Is it me? Dealers posting phantom cars...

[Paco]

Now call me old fashioned but I expect if I see a car advertised that it does actually exist. Particularly if that car is for sale via a nationwide chain of prestige car showrooms with a massive stock to choose from.

But no, it seems that cars are invented just to get you to call, before some nonsense begins about "my colleague has just taken a deposit on that one, let me take your details etc etc."

Now if there were one or two phantoms with a smaller showroom trying to slug it out with the big guys I might give em the benefit of the doubt, but I don't think any of the seven or eight cars that fit my bill with this particular chain even exist!

Pics are uploaded, number plates blanked off with dealer logos, and they sit around for days until I call when the deal has just been done. Baw-locks, it's lazy salesmanship and a bit cynical frankly, I'm not encouraged to do business with them.

Hats off to HA Fox though who called me back after a web enquiry late on Saturday, invited me to visit the next day, and have called back three times since (I picked up an ear infection and am deaf as a post so haven't got back to them yet!).

Even though the car is a touch pricy the service looks promising.

 

[MAF260]

It's not just the lazy techniques used to get you in the door, but the lack of follow up as well. Last year I was seriously considering a V8 Vantage (I know, sorry!). I went to a local AM main dealer and was fortunate enough to secure a test drive there and then. They had the AM test driver/instructor there that day and he was immediately available. I went for a good hour's drive, reaching unmentionable speeds under the guidance of this chap. Upon my return I had a long chat with the DP and gave them my details before departing while I thought about the purchase. I had a follow up call from a junior salesman about 2 months after the test drive, asking if I was still interested in buying a car from them! Funnily enough I wasn't interested any more and bought a GranSport instead. I couldn't believe that after investing time and money into a test drive and chat they couldn't be bothered to try to close the sale!

 

[Emtee]

It's not just the lazy techniques used to get you in the door, but the lack of follow up as well. Last year I was seriously considering a V8 Vantage (I know, sorry!). I went to a local AM main dealer and was fortunate enough to secure a test drive there and then. They had the AM test driver/instructor there that day and he was immediately available. I went for a good hour's drive, reaching unmentionable speeds under the guidance of this chap. Upon my return I had a long chat with the DP and gave them my details before departing while I thought about the purchase. I had a follow up call from a junior salesman about 2 months after the test drive, asking if I was still interested in buying a car from them! Funnily enough I wasn't interested any more and bought a GranSport instead. I couldn't believe that after investing time and money into a test drive and chat they couldn't be bothered to try to close the sale!

Their loss MAF and fate took a hand anyway, as you now have the ultimate Nana! Makes the V8V look a bit ordinary don't you think?

 

[MAF260]

Agreed Miles. If I'd really wanted one then I'm sure I would have pestered them. I couldn't be happier with my purchase and think it has loads more presence than the AM. I'd just like the chance to drive her in anything other than rubbish weather!

 

[hodroyd]

No problem MAF, I hear a heatwave is just around the corner, hang on in there..!!

 

[CatmanV2]

Robert, the corner in question would be what? The Iberian peninsular?

C

 

[bigbob]

Dealers often don't remove listings for cars they have already sold. They see it as a sales tactic, must work most of the time.

As for a dealer not getting in touch after a test drive, a lot of them take the view that if the punter wants the car he will call back. Personally I prefer that approach rather than dealers who keep calling............................and calling.

 

[MAF260]

As for a dealer not getting in touch after a test drive, a lot of them take the view that if the punter wants the car he will call back. Personally I prefer that approach rather than dealers who keep calling............................and calling.

Perhaps business is so amazingly good that they just didn't need any extra sales. I doubt it though.
If any of my sales guys didn't follow up on a lead/hot prospect for 2 months I'd fire them!

 

[dem maser]

Well if i dont call a hot app after a viewing id get fired!!

 

[bigbob]

Perhaps business is so amazingly good that they just didn't need any extra sales. I doubt it though.
If any of my sales guys didn't follow up on a lead/hot prospect for 2 months I'd fire them!

The thing is, your experience is quite common with prestige cars and dealers do sell them. They will take the view that you were not serious as you did not buy one from them or another Aston dealer. Put simplistically they were right as you now drive a Maser. Much better choice!

 

[dem maser]

Always follow up though.....Some of my viewers say the "third bedroom is not big" i still ring them few days after to find out if its a No or a Yes....i dont put them under pressure just "closing" it

 

[Paco]

The ridiculous thing is this company leave the phantom cars up, take my details and then never call back!! What use is. Lead generation strategy if you don't use the leads?

They absolutely have to have at least one car in their nationwide stock that fits my bill, but not a peep.

The other lot are about to convince me I should buy their car which is a compromise, but I'm getting bored of the process now! Would be happy just to get some new wheels!

 

[hodroyd]

Prestige car dealers tend to have a no hassle policy, some salesmen though take the easy route and never bother to call back at all, which is stupid. If I were looking at spending that sort of money, I would expect the dealer to at least give me a call and say "I am bringing a car out to you that I think you will like", I would be more inclined to buy from them than be ignored by others??

 

[dem maser]

agree......you have to follow up, even if only 1 out of 100 calls results in a sale thats still 30k odd earned in turnover....

 

[Paco]

And so today I'm going to see the dealer that did follow up having reserved the more expensive of the two suitable cars they have available. They will find me an absolute pussycat of a customer and I will cross refer them for their excellent service. Assuming it isn't a dog...

Edited for feline profanity!