Fitzgerald Dodge Shakes Down SRT-10 Buyer

[Nexus-6]

My business goes to Bill P at Woodhouse!!

Ditto!

Begins the hijack...

Matter of fact, any future Dodge or Ford vehicle I buy PERIOD will be through Woodhouse Dodge and Bill Pemberton if possible.

Bill is SO good in fact that I gave my buddy a really hard time when he bought his Hemi 1500 2 weeks ago from a local dealer...and of course, they messed it up and had to fix it over several days. I was chanting "Shoulda called Bill...." the entire time!

Seriously guys - to anyone who's looking, give Bill a call. He restored my faith in dealerships and salesmen and for a guy who buys a new car every 6 months, that's saying a lot.

End of hijack and public service announcement...

 

[George Murray]

Following a discussion at lunch with my friend today, it was made plain to me that the Fitzgerald pre-payment policy was not explained by Mr. Buker of Fitzgerald until he called my friend to tell him that the car had been completed and was in inspection status.

My friend's a stand-up guy, all the way. Retired from the Navy since 1989, he served initially in the enlisted ranks, distinguishing himself in both combat and in peacetime, and eventually retired as an officer. 24 years active duty, Vietnam combat vet ("brown-water Navy," Special Boat Units in the Mekong Delta) as well as Lebanon and other hot spots throughout his career, ships' engineer in later years. Currently a defense contractor. I know him to be a no-nonsense and trustworthy person, period. He's not a complainer by nature; he is one of the most patient people I know.

I feel his complaint is valid. I feel that this forum is as good a place as any to air it.

We both very much appreciate the comments and advice communicated to us here and via email.

 

[Yves]

Met the finacial manager of Fitzgerald at a conference for Finance Diretors. They have actualy just implemented EVA (Economic Value Added), a new way of looking at profit.
Under EVA certain balance sheet components are charged to the P&L statement. Accounts Receivables is one of them. In order to maximize EVA, the sales rep who is a very results oriented guy asked for immediate payment. He was not thinking about his own bonus at all, just shareholder value !

Just kidding guys. What you see is greed. Bottomline profit has taken over from customer service. So sad. Good for the short term, but destructive longer term.

 

[Black SRT]

George,

Now that numerous people have supported Fitzgerald's company policy on drop-ships, you still find fault with their lack of notice to your friend. With every post your argument becomes pettier, yet you cling to it stubbornly. We all welcome a healthy debate of the issues but whatever happened to a fair and objective statement of facts? Let's take a look at a sampling of some of the seemingly spiteful comments you've made along the way:

Fitzgerald Dodge Shakes Down SRT-10 Buyer

Or would that be "two faces" with "one name?"

the salesman, appears to possess a cavalier and arrogant attitude;

Will it go into your snow removal budget, or simply into your "snowjob" budget?

Do you suppose they used the $78,008 to load up on French wine & cheese products?

In my opinion, the above commentary is both unfair and libelous, based on your argument. Fitzgerald Motor Sports is one of the finest car dealers in New England and you have no right to besmirch their good name as a third party observer. If your friend has something to say, let him learn how to type.

Bottom line: You owe Fitzgerald a sincere apology. You solicited advice, and now I'm giving it to you.

Regards,

 

[George Murray]

Rick - noted.

 

[George Murray]

Rick - my reply above was too short, as I was busy.

I may well not possess all of the facts, and in light of that, I'll not post any further opinions or facts as I know them (which probably means "opinions" to you anyway...) until I've acquired more information. Or I may post no more on this subject. After this, that is.

As I stated, I received outstanding service from Fitzgerald when I purchased my first Viper. Based on opinions I read on this very board over a year ago, I strongly recommended Fitzgerald to my SRT-10 purchaser friend when he was made aware that he was eligible for a certificate - even though I felt I wasn't offered a very good deal in 1999 when I shopped for my second RT/10. I figured they had made changes for the better, which by accounts I had read, they had.

It is possible there was/is a miscommunication at work here. If so, I shall indeed apologize, not to just Dan Fitzgerald and Mike Buker, but to all who read this thread.

Best regards, George

 

[BobK898]

Roanoke is one of the top 2? That's a surprise. My transaction there was less than appetizing. Wouldn't go back.

 

[George Murray]

As far as I'm concerned, this thread should be ended. All is well at this time, and I'll post no more on this thread. I will create a new one to explain.

George