Talbot

So, I've started my quest to get quotes on a E320 Bluetec. I spent time getting e-mail address for select dealers in the southeast, and I've sent a few e-mails out requesting quotes for my config.

One amusing answer I got was, (I'm paraphrasing).... "It is our (many decades) of history's policy to not give discounts via phone or e-mail, please come buy our dealership and see how great we are..." (you get the idea). It was signed by the person whose title is "Internet Sales Manager"

So I'm wondering.... What does an internet sales manager do? Second, you're selling one of the most techologically advanced cars on the planet, and you still insist that I drive over and visit your office to discuss pricing?

Sheesh.

Barry45RPM

S.E Pricing is Rigid and more expensive then in PA, NJ, CT and in NY. Do yourself a favor & check out PA.

Talbot

I'll check out the N.E. areas you mention. The problem is getting it home from there.

Thanks for the info.

lkchris

Seems like a perfectly reasonable response. (Especiallly if he didn't misspell by)

This car requires a very intimate relationship with the service department as it's too high-tech for independents or DIYers.

This isn't a commodity purchase, and the walk-in retail store isn't dead with respect to cars.

Talbot

The 'buy' was my typo not his (not unlike your 'especially') . Why should the car require an intimate relationship with the service department? I should take it in for my annual (or by mileage) service campaigns. Is this what you suggest mandates such intimacy? It isn't at all likely that I'd ever once take the car in for service at that dealership anyway. I simply offered them an opportunity to provide me with a quote on one, and if they aren't interested in that - then you're absolutely right - it is a perfectly reasonable response. What's unanswered still is why a dealership has an "Internet Sales Manager" if they're only interested in walk-in, retail buyers?

cyclerider

I would imagine that the Internet Sales Manager is much more interested in used car sales and in-stock new car sales than taking orders for (low profit margin) Euro Delivery sales.

BTW, did you give up on getting a 4MATIC?

NVR_L8

They never give quotes over email for any benz! At least not to me.

gvaughn

When I did the research for my E500 purchase in January, I DID get internet prices from dealers. Things might be more competitive on So. Cal.

Talbot

Yeah. No 4MATIC in diesel. Too bad, too.

Talbot

Talbot

Almost every dealer (that has its own website) I'm communicating with has a form one can fill out on their website to request a quote. Now, I figure that's nothing but a way to harness leads, but still, it is there. They probably quote MSRP less $250, but still that's still pricing over the Internet. Why offer it if you're not going to take advantage of it? Just think of the customers base that a dealership can have access to if they use it.

slk55lvr

There are still a few dinosaur car dealers out there that think they can get you in their dealership and work their "magic box". Don't waste your time with any of them if you are interested in the most competitive offer, and this one surely qualifies.

I also see no point in having an "Internet sales manager" that cannot quote you a price.

Barry45RPM

I bought my car via e-mail and phone. I paid (during the 1st week the '04 pricing was available to dealers in Sep '03) $1000.00 over invoice. I filled out an on line crerdit app, he called back asking for a credit card deposit of $ 500 (which he NEVER charged to the card). Then he faxed me a contract which I signed & faxed back. The car was special ordered for me as he had a 1D 11/03 build date. The car arrived Dec 22, 03 at the dealership, I picked it up in PA, (2.5 hrs drive down with my trade) and drove it home to Long Island 5 hrs with traffic.

The only intimate relationship needed by the car is a man with money to pay for it. The service will GLADLY be provided by your neighborhood MB dealer, who WILL offer you loaners, and treat you like any other customer he has because he is making the same money from MBUSA servicing your car as any of the ones he sold. Any dealer who doesnt greet you with open arms has more business than he can handle. ...or is a poor businessman. YOU dont need HIM.

There are MANY reasons someone would buy a car away from his home area if you need a sympathetic excuse the 1st time for the SA. You could have had an accident that totaled your car, or a large breakdown, or you moved.

Always go for the best deal. The "Internet Manager" at an out of town dealership KNOWS he has only 1 chance to get you to buy. His 1st price has to be his best offer, or you're gone. If its not, you didn't reach the internet salesman. Call the dealership & ask to speak to the sales manager & tell him you want to buy a car & you're calling long distance.

Talbot

Well said, Barry!

My thoughts exactly. This guy's e-mail sig says he's "Internet Sales Manager" and "Business Development Manager"

If it were my company and somone with those titles gave that answer to a prospective customer, they'd be in a different role the next day.

The more I think about the response, the more I realize it was saying, "we do business the way we want to, not the way you want to. Conform to our way, or we're not really that interested in you." It is much better that I learn that upfront without spending any of my time on them, really.

2K6E55

I suggest you deal directly w/the sales manager instead of peon...

vraa

That sucks majorly, I hate car dealerships that give you the run around.

MB Fanatic

Jakarta Expat

Damn, Obviously buying a car in the States has changed a lot since I lived there. According to you sounds as if a guy has to go and give the Service dept. a blow jbb before he can buy one.

cyclerider

Actually it was the New Car Sales Manager, not the Service dept.