Mercedes Dealership Service ! I'm Not Happy !

[IanA2]

It's certainly a Hardy perennial with MB...

Very good.

 

[Rory]

My theory is MB get away with paying peanuts to monkeys, because that is all they need.

MB salespeople are pretty well paid if they're performing adequately, and if they're not, then they're out of a job.

Snag is that their boss's measure of "performance" is probably a lot different to what you, as a customer, want.

There very good salemen out there and I have worked with some fantastic salemen who could sell ice to eskimos and make the Queen feel more important than herself.

It's a sad state.

I think describing them as "salesmen" is an insult to the profession. They don't "sell" anything. I used to ask them to sell me the car I was looking at vs something else and the results were usually entertaining, and not in a good way.

In the US they call them "order writers" and here BMW used to say that they were there to "faciliate customers to place their orders."

 

[Rory]

These days , with factory collection being an option , there would be a lot to be said for an online shop via the Mercedes website , where you could configure your car , choose your options and collection date , then pay online without ever needing to go near a dealer .

Mercedes doesn't so factory collection anymore.

The snag with your process is that most people want to haggle with someone over the price.

 

[meeeb]

Charles I totally agree I always used to wear a shirt and tie for the office and suit although not a cheap one. 5 years ago we were taken over by a massive German company first question they asked why do you guys dress so formal for the office does it make you work better does it improve your productivity? Since then the suit has been replaced with jeans and a smart shirt

Research has shown that there is an inherent distrust in sales people wearing suits and yes I was one of the guilty ones. For customer meetings I always wear trousers and shirt but the tie is gone unless it is very formal. I've found this more relaxed dress code gets trust faster and delivers results easier, either that or it's the change of company that's made the difference

What really annoys me about MB UK is the salesmen and women don't even know the product they are selling the customers usually know more. Walk into a German dealer and the salesman will tell you the spec of steel the bumper bolts were made of that's the difference

Sent from my iPhone using MBClub UK

Personally if I went into a top-end car dealership to be confronted by a salesman in "jeans and a smart shirt with no tie", I'd turn around and walk straight out again. I'd expect collar and tie at least. In fact when I went into Merecedes-Benz Leeds in September the young lady at Service Reception apologised for being 'dressed-down' because they were having a charity day.

Similarly, if a scruffy oik came into the showroom and the sales team ignored him, I wouldn't blame them.

But then, I'm old-fashioned, and admittedly probably in a minority these days.

The 'not knowing their product', and the equivalent in other occupations, is endemic in our modern society. In my experience there's a not insignificant percentage of the workforce in this country who couldn't give a poo. It's the way they're brought up these days, on a diet of rights with no sense of duty or responsibility. Can't be a*sed.

As for MB sales people not knowing their product, it doesn't bother me in the slightest because before I buy a car of any marque I've thoroughly researched as far as possible the model history, not least because I wouldn't trust unsupported information presented to me by a salesman. All I need is someone to facilitate a test drive.

I can never understand anyone who walks into a showroom and buys a car simply because they like the look of it, and pays the price on the windscreen. A lot of people do this.

Know the car and know its value, so that you can present the dealership with a realistic offer, which they can accept or not. If they don't there's plenty of other cars on the market.

 

[IanA2]

Personally if I went into a top-end car dealership to be confronted by a salesman in "jeans and a smart shirt with no tie", I'd turn around and walk straight out again. I'd expect collar and tie at least.

Similarly, if a scruffy oik came into the showroom and the sales team ignored him, I wouldn't blame them.

But then, I'm old-fashioned, and admittedly probably in a minority these days.

The 'not knowing their product', and the equivalent in other occupations, is endemic in our modern society. In my experience there's a not insignificant percentage of the workforce in this country who couldn't give a poo. It's the way they're brought up these days, on a diet of rights with no sense of duty or responsibility. Can't be a*sed.

As for MB sales people not knowing their product, it doesn't bother me in the slightest because before I buy a car of any marque I've thoroughly researched as far as possible the model history, not least because I wouldn't trust unsupported information presented to me by a salesman. All I need is someone to facilitate a test drive.

I can never understand anyone who walks into a showroom and buys a car simply because they like the look of it, and pays the price on the windscreen. A lot of people do this.

Know the car and know its value, so that you can present the dealership with a realistic offer, which they can accept or not. If they don't there's plenty of other cars on the market.

A main dealer sales guy told me many years ago that he suffered a scruffy guy for forty minutes as he showed him around a top of the range S class.

Eventually the guy said that if he could have that one he's take it. He then opened his case and paid cash.

Couldn't happen these days, but the sales guy said it taught him a lesson on perceptions and prejudices.

 

[nb_racing]

I think describing them as "salesmen" is an insult to the profession. They don't "sell" anything. I used to ask them to sell me the car I was looking at vs something else and the results were usually entertaining, and not in a good way.

Er, yeah, that was the same point I was making..

 

[nb_racing]

Similarly, if a scruffy oik came into the showroom and the sales team ignored him, I wouldn't blame them.

I would disagree. I think the salemen should not be judgemental. It gives them the excuse to be lazy. "nah, he looks poor, I'll ignore him."
doesn't matter what you wear, you should get the same service in my opinion.

The 'not knowing their product', and the equivalent in other occupations, is endemic in our modern society. In my experience there's a not insignificant percentage of the workforce in this country who couldn't give a poo. It's the way they're brought up these days, on a diet of rights with no sense of duty or responsibility. Can't be a*sed.

Nail on the head.

 

[Deleted member 6183]

The 'not knowing their product', and the equivalent in other occupations, is endemic in our modern society. In my experience there's a not insignificant percentage of the workforce in this country who couldn't give a poo. It's the way they're brought up these days, on a diet of rights with no sense of duty or responsibility. Can't be a*sed.

.

Apologies for butchering your original post.

What complicates matters is that the same people you describe are also customers.

 

[flango]

Personally if I went into a top-end car dealership to be confronted by a salesman in "jeans and a smart shirt with no tie", I'd turn around and walk straight out again. I'd expect collar and tie at least. In fact when I went into Merecedes-Benz Leeds in September the young lady at Service Reception apologised for being 'dressed-down' because they were having a charity day. Similarly, if a scruffy oik came into the showroom and the sales team ignored him, I wouldn't blame them. But then, I'm old-fashioned, and admittedly probably in a minority these days. The 'not knowing their product', and the equivalent in other occupations, is endemic in our modern society. In my experience there's a not insignificant percentage of the workforce in this country who couldn't give a poo. It's the way they're brought up these days, on a diet of rights with no sense of duty or responsibility. Can't be a*sed. As for MB sales people not knowing their product, it doesn't bother me in the slightest because before I buy a car of any marque I've thoroughly researched as far as possible the model history, not least because I wouldn't trust unsupported information presented to me by a salesman. All I need is someone to facilitate a test drive. I can never understand anyone who walks into a showroom and buys a car simply because they like the look of it, and pays the price on the windscreen. A lot of people do this. Know the car and know its value, so that you can present the dealership with a realistic offer, which they can accept or not. If they don't there's plenty of other cars on the market.

Times have changed move on does a suit make him do his job any better I much rather have a professional salesman that knew the product than some educated idiot in a suit I've just got SWMBO a top of the range ford Kuga went in in jeans and t shirt and was treated with respect by a salesman who knew his stuff he was dressed in trousers and shirt no tie thanks to his knowledge and attitude he walked away with a significant order I even commented to the sales manager what a pleasure it was to deal with a real salesman Now if only MB did that I might buy one

Sent from my iPhone using MBClub UK

 

[automaniaman]

If you don't get the service you require, take you custom elsewhere..

 

[flango]

If you don't get the service you require, take you custom elsewhere..

My sentiments exactly it applies to cars, restaurants and most things in life

Sent from my iPhone using MBClub UK

 

[Giantvanman]

My guess is that they don't bother providing a premium dealership service as they no longer sell (with a few exceptions) premium vehicles. They're selling their history.

αναπαύονται στις δάφνες τους, which is rather appropriate given the MB badge.

I'm not sure that is the case; we have had excellent service from what would generally perceived to be a much lesser brand or lesser brand (Citroen & Saab) over the years, both locally from the dealer and nationally from head office.

EDIT: see post 49 also. There is something else at play and I think it starts with MB Corporate.

 

[Bernie36968]

Just a big vote for the independent specialists. You know the sort that order parts from memory. who's livelihood depends on the customers coming back year on year.

I bought a W208 320 Sport this year, 15 years old but with a main agent service history, stamps and bills. Half the work never appears to have been done.
My independent has sorted it all out for me now and its running beautifully. Just came back from a 150 mile round trip today and its a joy.

The previous woman owner was ripped off big time!

 

[219]

Mercedes doesn't so factory collection anymore.

The snag with your process is that most people want to haggle with someone over the price.

Since when ? It has been an option since day 1 .

I think the whole haggling thing is wrong - buying a car should be no different from buying a computer , a camera or anything else : there's a price list and once you choose what you want - there's the price .

Secondhand or ex demo is another matter .

 

[Giantvanman]

there's a price list and once you choose what you want - there's the price

Quite right; I never ask for discounts. However, I am always offered discounts due to my film star good looks having been mistaken for Brad Pitt quite often.





















I made that up.

 

[219]

Personally if I went into a top-end car dealership to be confronted by a salesman in "jeans and a smart shirt with no tie", I'd turn around and walk straight out again. I'd expect collar and tie at least. In fact when I went into Merecedes-Benz Leeds in September the young lady at Service Reception apologised for being 'dressed-down' because they were having a charity day.

Similarly, if a scruffy oik came into the showroom and the sales team ignored him, I wouldn't blame them.

But then, I'm old-fashioned, and admittedly probably in a minority these days.

The 'not knowing their product', and the equivalent in other occupations, is endemic in our modern society. In my experience there's a not insignificant percentage of the workforce in this country who couldn't give a poo. It's the way they're brought up these days, on a diet of rights with no sense of duty or responsibility. Can't be a*sed.

As for MB sales people not knowing their product, it doesn't bother me in the slightest because before I buy a car of any marque I've thoroughly researched as far as possible the model history, not least because I wouldn't trust unsupported information presented to me by a salesman. All I need is someone to facilitate a test drive.

I can never understand anyone who walks into a showroom and buys a car simply because they like the look of it, and pays the price on the windscreen. A lot of people do this.

Know the car and know its value, so that you can present the dealership with a realistic offer, which they can accept or not. If they don't there's plenty of other cars on the market.

Well , I wouldn't care what they looked like , as long as they knew their job and gave good service ; actually , I'd feel more comfortable dealing with someone who dressed casually as I generally do and didn't look down their nose at me .

A good number of years ago Mercedes-Benz sent a directive to all dealers worldwide to the effect that many customers tend to 'dress down' and should not be judged on appearance .

I'm all for researching and knowing the facts , and expect the same from sales people , but I detest haggling and would never do it .

Back when I sold upmarket hi-fi ( some of which cost more than most people's cars ) I knew my stuff , helped customers arrive at what was right for them and provided costings - we didn't haggle or give discounts : if customers wanted what we had , they paid the quoted price - end of .

 

[55NF]

Times have changed move on does a suit make him do his job any better I much rather have a professional salesman that knew the product than some educated idiot in a suit I've just got SWMBO a top of the range ford Kuga went in in jeans and t shirt and was treated with respect by a salesman who knew his stuff he was dressed in trousers and shirt no tie thanks to his knowledge and attitude he walked away with a significant order I even commented to the sales manager what a pleasure it was to deal with a real salesman Now if only MB did that I might buy one

Sent from my iPhone using MBClub UK

Sort of agree, but if you wrote to me with such bad grammar & punctuation, as you have above, I wouldn't entertain dealing with you. Infact, I wouldn't even reply. No offence, and please don't take it personally, but an educated well-written & correctly punctuated email / letter reflects the type of person I'm dealing with, whether they're dressed in a suit or not.

 

[IanA2]

Sort of agree, but if you wrote to me with such bad grammar & punctuation, as you have above, I wouldn't entertain dealing with you. Infact, I wouldn't even reply. No offence, and please don't take it personally, but an educated well-written & correctly punctuated email / letter reflects the type of person I'm dealing with, whether they're dressed in a suit or not.

If I were you I should go back to bed again, and try getting out of the right side

 

[Deleted member 6183]

Since when ? It has been an option since day 1 .

I think the whole haggling thing is wrong - buying a car should be no different from buying a computer , a camera or anything else : there's a price list and once you choose what you want - there's the price .

Secondhand or ex demo is another matter .

Are you sure that you are from North of the border??

I will almost always ask for a discount or something else to sweeten the deal, also happy to accept a refusal on the basis that there's no harm asking.

Not bothered how sales people are dressed but get very ****y when being lied to or when seller does not know the answer and tries to bluff their way through.

 

[KennyN]

I will almost always ask for a discount or something else to sweeten the deal.

Being Scottish it is in our nature.

We ordered a new suite recently , haggled and saved £600.

New living room tables , haggled and saved £100.

Tried to haggle in PC World as we were buying a TV / Stand / Laptop / Tablet but the chap would only "offer" us around 2% off so we walked away ,but returned as we couldn't get the items any cheaper elsewhere in the timescale we needed and they knew it as PC World have got the local market pretty sewn up.

Maybe those that don't "haggle" have too much money or feel embarrassed about doing so, not me the £700 we saved is better off in our pockets than the shops till.

Kenny