Today I became the victim of the old adage or business tactic known as "bait and switch". On thursday 7/27 I went in to test drive a new truck only. It was a good test drive. The salesman was happy to hear that so proceeded to ask more questions about my possible trade in. After giving him all the important info about it, I was invited inside for a drink of water and if I wanted some specs. No problem. The salesman's manager came with to ask how my ride was and what it would take to buy a truck today. The right money for my trade and not today. He then thought about it with his salesman and came back with a really good deal. I still said "no" not today but I will come back tomorrow for more talk. Need to do some homework. Well, the next afternoon I went back and kept my word. Another test drive then some number crunching ended in me saying "saying thank-you for your time and can I have my keys and registration for my truck please". It all started with them giving me an offer totally different from the one I got the day before. I told them repeatedly what the offer was the day before including who the manager was. Well it seems there was a MISCOMMUNICATION the day before and it can't be done. The truck was a 2006 F259CC LB diesel XLT. Trade in is a 1996 F250 scab LB 4x4 with 161000+ miles.
the offer on the new truck was crazy which I did not like. I kept on asking about my trade in and my previous offer was that is why I am here today. After the initial salesman came then the midlevel number cruncher came the final salesmanager who said this offer is final. Well I told him "no" and that I came here today due to the offer of his salesman. He told me we could go with his offer and sell my truck private and put the money in the bank or bring it in in 4 weeks after I sell it and redo the loan. No thank-you. Even after walking out on the manager I felt good on leaving but pissed and cheated. A letter and a phone call is in order. Remind me to avoid Sunrise in California. The North Hollywood store not the Fontana store. Bait and switch was in use here and ti think I gave them a benefit of the doubt since I had bought a car from them before. I just wanted to vent. Thanks.

 

That's a bummer man.

I'm sure there are plenty of good dealerships in your neck of the woods. Maybe someone will chime in.

 

Went to a dealer last month that was advertising $10K off of sticker, discount and rebates. Then Ford came out with another $1k off for loyalty. Ok to me that means $11k off. The dealer said no, only $10k. He just took $1k back off of his discount, he didn't want to lose another $1k. I said how do you lose the $1k when Ford is giving the Loyalty rebate? No answer so I walked.

 

Have you tried talking to the general manager and letting him know what kind of shenanigans his staff is pulling? It might be worth the trip to talk to him.

 

Maybe the general manager is in on this as well. I know in my case it was.

And this is why I'm with www.sweeneyford.com now

 

Sounds like a "would ya take" was in play the first time around. The "offer" was an unrealistically low number if you would buy it today. You didn't do it- but they wouldn't have either. It's merely a method to get the customer to commit to buying at a certain price- then the negotiation festivities begin.

It's important to remember that dealerships rarely make the customer an offer. Customers make offers, dealers counter-offer. If a dealership let you walk on a shopping number, it's almost always a figure that can't be matched anywhere else- which will, in theory, get you back into their facility at least one more time.

 

How can a ploy like that make me want to come back? I did leave a message on the customer service person voicemail so we will see what becomes of it. I doubt if anything comes of it. If they do have some integrity maybe a call will be good. In the interim, I am exploring the online way. Thanks polar.

 

Sounds like viking Dodge in Crystal lake IL

 

I just put a Crown Vic deal together today because of this type of situation. A competitor assured the customer that he could get the $2,500 rebate and 0% financing (it's or). Customer pretty much called me a liar when i told him they can't do that. At any rate, sometimes it pays to keep your cool. I just said to keep us in mind if/when the other dealership can't make good on their promise. You can win arguments, but I've never made a dime doing it.

Today, he does call- dang, they can't do it. (huge surprise). But- they've got my price beat by a grand. My response- they lied about the rebates- think they're shooting straight on the price thingie? He swung by and signed up. Best part- other dealer is three blocks from his house. We're about 15 miles away.

 

it is amazing how much is accomplished when the temper is how but only shows with a smile and a calm demeaner.

 

bluefire's experience is exactly why you have to do your homework in advance. I seldom kick tires. 95% of the time I am ready and chambered to do a deal.

I am honest and up front with the sales staff right off the bat on whether I am ready to pull the trigger and that I know where both of us need to be. I also tell the sales person to inform his Sales Manager that if they play silly games with me I will unload on them in the middle of the showroom floor. Sadly, some try to play grabXXX with me anyway. At that time I keep my promise.

With that said. I am currently straying from my own conviction and kicking tires with Ernie as we speak...and we are 2,100 miles apart...even though I am about 8 months ahead of my normal timeline. Both payoff wise and Momma not chewing me out wise...Well, wouldn't be the first time.

In any case, the PolarBear's of the world are rare in the car business and I repect and trust him enough that I would even buy a Chevy from him....If I had to buy a Chevy that is.

 

Well if I ever buy a Chevy. Please put me out of my Misery..

 

Polarbear's way is the best. I drive a lot in my job and have to get new rigs often but the reason I go back to the same Ford dealer is due to the answers I get from the saleslady. Everyone can beat hear deal but no one has been able to deliver it yet. Good to know there are straight dealers out there.

 

How is Sweeney these days? I have had trouble there in the past, but I hear that they have a new owner.

 

They are great. We have bought 2 Explorers from them and they have stood by there work and everything they say they would.

You can't find a honest dealer like them anywhere..