All 2011 Mustangs on hold
Cobra R Member
Joined: April 3, 2010
Posts: 1,814
Likes: 0
From: Northern VA
wow, so sensitive.
Folks, these are cars and most of us car guys are passionate about our cars. But still. . . as much as not getting any information SUCKS, it is, at the end of the day, a car. I really don't like my dealer at all any more. Total lack of response, bad information when I do get it, and terrible management. But the product is amazing and I'll happily wait for Ford to get the kinks worked out before I take delivery. I've only put down a deposit and that entitles me to not much more than the privilege to buy the car once it's built and delivered.
Now what I would LOVE, LOVE, LOVE to see happen (no offense Jeff or any other sales guy who does an outstanding job) is to eliminate the dealer network completely as it stands today. Set up kiosks in hte mall and let people order cars like they order computers. Then build it, deliver it, and happily go on our way. Let independent mechanics get certified on a brand/model and be authorized to work through Ford for warranty claims. I've been to a lot of Ford dealers that wanted my money but few that wanted my business. There IS a difference.
Folks, these are cars and most of us car guys are passionate about our cars. But still. . . as much as not getting any information SUCKS, it is, at the end of the day, a car. I really don't like my dealer at all any more. Total lack of response, bad information when I do get it, and terrible management. But the product is amazing and I'll happily wait for Ford to get the kinks worked out before I take delivery. I've only put down a deposit and that entitles me to not much more than the privilege to buy the car once it's built and delivered.
Now what I would LOVE, LOVE, LOVE to see happen (no offense Jeff or any other sales guy who does an outstanding job) is to eliminate the dealer network completely as it stands today. Set up kiosks in hte mall and let people order cars like they order computers. Then build it, deliver it, and happily go on our way. Let independent mechanics get certified on a brand/model and be authorized to work through Ford for warranty claims. I've been to a lot of Ford dealers that wanted my money but few that wanted my business. There IS a difference.
Mach 1 Member
Joined: April 22, 2010
Posts: 507
Likes: 0
From: NoVA
Actually been 3 weeks for me, been built since 3/31. Been since the 5th since they gave me ETA of 4/10. So it's not like its only been 2 days.
I am trying to be patient, but i can see how some people may cancel orders with no updates after a time. I work at a company that takes a lot of customer service calls. i see it happen everyday.
I am trying to be patient, but i can see how some people may cancel orders with no updates after a time. I work at a company that takes a lot of customer service calls. i see it happen everyday.
It sucks that you have to wait and sucks even more that you actually know the car is sitting/waiting.
I'm sure if I ordered a '11 (i'll probably get a '12) i'd be anxious too.
GT Member
Joined: April 2, 2010
Posts: 190
Likes: 0
From: Shizuoka City, Japan
Bullitt Member
Joined: March 3, 2010
Posts: 314
Likes: 0
From: Niles, Mi
Oh believe me I have,but this late in the game its either deal with it or reorder from another dealer and probably wait even longer.
Mach 1 Member
Joined: April 22, 2010
Posts: 507
Likes: 0
From: NoVA
wow, so sensitive.
Folks, these are cars and most of us car guys are passionate about our cars. But still. . . as much as not getting any information SUCKS, it is, at the end of the day, a car. I really don't like my dealer at all any more. Total lack of response, bad information when I do get it, and terrible management. But the product is amazing and I'll happily wait for Ford to get the kinks worked out before I take delivery. I've only put down a deposit and that entitles me to not much more than the privilege to buy the car once it's built and delivered.
Now what I would LOVE, LOVE, LOVE to see happen (no offense Jeff or any other sales guy who does an outstanding job) is to eliminate the dealer network completely as it stands today. Set up kiosks in hte mall and let people order cars like they order computers. Then build it, deliver it, and happily go on our way. Let independent mechanics get certified on a brand/model and be authorized to work through Ford for warranty claims. I've been to a lot of Ford dealers that wanted my money but few that wanted my business. There IS a difference.
Folks, these are cars and most of us car guys are passionate about our cars. But still. . . as much as not getting any information SUCKS, it is, at the end of the day, a car. I really don't like my dealer at all any more. Total lack of response, bad information when I do get it, and terrible management. But the product is amazing and I'll happily wait for Ford to get the kinks worked out before I take delivery. I've only put down a deposit and that entitles me to not much more than the privilege to buy the car once it's built and delivered.
Now what I would LOVE, LOVE, LOVE to see happen (no offense Jeff or any other sales guy who does an outstanding job) is to eliminate the dealer network completely as it stands today. Set up kiosks in hte mall and let people order cars like they order computers. Then build it, deliver it, and happily go on our way. Let independent mechanics get certified on a brand/model and be authorized to work through Ford for warranty claims. I've been to a lot of Ford dealers that wanted my money but few that wanted my business. There IS a difference.
And I LOVE your idea about eliminating dealers. I have said the same thing over and over and over. A LOT of them are nothing more than a middle man with not much knowledge of the product they are selling and are really there to make a buck from your sale. They don't help Ford at all.
Because there are people who really don't know what they want and need that info from a salesperson (even though a lot of times it is incorrect), they should hire sales consultants that don't work on a commission. So there would be a better chance of someone getting what they actually want/need instead of a lot of extras to fatten the pockets of some reject with a GED.
EDIT: And just to clarify, not ALL dealers are stupid when it comes to their product. I know some dealers who are fun to talk with and deal with because of their knowledge. And i'm sure if any dealers that hang out on sites like this are the ones we would prefer to buy from anyway.
Last edited by RedWings; Apr 22, 2010 at 11:32 AM.
Cobra R Member
Joined: April 3, 2010
Posts: 1,814
Likes: 0
From: Northern VA
Cowles Ford. Even their GSM totally ignored my follow up email with specific issues and recommendations.
I'm an idea man. Usually bad ideas. But just as I almost NEVER use bank tellers in favor of the ATM, I'd be fine with never seeing a dealer unless I needed warranty work. Half the time they don't have the parts I need anyway so I can just order them online from "WeSellFordParts.com" or some such convenient location.
Those are "customer service" people and Ford already has them -- and they provide more and better information that many dealers anyway. You just need to know that you CAN call it. My dealer didn't offer that suggestion either.
What we need, friends, is a different kind of company. A different kind of car. Oh, wait, never mind. Just a different sales and distribution model.
And I LOVE your idea about eliminating dealers. I have said the same thing over and over and over. A LOT of them are nothing more than a middle man with not much knowledge of the product they are selling and are really there to make a buck from your sale. They don't help Ford at all.
Because there are people who really don't know what they want and need that info from a salesperson (even though a lot of times it is incorrect), they should hire sales consultants that don't work on a commission. So there would be a better chance of someone getting what they actually want/need instead of a lot of extras to fatten the pockets of some reject with a GED.
What we need, friends, is a different kind of company. A different kind of car. Oh, wait, never mind. Just a different sales and distribution model.
Mach 1 Member
Joined: April 22, 2010
Posts: 507
Likes: 0
From: NoVA
What we need, friends, is a different kind of company. A different kind of car. Oh, wait, never mind. Just a different sales and distribution model.
Mach 1 Member
Joined: January 30, 2008
Posts: 721
Likes: 4
From: Pacific NW USA
Vote with your dollars
It is truly a free market, those of you who complain about a dealer and still spend your money with that dealer are just as much a part of the problem as the sub-standard dealers.
My dealer is outstanding. They are a small town dealership who survives because of their customer service, not in spite of it. I have a Ford dealer 4 miles from my house, I do not do business with them, they suck. I driver 24 miles away to spend my money at the "good" dealership in a small town three towns away.
If everyone voted with their dollars, we would not have so many sub-standard dealers.
Don't spend your money at sub-standard dealers.
My dealer is outstanding. They are a small town dealership who survives because of their customer service, not in spite of it. I have a Ford dealer 4 miles from my house, I do not do business with them, they suck. I driver 24 miles away to spend my money at the "good" dealership in a small town three towns away.
If everyone voted with their dollars, we would not have so many sub-standard dealers.
Don't spend your money at sub-standard dealers.
Last edited by Black GT500; Apr 22, 2010 at 11:45 AM.
Mach 1 Member
Joined: April 22, 2010
Posts: 507
Likes: 0
From: NoVA
It is truly a free market, those of you who complain about a dealer and still spend you money with that dealer are just as much a part of the problem as the sub-standard dealers.
My dealer is outstanding. They are a small town dealership who survives because of their customer service, not in spite of it. I have a Ford dealer 4 miles from my house, I do not do business with them, the suck. I driver 24 miles away to spend my money at the "good" dealership in a small town three towns away.
If everyone voted with their dollars, we would not have so many sub-standard dealers.
Don't spend your money at sub-standard dealers.
My dealer is outstanding. They are a small town dealership who survives because of their customer service, not in spite of it. I have a Ford dealer 4 miles from my house, I do not do business with them, the suck. I driver 24 miles away to spend my money at the "good" dealership in a small town three towns away.
If everyone voted with their dollars, we would not have so many sub-standard dealers.
Don't spend your money at sub-standard dealers.
Bullitt Member
Joined: October 29, 2009
Posts: 371
Likes: 0
From: heart of texas
how about this for ideas. ive had this idea for years
The current system is dealer orders stock. problem is a lot of times stock will sit on lot long periods of time where the dealer has to pay interest, fees, etc. There is also the problem with massive lot space needed to display cars and a lot of time that is very expensive cause of being in the city.
My idea. there should be regional car lots where arrays of cars are stored with variety of options and trim levels. For instance there may be 3 or so in Texas. The dealer need only carry a few "model" cars that customers can test drive cars. Then the customer picks out the options he/she wants and the corresponding car is shipped from the regional car lot. a dealer may get 2 or so shipments from the regional lot a week. This way the customer gets the options he wants or close too it as possible. And he would only have to wait 2-3 days to get it. and lastly the money the dealer saves can be passed onto the customer easier.
The current system is dealer orders stock. problem is a lot of times stock will sit on lot long periods of time where the dealer has to pay interest, fees, etc. There is also the problem with massive lot space needed to display cars and a lot of time that is very expensive cause of being in the city.
My idea. there should be regional car lots where arrays of cars are stored with variety of options and trim levels. For instance there may be 3 or so in Texas. The dealer need only carry a few "model" cars that customers can test drive cars. Then the customer picks out the options he/she wants and the corresponding car is shipped from the regional car lot. a dealer may get 2 or so shipments from the regional lot a week. This way the customer gets the options he wants or close too it as possible. And he would only have to wait 2-3 days to get it. and lastly the money the dealer saves can be passed onto the customer easier.
Last edited by trick25; Apr 22, 2010 at 11:48 AM.
V6 Member
Joined: April 9, 2010
Posts: 87
Likes: 0
Geronimo?
Way back when there was a guy from Ford that used to come onto our local Lightning club forum and talk about his Lightning and his name was Geronimo, think his last name was Gonzales.
Has to be the same guy, can't possibly be two guys named Geronimo working for Ford.
He was pretty cool, big time into his Lightning and doing mods to it.
Way back when there was a guy from Ford that used to come onto our local Lightning club forum and talk about his Lightning and his name was Geronimo, think his last name was Gonzales.
Has to be the same guy, can't possibly be two guys named Geronimo working for Ford.
He was pretty cool, big time into his Lightning and doing mods to it.
JJ
Bullitt Member
Joined: March 3, 2010
Posts: 314
Likes: 0
From: Niles, Mi
I'm with you. I'll fly across the country to buy from a different dealer if I have to (and it saves me $$ of course). Luckily my current GM dealer's service department is pretty good and I like the guys so I only have to drive a few miles to drop off my car. Their sales staff on the other hand....man....these guys are ol' school trying to pull the wool over everyone's eyes.
Thread Starter
Joined: November 25, 2009
Posts: 1,519
Likes: 0
From: Metro Detroit
Update: all v-6s are cleared to ship
Legacy TMS Member
Joined: January 25, 2010
Posts: 3,971
Likes: 1,663
From: Massachusetts
. . . The current system is dealer orders stock. problem is a lot of times stock will sit on lot long periods of time where the dealer has to pay interest, fees, etc. . . . . there should be regional car lots where arrays of cars are stored with variety of options and trim levels. . . . . The dealer need only carry a few "model" cars that customers can test drive cars. Then the customer picks out the options he/she wants and the corresponding car is shipped from the regional car lot. a dealer may get 2 or so shipments from the regional lot a week. This way the customer gets the options he wants or close too it as possible. And he would only have to wait 2-3 days to get it. and lastly the money the dealer saves can be passed onto the customer easier.
eliminate or minimize the regional stock and replace it with flexible make-to-order manufacturing and now we're taking huge costs out of the system . . . if it was geared to work this way everyone would save money and the customer would get exactly what they want instead of picking something reasonably close from a dealer's stock . . .
but then the dealers would have to actually work with the customers instead of just selling them what they have to offer, and the customers might need to be just a little patient instead of always wanting instant gratification . . . . nah, it'll never happen
Bullitt Member
Joined: October 29, 2009
Posts: 371
Likes: 0
From: heart of texas
hmmm . . . sounds kinda familiar . . . are you a student of Liker or Womack by any chance?
eliminate or minimize the regional stock and replace it with flexible make-to-order manufacturing and now we're taking huge costs out of the system . . . if it was geared to work this way everyone would save money and the customer would get exactly what they want instead of picking something reasonably close from a dealer's stock . . .
but then the dealers would have to actually work with the customers instead of just selling them what they have to offer, and the customers might need to be just a little patient instead of always wanting instant gratification . . . . nah, it'll never happen
eliminate or minimize the regional stock and replace it with flexible make-to-order manufacturing and now we're taking huge costs out of the system . . . if it was geared to work this way everyone would save money and the customer would get exactly what they want instead of picking something reasonably close from a dealer's stock . . .
but then the dealers would have to actually work with the customers instead of just selling them what they have to offer, and the customers might need to be just a little patient instead of always wanting instant gratification . . . . nah, it'll never happen