Is this standard practice by Saturn in Toronto ?

My 2001 SL2 (35,000 Kilometers)would not start and had to be towed in to
my dealer. Before Service even analyzed the reason (turned out to be a
dead battery) my salesperson called me to tell me that he saw my car
towed in and wanted to offer me a special deal that would allow me to
get out of my lease (8 months to go) and put me in a new Ion. I was
dumbfounded. I was already upset by the need to be towed in and got
even more upset by the Sales call. Is it standard practice by Saturn
salespersons to call a customer to offer them a new car if he/she sees
their existing one towed in.. Gawd, I hope not!

 

He's a salesman. Probably a pretty good one. That is what they do. And
batteries do die unexpectedly. That is what they do too.

 

I listen to a salesman and the service writer battle one day at the
dealership. The service writer makes money on broken cars while the
salesman makes money on selling a new one. The two didn't seem to like each
other very much and had differing ideas.

Salesman was doing his job, although at your misfortune. I wouldn't worry
about it.

B~

 

from a salesman's POV, yes, he was doing his job, but IMHO he could have
shown some couth and waited for you to come in so that he could have spoken
to you face to face. Being able to meet him IP and him showing you some
patience and consideration may have won over your business. The service
writer and the salesman both know that eventually you have to come back to
pick up your car, That's the proper time to approach you or ask your
permission to call you at home.

marx404

 

Why? Suppose the repair would have been $500. Would you be happier making
a deal on the trade before or after paying the $500.

 

Wouldnt this fall under telemarketing? My phone, my home, my privacy
should not be intruded upon by someone trying to make a sale. Common
sense seems lacking by this salesman. Though things are different north
of the border...

"Dont tread on me."

 

The do not call list in the US does NOT include companies with which who
have a business relationship as the OP did in this case.

 

both Art and Blah Blah are correct, but then again it's all a matter of
ethics and timing. Like I said, Bosco would have had to return to pick up
his (or her) car and that would have been the proper time to talk to him
about a new car. Another proper way would be for the Service Writer to call
Bosco, as they already have a relationship, and discuss what the car needs,
the costs and then ASK permisson of Bosco if it is ok for the salesman to
call him. The fact that the salesman jumped the gun on ethical procedure
simply shows desperation and a complete lack of professionalism.

Bosco, this is not how it should work IMHO as a professional Saturn Sales
Consultant.
Ideally, all departments should work together and show equal respect for the
customer no matter what. I would have contacted the Store Manager or if
necc. the General Manager and complain about this individual's behaviour. I
would also definately express your unhappiness to your Service writer and
ask him why this happened.

Best of luck and I hope that when you are ready for a new Saturn that your
experience is a good one.

marx404