of my way to let the owner know what happened. If it was my business and one of my employees treated a potential customer in that manner, I would absolutely want to know so I could fire the guy on the spot. | ||
| magoo (Magoo)
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I don't think Vilamoura is kidding. He and I had disscussion before that he thinks people should be worthy of owning a Ferrari and should, in essence, qualify before being allowed to buy one. Money is obviously no object to him and he sees things a lot different then most of us. Too bad we are not all that fortunate, or maybe we are more fortunate when you think about it. | ||
| Chris_N_Chicago (Chris_N_Chicago)
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They probably are tired of David Lee Roth bouncing checks there... and take it out on the customers.... | ||
| Tyler (Bahiaau)
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This attitude seems to pervade throughout the automotive sales industry. Spend your money elsewhere and the message will be heard. Spread the word to friends and associates and the message will be heard. I think Sam Walton said it best: "There is only one boss. That is the customer and he can fire everyone in the company from the chairman on down simply by spending his money elsewhere." The positive side of the general lack of service is that it creates great opportunities for people of integrity. | ||
| Michael (Mtabije)
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One of the most detrimental things anyone can do to their business is discriminate potential customers. In the long run, you will lose out on so much customers and potential for profit, referals, longterm business/relationships, etc. | ||
| Richelson (Richelson)
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Every dealership should treat a potential buyer with respect. I don't like it when dealerships make you feel that you have to live up to their standards, or be good enough to look at their cars. The funny part is that most don't know much about the cars they sell. | ||
| William H (Countachxx)
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Well Beverly Hills is known for having an amazingly large # of arseholes. Thats just Fked up tho. I would have talked to the Manager, or just go over to Symbolic. They have a poor 512M that was owned by some clown who ghettoed the car. u could probably get a nice discount on it or have them return it to stock. That poor car really needs to have the stupid seats, giant subwoofers, & Homey wheels removed | ||
| Mark (Study)
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-Customer ask for info on Ferrari at Dealership -Sales guy ask What scale? and walks away. Sounds like they were shooting another silly TV ad for Monster.com "need a new job?" | ||
| J. Grande (Jay)
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I would have him fired! Talk to the manager. This has happened to a friend of mine who was trading in an older Rolls for a Lexus. The salesman couldn't believe that he wanted to trade in a Rolls for a Lexus. He didn't think my friend looked like he had enough money to own a Rolls. When my friend complained to the manager the salesman was fired on the spot! The Rolls was parked outside, all he had to do was look. They eventually gave him an even trade plus free service for a few years. Business is business and you can't treat people like that without reprocussions, especially in this economy. Complain and raise hell, they will be kissing your feet! | ||
| Tim N (Timn88)
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You should always treat people the same no matter what they look like because you dont know how much $$ is in their pocket. Ive been told this by salesmen at numerous car dealerships. | ||
| Joseph Buffa (Buffa27)
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Vilamoura2002, Were you making service to someone when you wrote your comment? | ||
| Mr. Doody (Doody)
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valamoura2002 - can you please confirm for the less quick in the audience that your post was in jest? doody. | ||
| 1989 328 GTS (Vilamoura2002)
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jimmy, they just didn't go with your face. I am sorry to tell you but I agree with them because I would not sell any car to someone I didn't like at the first view. Also in my business, I just make service to someone I like.Money itself is nothing!!!! (my oppinion) Buying a Ferrari should be the same as adopting a child. I didn't want to hurd you and I am sorry if I did, but I had to say this. I have posted about this theme before...... | ||
| '75 308 GT4 (Peter)
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Uh ohh, sounds like an episode from the Ferrarichat Hall of Shame.... Chris 'N Chicago, please get your material ready.... | ||
| jimmy (Fastjimmy)
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I went in today to possibly purchase a 512m that they are getting ready for sale. Bryant, the salesperson asked me and my friend, who owns a 512tr, what scale Ferrari we are looking for 1/18 or 1/43? We got no help and he walked away. Has anyone else had problems with these clowns? |