Truck Dealers

[louixo]

Pjjj, not being allowed to name names is the right thing to do, as anyone can write anything about any company or individual without proof. That would open up a whole other can of worms, and it could lead to raining lawyers, as if raining lawyers isn"t happening enough already in this country. However if you want to hear the names, all you have to do is PM the poster as many offer to give the name if you do that, and in my view that"s the way it should be because there are two sides to every story.

 

[Lawrence]

With all due respect to the owners of this wonderful site, I think it's awful that people aren't free to name names about where they got shafted, so mistakes aren't repeated.
To me, that's the whole purpose of having a venue where people can share stories and info, vent and give tips.. it seems to be a conflict that the advertisers could happen to also be the ones being vented about.
Sure it's a great venue for them to reach hundreds of potential customers all in one place, probably for relatively cheap.. but on the other end, does that excuse shoddy business practices and allow them to continue without a word?
Maybe it'd be a great idea to obtain different types of advertisers such as fuel brands, truck stops, food manufacturers, slushbusters, handtrucks, or whatever, since generally they're probably going to be bashed a lot less than a carrier or a truck dealer.
If a place pays money to advertise on a site, it shouldn't come with an expectation or promise of being untouched in the event they're actually screwing people in our industry. Kinda like a newspaper.. there's the advertising department, and there's the editorial department.. and with any integrity, the editorial dept isn't allowed to be bought by the advertisers, no matter how much the advertising reps would prefer that.
Whether a carrier or a truck dealer pays money to advertise here or not, should not have a bearing on what is said about them, from one expediter to another. If they don't want to be 'dissed', they can pull their socks up and change their reputation.

Stop.

Hold you horses. Whoa Nelly!

You have made an erroneous assumption here. Who said you can't name a name?

What we prohibit is people using the forum as a pulpit to resolve disputes. Whether they be fleet owner, carrier, dealers, driver or whatever.

Over the years this forum has learned that very little is accomplished by using this method to get the party you are having a dispute with to resolve it.

The other issue is this... there is always two sides to every story - so many times we only get one side of the story here.

As long as you meet the Code of Conduct (Drive by Postings) - we don't have an issue if you say "I was not happy with the service of ABC Company and don't plan to buy there again".
However, we will remove posts that go along this theme...
"ABC Company or Fleet Owner or Carrier said I would get a $50 Gift Card - I'm posting this to shame them into giving me what I want" .....posts with that theme or tone will be removed.

Also, keep in mind there are REAL LEGAL issues with what YOU say here - even if it is the "truth". Even if we remove your post/statements before we are asked to by an attorney - you still may be liable or at least it may cost you a couple thousand bucks defending yourself. It has happened SEVERAL times here. It is no laughing matter.

SHODDY BUSINESS PRACTICES

Over the years we have removed advertisers because overtime we saw a clear pattern of deceitful business practices and in one case - clear fraud.

On that note with the current economy - businesses are changing very rapidly. I can say this for certain...if they are NOT on EO I would be VERY cautious about doing business with them at least in regards to expediting.

 

[pjjjjj]

Thanks for clarifying my misconceptions Lawrence.

 

[dhalltoyo]

I did like you idea about telling a dealer why you are not buying from them.

I even go one step further and make it a point to tell other potential customers about the poor quality service at ABC Company and what great service you can get at XYZ Company.

Several years ago I had some difficulties with a software company. Basically, it was a pride issue on the part of that owner. His arrogance and unwillingness to admit the errors in his software and a lack of customer service led me to tell every driver considering a purchase about my experience. I would literally stand inside truck stops near their displays and speak to every person looking at the product.

It seems they no longer are marketing that product.

 

[nightcreacher]

Let me say something here.In 1984 i bought a 1979 freightliner from a KW dealer near where I live,not saying any names.I drove out the parking lot and the speedometer quit,so I then went back in to said dealership only to be told it was a used truck,you bought as is,Needless to say,all my service work then went to the freightliner dealer next door.Ok,now get ready for this.The reason this truck was bought,it was suppose to have a Cat engine with a year old overhaul.First load took me to NJ.delivered and on way back to OHio,truck blew up on I 80 in front of Pocono Peterbilt,long story shortened,was told motor had minimum 500000 miles,no over haul.I then called sales person,after conversation went to lawyer,rebuild cost me 7000 bucks.I have bought 2 trucks from that dealer since,and never had a problem like that,but the trucks were new,and I got what I felt was a good deal.
When you get the ad that says call for pricing,they dont know if you have a trade in,which then raises the price so they can make you feel good about the price they are about to give you for yours,and that higher price, might scare a potential buyer that doesnt have a trade in.
I was just looking at a new truck,price discount on the new was great and I felt would have been getting a good deal,then he wanted me to give my truck to him,at a below wholesale figure.When you trade a car or truck,the dealership makes more money on your trade in than the new you are buying.They also get a part of the financing,and if you do your service work their,that also is a profit,so in most cases,the can sell the new truck or car just a little over the invoice.I just bought a chev HHR,well 6 months ago,widow sticker just under $21000,I paid $18600 tax title out the door.LOts of rebates and GM employee discount.

 

[louixo]

"Call for price" still leaves me cold. If the dealer quotes a price,it"s understood that it is a cash price. When I get to the dealer to see the truck, we negotiate the price based on my method of payment, trade in, equipment etc. Every dealer, car or truck, I"ve ever dealt with won"t solidify a price until they see your unit, if you"re trading, unless it"s one of those hypes about "tow in your trade and we"ll give you X amount of money". When I see "call for price" I turn the page. With the email deal I originally mentioned in this thread, it was $2000 off of a $100,000 plus unit. That"s under 2% discount. Whoopy doo! I"ll run right down there so I can be the first in line, and while I"m there maybe the sales dork will whisper the "call for price" figures in my ear. The economy is tight, if I"m gong to spend over $100,000 on a truck and all I can get is less than a 2% drop, I"ll be out of the sales office fast, I"ll probably get a speeding ticket for going across the showroom too fast.