| Author |
Message |
Peter Barbin (Sophia)
New member
Username: Sophia
Post Number: 38
Registered: 8-2003
| | Posted on Tuesday, October 07, 2003 - 7:35 am: | |
I too was a kid that collected brochures, now I own an F-car. I think its a drag that dealerships end up becoming boutiques, staffed by salespeople more driven by the dollars than by passion of the product.
Here's a question to ask these salepeople..."what kind of cars do you OWN and DRIVE?" Too often, its that clapped out 325is or Prelude behind the dealership. Whatever, I drive an old pick-up truck to work...and to the local Ferrari dealer for kicking tires and the occasional oil-filter purchase.
Funny, all of the sudden the sales staff perks up when I leave the parts counter with F-bag in hand with parts for my F-car...as I leave to get into the old truck. |
Jean-Louis (Jlm348)
Member
Username: Jlm348
Post Number: 713
Registered: 11-2002
| | Posted on Sunday, October 05, 2003 - 5:41 pm: | |
Troy I agree completely.
It is kinda hard to let people know that you are being sarcastic on the internet. That's why I put the LOL |
Troy Watts (Troy_watts)
Junior Member
Username: Troy_watts
Post Number: 87
Registered: 9-2003
| | Posted on Sunday, October 05, 2003 - 4:59 pm: | |
Jean-Louis,
You act like there doing you a big favor. It should not matter if you come in with a exotic or
off the bus. People are people, They should treat everyone with respect. There is no excuse
for the pompous bullshit! |
Tony Fuisz (Fuiszt)
Junior Member
Username: Fuiszt
Post Number: 157
Registered: 10-2002
| | Posted on Sunday, October 05, 2003 - 3:23 pm: | |
When I was a kid, I saw a boxer idling at the curb outside chinetti's shop in NYC. I stood there for a while with my mom looking at it from different angles. One of the service guys came out-seeing me there-and gave me a boxer brochure to take home. I still have the brochure, and now have a ferrari too.
Since most of us are into these cars at least partially for the magic of ferrari, you'd think the dealers would want to encourage that as much as possible. Can you imagine the toyota guy coming out with a camry brochure? |
Jean-Louis (Jlm348)
Member
Username: Jlm348
Post Number: 712
Registered: 11-2002
| | Posted on Sunday, October 05, 2003 - 3:17 pm: | |
At Lamborghini of Beverly Hills I stopepd by with a friend of mine from Europe, we did come in my 348, I started talking to the guy in the show room and he new that I new what I was talking about. I asked if my friend could take pictures and he allowed it.
Maybe if you ask politely and come in an exotic they will let you take pictures? LOL |
Brian W (Jetx)
Junior Member
Username: Jetx
Post Number: 167
Registered: 6-2003
| | Posted on Sunday, October 05, 2003 - 2:30 pm: | |
Almost bought my first Ferrari from Ogner. Boy did they misrepresent the car. Did most of the negotiating and talking on the phone, salesman was very pushy, so I flew down to consumate the deal.
But, I went in as a 'guy off the street' to see the car. What was represented as a mint condition '87 Mondial 3.2 cab (blue/red), was a basket case. The exterior was okay, but has some dings and touch up paint in more than a few places. And that red interior? Couldn't tell it was red it sat out in the sun so much. It was dry, cracked, faded and in poor shape. I promptly walked and never looked back |
Nebula Class (Nebulaclass)
Member
Username: Nebulaclass
Post Number: 582
Registered: 11-2002
| | Posted on Sunday, October 05, 2003 - 2:10 pm: | |
As far as I know, the new owners knew that Ogner had a HORRIBLE reputation. The owners were two old, greedy, sh!tty bastard brothers who didn't give a damn about anything except themselves. Totally rude and complete a$$holes. As a result, they couldn't have cared less about their sales staff, and there were probably 5 real d!cks that worked there. The sales managers, Mike Bellante and Paul Waddell, were great guys, though. Can't say anything bad about them.
But like I was saying, the new owners knew their biggest challenge was going to be getting rid of the Ogner image. As far as I know, they but a lot of effort into hiring a sales staff that was accomodating and helpful.
I quit before the new owners took over, after losing a 360 Spider sale because my customer came in on my day off and another salesman kicked him off the lot. |
DL (Darth550)
Member
Username: Darth550
Post Number: 425
Registered: 7-2003
| | Posted on Sunday, October 05, 2003 - 10:40 am: | |
Adam, I was at the Auto gallery last week with a friend of mine. He was interested in a Polar Silver Porsche Turbo x50. The salesman was very attentive and offered a test drive to him (he did not ask). I asked him about a 99 FTS and the first thing he said to me was, "Let's take it for a spin." I don't know why Sybil was treated that way but I can imagine they had their reasons.
DL |
Adam (Fasttalk)
Member
Username: Fasttalk
Post Number: 298
Registered: 8-2002
| | Posted on Sunday, October 05, 2003 - 10:20 am: | |
I noticed The Auto Gallaery had a 2 page AD in the FCA newsletter, by the tone of the wording it seems like they are realy trying to get rid of the "Ogner" image.
I can walk there from my office, but have never been able to buy a car from them, 4 times I had similar experience to Troy, and ended up buying a car from somewhere else.
I will probably give the new owners the benefit of the doubt and try one more time, even though a lot of the salespeople are the same.
Adam |
Troy Watts (Troy_watts)
Junior Member
Username: Troy_watts
Post Number: 82
Registered: 9-2003
| | Posted on Sunday, October 05, 2003 - 9:39 am: | |
Nebula,
I tried to buy a car from Ogner 5 years ago. I found a car I was Interested in and asked to drive it. They told me before I could test drive the car they would have to run a credit check.
I told them it would be a cash transaction and there was no need for a credit check. They said that was there policy whether cash buyer or not.
I told the sales manager to shove the car up his ass. Then they escorted me to the front door. |
Tony (Sportveloce)
New member
Username: Sportveloce
Post Number: 18
Registered: 8-2003
| | Posted on Sunday, October 05, 2003 - 8:29 am: | |
Ferrari of Beverly Hills were ok. No one approached me, they just let me take my photos without any fuss. They had a real nice 512 TR. It was so shiny. It looked superb. They also had lots of 360s and a 360 Challenge.
Looking at the photos I took (through the glass window of the Lambo dealership), I noticed the Lamborghini dealer had a prominent sign on the door "NO PHOTOGRAPHY IN THE DEALERSHIP, thankyou!" - I got this from the two Lamborghini dealers.
Symbolic were very hospitable. They seem like a great team. They actively encouraged me to film the cars I was into. They had an Englishman (or Scotsman I think) who was having a laugh, because I was from Australia. It was a very positive experience. The whole team were very welcoming.
Black on Black (as mentioned) were much the same. Welcoming and encouraging.
Relationships are everything in business. Some of the dealers just don't know it yet. |
Nebula Class (Nebulaclass)
Member
Username: Nebulaclass
Post Number: 579
Registered: 11-2002
| | Posted on Saturday, October 04, 2003 - 3:03 pm: | |
You guys don't want to hear some of the horror stories about the Pre-Auto Gallery days of Ogner Motorcars.
As a salesman there, the attitudes of most of the other salesmen drove me crazy. Lost a few deals as a result. |
kenneth wolf (Kenjulco)
New member
Username: Kenjulco
Post Number: 3
Registered: 8-2003
| | Posted on Saturday, October 04, 2003 - 2:26 pm: | |
The Lambo dealer and Ferrari dealer in Melbourne are superb.Although I bought my 355 privately;the next car will be from a dealer. |
Kendall Kim (Kenny)
Member
Username: Kenny
Post Number: 550
Registered: 9-2001
| | Posted on Saturday, October 04, 2003 - 12:46 pm: | |
To my surprise, I have always been treated well at Ferrari Dealers everywhere I went, thus I continue to maintain my enthusiasm for these cars since my childhood...
I can't say the same for several Porsche or BMW dealers I been to particularly in the Greenwich CT area... One Porsche salesperson who happened to be a lady was trying to peddle a used '01 996 turbo sayin it was ONLY $98k as if it were some sort of clearance sale at Walmart, another BMW salesman tried to sum me up implying I was probably not M-series material when I inquired about a new M3 on the showroom floor when he saw me pull up in a 525i.. |
Bill Bode (Guillermo)
New member
Username: Guillermo
Post Number: 7
Registered: 8-2003
| | Posted on Saturday, October 04, 2003 - 12:33 pm: | |
Ryan & Jeff - Seconds after I hit the "PostMessage", it hit me that Ryan was probably talking about the SF South Bay and not the LA one. Too bad, it would be nice to have a F-Car dealership nearby. Jeff, Lunada Bay is a beautiful area and a drive along the Pacific Ocean is very enjoyable.
|
Adam (Fasttalk)
Member
Username: Fasttalk
Post Number: 296
Registered: 8-2002
| | Posted on Saturday, October 04, 2003 - 11:48 am: | |
Symbolic, Lamborghini BH, and Ferrari BH have always been very polite and accomodating to me, no problem to sit in what I want and have always offered test drives. I hace seen Lamborghini BH ask people not to take photos, not sure why, its not like they have any trade secrets they are worried about. Symbolic have even hosted a S.Cal driving event a few months ago.
Kevin, I ran into Rod Stewart a couple of months ago in a Cafe on Rodeo drive, I did not recognize him, he was with the blond you mentioned (it is his girlfriend) She looked familiar to me, and it turns out she was in my high school class back in England. We chatted for a few minutes and got the chance to meet Rod and his daughters (they were almost the same age as the girlfriend) LA is a strange place..
|
Mr. Doody (Doody)
Intermediate Member
Username: Doody
Post Number: 1862
Registered: 11-2001
| | Posted on Saturday, October 04, 2003 - 9:35 am: | |
i had a friend in BH check out a 550 for me at symbolic. the people there were helpful (on the phone with me and towards my friend) and attentive, though the car advertised and described at length as "perfect" had all the standard well-used-550 wear problems.
doody. |
DL (Darth550)
Member
Username: Darth550
Post Number: 412
Registered: 7-2003
| | Posted on Saturday, October 04, 2003 - 9:17 am: | |
Tony,
Symbolic in Beverly Hills has a well rounded inventory and are always cordial. The Auto Gallery in Woodland Hills are as well. They will offer test drives (used inventory) and spend all the time with you that you want. FBH (where I bought 3 cars) offered me test drives, gave me a deal each time and good service....not the owner, the sales and service people!
DL |
Kevin Deal (Tube_guy)
Junior Member
Username: Tube_guy
Post Number: 60
Registered: 5-2003
| | Posted on Saturday, October 04, 2003 - 8:14 am: | |
Lambo of Bev Hills did not even return my call when I inquired about a Gallardo. However, when I went there, I was treated very well and they were apologetic when I mentioned it. But I had just jumped out of my 360.
Did you have to get buzzed in? Interestingly, I was back in the "bar area" where they take you for privacy to look at color combos, etc. This hot hot blond comes back there to use the phone. Smiles and says hi to both of us. We go out front and there, sitting, is Rod Stewart. Was that his sweetie? Don't see that much in L.A. believe it or not.
Auto Gallery is a great Ferrari dealer. Some cool guys there. But then I was there and a girl was complaining about being blown off by her salesman. I think the lesson is hiccups happen on a daily basis. Except maybe at Nordstroms. |
J.D. Smythe (Jeff)
Member
Username: Jeff
Post Number: 286
Registered: 2-2001
| | Posted on Saturday, October 04, 2003 - 8:00 am: | |
Bill,
I see in your profile your are in PV. I lived in Lunda Bay until 1998. Anyway, I wonder if Ryan is referring to San Francisco Bay area? I lived in the South Bay for 25 years and always knew it as the Bay area or South Bay. It was confusing to relatives when I said I lived in the Bay area. They thought I meant San Fran. |
Gregory (Prugna_328)
Junior Member
Username: Prugna_328
Post Number: 53
Registered: 9-2003
| | Posted on Friday, October 03, 2003 - 10:57 pm: | |
Treated great in Ferrari of Boston. |
Bill Bode (Guillermo)
New member
Username: Guillermo
Post Number: 6
Registered: 8-2003
| | Posted on Friday, October 03, 2003 - 10:46 pm: | |
Ryan - Sorry to change the topic of this thread, but you mentioned a new Ferrari "dealership in the South Bay." Where in the LA South Bay will this dealership be located?
Regards,
Bill |
V.Z. (Ama328)
Member
Username: Ama328
Post Number: 270
Registered: 11-2002
| | Posted on Thursday, October 02, 2003 - 10:43 pm: | |
Phunny how you remember the bad episodes...back in late 1986/early 1987, dropped by the Dallas dealership(on Central, around Arapaho back then, if memory serves), any rate, walked in really 'green' about Fcars, asked some basic questions, where to get more info, etc., and some clown named Tony really gave me the fluff off...too bad, 15+ yrs later, 2 Fcars later, will -never- buy anything from that dealer, so guess the $$ must be good for them, cuz they ain't ever gettin' any of my $$...
Having said that, i used to travel a lot, have visited mainy dealers, some authorized, some independent, and most i've encountered have been very approachable. |
V.Z. (Ama328)
Member
Username: Ama328
Post Number: 269
Registered: 11-2002
| | Posted on Thursday, October 02, 2003 - 10:39 pm: | |
Ben, was that the dealership that used to be up on Van Ness, around California street? I vividly remember browsing there in about 1987 or 1988, they had a Silver/Red 328GTS in the window on a short pedestal that burned itself into my brain...man, it looked good...
Neat place, friendly folks. |
Ryan Sabga (Sherpa23)
Junior Member
Username: Sherpa23
Post Number: 187
Registered: 5-2003
| | Posted on Thursday, October 02, 2003 - 5:35 pm: | |
Ben, the salesman that you probably dealt with was Scott Cote, the longtime GM and salesman for FoSF, who left and is now about to join a new dealership in the South Bay area. |
Hubert Otlik (Hugh)
Intermediate Member
Username: Hugh
Post Number: 1489
Registered: 1-2002
| | Posted on Thursday, October 02, 2003 - 5:26 pm: | |
Ben: I emailed you a little while ago , did you get it? |
Ben Cannon (Artherd)
Member
Username: Artherd
Post Number: 997
Registered: 6-2002
| | Posted on Thursday, October 02, 2003 - 5:22 pm: | |
Back in High School I used to visit Ferrari of SF all of the time (yeah, right 'used to', like I don't fog up their windows to this day...) Anyway. One late Saturday evening, my friend Jon and I were there oogling cars, and noticed the service area door was open, so we crept around to see what was going on.
The dealership was closed, but the guys in back were kind enough to sit and chat with us, and even invited us in, to have a look around at all the cars!
Every expierence I've had at FSF has been posative, but this was outstanding. Later I would return, and one of the sales guys let me go 'upstairs' (when they had all kinds of cool stuff, I remenber an older F1 car, 512BB, 330, 275, bunch of crazy cool stuff.)
All this for a kid who obviously can't afford squat at the time.
There is absolutely NO QUESTION whom I will buy my new F-car from when the time comes.
Best!
Ben. |
Thomas I (Wax)
Member
Username: Wax
Post Number: 451
Registered: 7-2003
| | Posted on Thursday, October 02, 2003 - 2:15 pm: | |
Doc Tom - Obviously the salesperson was a USC Trojan through-and-through.
Jeans are quite acceptable in L.A. - so is wearing all-black or the all-new-black flavor-of-the-moment. |
Sean F (Agracer)
Member
Username: Agracer
Post Number: 385
Registered: 2-2003
| | Posted on Thursday, October 02, 2003 - 12:24 pm: | |
Gig'em Dr Tommy !! ;) |
Dr Tommy Cosgrove (Vwalfa4re)
Intermediate Member
Username: Vwalfa4re
Post Number: 1306
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Thursday, October 02, 2003 - 11:41 am: | |
This is a little off this subject but Troy's mention of the Rodeo thing reminded me of an experience I had there a couple of years ago.
I went out to LA for the UA/UCLA game in 2000 and decided to check out the Rodeo thing for myself. I was dressed in your typical red-neck Alabama football fan gear head to toe and was drinking a big coke. I walked in one of the stores and a salesperson immediately approached me. I'm thinking that I am about to be "escorted" out or something. I mean there was no mistaking me for anything but a tourist from Alabama and I am sure I didn't look like I could afford anything in there. Anyway, she said that the store didn't allow food or drink inside. She then offered to keep my drink in a refrigerator while I looked around and to be sure to ask if I needed any assistance! I couldn't believe it. I guess you can never know. |
Ron Thomas (Ronsupercar)
Intermediate Member
Username: Ronsupercar
Post Number: 1077
Registered: 5-2002
| | Posted on Thursday, October 02, 2003 - 10:58 am: | |
If I have no choice but to purchase from a dealership, I will dress like an average Joe.. Ask many questions, and if the salesman doesn't seam like an arse, I tell him to rap it up...
I refuse to purchase from someone who will not treat me or anyone else right..
Just remember, he will have to answer to his manager if you tell them they just lost a sale because of a sales persons attitude.... |
Ryan Sabga (Sherpa23)
Junior Member
Username: Sherpa23
Post Number: 184
Registered: 5-2003
| | Posted on Thursday, October 02, 2003 - 9:46 am: | |
But I am on the list for the Gallardo. |
Ryan Sabga (Sherpa23)
Junior Member
Username: Sherpa23
Post Number: 183
Registered: 5-2003
| | Posted on Thursday, October 02, 2003 - 9:44 am: | |
Tony, thanks but I didn't buy the SV yet. |
Tony (Sportveloce)
New member
Username: Sportveloce
Post Number: 14
Registered: 8-2003
| | Posted on Thursday, October 02, 2003 - 9:16 am: | |
Ryan, I didn't mean to spoil your party ;-)
Congrats on your Lambo SV. Thats a real nice car :-)
Do you have yourself on the list for a Gallardo? |
benedict caiola (Benedict)
New member
Username: Benedict
Post Number: 21
Registered: 9-2003
| | Posted on Thursday, October 02, 2003 - 8:56 am: | |
I had a great experience at Wide World of Cars
in NY. Not only did I sit in a 355 but my five year old daughter sat in the passenger side and went "Vroom, vroom!". They couldn't have been nicer. I would have bought from them but they didn't have what I wanted so I ended up getting my 355 from Rocky Mountain Eurosport in Colorado. |
Ryan Sabga (Sherpa23)
Junior Member
Username: Sherpa23
Post Number: 181
Registered: 5-2003
| | Posted on Thursday, October 02, 2003 - 8:51 am: | |
Tony,
In all honesty, you are probably correct. |
Tony (Sportveloce)
New member
Username: Sportveloce
Post Number: 13
Registered: 8-2003
| | Posted on Thursday, October 02, 2003 - 8:49 am: | |
Does not surprise me at all Ryan. Its because you were there as a buyer and not an observer. If you had of not have had your briefcase, and asking about the Gallardo with a view to purchase, I believe they would have shown you the door quick smart.
Im back there in November. So I will see if anything has changed. I doubt it though. Lamborghini of Beverly Hills was the worst I visited.
No wonder the Lambo GT is still sitting there. A high price and an attitude does not sell cars. |
Ryan Sabga (Sherpa23)
Junior Member
Username: Sherpa23
Post Number: 180
Registered: 5-2003
| | Posted on Thursday, October 02, 2003 - 8:35 am: | |
That's interesting. I was in Venice, CA on business 3 weeks ago and I made it a point to stop by a couple of dealerships in Beverly Hills. The dealership that treated me the best, BY FAR, was Lamborghini of Beverly Hills. I had my briefcase with me and they told me that I would have to leave it behind the counter or put it in my saleman's office, neither of which were a problem, but other than that, it was extremely positive. Even though I told the him that I was really looking for info on the Gallardo, and that's what I was interested in, my salesman showed me every car in there and let me sit in them all (actually, he encouraged me to sit in them). He even took me into the shop so that I could hear the exahust mods they had done on a couple of cars. It was nothing other than a fantastic experience. And I drove up in the my rental Dodge Neon, which they saw. I think that I was also in jeans. As an aside, if the Diablo GT was priced more reasonably, I would buy that thing in a heartbeat. However, it's ridiculously expensive. I could buy an F40 AND a higher mileage 360m for the same price.
Ferrari of Beverly Hills also treated me well, however, I had to wait in the showroom a long time before someone would help me. Once someone helped me it was great, however, they did not have that good of a selection of 6s 360 Modena's so I wasn't there long.
Where was I treated the worst? Surprisingly, Ducati of Beverly Hills. Of course, there I was only looking as I don't need another production Ducati but still... At any rate, only one guy was nice to me and after he answered my questions, someon yelled at him to get back to work. Go figure. |
ty (360mode)
Junior Member
Username: 360mode
Post Number: 205
Registered: 9-2002
| | Posted on Thursday, October 02, 2003 - 8:22 am: | |
i can't stand snobs - it's just a freakin' car. |
J.D. Smythe (Jeff)
Member
Username: Jeff
Post Number: 281
Registered: 2-2001
| | Posted on Thursday, October 02, 2003 - 8:19 am: | |
This is kind of related to the topic and somewhat funny. It was on a Sunday back in 1999. I was in Beverly Hills so I walked by the dealership. I knew they were closed on Sundays but the front door was open and a few people were standing around so I went in. A couple of minutes later everyone went to the back in the service area. There was a red 360 modena sitting there. It was one of the first cars in the USA and they were doing a photo shoot for a magazine. Anyway, 1/2 hour later someone notices that I was not part of the film crew and I that I wasn't from the dealership so they "politely" showed me the front door. |
Tony (Sportveloce)
New member
Username: Sportveloce
Post Number: 10
Registered: 8-2003
| | Posted on Thursday, October 02, 2003 - 7:50 am: | |
Thanks for the tip [b]wm hart[/b], much appreciated.
I was trying hard to remember who the good dealers were that I visited. I can say that [b]Black on Black on black[/b] were excellent. Their showroom was amazing. I will be visiting again in November. I see they have/had an [b]Enzo[/b] (thread). The only problem with them having an Enzo, is that it took the floor space that their F40 occupied. I cant say enough pleasantries about the [b]Black on Black motors[/b] team. |
wm hart (Whart)
Intermediate Member
Username: Whart
Post Number: 1670
Registered: 12-2001
| | Posted on Thursday, October 02, 2003 - 6:55 am: | |
If i'm going to visit a dealership in a "foreign" town, i usually call ahead. Symbolic in La Jolla usually has a nice inventory of all kinds, Fantasy Junction (outside San Fran, if memory serves, ditto, especially on vintage stuff), the guy at Heritage Classic in Beverly Hills is OK for noodling (and they have a great bookstore), Al Burtoni is worth a visit for Lambos if you are near San Jose, and while in LA, go to the Petersen Museum. |
Marc Hartog (Hedge)
Junior Member
Username: Hedge
Post Number: 86
Registered: 6-2003
| | Posted on Thursday, October 02, 2003 - 6:52 am: | |
These people don't seem to realise that every person throught that door is a potential customer.
Even the kids..where is the kid who dreampt of owning a Ferrari his whole life going to go to get it when he gets to that stage in life..my guess is the place where the great guy spent 5 minutes letting him sit in/take photos of the cars.
For anyone looking in the UK, Kent High Performance cars, a chap called Arthur in particular, fall in to the latter, better catagory. I ended up buying mine privately, but they will be maintaining it and future cars will almost certainly be bought from them, as the level of service I received was second to none. |
Tony (Sportveloce)
New member
Username: Sportveloce
Post Number: 9
Registered: 8-2003
| | Posted on Thursday, October 02, 2003 - 6:40 am: | |
Damn. I was looking for something a little more positive.
Im going back for business in November. Anyone got any recommendations of good dealerships I should visit in LA, San Diego, and SF? |
Troy Watts (Troy_watts)
Junior Member
Username: Troy_watts
Post Number: 51
Registered: 9-2003
| | Posted on Thursday, October 02, 2003 - 6:02 am: | |
There are lousy dealers everywhere,Look at Florida. |
James Angle (Jimangle)
Junior Member
Username: Jimangle
Post Number: 95
Registered: 9-2002
| | Posted on Thursday, October 02, 2003 - 4:34 am: | |
I think it's probably the area that you're in as well.
A large majority of the businesses on the west coast are out to get your money and that's it.
It's all about the money, and not about good business relations. |
N'din (Abangdin)
Junior Member
Username: Abangdin
Post Number: 85
Registered: 7-2003
| | Posted on Thursday, October 02, 2003 - 3:08 am: | |
They seem to have attitude. The wrong kind.
They always measure you up and will treat you the way they think befit your status. |
Bob (Dr_bob)
Junior Member
Username: Dr_bob
Post Number: 61
Registered: 4-2003
| | Posted on Thursday, October 02, 2003 - 2:58 am: | |
Aargh I hate those dealerships. Enough words for those ******* |
Tony (Sportveloce)
New member
Username: Sportveloce
Post Number: 5
Registered: 8-2003
| | Posted on Thursday, October 02, 2003 - 2:00 am: | |
Unless of course they have a certain F50 sitting in their showroom. |
Andrew Menasce (Amenasce)
Intermediate Member
Username: Amenasce
Post Number: 1456
Registered: 10-2001
| | Posted on Thursday, October 02, 2003 - 1:24 am: | |
Some dealers are aholes , just because they are selling luxury cars they think they are superior to you if you dont show up in one.
Whats wrong with taking some pictures ? Its not like their cars are secretly for sale ! |
Troy Watts (Troy_watts)
New member
Username: Troy_watts
Post Number: 50
Registered: 9-2003
| | Posted on Wednesday, October 01, 2003 - 11:14 pm: | |
If you think that's bad try walking into some of the swanky stores on Rodeo Dr. |
Tony (Sportveloce)
New member
Username: Sportveloce
Post Number: 4
Registered: 8-2003
| | Posted on Wednesday, October 01, 2003 - 10:59 pm: | |
I was recently in LA on business, and I decided to visit the Ferrari and Lamborghini dealers (5) in Beverly Hills (La Cienega Blvd). I have visited Lamborghini dealers in Australia on many occasions, and often they would offer to let me sit in new Murcielagos etc, after I explained I did not intend to purchase one.
I thought the dealers in the US would be much the same. To my surprise the Lamborgini dealers had an appalling attitude. Two showrooms in Beverly Hills the dealers said I was not allowed to take any photos inside the dealership (they said it was ok to take them through the outside windows - which I did and got Sun Reflections, not cars). I couldn't believe this. They had a Diablo GT, 360 Modenas and a 959. I thought this was rather rude. There were no other people looking at cars in the dealership, IMO they were just plain rude. I think this is bad for the industry. If I buy a Lamborghini, does that instantly make me an unapproachable snob in the publics opinion?
In Australia the Official Lamborghini dealer (Melbourne) has a bar in the showroom where people go and get Coffees, Scotches etc.. And the prices are not even inflated. They encourage people to come and visit, and have a coffee. This really presents well. The dealer is a great guy too, who goes out of his way to be nice and have a good chat even to kids visiting.
Next I went to another Lamborghini dealer around the street, and they had a locked door that required you to ring a door bell to be let in. I guess they wanted to screen out the public. I thought that was rather rude as well.
Next I travelled along the street further towards the dealerships that were more Ferrari oriented.
Wow, was I surprised when they welcomed me with open arms. Both separate dealerships were wonderful, I explained that I was not in the market for a Ferrari at the moment, but I was just admiring the cars. The dealers talked to me, said for me to take as many photos as I liked etc. There was an F40, 360s, 456s, 550s, 355s, 348s etc.
The attitude I got from the mixed Lambo/Ferrari (joint) dealers was just so appalling. If I were in the market today, I would pay extra just to buy from the Ferrari dealers that treated me like a human.
Its one of those things that will stick with me for a long time. Left a very sour taste in my mouth.
Maybe I need an F-Chat or L-Chat Tee-Shirt for my next visit to the dealers in November? |