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How much worse can it get?

Alpine 338

Lumberjack
Full Member
Minuteman
Jun 26, 2010
2,585
1,766
NW Colorado
How much worse can it get with the way people communicate or do business now?

The past year it's gotten bad, here are a few examples;

1. Trying to buy a used vehicle from a very large dealership. You have to get through six layers of different people before you actually talk with a sales person who actually knows anything about the vehicle they advertise and have. When I say they know anything, actually they know only that it exists. You ask simple questions like does it have a trailer tow package? That's like asking who killed Kennedy to these idiots. Look at the rear, under the bumper, does it have a receiver hitch, and a place to plug in a cable from the trailer???

2. Then there's the... you have to fill out a finance agreement form.

My response - I'm paying cash, not financing it.

Idiots response - that's our policy when selling a vehicle.

My response - Ok, I'll fill it out, but I don't allow my personal information to be shared or sold.

Idiots response - we're removing your name and number from our system, and will cease contact.

I guess they really didn't want to sell the vehicle?

3. You call the dealership, and talk with a sales person, you ask for pictures, and specific information, and they say they will text you back.

Nothing, no response.

4. Call a used car dealership, ask about a vehicle. They say we'll text you back. Because the vehicle was involved in an accident, I ask to have close up pictures of the repaired area, and any pictures prior to the repair.

They say Ok, we'll take some pictures and text them. A few minutes later I receive pictures of a computer monitor that is displaying the pictures I want. Because the scan rate of the cell phone camera is greater than the scan rate of the computer monitor, the pictures have lines and are blurred. I ask if they could email me the pictures that are displayed on their computer. Guys response is I only have the pictures that are on my phone. What the fuck, you told me you were going out to take pictures of the vehicle?

5. Private Party selling a used vehicle on Autotrader. I message him asking him to call or text me. No response
Next day I do the same, followed up with is the vehicle still available???

His Response - Yes, vehicle is still available, and I have title in hand.

What the fuck, am I supposed to read his mind???

6. PM a guy on the Hide about a scope mount. Saying I'll take it if I can mail payment, as I don't have a way to do electronic payments.

His response - can you do PayPal or Venmo?

My response - I don't have a way to do electronic payments, will you take a check or money order.

His response - Yes.

My response - can I get your address to mail funds to?

His response - can you pay me with PayPal or Venmo?

My response - do you want to sell the mount? I can mail you funds, but will need your address.

His response - I've been busy with work?

What the fuck??? Do people not understand or can they read simple English anymore?

How can a business or people survive in this world with they way they act
 
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Not to be rude but, you’re just figuring out that most people are retards?

I knew before hand, but as I said, it's gotten worse in the past year.

Here's one of my favorite quotes that is obviously true.

Think of how stupid the average person is, and realize half of them are stupider than that.
George Carlin
 
I knew before hand, but as I said, it's gotten worse in the past year.

Here's one of my favorite quotes that is obviously true.

Think of how stupid the average person is, and realize half of them are stupider than that.
George Carlin
The Hide idiot w/the scope mount was a scammer. He was trying to scam you out of your money and failed as well as scam you out of some of your time, which unfortunately, he succeeded.

Fucking scammers…
 
I will never go to the dealership again to purchase a vehicle. On the phone and have never been made to fill out a loan agreement. Tell the sales rep you are paying cash and you have 20 minutes and one offer to do the deal. Get the sales manager on the call. last two vehicles were delivered with matching lowest price I found over 600 miles away. Both were delivered to me once funds were wired. Easiest vehicle transactions I have ever done besides auctions. Time is money and haggling days over a free bedliner when I could have been napping or shooting is not worth my time.
 
I haven't been great about communication lately, and i'm upset with myself about it, i'm trying to improve on it, I just have a lot of irons in the fire, and a lot that is getting my attention, so as i'm taking care of one thing, i'm neglecting others. I haven't bought a used car since I bought my truck 7 years ago, and I just went to look at it myself, decided I wanted it, and said so to the guy, and we started the process. I imagine my next vehicle i'm going to be looking for something more specific, and i'm sure i'm going to end up experiencing all the same things you've described.

Can it get worse? Absolutely, and it probly will. I don't care for the way the world is changing, however I don't have a choice but to change and adapt to it because it's doing what it's doing regardless of my opinion of it.

Branden
 
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I haven't been great about communication lately, and i'm upset with myself about it, i'm trying to improve on it, I just have a lot of irons in the fire, and a lot that is getting my attention, so as i'm taking care of one thing, i'm neglecting others. I haven't bought a used car since I bought my truck 7 years ago, and I just went to look at it myself, decided I wanted it, and said so to the guy, and we started the process. I imagine my next vehicle i'm going to be looking for something more specific, and i'm sure i'm going to end up experiencing all the same things you've described.

Can it get worse? Absolutely, and it probly will. I don't care for the way the world is changing, however I don't have a choice but to change and adapt to it because it's doing what it's doing regardless of my opinion of it.

Branden

I get where you are coming for, I am the same. I am not assertive at all. After spending the last two decades paying cash for vehicles, I actually have to finance the next one. And I don't have the greatest feeling about it.
 
I get where you are coming for, I am the same. I am not assertive at all. After spending the last two decades paying cash for vehicles, I actually have to finance the next one. And I don't have the greatest feeling about it.
I was a car salesman for a brief period of time back in the day before I had kids. I couldn't stand the shady shit on the back end to increase the margins, or commissions. I watched a guy lie to a lady about her credit score. He asked "how is your credit score", she said "I don't know" so he ran it, she had a 800 something, and qualified for 1.9% on her car, but he told her it was just ok and they gave her 3.9%, and that 2% provided a nice kick back to the dealership and commission for the dealer. They hated cash buyers, especially the ones that didn't disclose they were paying cash up front.

I didn't last long, i'm not built to be a car salesman.

Since you know you're going to be financing the next one, make sure you know your credit score going into it. See what kind of financing offers other banks will give you as far as interest rates and terms, that way you'll know if the financing office at the dealership is trying to stick it to you.

Branden
 
@Alpine 338
Have you driven past a dealership lately? They are empty and have zero problems selling whatever inventory that comes in. And no they don't want a cash buyer. There's no fudging the numbers to hide the inflated price. Their first financial question to the customer? How much can you afford monthly?

Give it about 6 months and they will be begging you to come in.
 
The sales posts are infuriating due to the lack of information. When listing a rifle you should list at a minimum:

Caliber
Barrel length and profile
Number of rds fired
Builder if it’s custom
Bottom metal
Stock manufacturer
Action manufacturer
Approximate build date

If I have to ask for this basic information, I’ll more than likely move on.
 
@Alpine 338
Have you driven past a dealership lately? They are empty and have zero problems selling whatever inventory that comes in. And no they don't want a cash buyer. There's no fudging the numbers to hide the inflated price. Their first financial question to the customer? How much can you afford monthly?

Give it about 6 months and they will be begging you to come in.

Appears to be turning around...at least in my AO. I pass three dealerships on the way to my range. Six months ago they looked like mall parking lots at 0300. As of yesterday, I'd estimated they have two, maybe three times the inventory. Last place I purchased from called a week or so ago asking if I was looking for another vehicle.

How much can you afford monthly?

"Doesn't matter. What's the price of the vehicle?" Car salesmen seem to have difficulty understanding not everyone finances a vehicle.
 
In 2014 I needed a new truck. Already have a 98 Tacoma that I love and plan on keeping …she now has 360,000 miles. So I decided to get a brand new Tacoma.
Saw one from a big dealer online , told them I was interested , drove 120 miles only to be told it was sold the day before 😡
Looked at a few more , told the salesperson I had financing already arranged at my local bank , no need to run a credit check. Not 5 minutes later I got a text saying the dealership was running my credit. Pissed me off , told them to fuck themselves and left. Found another Toyota dealership , told them the same thing , they said No Problem , no credit check. In and out in just a little over a hour with a sweet 2014 loaded Tacoma. THEN I start getting cookies , gift cards for steaks , etc. from the people I told to Eff Off. 😆
Paid right at 30K for her , today she only has 4,500 miles. The salesman calls me frequently offering MORE than I paid in 2014. 👍 As of last week they had 2 Tundras & 3 Tacomas in stock.
🇺🇸
 
Lmfao, general public are getting dumber, they just go point out a car and the dealership figures out what they can afford a month, they sign and drive it away. If you are surprised by this then I have bad news for you....


Why are you buying from a dealership anyways?
 
Lmfao, general public are getting dumber, they just go point out a car and the dealership figures out what they can afford a month, they sign and drive it away. If you are surprised by this then I have bad news for you....
We live in Idiocracy


Why are you buying from a dealership anyways?
If you're not a dolt, there is no risk or downside compared to any other place where you can buy a car. I've straight up walked to my car out of deals when dealers have tried to play their bullshit games. Others have been a pleasure to deal with.
 
Now you know
this wasn't a comedy, but it was a documentary

1663254538698.png
 
Lmfao, general public are getting dumber, they just go point out a car and the dealership figures out what they can afford a month, they sign and drive it away. If you are surprised by this then I have bad news for you....


Why are you buying from a dealership anyways?
The Way I used to buy fleet vehicles when I ran my business showed me how to buy from dealers. I'd walk on the lot and start shopping, a salesman would ask me if he could help and I'd tell him exactly what I wanted and how much I was going to pay for it. I'm buying a truck today and it needs these options - there was a checkbook sticking out of my pocket. No financing, no bartering, no fucking around. So find me a new truck on this lot that has what I just specified (usually I had a list printed) and shoot me the best price right off the bat because I'm going to every other dealer locally this morning and the one that gives me the best price I'm gonna write a check and drive it off the lot.

Can't believe how much off the sticker price I got this way. Luckily now that I'm retired I have enough cash to pull the same deal.

Another short story - back in the '80's and '90s I owned and operated a Consumer Electronics Repair Center. We did a lot of Field Service and when I got there in 1980 they had an outside/field service dude who was about 50 years old. Everyone loved him and everything about him screamed honest integrity. Very nice man. When he retired in 1995 I asked him if he would be willing to work part time and he flat out refused on the fact that during his 40+ year career people had become so mean, rude, stupid and hard to deal with that he was sick of it. Remember, we were often working in peoples homes. When I started running calls most people were home to meet the tech on time, pleasant and easy to deal with. By the mid 1990's it was not uncommon for people to refuse to pay the tech, threaten us when we didn't come to the diagnosis and price they wanted or write you a check and stop payment on it....shit like that.

Customer Service Specialists are screwed now days. Too many unrealistic expectations and unreasonable demands. Happy to be retired 'cause I don't have to deal with anyone I don't want to communicate with. People are a big pain in the ass now days. Everyone is stressed out and pissed off. I sleep a lot better now not having to deal with dumb fucks on a daily basis.

VooDoo
 
Took my Grandma car shopping at a major dealers used lot. She found a car she loved and was all about buying it, salesman thought he had an easy sale. Popped the hood and started to inspect. Every bolt in the engine bay had been turned on a car with 60k, broken motor mount, salvage yard spray paint on block... obviously was a junk yard pull out slapped in what appeared to be a decent chassis.

Salesman started losing his shit when I started pointing out all the problems. Literary turned red and started cussing under his breath. He would have had no problem totally fucking over an old woman on an obvious hack job....

Later that day went to another dealer, found a clean Gran Marquis. Went it to cash buy, they wanted to do the credit run and mine personal data. Walked out
 
Dealing with shops and dealerships all day every day at work, can confirm most of the people there are total shitbags that would sell their mothers to the devil for a dollar. When I worked in service at a dealership I would never try to pull the crap most of the shops and dealerships are doing nowadays. Just recently my old dealership got busted for overcharging customers on new Z06s. It made national news just within this past month. The POS general manager had to save face and refund everyone. I am surprised he still has a job. Dude is a total slimeball... like I said, most sales people at dealerships are like this.

I have learned one thing with buying a selling stuff online. The people who ask you the dumbest and most retarded questions are not going to buy from you. Usually the serious buyers know what they are getting and don't play those stupid ass games.
 
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I can barely stand to go out in public anymore. Feel like i need a valium everytime I leave the house. I try to buy everything online. I drive 10 minutes out of my way to work, just to avoid the rudeness on the road.

Having said all that, i try to treat people with respect, here, on the road, and elsewhere. I do my best not to short change my clients. I never miss a deadline. I figure two wrongs doesnt make a right.

I never ask a salesperson for help. When my wife does, she knows shes on her own, and I ignore the words out of their mouth.

Since I only shop a few public places, I have found I can generally answer question better than employees. I dont interject, but when a sales person is scratching their head, I will help....only if I have time and in a helpful mood.

I must hang out with the right people, because I never find these dipshits in my personal life. It's always in public.......

I fear how things will be when I actually get old. I already feel like a grumpy old man.
 
How much worse can it get with the way people communicate or do business now?

The past year it's gotten bad, here are a few examples;

1. Trying to buy a used vehicle from a very large dealership. You have to get through six layers of different people before you actually talk with a sales person who actually knows anything about the vehicle they advertise and have. When I say they know anything, actually they know only that it exists. You ask simple questions like does it have a trailer tow package? That's like asking who killed Kennedy to these idiots. Look at the rear, under the bumper, does it have a receiver hitch, and a place to plug in a cable from the trailer???

2. Then there's the... you have to fill out a finance agreement form.

My response - I'm paying cash, not financing it.

Idiots response - that's our policy when selling a vehicle.

My response - Ok, I'll fill it out, but I don't allow my personal information to be shared or sold.

Idiots response - we're removing your name and number from our system, and will cease contact.

I guess they really didn't want to sell the vehicle?

3. You call the dealership, and talk with a sales person, you ask for pictures, and specific information, and they say they will text you back.

Nothing, no response.

4. Call a used car dealership, ask about a vehicle. They say we'll text you back. Because the vehicle was involved in an accident, I ask to have close up pictures of the repaired area, and any pictures prior to the repair.

They say Ok, we'll take some pictures and text them. A few minutes later I receive pictures of a computer monitor that is displaying the pictures I want. Because the scan rate of the cell phone camera is greater than the scan rate of the computer monitor, the pictures have lines and are blurred. I ask if they could email me the pictures that are displayed on their computer. Guys response is I only have the pictures that are on my phone. What the fuck, you told me you were going out to take pictures of the vehicle?

5. Private Party selling a used vehicle on Autotrader. I message him asking him to call or text me. No response
Next day I do the same, followed up with is the vehicle still available???

His Response - Yes, vehicle is still available, and I have title in hand.

What the fuck, am I supposed to read his mind???

6. PM a guy on the Hide about a scope mount. Saying I'll take it if I can mail payment, as I don't have a way to do electronic payments.

His response - can you do PayPal or Venmo?

My response - I don't have a way to do electronic payments, will you take a check or money order.

His response - Yes.

My response - can I get your address to mail funds to?

His response - can you pay me with PayPal or Venmo?

My response - do you want to sell the mount? I can mail you funds, but will need your address.

His response - I've been busy with work?

What the fuck??? Do people not understand or can they read simple English anymore?

How can a business or people survive in this world with they way they act
Car salesman are pointless and most of them are retarded. The only ones worth dealing with are the old dudes that have been doing it a long time. But turnover is so high that you typically get dumb kids selling cars.


By the way, even if you are paying cash for a vehicle, finance it anyway and then pay it off right away. It'll give you more room to negotiate on price since the dealer gets a kickback from the banks.
 
I had a buddy that wanted to buy a bike from a shop, for cash. Saleskid said, needed to run credit. My buddy said, why? I'm paying cash, get the owner.
Owner comes out, apologizes, and says kids an idiot, show me the money, because I have the title right here.
 
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I have got some good deals on cars/ trucks from dealers, but now they know some dipshit will buy it in a week or three, even if its a pile of shit. They do not feel the need to haggle even one dollar. Luckily for me, I HATE newer cars. Best of the best was made before 2007, I don't like bells and whistles, ill replace the stereo with good shit and be happier than some vehicle that tries to think for me. Fuck me do I hate reminders, flashing dash lights, chimes, alarms and warning lights. I know they are for the ignorant gen pop, which is probably the same reason I hate gen pop, they might be knowledgeable I a feild or two, but absolutely ignorant on everything else.in the world. If I get too sick, injured or old to do everything that I do now, ill just go fetal position and die.
 
Guy from the bank called wanted to talk about my financial options. Long story short he wanted to sell me on a home equity loan. He said my finances look good they would have no trouble loaning me money. I told him my finances look good because I try to avoid paying intrest on anything. He still tried to sell me on a 10 year loan at 7% intrest. It's like they dont understand a person who tries to stay out of debt. If you save and pay for things your like an alien.
 
Guy from the bank called wanted to talk about my financial options. Long story short he wanted to sell me on a home equity loan. He said my finances look good they would have no trouble loaning me money. I told him my finances look good because I try to avoid paying intrest on anything. He still tried to sell me on a 10 year loan at 7% intrest. It's like they dont understand a person who tries to stay out of debt. If you save and pay for things your like an alien.

Haven't gotten a call in years, but before scam notices on smart phones I would get one or two a week offering me CC balance transfers at "very good rates." I don't think anyone believed me when I told them I don't carry CC balances.
 
@Alpine 338
Have you driven past a dealership lately? They are empty and have zero problems selling whatever inventory that comes in. And no they don't want a cash buyer. There's no fudging the numbers to hide the inflated price. Their first financial question to the customer? How much can you afford monthly?

Give it about 6 months and they will be begging you to come in.
People said that six months ago too
 
I was a car salesman for a brief period of time back in the day before I had kids. I couldn't stand the shady shit on the back end to increase the margins, or commissions. I watched a guy lie to a lady about her credit score. He asked "how is your credit score", she said "I don't know" so he ran it, she had a 800 something, and qualified for 1.9% on her car, but he told her it was just ok and they gave her 3.9%, and that 2% provided a nice kick back to the dealership and commission for the dealer. They hated cash buyers, especially the ones that didn't disclose they were paying cash up front.

I didn't last long, i'm not built to be a car salesman.

Since you know you're going to be financing the next one, make sure you know your credit score going into it. See what kind of financing offers other banks will give you as far as interest rates and terms, that way you'll know if the financing office at the dealership is trying to stick it to you.

Branden

I've noticed around here the level of sewer level crap in the dealerships tends to very closely track brands and specific conglomerates.

Used dealers = in my opinion absolute scum for the most part with a few rare exceptions.
Our warehouse worker's wife who also works was going to one of those to get a vehicle, and there was some female sales rep that was going on about how she'll take really good care of her and you know women have to look out for other women... and then stuck her with a 25% interest rate on the loan!!!
(at that time she could have probably gotten 10% easy).
So essentially for the next 5 years, someone who could least afford it was handing the dealership an extra $100 each month for nothing while they laughed at her.

(Yes we suggested to her husband that we'd be happy to call up the place and help them get the loan cancelled within the state mandated window and help them get a better loan, but then she got all pissy to him (like leaving the house and staying away for a couple days) about us trying to "mansplain" things to her and some such female empowerment B.S. so well.. enjoy being screwed over by your fellow women then).

The Toyota dealers are in my opinion the worst of the scum for new.
They want to screw you every which way and mark things up and play all kinds of games.

Honda dealers in my opinion are a lot better, but they still have their douchebag hotbox "finance departments".
They at least will show you a printed price but don't want you to take the paper with you or photograph it.
Most are still jacking things up, but not nearly as crazy as the Toyota places.

I'm kind of cynical and hateful and do a lot of research.

Last year I went to pre-order a Toyota minivan.
Every bit the bastards I expected and then some.
When the guy started talking about how it was $3k for dealer add ons of great things like Nitrogen in your tires and pin-striping, I was like. STFU, just tell me your mandatory minimum dealer adds, they are all garbage anyways.
So since I wanted it (and based on fuel economy over the Honda one it would still be a better deal long term), I went ahead and put some money down, but they flatly refused to actually give me a receipt that showed the agreed upon price and options and all that. Also I asked about what the warranty cost was and they were like "only the finance guys can know that."

As expected I left, not actually willing to level the place myself but would have shed no tears if someone else did.
(Which is good because the last time I was at a Toyota dealership I left wanting to level the place, but not going to prison was more important to me, as they practically wanted to hold you hostage until you bought the vehicle.)

8+ months later the Toyota dealer still didn't have the vehicle and my dog's surgery couldn't wait anymore and I needed something the dog could ride in without tearing up their stitches. (I'm kind of starting to suspect the Toyota Dealer probably wouldn't be telling me the truth anyways if it came in as they would probably try to mark it up $10k more to someone else)

So after doing a bunch of research, I found a Volvo model that would be perfect and figured out what all the trim levels and all that were and did all my research.

One of the local dealers that replied to me had stock in the colour I specifically wanted so I told him exactly what trim level I wanted and specifically because of the price and stuff.

A short bit later, he sends me over a screenshot of his computer with his incoming inventory, arrival dates and VIN numbers that match my colour requirement. The list also shows the optional packages they are coming with as shipped from the factory.

I see one I like, so I ask him, how much extra do I have to pay over MSRP for that one?
Guy writes back that they aren't doing any discounts, so whatever the MSRP is is what they are selling them for as they are not allowed to mark them up.
(By this time it's the height of the shortage and the Toyota dealers are saying $10k markup over MSRP or screw you)
(The Honda dealers were being a bit more reasonable but still $1500 to $3k over MSRP)

Then he proceeds to email me (gasp) a formal written estimate with all the details and the exact walk out the door price!
(Again never had that happen in my entire life, all other dealers that's like asking a vampire to bring you a plate of fresh cut garlic)

I'm like, I want these xxx extra options on, he's like it's the same price, just get the vehicle then make an appointment with our service department to get whatever you want put on, prices will be as listed on our service website.

We get to the place and after seeing the vehicle, sit down at his desk and he's like, here's the brochures with all the optional "protection packages," I'm like I only want the specific xxx factory warranty extension package. He puts the other stuff away and pulls up his screen with here is all the lengths and costs, pick what you want or skip it if you prefer. Pick it done.
I didn't have to go to some place and talk to some finance guys, the sales rep had all the stuff on his computer, I told them they had to beat my bank's rate (loan approval and instructions letter in hand) or let's just use my bank, so he went and checked and then was able to get 0.50% lower so I was good with that.
All done quickly and smoothly at their desk with no need to go anywhere and no pressure.
I had a trade in and they were pretty straight forward with here is how much the trade will be and how much that is worth after sales tax savings.
I'd e-mailed them state emissions rebate forms they needed to fill out and they had them all ready for me.

Gave me a folder of all the paperwork on everything and deals and copies of all the forms and registrations and such.
All done, dusted and out of there and feeling good and no high blood pressure and no murderous rage which is probably a first in my life for me HA!
 
Car dealerships are the worst and always have been.

There's no reason for dealerships to exist. It inflates the cost of vehicles, they treat you like a window licker and then jerk you around with that "let me talk my manager bullshit."

When someone leads with the monthly payment amount it's very obvious they think of you as a retard they're able to take advantage of.

And what the fuck are all those bullshit fees? When I ask for the out the door price, it means the TOTAL COST TO ME.... don't add dealer prep fees, destination fees, advertising fees, dealer prep fees, finance fees, "market adjustment" or whatever other crap they try to tack on right before you sign.

I'd pay more NOT to have to deal with those jackoffs.
 
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I just wish they made small 4wd trucks with a regular cab. Don't understand the whole 4 door truck with itty bitty box on the back.

Because a lot of trucks are sold to folks that essentially want an SUV or minivan but need a "manly truck" so you get the big cab and the tiny bed if you ever actually need to use it as a truck.

When you get both (like having a crew cab and an 8ft bed) then a lot of folks can't park something that long.
 
Because a lot of trucks are sold to folks that essentially want an SUV or minivan but need a "manly truck" so you get the big cab and the tiny bed if you ever actually need to use it as a truck.

When you get both (like having a crew cab and an 8ft bed) then a lot of folks can't park something that long.


Few can park the short bed versions...and I've yet to see one who can pull a trailer and keep it in the proper lane.
 
I knew before hand, but as I said, it's gotten worse in the past year.

Here's one of my favorite quotes that is obviously true.

Think of how stupid the average person is, and realize half of them are stupider than that.
George Carlin
Or think that these idiots all vote! That will get you more depressed
 
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The Covid scam has made what was already abysmal customer service, 10X worse. Sure, at the very beginning, companies had a legitimate excuse since a lot of people were staying home and everyone was trying to figure out wtf to do. But even today, I am still seeing Covid and "supply chain" plastered on websites as an excuse for shitty customer service. And it's not just big companies or on the internet. Trying to get a contractor to come out to the house to bid on a job is a struggle. Then you gotta hope they honor the appointment they scheduled. Usually it's no show and no call. Walmart, has always been, and will always be, a disorganized shithole. Covid changed nothing for them. Buy lately I've been having to make multiple visits to Lowes and Home Depot and they are on par with Walmart now. Totally disorganized, "in stock" items never are, and the employees could give two shits.
 
The Covid scam has made what was already abysmal customer service, 10X worse. Sure, at the very beginning, companies had a legitimate excuse since a lot of people were staying home and everyone was trying to figure out wtf to do. But even today, I am still seeing Covid and "supply chain" plastered on websites as an excuse for shitty customer service. And it's not just big companies or on the internet. Trying to get a contractor to come out to the house to bid on a job is a struggle. Then you gotta hope they honor the appointment they scheduled. Usually it's no show and no call. Walmart, has always been, and will always be, a disorganized shithole. Covid changed nothing for them. Buy lately I've been having to make multiple visits to Lowes and Home Depot and they are on par with Walmart now. Totally disorganized, "in stock" items never are, and the employees could give two shits.

Welcome to my world for the past 25-years living near a mountain resort town. Typical contractors never show up on time, or even let you know that they're not showing up. When you get in touch with them later, their excuse is " It was a Powder Day", so I went skiing. Builders ignore getting you estimates for work, unless they know it's going to be a six figure job.
 
Not all dealerships are the same. I am in Texas, but have sold vehicles to people all over the world. Reach out to me if you would be interested in me assisting you in your purchase! You can read my reviews on google and Facebook
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I've noticed around here the level of sewer level crap in the dealerships tends to very closely track brands and specific conglomerates.

Used dealers = in my opinion absolute scum for the most part with a few rare exceptions.
Our warehouse worker's wife who also works was going to one of those to get a vehicle, and there was some female sales rep that was going on about how she'll take really good care of her and you know women have to look out for other women... and then stuck her with a 25% interest rate on the loan!!!
(at that time she could have probably gotten 10% easy).
So essentially for the next 5 years, someone who could least afford it was handing the dealership an extra $100 each month for nothing while they laughed at her.

(Yes we suggested to her husband that we'd be happy to call up the place and help them get the loan cancelled within the state mandated window and help them get a better loan, but then she got all pissy to him (like leaving the house and staying away for a couple days) about us trying to "mansplain" things to her and some such female empowerment B.S. so well.. enjoy being screwed over by your fellow women then).

The Toyota dealers are in my opinion the worst of the scum for new.
They want to screw you every which way and mark things up and play all kinds of games.

Honda dealers in my opinion are a lot better, but they still have their douchebag hotbox "finance departments".
They at least will show you a printed price but don't want you to take the paper with you or photograph it.
Most are still jacking things up, but not nearly as crazy as the Toyota places.

I'm kind of cynical and hateful and do a lot of research.

Last year I went to pre-order a Toyota minivan.
Every bit the bastards I expected and then some.
When the guy started talking about how it was $3k for dealer add ons of great things like Nitrogen in your tires and pin-striping, I was like. STFU, just tell me your mandatory minimum dealer adds, they are all garbage anyways.
So since I wanted it (and based on fuel economy over the Honda one it would still be a better deal long term), I went ahead and put some money down, but they flatly refused to actually give me a receipt that showed the agreed upon price and options and all that. Also I asked about what the warranty cost was and they were like "only the finance guys can know that."

As expected I left, not actually willing to level the place myself but would have shed no tears if someone else did.
(Which is good because the last time I was at a Toyota dealership I left wanting to level the place, but not going to prison was more important to me, as they practically wanted to hold you hostage until you bought the vehicle.)

8+ months later the Toyota dealer still didn't have the vehicle and my dog's surgery couldn't wait anymore and I needed something the dog could ride in without tearing up their stitches. (I'm kind of starting to suspect the Toyota Dealer probably wouldn't be telling me the truth anyways if it came in as they would probably try to mark it up $10k more to someone else)

So after doing a bunch of research, I found a Volvo model that would be perfect and figured out what all the trim levels and all that were and did all my research.

One of the local dealers that replied to me had stock in the colour I specifically wanted so I told him exactly what trim level I wanted and specifically because of the price and stuff.

A short bit later, he sends me over a screenshot of his computer with his incoming inventory, arrival dates and VIN numbers that match my colour requirement. The list also shows the optional packages they are coming with as shipped from the factory.

I see one I like, so I ask him, how much extra do I have to pay over MSRP for that one?
Guy writes back that they aren't doing any discounts, so whatever the MSRP is is what they are selling them for as they are not allowed to mark them up.
(By this time it's the height of the shortage and the Toyota dealers are saying $10k markup over MSRP or screw you)
(The Honda dealers were being a bit more reasonable but still $1500 to $3k over MSRP)

Then he proceeds to email me (gasp) a formal written estimate with all the details and the exact walk out the door price!
(Again never had that happen in my entire life, all other dealers that's like asking a vampire to bring you a plate of fresh cut garlic)

I'm like, I want these xxx extra options on, he's like it's the same price, just get the vehicle then make an appointment with our service department to get whatever you want put on, prices will be as listed on our service website.

We get to the place and after seeing the vehicle, sit down at his desk and he's like, here's the brochures with all the optional "protection packages," I'm like I only want the specific xxx factory warranty extension package. He puts the other stuff away and pulls up his screen with here is all the lengths and costs, pick what you want or skip it if you prefer. Pick it done.
I didn't have to go to some place and talk to some finance guys, the sales rep had all the stuff on his computer, I told them they had to beat my bank's rate (loan approval and instructions letter in hand) or let's just use my bank, so he went and checked and then was able to get 0.50% lower so I was good with that.
All done quickly and smoothly at their desk with no need to go anywhere and no pressure.
I had a trade in and they were pretty straight forward with here is how much the trade will be and how much that is worth after sales tax savings.
I'd e-mailed them state emissions rebate forms they needed to fill out and they had them all ready for me.

Gave me a folder of all the paperwork on everything and deals and copies of all the forms and registrations and such.
All done, dusted and out of there and feeling good and no high blood pressure and no murderous rage which is probably a first in my life for me HA!
w54 - you typed it; I read it. Good thing I was 5 beers deep and feeling energetic :)

Yup, last car I bought, I went to a dealership and had another dealership on the phone. they each had a car that I wanted (different colors) but close enough. I asked each dealer if they could beat the other person's price. I know it burned them up, (like I care).
One dealer was like, who are you talking to; I told him, none of your business. When one dealer told me he couldn't do it; I told him, well this dealer would, you lost the sale, have a great day.
Who would of thought buying a car in cash would take 6 hours. fk..