[nub340]

How would you handle a salesperson who constantly replies to your emails inadequately? Everytime I send an email to my salesperson they respond in a way that either confuses me or completely ignores part of what I asked about.

Here's an example:

Hi xxxx,

Quick question... I've been under the impression that you had to get the Cold Weather Package to get the split-folding rear seats. However I just read that the Coupe comes standard with split-folding rear-seats. Is this true? If so can I drop the Cold Weather Package and instead just get the heated front seats a-la-carte? If I can do this I would also be interested in getting the Aero-kit front lip as well (looks awesome!), can you give me a quote for this painted & installed? Have a good day!

Thanks,
-Nick

Huh? Fax WHAT? So.. are they standard then? This is just ONE example. Everytime it goes something like this. After I saw the ALL CAPS response I decided to just call them because it sounded to me like they were yelling at me and I wanted to make sure there was no miscommunication. When I called they were friendly enough and clearified that the split-folding seats were indeed standard. But I mean jeez, how hard is it for them to just respond adequately?

Here's my latest experience:

Hi xxxx,

I just called the 800# and was pleasently suprised to find out that production of my 335i Coupe has been completed and it's now on it's way to the port!! They said they can no longer track it and suggested that I contact you to find out which ship it will be taking along with the expected arrival date, etc. Do you happen to have this information yet?

I also wanted to give you plenty of heads-up to order, if nessesary, the special iPod/USB cable for the 6FL option. There is a Bulletin out (07-ALL-03) which states, "This cable will be supplied on a dealer level similar to the way that X5 Rear Seat Entertainment Headphones are included." Apprently there is some confusion over this new option and the part may take a couple weeks to arrive so I just wanted to be proactive about it; I believe it's part # 61 12 0422 099.

Thanks a lot xxxx!

Regards,
-Nick

I mean it's like pulling teeth!! They completely ignored my first question! One time they even said that I was becomming 'high maintenance' because I called to order some additional accessories. I mean aren't they going to make more $$ if I order more stuff?

Anyway do you think I should say anything or should I just deal with it? Do they do this on purpose for some reason or do I just have a crappy salesperson? They claim to be the #1 Salesperson in USA, lol. Anyone else have any similar experiences or have any suggestions on how I should handle this type of salesperson?

[Bimmer335i07]

I find it easiest to just pick up the phone and speak with the CA instead of e-mailing them. You usually get the answers you want that way.

[BMW F22]

I too find it easier to just call them. Fortunately, I spend way too much time on this forums to be asking my CA questions all the time. lol

[LI E90]

try doing things "old school" style, like picking up the phone and talking human to human in real time. Things get confusing on long email chains...

[nub340]

yeah, you're right, the phone is prob the best approach. I'm just too much of a geek I suppose. I'll just call them for now on... it just sucks 'cause I usually have to leave a message and wait for a callback and I'm at work.

[snohman]

Not to mention...if they are indeed the #1 salesperson in the US, can you imagine how many of these kinds of emails they must go through?

[scottp999]

My CA will not return any emails, but if I call him he is all over the issue.

[TX Coupe]

I agree that a phone call is a better way to communicate, but the one advantage of email is that if for some reason something is wrong, you have the email to prove your side of it. With a phone call it is a he said/she said situation.

[snohman]

Originally Posted by TX Coupe

I agree that a phone call is a better way to communicate, but the one advantage of email is that if for some reason something is wrong, you have the email to prove your side of it. With a phone call it is a he said/she said situation.

I agree with you on this as well...

FWIW, my CA returns all phone calls and all emails...even on his days off, and believe me...I bug the crap out of him.

[horatiub]

Originally Posted by snohman

I agree with you on this as well...

FWIW, my CA returns all phone calls and all emails...even on his days off, and believe me...I bug the crap out of him.

that's a good CA

[dkbimmer]

Originally Posted by snohman

I agree with you on this as well...

FWIW, my CA returns all phone calls and all emails...even on his days off, and believe me...I bug the crap out of him.

You are lucky. My CA doesn't return my emails or phone calls too often. But when ever I stop by, he's very cool and always takes time to talk. Not sure what his problem is. Oh well...

[John 070]

Originally Posted by dkbimmer

You are lucky. My CA doesn't return my emails or phone calls too often. But when ever I stop by, he's very cool and always takes time to talk. Not sure what his problem is. Oh well...

That's a great observation--up until one day after delivery I thought the BMW experience was the greatest thing since sliced bread. In retrospect, I realize it's just like most everything else sales related--until they deliver the vehicle and get their cut, they are your best friend (mine did that call me anytime day or night, gave me her home and cell #'s for delivery purposes). Afterwards, it's just like buying a Japanese car, unless you're referring clients to them or buying another car, they're really not that interested in continuing to hear about your new car or deal with it etc. That's why I feel at the minimum buyers must insist on proper terms and pricing--it's not different because it's a BMW.

[John 070]

Originally Posted by snohman

I agree with you on this as well...

FWIW, my CA returns all phone calls and all emails...even on his days off, and believe me...I bug the crap out of him.

Mine did that.....BEFORE THE DELIVERY!! She even offered to come in on her day off to DELIVER the car as it came in when she was off.

At the Ultimate Drive, my g/f said isn't that ***** (let's just for anonymity's sake call her Natasha)? I said who gives a F*** as I drove off in the 750!

[chbrules]

E-mail is so useless. My CA is barely helpful in person, let alone through email.

[IrvRobinson]

Phone calls are the best way,emails, when you need to have it in writing.If your CA is indeed #1,they could have assistants who can get back to you within a few hours.All calls or emails should be returned within 24 hours.

[iatacs19]

Originally Posted by snohman

I agree with you on this as well...

FWIW, my CA returns all phone calls and all emails...even on his days off, and believe me...I bug the crap out of him.

Same with my CA, he replies very fast to emails. I didn't even meet him until I went to pickup the actual car. I just ordered over 4 emails back and forth, I emailed him my CC# to charge $1000 and place the order. haha

Gotta love technology.

[burger335i]

Originally Posted by iatacs19

Same with my CA, he replies very fast to emails. I didn't even meet him until I went to pickup the actual car. I just ordered over 4 emails back and forth, I emailed him my CC# to charge $1000 and place the order. haha

Gotta love technology.

I did exactly the same thing. Over the phone and through e-mail. Got 4% off as well. 2nd car that way with the same stealer. First was a 2004 330 coupe.

[burger335i]

Originally Posted by iatacs19

Same with my CA, he replies very fast to emails. I didn't even meet him until I went to pickup the actual car. I just ordered over 4 emails back and forth, I emailed him my CC# to charge $1000 and place the order. haha

Gotta love technology.

I did exactly the same thing. Over the phone and through e-mail. Got 4% off as well. 2nd car that way with the same stealer. First was a 2004 330 coupe.
Now getting follow up info in Canada is another story. They really need to improve on that and make it more interactive like in the States

[John 070]

Originally Posted by burger335i

I did exactly the same thing. Over the phone and through e-mail. Got 4% off as well. 2nd car that way with the same stealer. First was a 2004 330 coupe.
Now getting follow up info in Canada is another story. They really need to improve on that and make it more interactive like in the States

It is good for pricing, no doubt. No more of the "list price" myth with the web. My dealership went from list price on a coupe on Fri., to $1700 off on Mon., thanks to edmunds.com. By Wed. another dealership offered $1900 but I already got my prod# and deposit was down. Remember, this is car sales. BMW or Honda or Cheverolet, it's car sales. The motivation is commission--if you leased, you may be back in as little as 2-3 years. If you bought, what's the point in bothering with you? It's the service dept. that will get friendly with you in that case. Like a color laser printer, the printer may be $400, but the toner will cost you $400 a pop, that's where the residual is for HP.

[iatacs19]

well I just buy a new printer.

[John 070]

Originally Posted by iatacs19

well I just buy a new printer.

*LOL* Now why didn't I think of it? Just for illustration, the LaserJet 2600N costs $299 after rebate. You need 3 color toners @ $83, and one black @ $75. Replacement toner costs more than a new printer, literally! Take away the current $100 rebate, see how close it is? Toner is about $75 cheaper than a new printer that includes the toner....