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KIA Dealership Shops

February 15, 2023 09:17PM
Glad I looked here first because I was just going to ask about this shop. It sounds as if it's worth the $60 they're offering now, so I'm going to grab the one nearest me if it's still open.

I learn something new every day, but not everyday!
I've learned to never trust spell-check or my phone's auto-fill feature.
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More About Car Dealerships
February 17, 2023 03:06AM
Has anyone had issues trying to submit the shop form? I am finished and ready to submit, but I get an error message saying 'null' regarding the day of the week I submitted the inquiry. I've emailed the scheduler but thought I'd ask here, as well.
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February 17, 2023 04:16AM
I'm doing one tomorrow for $80. Right after I accepted it, more emails were sent out offering them at $90. That kind of thing always happens to me.
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February 17, 2023 02:08PM
Ugh. Having trouble with pictures. I took multiple MSRP pictures. I can easily see the MSRP. MSC sent me a note asking me for a more clear picture. So I looked at 2 other pics I took and both are clear. BUT -- I swear when I upload the pic to the MSC report - the numbers look a bit blurry.
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February 17, 2023 02:48PM
What happens is two-fold. 1.)Parent company (Kia, GM, whatever) are not run by people who worked in dealerships and frankly, they don't even buy cars. So they get pitched by these big digital companies. Said digital company gets a 100-700 dealer account and is hog-happy. They all love the glitz and big talk of "digital" and "eyeballs" and "customer focused"....but I swear, they don't actually use their own sites.

2.)The Dealers don't want to relinquish pricing control online. So they take on "Digital Platform" - to satisfy parent company's requirement - but then they purposely make it cumbersome to use, or bury it in a less visible part on the webpage.

(Neither of those is speculation... it's a common practice)

I felt like writing that on my report because I didn't want to be penalized - for the fact that I could *not* send my lead thru the Digital Platform.
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February 17, 2023 04:07PM
@BabyBooey19 wrote:

Ugh. Having trouble with pictures. I took multiple MSRP pictures. I can easily see the MSRP. MSC sent me a note asking me for a more clear picture. So I looked at 2 other pics I took and both are clear. BUT -- I swear when I upload the pic to the MSC report - the numbers look a bit blurry.

Can you get the dealer to e-mail you the window sticker? That should be the MSRP right?
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February 17, 2023 04:22PM
Yea, i'd try to get the window sticker. That's what I used. I took a photo of the window sticker on the vehicle but I knew it was tough to read with sun glare. The sales associate printed me out a copy of the window sticker.

And I still can't submit my report...ugh. Now I'm a bit worried because no one has returned my email and when I call the scheduler it goes straight to voicemail. I visited the dealer on Tuesday. So this is the end of my 3 day follow up period. Given that it's Friday, I'm sure hoping to hear back from them today. I doubt I'll get a response over the weekend. And I'm not sure how quickly these shops fall off your account if they're not submitted on time.
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February 17, 2023 05:45PM
Hi Rosie...

Thanks. I thought of that but the unit has been sold, it's not on their website any more so the MSRP sticker is with the buyer. I had a few backup pictures - so hopefully they take my 2nd submission. On the dealer's pricing sheet they are smart: They don't call it "MSRP" this way they can load it up with accessory costs and really it's over MSRP - so they call it "selling price" which is legally kosher. Hopefully my 2nd picture suffices. It's so weird - I can see it on my computer and phone perfectly. I do admit it's a bit fuzzy once I load it to MSC site.


@wrosie wrote:

@BabyBooey19 wrote:

Ugh. Having trouble with pictures. I took multiple MSRP pictures. I can easily see the MSRP. MSC sent me a note asking me for a more clear picture. So I looked at 2 other pics I took and both are clear. BUT -- I swear when I upload the pic to the MSC report - the numbers look a bit blurry.

Can you get the dealer to e-mail you the window sticker? That should be the MSRP right?
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February 17, 2023 08:12PM
yes, however the unit is sold. Also on website its showing sold. So I just gotta hope the 2nd pic I used is acceptable to them. If not, I guess someone out there will get a bonused Kia shop lol. I was going to take 2 additional ones next week, but I'm holding off.
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February 17, 2023 08:57PM
Every Kia dealer website that I have looked at has the option to view the window sticker from the page showing the car. Click on the button, the window sticker will appear for that specific car, and take a screenshot. It works like a charm and avoids the issue of trying to get a good photograph through a tinted window.

Edit to add: I have been displaying and screenshotting the windows sticker at the time that I submit the inquiry.
@BabyBooey19 wrote:

Ugh. Having trouble with pictures. I took multiple MSRP pictures. I can easily see the MSRP. MSC sent me a note asking me for a more clear picture. So I looked at 2 other pics I took and both are clear. BUT -- I swear when I upload the pic to the MSC report - the numbers look a bit blurry.

Shopping Southeast Pennsylvania, Delaware above the canal, and South Jersey since 2008


Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 02/17/2023 08:59PM by myst4au.
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February 18, 2023 12:29PM
You have to give them your real name because you turn over your license for the test drive. One salesman tried to add me to all of his social media accounts. All if them. I recommend giving them your Google Voice number.

@BabyBooey19 wrote:

Thanks. I signed up for one.... I found it a bit weird that you must give the dealership your real name and real address - or no pay. I guess I'm just too paranoid but if a shopper had negative comments - - -and the staff knows who said it - -- - well, these days, I trust 95% of the folks to be ok. It's the other 5% I worry about especially when the OEMs hold the dealership owners, management and staff sort of hostage over these things (believe me, it's worth a lot of them..).

"I told myself to quit you; but I don't listen to drunks." -Chris Stapleton
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February 18, 2023 09:03PM
Honestly I've signed up for one of these and I'm wondering if it's worth it. The way the guidelines are written is anxiety inducing. On one of them I think I already messed up the pre-visit lead and don't think I can go back in and revise it.

Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 02/18/2023 09:04PM by ddunn07.
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February 18, 2023 09:09PM
My 2nd Kia was sort of interesting. I purposely went at 12:15. I felt the odds were that I'd walk in, the smell of food would be in the air, a cardboard box with aluminum foil wrapped or paper bagged food would be somewhere in the dealership, point being it would be quicker, and I'd get a solo test drive. Yep, I walked in - receptionist had her fries, one salesmen was unwrapping his Bacon Angus King (yes, I looked - it's like porn to me....and lunch is sacred in a dealership -trust me), My salesman was good - but I could see the "oh god my food is getting cold" look in his eyes - yes, it was 100% guaranteed that's what he was thinking. So I did the whole routine -- -the manager at the end was something to behold. Some of the big dealer groups figured they don't need higher paid old school managers, and hired these 20-30somethings who can't close a door, let alone a car deal. The guy comes, sits down, looks at the computer the whole time, asked me if I liked the car. Then he got up and extended his hand and said "you are free to leave". Hee Hee.

Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 02/18/2023 09:10PM by BabyBooey19.
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February 19, 2023 12:13AM
I am doing my fourth one on Monday.

Shopping Southeast Pennsylvania, Delaware above the canal, and South Jersey since 2008
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February 19, 2023 12:46AM
My 1st one got approved. So I feel a bit safer. There's a few a bit ways from me - if I see $80 I'm in.
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February 19, 2023 01:12AM
There is one near me for 80 and two others at 70 each.

@BabyBooey19 wrote:

My 1st one got approved. So I feel a bit safer. There's a few a bit ways from me - if I see $80 I'm in.
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February 19, 2023 01:15AM
Yes, one at 70 around me. This one won't be easy to just test drive, get a card, and get out. Hence - I want 80 because I couldn't find another shop to pair up in that area.
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February 21, 2023 09:32PM
I had written that my MSRP sticker (its really a Munroney Label, seriously.....lol) was blurry. Anyhow on my 1st shop MSC asked for another one - luckily I had one that was slightly better, they accepted it and all was good.

On my 2nd one I didn't take a chance. Luckily the dealer's pricing worksheet didn't say "Selling Price" but actually said "MSRP" so I had a perfect pic of that with the dealer's logo....that one got approved on 1st submission. Just FYI in case someone comes to this thread for info
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February 22, 2023 02:51PM
EDIT: Never mind.... I found the clarification. That second cup of coffee woke me up!

I'm starting my first one today (and hoping for another at a higher fee, but want to see how this goes first), and am a little confused on a point. I understand to use either the dealer's "contact us" form or the DRT to submit the inquiry for the price and availability. My confusion comes in when they start talking about email communication. Specifically, if we're supposed to pro-actively request an appointment via email (it sounds like that in one section of the guidelines) or wait until/if the salesperson contacts us via email, then request the appointment (it sounds like *that* in one section). The guidelines aren't totally clear on this. Why doesn't this surprise me?

I learn something new every day, but not everyday!
I've learned to never trust spell-check or my phone's auto-fill feature.


Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 02/22/2023 04:06PM by BirdyC.
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February 24, 2023 12:21AM
@myst4au wrote:

Every Kia dealer website that I have looked at has the option to view the window sticker from the page showing the car. Click on the button, the window sticker will appear for that specific car, and take a screenshot. It works like a charm and avoids the issue of trying to get a good photograph through a tinted window.

Edit to add: I have been displaying and screenshotting the windows sticker at the time that I submit the inquiry.

Where exactly I'm I supposed to find the button that displays the window sticker? This site is supposed to have enrolled in the Roadster Digital Retail, but their website buttons are not what are shown in the guidelines. The only choices I have are "Schedule a test drive", "Sell your car", "Pre-Qualify", "Ask" and "Drive".

I used the "Ask" button to submit my inquiry.
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February 24, 2023 12:26AM
On the 7 Kia sites that I have visited online, the button is underneath the photo of the car. You may need to click on the car to go to a page with only a single page. I don't remember, honestly, but other brands of cars also offer window stickers.
@wrosie wrote:

@myst4au wrote:

Every Kia dealer website that I have looked at has the option to view the window sticker from the page showing the car. Click on the button, the window sticker will appear for that specific car, and take a screenshot. It works like a charm and avoids the issue of trying to get a good photograph through a tinted window.

Edit to add: I have been displaying and screenshotting the windows sticker at the time that I submit the inquiry.

Where exactly I'm I supposed to find the button that displays the window sticker? This site is supposed to have enrolled in the Roadster Digital Retail, but their website buttons are not what are shown in the guidelines. The only choices I have are "Schedule a test drive", "Sell your car", "Pre-Qualify", "Ask" and "Drive".

I used the "Ask" button to submit my inquiry.

Shopping Southeast Pennsylvania, Delaware above the canal, and South Jersey since 2008
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February 24, 2023 12:35AM
@myst4au wrote:

On the 7 Kia sites that I have visited online, the button is underneath the photo of the car. You may need to click on the car to go to a page with only a single page. I don't remember, honestly, but other brands of cars also offer window stickers.
@wrosie wrote:

@myst4au wrote:

Every Kia dealer website that I have looked at has the option to view the window sticker from the page showing the car. Click on the button, the window sticker will appear for that specific car, and take a screenshot. It works like a charm and avoids the issue of trying to get a good photograph through a tinted window.

Edit to add: I have been displaying and screenshotting the windows sticker at the time that I submit the inquiry.

Where exactly I'm I supposed to find the button that displays the window sticker? This site is supposed to have enrolled in the Roadster Digital Retail, but their website buttons are not what are shown in the guidelines. The only choices I have are "Schedule a test drive", "Sell your car", "Pre-Qualify", "Ask" and "Drive".

I used the "Ask" button to submit my inquiry.

Nope not seeing it. I can get a screen shot of the MSRP and five special financing offers but not the window sticker.
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February 24, 2023 03:40AM
Doing another Kia tomorrow - tomorrow sending in lead. Looking at site tonight there is NO sticker option. It depends if the website provider offers that feature - but also if the DEALER authorizes that feature on the website. The site for this dealership is powered by "SoKal" - so yes it's. Digital Retail Tools website - but I see no option for sticker. Hopefully I can get MSRP sticker pictures. Last one I did was blurry. Really need to make sure this time is better.
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February 24, 2023 04:48AM
There are some dealers that post the window sticker and some that do not. I have seen it with several different DRT vendors. This is an example of a dealer that does make the window sticker available: [www.martin-kia.com] In my area, I was always able to find it posted, but wrosie shared a dealership with me that does not.

Shopping Southeast Pennsylvania, Delaware above the canal, and South Jersey since 2008
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February 24, 2023 04:09PM
The email lead I'm sending in today - the dealer's site will not allow the lead to go thru unless a phone number is entered. I've emailed the 'help' at MSC stating this and that I even tested it yesterday so this is indeed fact. I wrote that I would need to put in a fake number to proceed or even my real one and to let me know. If I don't hear back soon I'll proceed with the lead but I'll have to put in a number, or no submission.
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February 24, 2023 04:58PM
@BabyBooey19 wrote:

The email lead I'm sending in today - the dealer's site will not allow the lead to go thru unless a phone number is entered. I've emailed the 'help' at MSC stating this and that I even tested it yesterday so this is indeed fact. I wrote that I would need to put in a fake number to proceed or even my real one and to let me know. If I don't hear back soon I'll proceed with the lead but I'll have to put in a number, or no submission.

From page 2 of the guidelines:

"6) Do not include a phone number in your inquiry unless required.
- If required, you may use your own phone number, or 555-555-5555 or 123-456-7890. If you use
your phone number, you should indicate in your lead that you prefer to be contacted by email. If
you use your own phone number and receive a call from the dealership, please do not answer the call, but do note it in your evaluation."
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February 24, 2023 10:08PM
Thanks Rosie - sorry about that I re-checked guidelines right after posting that and yes you are right ,it's right there.

On this dealer's site - when I submit the lead I press a bright green button. When I press it - it just becomes light faded green. No "conformation" or "thanks for submission blah blah". So far I've gotten NO email from the dealership which is so uncommon. I did a test lead with false name to this place last night - same thing - so confirmation of lead. However I did get the auto-responder email promptly last night. Just nothing today.

I've got the lead submit screenshot with date/time Ditto post-submit with date/time. If I end up having to submit this report - stating that NO emails came from the dealership that means Kia will slap the dealer on the wrist. I hope this is not some tech problem where they aren't getting the lead - I don't want my shop to look inaccurate
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February 26, 2023 01:11PM
I decided to jump into these... just picked up 5 near me (all within 40 minutes of me) for $100 each
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February 27, 2023 02:59PM
This may be a dumb question, but I struggled a bit with the follow-up question when I submitted my report. I did get a follow-up email the same day, but it wasn't personal. It was, however, personalized (my name, specific vehicle I'd test-driven, etc.). It was obviously a template, since it was almost identical to the response I got to my initial online inquiry. I wasn't sure how to answer it, but I finally decided to say that, yes, I'd gotten a follow-up contact. The survey didn't ask, as it did for the first response, if it was a personal response or not.

What would you all have answered? I'm hoping I did it correctly!

I'm doing one for $100 this week. I figure it will go easier the second time around. These online inquiry shops do get easier once you've done one. The in-person visit is the easier part, I think!

I learn something new every day, but not everyday!
I've learned to never trust spell-check or my phone's auto-fill feature.
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February 27, 2023 07:18PM
@luckygirl0100 wrote:

I decided to jump into these... just picked up 5 near me (all within 40 minutes of me) for $100 each

Nice Job. As a moron I did 30, 42, and now 75. Nobody's fault. I feel $75 is reasonable if it's nearby. Next time, 75-80 is my floor only because I think it's a bit involved in that one waits for emails, not just before, but after. Today - I knew I was gonna be at an Old-School dealership. They never responded to my initial lead and I'm sure either them or the MSC might feel I didn't send it in. I've got it screenshotted- and the website didn't give a "confirmation" of lead submission - just different color on the 'send' button after submitting. I even did it from a different browser and took a video of it - same thing. No sticker on website. Dealership wouldn't give me anything that said MSRP so hopefully my pics of the sticker outside suffice. Part of the pic has a shadow, but I CAN clearly see the MSRP price and options.
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