Story behind the Dealership hacks!

ExplicitDetails said:
Have you approached the GM or someone to see if they will make some changes? If not, how do you know they won't do it? If you take some time to explain how much happier customers will be for a minimal investment maybe they will see the light. If you have done that then I put my foot in my mouth :)
Click to expand...



We have asked to buy a hair removal product and was denied. You know how many pet hair I have to deal with!? It's insane and was denied.



thomasdekany said:
I am actually in Clackamas county. Where do you work?
Click to expand...



Gresham area.
 
Beematic said:
We have asked to buy a hair removal product and was denied. You know how many pet hair I have to deal with!? It's insane and was denied.
Click to expand...



What sort of product did you ask for? Cost?



You can use regular latex gloves (which you probably have and wear anyway) to tackle pet hair.... or grab a $3 pumice stone and use that.



It all comes down to finding the cheapest ways to get the job done effectively and efficiently -- sometimes that means justifying an expenditure, sometimes that means creative thinking.
 
Regardless of the cost, I'd personally buy every product and tool I could that would allow me to do a job faster. Just as a Mechanic/Body Man would who's flagging time.
 
David Fermani said:
Regardless of the cost, I'd personally buy every product and tool I could that would allow me to do a job faster..
Click to expand...



Or do it better.



That's part of why I was able to do decent work compared to the other guys. But I guess it's easy for us to spend somebody else's money.
 
DaVinciAutoSpa said:
I admit I do sort of cringe when I hear the term 'hack' thrown around in regards to dealerships. I've worked in a few dealerships, not as a detailer, and it's ALL ABOUT time and money. Managers don't care, nor do GMs. Quicker they get the car back on the lot, quicker they sell it, quicker they make their money.



So what seems obvious to most, isn't to others. I'm glad you posted.
Click to expand...



Yep. Lost a dealer account over the summer we busted our asses to service because a hacker shop came in and undercut us by $20 a car. The tower operator told me verbatim "I don't care if I get 60% of the quality I get from you guys if I can get the car back faster and cheaper". They literally do not care what the customer gets unless the customer complains and then they will get it done properly.
 
Dan said:
CPO usually includes a warranty, which costs the dealer $1500-2000. I've had a few dealers offer to unCPO cars when the haggling got down to slim margins.
Click to expand...



Warranty doesn't cost anywhere near that my friend. My buddy owns a GM dealership and when I bought my last truck there he sold me a GMAC bumper to bumper warranty for $800 and I'm sure he still made money on it because they NEVER do anything for free. I know they usually sell that warranty for $2500-$3000. Margin on warranty is HUGE
 
PM me and we should meet. Sometimes I could use help.



Beematic said:
We have asked to buy a hair removal product and was denied. You know how many pet hair I have to deal with!? It's insane and was denied.







Gresham area.
Click to expand...
 
C. Charles Hahn said:
What sort of product did you ask for? Cost?



You can use regular latex gloves (which you probably have and wear anyway) to tackle pet hair.... or grab a $3 pumice stone and use that.



It all comes down to finding the cheapest ways to get the job done effectively and efficiently -- sometimes that means justifying an expenditure, sometimes that means creative thinking.
Click to expand...



Pumice stone? I use latex gloves but some car is just WOW. My wife is a nail technician. I'll tell her to grab me some at the shop.



thomasdekany said:
PM me and we should meet. Sometimes I could use help.
Click to expand...



I'm only off Sunday/Monday. But PM'd.
 
Well, I've had it today with the treatment of worker. I quit and am moving back to Boston. They expect me to clean a off-road Hummer H3 in 4 hours with MUD everywhere! Inside/outside just MUD!



photo1.jpg




They want me to Clay, Compound, Polish, Wax and full interior and engine detail in 4 hours... 4 freaking hours... I stand by my work, but take offense to someone calling me a "EFFING IDIOT that knows NOTHING"
 
i feel your frustration. i'm always thinking the same as you when i'm working at the body shop as a detailer as well. the only way to keep me sane is to keep telling myself this work is not autopian work and i just have to get it done within the time frame i'm given.
 
Beematic said:
Well, I've had it today with the treatment of worker. I quit and am moving back to Boston. They expect me to clean a off-road Hummer H3 in 4 hours with MUD everywhere! Inside/outside just MUD!



photo1.jpg




They want me to Clay, Compound, Polish, Wax and full interior and engine detail in 4 hours... 4 freaking hours... I stand by my work, but take offense to someone calling me a "EFFING IDIOT that knows NOTHING"
Click to expand...



Congrats! Sounds like you almost went postal? If you're going to Boston, you should try seeing if RickRack could use your help. He's got quite a nice business there.
 
I have a GM position in Boston before I left. I just don't want to work 70hrs a week. On average my pay is $27/hr, but I wanted to spend time with my daughter and grew frustrated with the owner for the increased in hours over the summer. So I left Boston to live a different life and avoid dramas. Apparently things settle out and the company and I settle things over the few days. I knew the on Wednesday that it would be my last and I just know it comes down to another crap car. I've seen Rick's work on few of my Yuppie friends.



But thank you all.



BTW, I know it's not Autopia work, but I can't even get it looking decent in 4 hours. Any minutes after that 4 hours flat rate, I'm not paid for. So, if I were to work on it for 10 hours to make it look good, I would only get 4 paying hours.
 
I appreciate the info here. Beematic thanks for your input. I used to run a mobile bumper repair business and worked for dealerships primarily. It is so true that they care only about money. It's a shame, but it's true. Keep your standards up and hopefully you can break free from dealer work and start your own business and detail vehicles the correct way. For many here it is a privilege to run a small detailing business and have the peace of mind that you are doing quality work. :goodjob
 
ShineShop said:
Warranty doesn't cost anywhere near that my friend. My buddy owns a GM dealership and when I bought my last truck there he sold me a GMAC bumper to bumper warranty for $800 and I'm sure he still made money on it because they NEVER do anything for free. I know they usually sell that warranty for $2500-$3000. Margin on warranty is HUGE
Click to expand...





Perhaps you didn't read my post well or don't understand how CPO works. The warranty price is included in the listing price of the car. We haggled down to a price, beyond that price the would not budge besides offering to remove the CPO. You could say I've done a few car deals before, besides working for a dealership, I have been at the purchasing table for over 50, yes 50 cars. Their cost was $1500-2000 and they OFFERED TO REMOVE that amount from the purchase price of the car if I didn't want it. If it cost them $800, they wouldn't offer to reduce the price by $2k, would they?



And pricewise, you are comparing a GM to an Audi. Domestic car parts and labor are amazingly cheap. Replacing an AC compressor on an S4 will set you back nearly that full amount.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top