Answer Follow up calls for auto dealership
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I also get follow up calls for many weeks afterwards. Don't call them back but take their call the next time they call you and just tell them you bought a vehicle elsewhere. Then they should leave you along.
I have a question--
Do you _have_ to leave a phone number? Or is it a matter of the dealership just needs to have a way to contact you-- either phone number or email address?
Here's why I'm asking... if you have a choice, you can always create dummy email accounts (I own several domains, so I'm always working with at least three or four dummy email accounts that I forward all straight to my trash bin). You can do this through the free email hosts, as well. Gmail, for example. Just create an account that you can check (to see that you've received your response), but then junk.
If that options exists, I'd try that. I would never make any extra contact with someone you're suppose to shop. If they get even the hint that you're a shopper, you might find yourself unable to shop in the future. Some dealers are tenacious, but after a few months of wasting time, they pretty much get the hint.
Sending the best,
Jen
Do you _have_ to leave a phone number? Or is it a matter of the dealership just needs to have a way to contact you-- either phone number or email address?
Here's why I'm asking... if you have a choice, you can always create dummy email accounts (I own several domains, so I'm always working with at least three or four dummy email accounts that I forward all straight to my trash bin). You can do this through the free email hosts, as well. Gmail, for example. Just create an account that you can check (to see that you've received your response), but then junk.
If that options exists, I'd try that. I would never make any extra contact with someone you're suppose to shop. If they get even the hint that you're a shopper, you might find yourself unable to shop in the future. Some dealers are tenacious, but after a few months of wasting time, they pretty much get the hint.
Sending the best,
Jen
Get a free Google Voice number and give them that number. I use it for most of my shops.
I have never been bothered with answering the phone for any of these follow-up calls, as Google Voice allows you to block any from ringing through to your cell/home phone.
Also, all of the voicemails are automatically transcribed, so you can just copy and paste it into your report.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 10/14/2012 12:51AM by SteveLA.
I have never been bothered with answering the phone for any of these follow-up calls, as Google Voice allows you to block any from ringing through to your cell/home phone.
Also, all of the voicemails are automatically transcribed, so you can just copy and paste it into your report.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 10/14/2012 12:51AM by SteveLA.
Jen, it varies. I've had some insist on a phone number, others allow e-mail and sometimes both. In the case of both, the MSC provided the number and e-mail and monitored all follow up. As far as answering a call, I do not answer their first call back or e-mail. If they continue to contact me then I use one of several excuses. If you say you purchased another car they will ask follow up questions. Sometimes it is just best to say circumstances have changed and you will not be able to go forward with your plans.
Equal rights for others does not mean fewer rights for you. It's not pie.
"I prefer someone who burns the flag and then wraps themselves up in the Constitution over someone who burns the Constitution and then wraps themselves up in the flag." -Molly Ivins
Never try to teach a pig to sing. It's a waste of your time and it really annoys the pig.
"I prefer someone who burns the flag and then wraps themselves up in the Constitution over someone who burns the Constitution and then wraps themselves up in the flag." -Molly Ivins
Never try to teach a pig to sing. It's a waste of your time and it really annoys the pig.
I've never had one ask for my phone number. They either ask for my e-mail address or they don't ask at all. The ones who ask for the e-mail address usually e-mail a followup immediately - and it's usually waiting by the time I get home. Makes the report really easy to write since I've already gotten the followup. Of course, when they ask for nothing, that makes the report really easy, too - no way can they follow up within 3 days when they haven't asked for any contact information.
I also use a Google Voice number that doesn't ring on my phone. Of course, some MSCs want to know if you get a follow-up call or email with a specified number of hours, so it's important to keep track. I have told some sales persons that I liked another car better. Others just give up after a while.
No fee, no shop.
I just tell them that I won Powerball and am buying four Cadillacs and a home in Santa Monica with a car elevator.
If they ask for nothing just make sure you don't accidentally try to submit your report prior to the three days. I had one where they did not have my name, my phone number, email, or address, so I assumed they could not get in touch with me. I even parked a couple blocks away so they couldn't have picked up my license plate. However when I hit submit, it was bounced back to me because I hadn't allowed the three days to pass give the sales person a chance to follow up.
I think the car salesmen are a little more pushy out here in California.
They would take your temperature with a meat thermometer if they could.
There is one Nissan salesman who has been calling me 5 times per day every Saturday and Sunday for the past 2 months.
Of course, since I have Google Voice, I have his number set not to ring through to me.
AustinMom Wrote:
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> I've never had one ask for my phone number. They
> either ask for my e-mail address or they don't ask
> at all. The ones who ask for the e-mail address
> usually e-mail a followup immediately - and it's
> usually waiting by the time I get home. Makes the
> report really easy to write since I've already
> gotten the followup. Of course, when they ask for
> nothing, that makes the report really easy, too -
> no way can they follow up within 3 days when they
> haven't asked for any contact information.
They would take your temperature with a meat thermometer if they could.
There is one Nissan salesman who has been calling me 5 times per day every Saturday and Sunday for the past 2 months.
Of course, since I have Google Voice, I have his number set not to ring through to me.
AustinMom Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> I've never had one ask for my phone number. They
> either ask for my e-mail address or they don't ask
> at all. The ones who ask for the e-mail address
> usually e-mail a followup immediately - and it's
> usually waiting by the time I get home. Makes the
> report really easy to write since I've already
> gotten the followup. Of course, when they ask for
> nothing, that makes the report really easy, too -
> no way can they follow up within 3 days when they
> haven't asked for any contact information.
Yes, I parked right in front of a dealership once, license plate and VIN clearly visible, and when I returned from the test drive I saw my car info, including my address, on a desktop screen in the showroom. It creeped me out. I put it in my report.
I also have some qualms about handing out my drivers license for the test drive. If there is a copy made, I ALWAYS ask for it back. But who is to say that there aren't two copies made? Or that my ID wasn't photocopied while I was out on the 15 minute test drive?
I'm trying to move away from those test drive/apartment tour shops where you have to give your real ID, and into the truly anonymous world of video shopping. Too many variables creep me out, it's my personal aversion.
I also have some qualms about handing out my drivers license for the test drive. If there is a copy made, I ALWAYS ask for it back. But who is to say that there aren't two copies made? Or that my ID wasn't photocopied while I was out on the 15 minute test drive?
I'm trying to move away from those test drive/apartment tour shops where you have to give your real ID, and into the truly anonymous world of video shopping. Too many variables creep me out, it's my personal aversion.
Missy, they shouldn't be able to make a copy of your DL while you are out on a test drive. Aren't they returning it to you? They damn well better.
Shelly, that must depend on the MSC. I've had several that could be submitted immediately if the associate didn't request any contact info. Loved those since I didn't have to remember to go back in later.
Shelly, that must depend on the MSC. I've had several that could be submitted immediately if the associate didn't request any contact info. Loved those since I didn't have to remember to go back in later.
Equal rights for others does not mean fewer rights for you. It's not pie.
"I prefer someone who burns the flag and then wraps themselves up in the Constitution over someone who burns the Constitution and then wraps themselves up in the flag." -Molly Ivins
Never try to teach a pig to sing. It's a waste of your time and it really annoys the pig.
"I prefer someone who burns the flag and then wraps themselves up in the Constitution over someone who burns the Constitution and then wraps themselves up in the flag." -Molly Ivins
Never try to teach a pig to sing. It's a waste of your time and it really annoys the pig.
Thanks for the tip! Just set up google voice and will give that number out to people who demand a number, but whom I really don't want to hear from more than once.
Time to build a bigger bridge.
LisaSTL Wrote:
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> Missy, they shouldn't be able to make a copy of
> your DL while you are out on a test drive. Aren't
> they returning it to you? They damn well better.
Some of the car salesmen take my DL and place it in a desk drawer or hand it to the receptionist when we are out demonstrating a car. It's the same sort of thing an apartment leasing agent does.
After we return to the showroom, I get it back.
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> Missy, they shouldn't be able to make a copy of
> your DL while you are out on a test drive. Aren't
> they returning it to you? They damn well better.
Some of the car salesmen take my DL and place it in a desk drawer or hand it to the receptionist when we are out demonstrating a car. It's the same sort of thing an apartment leasing agent does.
After we return to the showroom, I get it back.
The transcribed voicemails are awesome too!
Most MSPs don't expect you to insert a transcript of voicemal messages into your report. Most don't care, but I have gotten some good responses as well.
dspeakes Wrote:
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> Thanks for the tip! Just set up google voice and
> will give that number out to people who demand a
> number, but whom I really don't want to hear from
> more than once.
Most MSPs don't expect you to insert a transcript of voicemal messages into your report. Most don't care, but I have gotten some good responses as well.
dspeakes Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Thanks for the tip! Just set up google voice and
> will give that number out to people who demand a
> number, but whom I really don't want to hear from
> more than once.
I'll second the Google Voice number. It's great to have a number that you can monitor, but not care about. It's worked great for more than just auto shops too.
Missy, there is a big difference between a test drive and an apartment demo. Like it is usually illegal for you to be driving that car without the DL. In both cases the agent/associate requests the DL as some protection, but the dealership should make a copy and return the actual license.
Equal rights for others does not mean fewer rights for you. It's not pie.
"I prefer someone who burns the flag and then wraps themselves up in the Constitution over someone who burns the Constitution and then wraps themselves up in the flag." -Molly Ivins
Never try to teach a pig to sing. It's a waste of your time and it really annoys the pig.
"I prefer someone who burns the flag and then wraps themselves up in the Constitution over someone who burns the Constitution and then wraps themselves up in the flag." -Molly Ivins
Never try to teach a pig to sing. It's a waste of your time and it really annoys the pig.
Nope, there have been times when I have handed it over "to be copied" and then told that the "copier wasn't working." We went for a test drive, I drove, and then I was given the license back.
I am not sure WTH was going on. This happened to me twice at two different dealerships, same brand, in the same town. Maybe they had some sort of scheme to run a check when I was on the drive-?
Of course, I put it in the report. Never heard a peep from client, MSC or salesman for follow up.
I would never do that again, of course. I assumed that I wouldn't be driving - was shocked when I was allowed to.
I am not sure WTH was going on. This happened to me twice at two different dealerships, same brand, in the same town. Maybe they had some sort of scheme to run a check when I was on the drive-?
Of course, I put it in the report. Never heard a peep from client, MSC or salesman for follow up.
I would never do that again, of course. I assumed that I wouldn't be driving - was shocked when I was allowed to.
I'm doing my first auto shop Wednesday. I am armed with my new google voice phone number. I plan to decline the test drive anyway so my DL shouldn't be an issue. And even when I'm car shopping for real I do not let them run credit checks because I don't finance anything through dealers. But I guess for this one I might have to at least be open to the possibility of financing, to allow the rep to pitch it to me. So I might have to say that I'm not sure where I will finance it and then later I can tell them my line of credit is cheaper (if it is).
All these details.....
All these details.....
Time to build a bigger bridge.
Do your instructions state you must discuss financing? Some shops don't require it and some clearly state you should not discuss financing. Unless specifically instructed to allow the interaction to reach that point, do yourself and the associate a favor and let it go.
Equal rights for others does not mean fewer rights for you. It's not pie.
"I prefer someone who burns the flag and then wraps themselves up in the Constitution over someone who burns the Constitution and then wraps themselves up in the flag." -Molly Ivins
Never try to teach a pig to sing. It's a waste of your time and it really annoys the pig.
"I prefer someone who burns the flag and then wraps themselves up in the Constitution over someone who burns the Constitution and then wraps themselves up in the flag." -Molly Ivins
Never try to teach a pig to sing. It's a waste of your time and it really annoys the pig.
Yes, it is a good idea to be very mindful that you should not monopolize the salesperson's time. There is often a rotation among the salespeople at a dealership for walk-ins. The mystery shopper bumps that sales associate down the rotation, so be careful not to take an excessively long period of time. I would hate to be the cause of a salesperson losing a commission, especially at some of the high-end dealerships I shop!
Usually a dealership shop takes me 30 minutes. With a test drive, 45.
Apartment shops should also be in this range as well.
Usually a dealership shop takes me 30 minutes. With a test drive, 45.
Apartment shops should also be in this range as well.
You would have loved the apartment shops I had last week. They came it at 19 and 26 minutes in video time. Figure that includes me hitting record while driving up to the office and driving away before shutting it down. Only one LP asked me to fill out an application. How many times can a girl say, "I love it!" or "It's perfect for my needs." before someone tries to close that sale, LOL!
Equal rights for others does not mean fewer rights for you. It's not pie.
"I prefer someone who burns the flag and then wraps themselves up in the Constitution over someone who burns the Constitution and then wraps themselves up in the flag." -Molly Ivins
Never try to teach a pig to sing. It's a waste of your time and it really annoys the pig.
"I prefer someone who burns the flag and then wraps themselves up in the Constitution over someone who burns the Constitution and then wraps themselves up in the flag." -Molly Ivins
Never try to teach a pig to sing. It's a waste of your time and it really annoys the pig.
19 minutes! Sweet!
I had a 7 minute apartment shop recently. The manager/leasing agent basically threw an application across the counter, then told me to come back in six months. Unbelievably rude.
It was a video shop - nailed him.
I had a 7 minute apartment shop recently. The manager/leasing agent basically threw an application across the counter, then told me to come back in six months. Unbelievably rude.
It was a video shop - nailed him.
My recent Mercedes salesman called three times and left message's. I called him back, and told him we decided to buy another car, but thanked him for his time. He was fine and no longer calls....so, call back if you want his calls to stop.
Live consciously....
I had a BMW shop recently. The dealer took my information but never called back. Also, the saleman kept trying to direct me to a 2010 used model and I had to keep insisting on new.
Thanks for the information on Google Voice. I'll sign up for a number there.
Thanks for the information on Google Voice. I'll sign up for a number there.
"To be persuasive we must be believable; to be believable we must be credible; to be credible we must be truthful." Edward R. Murrow
Thou shalt not steal. I mean defensively. On offense, indeed thou shall steal and thou must.--Branch Rickey
Thou shalt not steal. I mean defensively. On offense, indeed thou shall steal and thou must.--Branch Rickey
I just did a new car shop today and got a follow up call in less than 4 hours. That's the fastest follow up I've ever had. I never dreamed he'd call back so soon, so I answered the call without realizing it. It was no problem as he was super nice and polite during the entire visit and on the call--a real professional.
I give my Google Voice number to EVERYONE! You can personlize your outgoing vm message, and if you prefer, it can go directly to your cell or landline, but usually, I code it to go to vm after a couple rings. The only issue I have, (and it's really not that much of an issue) is the transcriptions. Maybe because accents here, they never get transcribed perfectly. 
Thanks for the tip about Google Voice! I was able to get a number only 2 digits away from my "real" number, so I will have a much easier time remembering it for shops!
Irene_L.A. Wrote:
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> My recent Mercedes salesman called three times and
> left message's. I called him back, and told him
> we decided to buy another car, but thanked him for
> his time. He was fine and no longer calls....so,
> call back if you want his calls to stop.
Ditto, Irene I did the same thing and got the same results with an Infiniti dealership.
Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 10/20/2012 02:39PM by Savana23.
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> My recent Mercedes salesman called three times and
> left message's. I called him back, and told him
> we decided to buy another car, but thanked him for
> his time. He was fine and no longer calls....so,
> call back if you want his calls to stop.
Ditto, Irene I did the same thing and got the same results with an Infiniti dealership.
Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 10/20/2012 02:39PM by Savana23.
MissyH71 Wrote:
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> I just tell them that I won Powerball and am
> buying four Cadillacs and a home in Santa Monica
> with a car elevator.
I'd think twice about using that line to a Cadillac salesman.
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> I just tell them that I won Powerball and am
> buying four Cadillacs and a home in Santa Monica
> with a car elevator.
I'd think twice about using that line to a Cadillac salesman.
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