1999-2009 [Subscribe to Daily Digest] |
TKC, this is not a reply to your post, but a follow-up.
We have to remember that good Saab Techs don't grow on trees. A lot of time and money has been invested into their Saab Education. Therefore, Saab Technicians are not cheap. They know that they can't be replaced, so they bring a premium salary. 90% of Saab dealers deal in Saab's because of an emotional attachment or personal reason. If money were the key factor, we would be selling Chevy Trucks. There is not enough volume in a Saab franchise (sales or service) to justify non-premium prices. Afterall, is your Saab a premium car or just another Chevy? I think that everyone needs to chew on that idea for a while. I know Saabs and love Saabs. I put my heart and soul into the franchise, how could someone expect me to discount what I love?
Remember all of those little favors or questions that you like to call and ask for? Does it frustrate you when you call and all of the employees are new, and no one knows who you are? If you are spending $30-$40k on a car, isn't it worth an extra thousand to know that you'll always have someone who'll take care of you when you need something or have a question about your car? If good Saab (and Saab loving) sales associates can't make enough money selling Saabs, then they leave to sell something else (like Chevies). You have no idea how many times I've thought of throwing in the towel and moving on to a larger make (like Mercedes Benz, Porsche/Audi, etc.). I stay because I see things getting better. It's hard to be in the Saab business. In the past, you didn't have the volume to do well, and your loyal customer base won't let you make money either. I've seen a lot of 'Good Dealers' come and go because they couldn't make any money. The unfortunate part being that a good number of them have been replaced by mediocre dealers that don't care about the franchise. This is bad for the brand, and hurts all of us as owners (resale values included).
I'm not telling anyone to lay down and get run over (because you're right, a dealer will take as much as you let him; we have to in order to survive), but do your homework and be reasonable. I know it's an ego thing to be able to say that you "knocked the dealer's head off", but if you have a good dealer with a good relationship, nurture that relationship. Think about how it would be if he were gone, and you had to deal with a total stranger (someone that you have zero trust in).
Cheers,
Brian.
posted by 64.217.26...
, Sun, 4 Aug 2002 20:36:58
No Site Registration is Required to Post - Site Membership is optional (Member Features List), but helps to keep the site online
for all Saabers. If the site helps you, please consider helping the site by becoming a member.
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
