Would You Leave Negative Review in This Situation or Let It Go?

ShazOz on 30/12/2023 - 12:24
Last edited 30/12/2023 - 15:13 by 1 other user

I went for a test drive today and it was a pleasant experience dealing with the Sales Staff.

When I told them about my expected price which was $900 lower than their advertised price, sales staff spoke with the Manager who the came outside and said he was unable to match my expected price. He told me the advertised price was final otherwise he would have to show me out of the door.

I found his last comment extremely humiliating. The Manager could have worded it different and still made a positive experience even if he was not looking to close the sale.

This happened in front of my teenage son who was also quite upset as we were polite throughout the conversation and quietly left after hearing this comment.

Should I leave a negative review on their Google Page explaining this bad behaviour?

I did a test drive so they have full details so also conscious of this aspect.

Automotive

closed Comments

  • Hybroid on 30/12/2023 - 12:28
    +52

    I would say it wasn’t nice of them whatsoever, but they may not have meant any intended offence as a lot of people have different phrasing/terminology. Chalk it down as that and live your life.

    • juki on 30/12/2023 - 23:29
      +1

      car salesman isnt far from shoe salesman, when my brain is fast enough i'd just say the phrasing is a bit rude or send the dude a polite email as "feedback" if you feel it is worth your time, otherwise let it slide. if only Peg hadnt dug up that box in the garden.

      • nwa on 31/12/2023 - 09:14
        +3

        You talking about Al Bundy? Those were some of his best hits.

        • juki on 31/12/2023 - 09:33

          yeah it was a good episode but there are so many

    • HeWhoKnows on 31/12/2023 - 13:34
      -2

      I think OP is the one that has insulted the staff.
      This is quite obvious, and the sales manager was being quite polite.
      In fact its a "humble' way of saying they had plenty of others wanting the same vehicle for the advertised price.

      Obviously, they felt that their advertised price was already very competitive.

      An advertised price is just that.
      They are telling you that's the "starting price" they are expecting you to pay.
      With cars there are usually add-ons and extras so you would expect to pay more.

      And we dont know if OP caused a scene with the sales staff either.
      These posts are often very "one-sided"
      Im sure OP would have been told NO and demanded to see the manager.
      Hence the response

      And in my opinion there was no transaction so you can't review anything.
      Dissatisfaction with "negotiation" is not a cause for a negative review.

  • spackbace on 30/12/2023 - 12:29
    +5

    Without the exact wording it's hard to tell, hence why it's not worth the negative review.

    We (salespeople) do have a way with words, typically (mainly if it's a larger yard) using key phrases while trying to stay away from anything overly negative or obnoxious.

    Was the car advertised at a fixed price? Had fixed price been mentioned earlier in the conversation?

    • ShazOz on 30/12/2023 - 12:33
      +2

      Brand new car so I was asking $900 discount on advertised RRP.

      • spackbace on 30/12/2023 - 12:41
        +6

        Brand new car in stock, that's rare

        • Matt P on 30/12/2023 - 13:08
          +8

          Getting less rare. Even with brands worth buying.

        • ShazOz on 30/12/2023 - 22:04
          +1

          @spackbace Well you can find stock if you keep on looking. I was able to get brand new Kia car earlier this year within a week.

          • spackbace on 30/12/2023 - 22:05
            -2

            @ShazOz: Yes you did, but let it go for $900 😂

            • ShazOz on 30/12/2023 - 22:13
              +7

              @spackbace: No I didn't because another dealer is able to do much better pricing and ETA is again 1 week 😂

      • AustriaBargain on 30/12/2023 - 12:58

        Depending on the car there could be a loooong waiting list to get another new one.

      • fredz0r on 30/12/2023 - 16:19

        Advertised RRP? If it was advertised, driveaway campaign price especially on a entry level car 30k or under there's only a few hundred margin. If you are speaking real RRP which is list price plus on roads and dealer delivery. Yes, there is more wiggle room.

      • HeWhoKnows on 31/12/2023 - 13:53
        -1

        The price was as "advertised" so thats what you expect to pay.
        It was probably their "rock bottom" price mate.
        Lucky if you got any extras thrown in.
        Usually you walk out paying a heap more to get what you want

        Dont be a sore loser mate.
        Time to grow up and accept your failure to get an outcome

  • SBOB on 30/12/2023 - 12:29
    +26

    who the came outside and said he was unable to match my expected price. He told me the advertised price was final otherwise he would have to show me out of the door.

    If he came outside to talk to you, what door were you being shown :/

    You're dealing with car salesman, if that kind of interaction tempts to you leave poor reviews online I would suggest lowering your standards of car salesman.

    • spackbace on 30/12/2023 - 12:31
      +1

      If he came outside to talk to you

      That was the part that surprised me. No salesman worth anything negotiates price outside

      • ShazOz on 30/12/2023 - 12:34
        +5

        I mean he came out of his room. We were still inside the dealership building.

      • elgrande on 30/12/2023 - 12:59
        +16

        Yep.. take a seat. Sit here for 30 mins why I pretend to do something.

        • Nugs on 30/12/2023 - 14:30
          +15

          crunching numbers on oversized button calculator
          .

  • Some Human on 30/12/2023 - 12:33
    +1

    Were you being unintentionally aggressive? Like arguing relentlessly about the price before they spoke to their manager?
    Their response seems to indicate this.

    • ShazOz on 30/12/2023 - 12:35
      +1

      Nothing at all.

      I was very polite and thanking Sales Staff throughout for their positive experience.

  • dylanando on 30/12/2023 - 12:41
    +2

    write it off, shouldve walked out, head high and said cyaaa!

  • bobbified on 30/12/2023 - 12:41
    +18

    Playing on words is all part of negotiation. I read it as a 'challenge'-type thing to work you up enough so you don't let him "show you out the door' (although its backfired this time). I really doubt it was meant to offend because it's in their interests to get a sale.

    • matt-ozb on 31/12/2023 - 00:26
      +4

      Not sure why OP ignored replying to this one .. seems most likely scenario to me.

  • holdenmg on 30/12/2023 - 12:43
    +8

    Just as closing the sale is important, so too is determining if a sale is to be had,

    Clearly you and they were too far apart, (miles or kilometres apart). lol

    There is little or no point in you remaining unless you want to make a higher offer or see another vehicle in your price range.

    As such, they directed you to leave via the exit so they could get on with business or other customers.

    • ShazOz on 30/12/2023 - 22:07
      +2

      I appreciate your logic but there was absolutely no other customer at that time lol

      My employer will strictly reprimand me if I deal with their customer in this manner.

  • ascorbic on 30/12/2023 - 12:43
    +18

    Don't feel bad in any way about leaving a negative review. $900 is not much at all to haggle on what would cost you tens of thousands of dollars. You weren't asking for half price so there's absolutely no need for the manager to be so rude. There are plenty of dealerships so just find one that actually values your business.

    • ShazOz on 30/12/2023 - 22:08

      Agree - I asked a genuine question whether it's worth leaving a negative review but there are so many keyboard warriors here who think they know everything.

      Anyways I already found a dealer who is offering better pricing and will be visiting them next week.

      • CocaKoala on 31/12/2023 - 00:05
        +8

        100% leave the review. You have every right to state how you were made to feel at this establishment. That's what reviews are for.

      • El cheepo on 31/12/2023 - 08:51
        +8

        If you are genuinely unhappy with their customer service, go for it.
        Reviews are about your experience with the business and subjective.

        But don’t bother coming onto a forum to look for some obvious confirmation bias and get upset when people differ in opinion to you.
        No one is being a keyboard warrior, they just have a different perspective to your situation.

        Most people would just brush that treatment off, you can’t seem to. So either leave a review or ignore it and move on.

        • shreav on 31/12/2023 - 10:58

          But is it customer service if he's not a customer?

          Σ( °o°)

      • Eeples on 31/12/2023 - 12:04

        $900 better?

  • AustriaBargain on 30/12/2023 - 12:57
    +1

    lol, show you the door. I'd leave a negative review, though I try not to leave too many negative reviews because it takes away some of the weight of it when people see most of your reviews are negative, so I pick my battles. Helps to pad your account out with extra positive reviews so people don't think you're some kind of crank.

    • emblurr on 30/12/2023 - 14:01
      +11

      'I'll show you the door"
      'I'll show you the negative review"

  • mapax on 30/12/2023 - 12:58
    +13

    I would have just said “well you’d better show me the door then because I’m a professional, yes, that kind of professional, I’m an OzBargainer and we don’t pay RRP.”

    • elgrande on 30/12/2023 - 13:01

      NPFP..!

    • Jimothy Wongingtons on 30/12/2023 - 14:34
      +5

      I’m an OzBargainer

      Manager: oh yeah but are you a level 69 dual class ozbargain AND whirlpool forum elder high lord battle wizard?

      • mapax on 31/12/2023 - 11:11
        +1

        I scoff at your recognition of wizards.
        I am a level 420.69 OzBargainer, yeah, that’s right, a level four hundred and twenty point sixty nine fomo, mofo!

        • mapax on 31/12/2023 - 13:45

          Damn, just realised I stuffed that joke up…

  • payless69 on 30/12/2023 - 13:02
    +1

    Your money, your choice.
    Dealers car, their choice.
    Nobody's fault, no need for review.
    A month ago I went to a dealer for my dream model.
    They straight gave me 2 offers.
    Test drive= full retail
    Money on table now= 3 k discount!
    5 minutes to make up my mind.

    • Nugs on 30/12/2023 - 14:32
      +16

      "Test drive= full retail
      Money on table now= 3 k discount!"
      because they know you might not like it after driving it
      .

      • payless69 on 30/12/2023 - 18:52
        +1

        Dealerships do cost money to run! Building costs, staff cost and demo vehicles.
        Currently there is a global overproduction of cars. Australian stock levels will catch up.
        Due to supply and demand prices are coming down but govt rebates get cut back.
        Dealers have to push models that are hard to sell.
        Honda started using dealers as sham contractors, Merc followed.

        Maybe they still remembered me when I test drove a model S. When I said: What no HUD?

    • bogstation on 30/12/2023 - 18:30
      +1

      What car? Did you buy it? With or without test drive?

  • JIMB0 on 30/12/2023 - 13:07
    +7

    So basically you wasted their time, as well as yours and now you're wasting even more time pondering a negative review. It would help if you post up exactly what they said. Also what car and price. Otherwise we haven't got much to go on.

    • Inertia-g on 31/12/2023 - 09:15
      +1

      As well as exactly what OP said - OP may have deserved the response from the manager

  • Tee Rex Arms on 30/12/2023 - 13:34
    +16

    Please. Develop some resilience.

    • ShazOz on 30/12/2023 - 22:17
      -1

      Next time when you visit JB Hifi or any other store to do price matching, I really wish they straight away say to you 'Here is the way out'.

      • Empharand on 31/12/2023 - 00:32
        +6

        What a ridiculous thing to say!
        Where was the logic in using 'Price-matching' retailers like JB-Hifi as your reply? Differs quite differently compared to Dealerships…. completely different products, JB Hifi offers price matching and so do other retailers. AFAIK Dealerships don't do price matching.

        Car dealerships don't price match other dealerships, no-where in your post did you mention that the same vehicle was available elsewhere for $900 cheaper, so you aren't trying to price-match you're just trying to haggle.

  • ihfree on 30/12/2023 - 13:40
    +1

    Yeah, I'd let it go. New cars are still in demand as far as I'm aware. It's probably just a figure of speech and a bit of pressure.

  • MS Paint on 30/12/2023 - 13:44
    +21

    If it wasn't said in an aggressive tone then it's just slang for…..

    Sorry dude, can't help you with that price. Have a nice day.

    and time to be less of a snowflake.

    If it was aggressive then just don't give them your business and move on with your day.

  • Brick Tamland on 30/12/2023 - 13:45
    +3

    If the manager literally said they will show you out the door I'd be fairly insulted too. Granted that dealers like the theatrics and pretend to be shocked by a low offer but if they tried to show me the door I'd leave and never come back. I'd probably also write a negative review. If you show someone the door you are kicking them out or being ordered to leave. If it was said in a joking way than take it as the usual theatrics.

  • CurlCurl on 30/12/2023 - 13:47
    +13

    A dealer once told me that once I walked out the door the price he just gave me would be null and void. I said, looks like I won't be seeing you again and left. Got $1,200 better price from another dealer.

  • Xetrok on 30/12/2023 - 13:51
    +4

    It's a pretty hard line in terms of negotiation.
    If they did indeed say "we'll just have to show you the door", it would have irked me too, purely because it's disrespectful.
    I would have just replied with something like, "Call me when you have some room to move or extras to throw in, but don't wait too long, I'm actively looking. You can open the door for me now"

    • JimmyF on 30/12/2023 - 15:03

      If they did indeed say "we'll just have to show you the door", it would have irked me too, purely because it's disrespectful.

      It is basically the dealer was saying they won't enter price negotiations, so its either the sticker price or we'll show you the door as there isn't anything else we can do for you and its just wasting everyone's time to pretend otherwise.

      Still wanting to know why the OP thought it should be $900 less.

  • Sye on 30/12/2023 - 13:53
    +5

    I would have said "come back after you have bought 300 more Boost Sims"

  • holdenmg on 30/12/2023 - 13:53

    If they offered to show me the door, I would have price beat them with Doors Plus.
    (or Officeworks). lol

  • original15 on 30/12/2023 - 14:07

    personally wouldn’t leave a review about that wording

  • Bunnyburger on 30/12/2023 - 14:12
    +2

    In this economy, you wouldn't expect managers to be this disrespectful.

    He should have just said he's sorry he couldn't accommodate your price range / do business today with you. That would've left the window open for later.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4oaEfBMA7AE

  • JimmyF on 30/12/2023 - 14:41
    +19

    When I told them about my expected price which was $900 lower than their advertised price

    So why was your expected price lower? Based on what? Cars have been RRP for many years now, short supply and low stock means dealers don't have to discount. If you don't buy it, someone else will. The days of screwing down dealers on car prices is over for the short term.

    This happened in front of my teenage son who was also quite upset as we were polite throughout the conversation and quietly left after hearing this comment.

    LOL sounds like you both need to toughen up a bit if your son was upset over that. You come across as someone who sounds butt hurt as the old man didn't get his way at the dealer infront of your son.

    • MS Paint on 30/12/2023 - 14:47
      +7

      Thanks for saying what we are all thinking.

      • JimmyF on 30/12/2023 - 14:58
        +2

        I guess I'll be getting a bad review too from the OP ;)

      • jackspratt on 31/12/2023 - 13:38

        Thanks for assuming everyone thinks the same as you.

        • MS Paint on 31/12/2023 - 14:07

          Thanks for the thanks for thinking the way I thank.

  • localhost on 30/12/2023 - 14:55
    -1

    Negative review won't help. I am looking for a specific car, model I will ask the dealership without looking at the reviews. Just walk away and shop elsewhere.

    Too many good years for car sales and dealers think they can do anything, but still cash is king.

  • ode1online on 30/12/2023 - 16:47
    +1

    Leave it be, If you left your details they will be on the phone or emailing soon telling you about the Manufacturers special price.

  • Drakesy on 30/12/2023 - 17:07
    +7

    I found his last comment extremely humiliating. The Manager could have worded it different and still made a positive experience even if he was not looking to close the sale.
    This happened in front of my teenage son who was also quite upset as we were polite throughout the conversation and quietly left after hearing this comment.

    Tell me you're a karen without telling me… lay off getting so easily butthurt. Also there's two sides to every story, i'd like to get their take.
    Is that you hellopam?

    What is society coming to if people are getting offended at everyday interactions. What you've just experienced is a very standard procedure with car dealers. You're welcome to take your business elsewhere. They don't have to match your price. By no means am i protecting car dealers (literally the biggest leaches on society next to real estate salespeople), but you need to take a chill pill.

    • simplystu on 30/12/2023 - 17:43
      +2

      I think OP is taking issue with this comment from the manager … "He told me the advertised price was final otherwise he would have to show me out of the door."

      Which is weird as car dealerships - pretty much always negotiable on price (it's basically the done thing) … some others that posted above also commented on this.

  • simplystu on 30/12/2023 - 17:36
    +1

    OP … reckon this should've been a poll.

    I'm very active in terms of google maps/reviews.
    All upto you … can maybe give 2-3 stars, but then use description in detail as to your reasons why?

    OR … if you really want to go "FULL KAREN" - then directly contact the dealership … bonus if you use your detective skills to source the email of a senior manager / higher up email address … (rather than their general email which will be read/deleted by some low-paid worker).

    Personally - option #1 - the passive approach … works well + lets other ppl know about issues at said business.

  • Ocker on 30/12/2023 - 17:38
    +7

    Always two sides to a story and we are only hearing one, which is naturally biased.

  • Nutrino on 30/12/2023 - 18:12
    +1

    Bloody tire kicker….

  • FTTNope on 30/12/2023 - 18:21

    What was the car though? That also affects how reasonable the statement was

  • Euphemistic on 30/12/2023 - 18:30
    +5

    My guess was a miscommunication. Culturally different backgrounds? Did their tone change to indicate aggression?

    My guess is if you called them on it immediately there would have been some serious back-pedalling even if it was what the salesperson thought was ‘harmless banter/joke’.

    You keep stressing that you were perfectly polite. That’s also the catch cry of people who know they’re in the ring but want to get stuck in for a bad review for something very minor.

    • freefall101 on 30/12/2023 - 19:03
      +5

      This, I come from a family where everyone is really sarcastic and more than a couple of times I've said things that didn't come off as intended. If someone told me they had to show me the door as part of a normal conversation I'd just assume they were joking unless their tone said otherwise.

      There's a big difference between a soft toned "I'm really sorry but the advertised price is all we can do, it's that or show you the door" and an aggressive "pay that or I'll show you the door". But I can really see why it's a terrible choice of words that the manager may not have realised comes off really badly.

  • Postal Dude on 30/12/2023 - 19:33
    +14

    Your teenage son? that's odd, they were only ten in this post of yours https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/755203

    • Seraphin7 on 30/12/2023 - 19:48
      +3

      Kids grow up quick these days!

    • ShazOz on 30/12/2023 - 22:11
      -5

      He is nearly 12 so I admit technically he is not teenager (it was error on my part).

      • Randolph Duke on 30/12/2023 - 22:45
        +3

        What about the extra years he’s aged since Feb? Would get that checked out.

      • Lockieasy on 31/12/2023 - 13:53

        How can we even believe your version of this dealership story when you can't even get the age of your son right? 🤔

  • Typical16-bitEnjoyer on 30/12/2023 - 19:55

    Which new car? That will explain all.

  • brad1-8tsi on 30/12/2023 - 21:15
    +5

    Could it be that culturally you weren't on the same page? That the phrasing and tone weren't to your expectations but may have been OK in his cultural group or demographic?

    Who's lost out in this case? The car yard that's lost a sale or you that has other car yards to buy from?

    PS: Don't take your son to negotiations like that. You are obviously upset that you couldn't demonstrate your negotiation skills in a positive manner.

  • Look Up on 30/12/2023 - 21:35
    +12

    He told me the advertised price was final otherwise he would have to show me out of the door. I found his last comment extremely humiliating.

    @ShamRaz your posting history indicates you are a certain personality type that continually attracts awkward situations

    The fact that you deliberately leave out key information in your posts when trying to garner sympathy from OzBargain makes it worse

    Firstly, expecting a $900 discount on a $90K AMG is much different than the same discount on a $25K Kia - what is the car you were planning to buy and what was the advertised price?

    Secondly, auto sales staff in Sydney are very experienced in dealing with tire kickers

    Ultimatums are never given unless they know the buyer is a) full of shit and/or b) a waste of time

    It is 100% certain that the way you "negotiated" indicated you were a waste of time which why is they immediately shutdown the conversation

    You would be better of test driving all the cars you are interested in and then pay for a car broker to setup the deal for you

    You will then get the car you want without the hassle of personal interaction and most importantly, you will not be able to self-sabotage a good deal

      • Look Up on 30/12/2023 - 22:25
        +1

        Why do I think I am trying to gain sympathy here?

        Because you posted this question

        If you felt so strongly about the "humiliation" and "rude behaviour", you would have already posted the negative review without asking

        …it doesn't mean that the dealer has to come across as a rude.

        You took offence based on your own perspective

        The sales staff offered to "show you out the door" which is a polite way to save time and shutdown a time wasting negotiation

        A truly rude send off would have been for them to say "get out of the showroom and never come back onto the lot"

        My employer will strictly reprimand me if I deal with their customer in this manner.

        Why are you using your employer's standards to judge a worker in another industry?

        And why have you still not confirmed what the advertised price of the car was?

      • koalabargains on 31/12/2023 - 01:57
        +1

        Shamraz, Im going to go ahead and take a guess that you're not anglo?

        You're not wrong here, or on anything in your post. But you're not going to find sympathy here.

        • zorodluffy on 31/12/2023 - 14:12

          Yeah, your not anglo, so dont expect any sympathy from us

    • JIMB0 on 31/12/2023 - 08:08

      Firstly, expecting a $900 discount on a $90K AMG is much different than the same discount on a $25K Kia - what is the car you were planning to buy and what was the advertised price?

      Their previous post was about Picanto GT or Rio. So a low margin bottom of the range vehicle most likely this time around.

  • DJR9000 on 30/12/2023 - 21:46
    +3

    I'm guessing you are wanting to "save face" here. Move on. Not worth your time, find another dealer who might be willing to negotiate.

    Sure they could have handled it better but "extremely humiliated" is a bit of a stretch for a conversation that just wasn't going the way you liked

    • ShazOz on 30/12/2023 - 21:57
      +1

      Yes already spoke with another dealer over the phone who is willing to offer better pricing. Will be visiting them next week.

      • Alexander420 on 31/12/2023 - 01:17
        +2

        I am a sales person, I can tell you are “entitled” person. Rejection hurts and you are justifying it by saying you found a better deal elsewhere. Chalk it off and move on. Look at it as positive way, It was great that your son were there so he can understand “the real world”.

        • LukeS on 31/12/2023 - 07:32
          +1

          Whilst being a salesperson might give you experience upon which to base your opinion, it also makes it likely that your opinion is biased.

          • Alexander420 on 31/12/2023 - 08:05

            @LukeS: Well, I am not a car sales person.

            • LukeS on 31/12/2023 - 08:10
              +2

              @Alexander420: I think car salespeople are a whole different species. More closely related to real estate agents than normal salepeople.

        • CurlCurl on 31/12/2023 - 10:40

          I am a sales person,

          I was never a salesperson but I was a sales rep (there is a huge difference) and never met an entitled person in my line of work from industry state managers, to workmen on the floor.

      • Eeples on 31/12/2023 - 12:06

        $900 better?

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