Unprofessional, rude and inconsiderate (unless you are - Iodoxy
Unprofessional, rude and inconsiderate (unless you are giving them money).
I used "cars.com" to search for a Mazda CX-5. I hit the "Check Availability" button and entered my information. Not 15 seconds later I receive three text messages, a phone call and an e-mail from several people (Chris, Mara to name two) inviting me to see the car. I indicated that I was driving from TWO HOURS away to see the car and made an appointment with Chris with every intention of buying the car.
My wife dropped me off at the dealership to go do things with the kids while I purchased the car and I walked in the dealership, 10 minutes early for my appointment. Place was busy, but no one was there to greet me at the door. I decided to go outside and see the car, and when I returned through the side entrance I was greeted and asked if I needed help. When I said I was there for my appointment to see the CX-5, her face turned sour and she went back to the room where the managers were. I overheard one of them tell her the car was sold. I immediately got angry, but calmly reminded them I had just driven two hours to buy the car. I poked into the office area and the one manager (do not have name but young guy with a beard) simply said "it sold 15 minutes ago" and looked at me like something was wrong with me for showing up for an appointment.
I fully understand the first money and signature buys the car. That is not the point.
Car deals do not take 15 minutes. They knew 1-2 hours earlier that someone was test driving the car and starting to talk numbers. They could have simply texted me, maybe ask for deposit if I really wanted the car, I would have been completely understanding and happy. The day before they texted me in 15 seconds and jumped all over me by phone call, text and e-mail when I showed interest in the car.
Also, no apology was given by anyone who promised me the appointment. The manager sat there and did nothing to apologize or offer me other cars I might be interested in. The attitude was that I was bothering them by showing up for an appointment they scheduled.
Of course they will post some apology here, but too little too late.
Here is how you handle the situation: You made a mistake and have an unhappy customer in your show room? APOLOGIZE. OFFER. Screw ups happen. I'm fine with that. I am not fine with people who are INCONSIDERATE of others time. Wasn't just the manager, there were 3-4 people involved in my appointment who should have contacted me or at least APOLOGIZED. Don't do business with these people. They only care about your money.
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