Question for BMW sale advisor

aznyeast · 01-25-2006, 09:53 AM

Hi, I picked a car thats coming to port but doesn't belong to my local dealer. He told me he will be able to get it for me. He gave me a call yesterday to tell me that he got it and I will be getting. I would like to know if I can still change it to another car. I can call him and ask but then I think I already bother him too much

. If it doesn't involve anything, then I would really love to change it. Thank you in advance

stressdoc · 01-25-2006, 09:56 AM

Not an SA, but I will offer advice nonetheless: What do you have to lose by asking? The goal of your SA is to make you as happy as possible. If she/he has already put some money on the line to get your car, then see how much is involved. Bother away! And get ZSP!

JSpira · 01-25-2006, 10:05 AM

Sorry but the goal of a salesman is not to make someone happy at any cost.

If the dealer already swapped a car and has it, unless he feels he can sell it very easily, it represents a great imposition.

Again, this depends on the car and how it is equipped, color, etc.

No harm in asking but you should be extremely apologetic about the whole thing.

aznyeast · 01-25-2006, 10:12 AM

Dont think he have it yet because its still at on a boat. Unless you mean by paper. Anyway, I want to find out the chances I have before giving him a call. Really, I bother him tooooo much already

stressdoc · 01-25-2006, 10:14 AM

The blackguard truth: of course the SA's goal is to make $. Mea culpa. But sometimes the planets align and the buyer's wishes fill the dealer's coffers. Do not be afraid to ask, especially if you have demonstrated your commitment with a downpayment.

JSpira · 01-25-2006, 10:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by aznyeast

Dont think he have it yet because its still at on a boat. Unless you mean by paper. Anyway, I want to find out the chances I have before giving him a call. Really, I bother him tooooo much already

What do you mean? You just posted that he had it. Don't you know what you posted five minutes ago?

Quote:

Originally Posted by aznyeast

He gave me a call yesterday to tell me that he got it

SCA · 01-25-2006, 10:24 AM

More than likely they did a dealer trade on an inbound car that was listed in another dealers incoming inventory as "stock"

aznyeast · 01-25-2006, 10:26 AM

I think what SCA said is right. The car is still on a boat but then he told me he got the car for me. This is why I want to ask a SA to know what procedure it takes to switch to another one. Sorry about the confusion

SCA · 01-25-2006, 10:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by aznyeast

I think what SCA said is right. The car is still on a boat but then he told me he got the car for me. This is why I want to ask a SA to know what procedure it takes to switch to another one. Sorry about the confusion

What he did was have his Sales Mgr. call the Sales Mgr. at the dealership that had the inbound car to begin with. He/She requested if they could have the vehicle in exchange for something they had equivalent that was either in production or inbound (aka DT - Dealer Trade). It is always easiest to do it this way as the car will be shipped from the VPC to the selling dealer instead of having to flat bed the vehicle ($).

*FYI, One BMW Center can not go into the DCS and take another Center's inbound inventory, vehicle in production or allocation unless it is released by the GSM or GM.

BTW, if it was a priority 5 automobile then the dealer does not have to call and request to have the car. Basically it is up for grabs.

All dealer trading of allocation, in production and inbound BMWs are completed through the DCS (BMW Computer Network) but only upon the traded vehicle(s) being released by the other center. Unless as stated above, Priority 5.

stressdoc · 01-25-2006, 10:37 AM

It appears that aznyeast's SA was able to work out a deal to get a car that was allocated to a different dealer. The car is enroute, still on the boat. Those of you that know the details of how SAs work out such arrangements -- I assume it usually involves a trade of cars that dealers have in their allotments, with little or no cash if there are no transportation costs -- could help out here, I think many of us would be interested. My guess is that at this point, all the SA has to do is call the other SA/dealer and cancel the trade. Hopefully there are no standing commitments at the other end at this point (i.e., another buyer that has now been promised the car that aznyeast had originally ordered). I would imagine that BMW NA has a computerized swap system set up where SAs put in their requests to a centralized broker that then looks for matches and adjusts allocations accordingly. The old way of calling around to other dealers is surely outmoded?

Regardless, the key point for aznyeast is to get over his concern about bothering his SA too much. Getting the right car is important, and he needs to find out if the SA can cancel and look for the car that he really wants. Apologize, be nice, send flowers, give 5s, etc. But call and see what can be done!

aznyeast · 01-25-2006, 10:44 AM

haha thanks for the clear explantion. Seems like ya guys understand my problem more than myself. He's off work today and wont pick up his mobile number. Probably going to try and see if he can do it for me or not

eleven24 · 01-25-2006, 10:50 AM

Think of it like this...

What do you care about more, bothering the salesman to get the car you want or being bothered as long as you have this car because it's not what you really want?

aznyeast · 01-25-2006, 10:56 AM

Well, I dont mind bothering him. What I would like is to find out if it is possible or not. I guess its just an ease of mind before calling him. Im definitely going to call him but would like to know ahead what my answer will be

. Dont want to be too disappointed.

stressdoc · 01-25-2006, 11:32 AM

check out how an SA responded to a similar request:
http://e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=11498

stressdoc · 01-25-2006, 11:38 AM

If he is off work today why don't you cook up an offer he cannot refuse, like take in a present (bottle of wine, whatever you think best) you know he will like with a card and put it on his desk, tell the manager what a great help he is, etc. Then when he comes in tomorrow AM and sees what you have done for him he will be that much more likely to forgive and try to help you out.

SCA · 01-25-2006, 11:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by stressdoc

If he is off work today why don't you cook up an offer he cannot refuse, like take in a present (bottle of wine).

What if he doesn't drink?

aznyeast · 01-25-2006, 11:47 AM

Do you think I should call up the manager and see? From what I know, I think its the manager that make the switch call, not the SA. I talked to the manager a few times and he know who I am. He also know how much pain in the ass I can be

. Or I can wait until tomorrow and talk to the SA directly

poldim · 01-25-2006, 01:47 PM

Its your money, ask all the questions you want before signing it away.

aznyeast · 01-25-2006, 02:02 PM

Asking question is not a problem. Since he's not working today, I have to wait until tomorrow. Hopefully someone will be able to answer my confusion by tomorrow so I know what to tell him when I talk to him. Any SA around?????

01-25-2006, 09:53 AM	#1
aznyeast Private 4 Rep 61 Posts Drives: 330i Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: New Orleans iTrader: (0)	Question for BMW sale advisor Hi, I picked a car thats coming to port but doesn't belong to my local dealer. He told me he will be able to get it for me. He gave me a call yesterday to tell me that he got it and I will be getting. I would like to know if I can still change it to another car. I can call him and ask but then I think I already bother him too much . If it doesn't involve anything, then I would really love to change it. Thank you in advance
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01-25-2006, 09:56 AM	#2
stressdoc Moderator 617 Rep 10,855 Posts Drives: BMW i8; Toy 4runner TRD pro Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Waco TX iTrader: (0)	Not an SA, but I will offer advice nonetheless: What do you have to lose by asking? The goal of your SA is to make you as happy as possible. If she/he has already put some money on the line to get your car, then see how much is involved. Bother away! And get ZSP!
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01-25-2006, 10:05 AM	#3
JSpira Freude am Fahren 334 Rep 5,254 Posts Drives: Fünfer, Dreier, + Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: New York, München, Wien iTrader: (1)	Sorry but the goal of a salesman is not to make someone happy at any cost. If the dealer already swapped a car and has it, unless he feels he can sell it very easily, it represents a great imposition. Again, this depends on the car and how it is equipped, color, etc. No harm in asking but you should be extremely apologetic about the whole thing. __________________ Freude am Fahren. Jonathan E90 2006 330xi E90 2006 325i E39 2003 530i Sport* E46 2000 328Ci* E36 1996 328iS* E36 1992 325i* E30 1991 318is E21 1982 320iS* E21 1979 320 (6-Zyl)* *retired Nominated: Most Contributing Member
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01-25-2006, 10:12 AM	#4
aznyeast Private 4 Rep 61 Posts Drives: 330i Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: New Orleans iTrader: (0)	Dont think he have it yet because its still at on a boat. Unless you mean by paper. Anyway, I want to find out the chances I have before giving him a call. Really, I bother him tooooo much already
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01-25-2006, 10:14 AM	#5
stressdoc Moderator 617 Rep 10,855 Posts Drives: BMW i8; Toy 4runner TRD pro Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Waco TX iTrader: (0)	The blackguard truth: of course the SA's goal is to make $. Mea culpa. But sometimes the planets align and the buyer's wishes fill the dealer's coffers. Do not be afraid to ask, especially if you have demonstrated your commitment with a downpayment.
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01-25-2006, 10:24 AM	#7
SCA Brigadier General 565 Rep 3,742 Posts Drives: Multiple BMWs Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: 🇺🇸 iTrader: (0)	More than likely they did a dealer trade on an inbound car that was listed in another dealers incoming inventory as "stock"
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01-25-2006, 10:26 AM	#8
aznyeast Private 4 Rep 61 Posts Drives: 330i Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: New Orleans iTrader: (0)	I think what SCA said is right. The car is still on a boat but then he told me he got the car for me. This is why I want to ask a SA to know what procedure it takes to switch to another one. Sorry about the confusion
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01-25-2006, 10:37 AM	#10
stressdoc Moderator 617 Rep 10,855 Posts Drives: BMW i8; Toy 4runner TRD pro Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Waco TX iTrader: (0)	It appears that aznyeast's SA was able to work out a deal to get a car that was allocated to a different dealer. The car is enroute, still on the boat. Those of you that know the details of how SAs work out such arrangements -- I assume it usually involves a trade of cars that dealers have in their allotments, with little or no cash if there are no transportation costs -- could help out here, I think many of us would be interested. My guess is that at this point, all the SA has to do is call the other SA/dealer and cancel the trade. Hopefully there are no standing commitments at the other end at this point (i.e., another buyer that has now been promised the car that aznyeast had originally ordered). I would imagine that BMW NA has a computerized swap system set up where SAs put in their requests to a centralized broker that then looks for matches and adjusts allocations accordingly. The old way of calling around to other dealers is surely outmoded? Regardless, the key point for aznyeast is to get over his concern about bothering his SA too much. Getting the right car is important, and he needs to find out if the SA can cancel and look for the car that he really wants. Apologize, be nice, send flowers, give 5s, etc. But call and see what can be done!
	Appreciate 0 Quote

01-25-2006, 10:44 AM	#11
aznyeast Private 4 Rep 61 Posts Drives: 330i Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: New Orleans iTrader: (0)	haha thanks for the clear explantion. Seems like ya guys understand my problem more than myself. He's off work today and wont pick up his mobile number. Probably going to try and see if he can do it for me or not
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01-25-2006, 10:50 AM	#12
eleven24 Foppa! 29 Rep 214 Posts Drives: 2018 X5 xDrive35i Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Furlong, PA iTrader: (0)	Think of it like this... What do you care about more, bothering the salesman to get the car you want or being bothered as long as you have this car because it's not what you really want? __________________ 2018 X5 xDrive35i past: 96 323ic \| 00 328i \| 06 330xi \| 11 Q5 \| 14 Touraeg \| 17 Q7 ~ 2011-2017: my era of darkness
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01-25-2006, 10:56 AM	#13
aznyeast Private 4 Rep 61 Posts Drives: 330i Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: New Orleans iTrader: (0)	Well, I dont mind bothering him. What I would like is to find out if it is possible or not. I guess its just an ease of mind before calling him. Im definitely going to call him but would like to know ahead what my answer will be . Dont want to be too disappointed.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

01-25-2006, 11:32 AM	#14
stressdoc Moderator 617 Rep 10,855 Posts Drives: BMW i8; Toy 4runner TRD pro Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Waco TX iTrader: (0)	check out how an SA responded to a similar request: http://e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=11498
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01-25-2006, 11:38 AM	#15
stressdoc Moderator 617 Rep 10,855 Posts Drives: BMW i8; Toy 4runner TRD pro Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Waco TX iTrader: (0)	If he is off work today why don't you cook up an offer he cannot refuse, like take in a present (bottle of wine, whatever you think best) you know he will like with a card and put it on his desk, tell the manager what a great help he is, etc. Then when he comes in tomorrow AM and sees what you have done for him he will be that much more likely to forgive and try to help you out.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

01-25-2006, 11:47 AM	#17
aznyeast Private 4 Rep 61 Posts Drives: 330i Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: New Orleans iTrader: (0)	Do you think I should call up the manager and see? From what I know, I think its the manager that make the switch call, not the SA. I talked to the manager a few times and he know who I am. He also know how much pain in the ass I can be . Or I can wait until tomorrow and talk to the SA directly
	Appreciate 0 Quote

01-25-2006, 01:47 PM	#18
poldim Vroom Vrrooooom 300 Rep 3,146 Posts Drives: 330i Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Bay Area, CA iTrader: (2) Garage List 2006 330i Sedan [0.00] 2003 GSX-R 600 [0.00]	Its your money, ask all the questions you want before signing it away. __________________ -Dmitriy 06' BMW 330i & 03' Suzuki GSX-R600 SG \| Beige Dakota \| Poplar \|\| iDrive w/MP3 \| PP \| SP \| CWP \| PDC \| Comfort \| Shades \|\| 40% Tint \| Black Line Tail Lights \| Hardwired V1
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01-25-2006, 02:02 PM	#19
aznyeast Private 4 Rep 61 Posts Drives: 330i Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: New Orleans iTrader: (0)	Asking question is not a problem. Since he's not working today, I have to wait until tomorrow. Hopefully someone will be able to answer my confusion by tomorrow so I know what to tell him when I talk to him. Any SA around?????
	Appreciate 0 Quote