You know, I didn't want to bring negativity into the thread, but when I first read it, I thought it had to have been your attitude. I've run shops for years (12+) and in the midst of a telephone convo, the guy on the other end will display traits that will make you decide whether or not you want this car to become a "ring" and become married to it. I'll bet dollars to doughnuts that's what Frank heard in your voice, and he knew the divorce wouldn't be worth the honeymoon.
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same here, Once i talk to a customer i make a judgement call. Most of the time, even though i like doing mods. We avoid doing anything aftermarket. That and when they come off arrogant it will only get worse when you give them the bill or something isnt satisfactory.
Customers tend to want aftermarket performance. But want it to be exactly like stock "feeling"
when done. It doesnt work like that.sigpicComment
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This comment struck me as arrogant: "But what the hell do I know? I've only help build a handful of multi-million dollar companies."
That, coupled with the original premise:
So I call them up to get an estimate on installing a myriad of new parts. Frank was the person who I talked to. I am very polite on the phone, and just trying to find a decent place locally to get some things done.
I get halfway down my list of parts I have and he tells me, "Nah, I'm not interested on doing anything on your car."
Wow. Maybe he only works on race cars or something, but their website seems to cater to all BMW owners. Guess sway bars, bbk, and diff install is not a big enough job? LOL.
So it gives the impression that the conversation went something like this:
"Frank Fahey Motorsports, how may we help you?"
"I'd like an estimate on service for my ________"
"Sure, what did you have in mind?"
"I'd like to have you install ST sway bars, M3 offset cabs....."
"Nah, I'm not interested on doing anything on your car."
"Click"
Is that how it happened? For all I know Frank Fahey is a grade A asshole, or he could be a saint. Beats me, but it seems implausible. Are you sure we aren't missing some part of the story?sigpic
1989 325is Raged on then sold.Originally posted by JinormusJ
1988 325 SETA 2DR Beaten to death, then parted.
1988 325 SETA 4DR Parted.
1990 325i Cabrio Daily'd, then stored 2 yrs ago.Comment
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Man, I know it doesn't make sense,. Especially to those of you also in the automotive industry. I don't see how I could have come off arrogant or anything like that, because the conversation never went far enough. When I brought up the fact that I have helped built many successful companies, I was trying to convey that I understand how important customer service is to become successful. I'm not saying you can't build a business being a dick to everyone, but it sure doesn't help.
If any of my employees treated a customer the way he treated me, he would be fired immediately.
Here is EXACTLY how it went down:
Lady answers the phone:
Me: "Hi, I would like to get an estimate and possibly set up an appointment."
Lady: "One moment, let me transfer you to the Frank."
Me: "Great, thanks."
Frank: "This is Frank"
Me: "Hi Frank, I have some parts I need to get installed and wanted to get an estimate."
Frank: "Uh-huh"
Me: "Ok, my car is a 1991 E30"
Frank: "Uh-huh"
Me: "I have ST sway bars, M3 offset bushings, 4.10 LSD, and.."
Frank: "Nah, I'm not interested in working on your car."
Click.
Me: Stunned, looks at phone with bewilderment.
If you know Peerless, he'd tell you how easy it is to work with me. Hell, I even helped.
I'm sure tons of people have read this thread without posting. Have doubts? I'm sure a simple phone call to Frank would put all doubt aside. Try it!Comment
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Well, I was pretty close then, lol. I don't know what to tell you other than get some of the SD r3v gurus involved. Perhaps just a bad day for Fahey, you don't need him anyway. As I said before good luck with it, I would rather do that kind of stuff myself even if I had to enlist some help, it's satisfying to me and I know the work is done right.sigpic
1989 325is Raged on then sold.Originally posted by JinormusJ
1988 325 SETA 2DR Beaten to death, then parted.
1988 325 SETA 4DR Parted.
1990 325i Cabrio Daily'd, then stored 2 yrs ago.Comment
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Another thing, for me anyway, bringing your car into my shop, with your parts, then trying to help me do the work, I wouldn't want you as a customer.
But then again, I run repair/maintenance shops, not unprofitable, hobby style race shops. ;)Comment
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Again, that's cool, and, don't take my posts the wrong way or anything, I'm just trying to give the issue a look from another angle, maybe it could help with understanding.Comment
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Just do it your self.
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^ No, Robert asked him to remove carpet.Comment
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Damn I'm easily confused. Think I'll go sailing. It's 55 and sunny here. How's Idaho? Wish you were here Farbin, I'd take you with.sigpic
1989 325is Raged on then sold.Originally posted by JinormusJ
1988 325 SETA 2DR Beaten to death, then parted.
1988 325 SETA 4DR Parted.
1990 325i Cabrio Daily'd, then stored 2 yrs ago.Comment
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