Dealer / Customer Relations Horror Stories

[ChrisMcLaughlin]

Re: Dealer / Customer Relations Horror Stories

PHATMANMIKE!<br />You just posted that you KNEW that the motor was hot that you bought???

 

[phatmanmike]

Re: Dealer / Customer Relations Horror Stories

i meant to say motor is SHOT.. oops.. sorry... proofraeders of the wordl untie

 

[snapperbait]

Re: Dealer / Customer Relations Horror Stories

This is kinda mean and funny at the same time...<br /><br />I deal with the same prop shop quite a bit, mostly for our own customers, but I needed a prop for my 21footer.... Performance wize, the old prop I had just was'nt cutting it..<br /><br /> Anywhoo, not knowing really where to start because the boats kinda odd inboard with a tunnel, the guys at the shop and I milled it over and spec'd out a prop we figured would be just about right.. It was quite a different prop from the one I was running and it also needed to be bored to fit an oversized propshaft, so it was a bit of an expensive gamble $$$ on my part.. (if they bore it, I bought it kinda deal)<br /><br />Picked the prop up next day and put it on the boat, took it out for seatrial.. The differnce was unbelieveable...<br /><br />I called the guy at the prop shop and said in a very stern and unhappy tone "You know that prop you sold me", (I know he though he was going to get blasted) "yeah" he says, "well, it's the best dam prop i ever ran" "gained 4 knots at cruise" "just wanted to say how happy I am"... He laughed, call me a, well i can't say that here.. <br /><br />I believe I owe them guys a plate of goodies from the bakery..

 

[waterinthefuel]

Re: Dealer / Customer Relations Horror Stories

My little story is probably common, but it impressed me quite a bit.<br /><br />My father called about a used 40 that was at a dealership. It needed work, but was one I was looking closely at. The guy popped the cowling and the head was off. You could move the top piston around in it's sleeve with your hand. They guy was honest, said it would cost over a grand to fix. We told him we weren't interested, yet this guy didn't mind answering all my questions I had about outboards. He had a line of work, he was dirty as hell, yet still had a smile. I don't know what quality of work he did, but people like that make me want to go back.

 

[WillyBWright]

Re: Dealer / Customer Relations Horror Stories

My son's boat trailer needed all new bearings and seals. I had everything but one seal. I took an old one to one of those big auto parts chains. The biker-type chick behind the counter read the number off of it and entered it into her computer. Three parts came close to the numbers. A seal (duh), a starter bendix, and an air filter element. They didn't stock any of them, so she said "We'll have to order. Is that a seal, starter bendix, or air filter element?" I picked-up my seal and left. I had to. I didn't want to bust out laughing in the store. I don't think she lasted there more than a few weeks.

 

[Hunky Dory]

Re: Dealer / Customer Relations Horror Stories

I'm almost afraid to ask a question at my hometown dealer for fear that they'll lose a half hour rounding up the answer -- whatever it takes! From "how do I ensure the block is drained", "what pitch is this old Michigan" to "I can't reach this clip while I DIY that foreign outdrive you don't sell" it is near impossible to retract the question once posed.<br /><br />After the pleasure of a remarkably inexpensive repair bill my buddy bought one of their used boats at a tremendous bargain. Neither he nor I have ever been charged "marine" prices for anything we've needed. Nor have I ever been chased out of the store when they had every right to do so. Of course, I've spent nearly $111.14 there -- so no wonder!<br /><br />In the spirit of this thread I'll not mention any names but Longmont Colorado only has one "marine" store. In case my phrasing was too convoluted this post is 100% positive. Those guys far exceed expectations. They must love the business....

 

[Ralph 123]

Re: Dealer / Customer Relations Horror Stories

Hunky - that is why they are the only one. They put every one else out of business - survival of the fittest