Is D-C Customer Service Feeding Me a Line?

[JLockhart]

Since my truck is now officially past due according to Insight, and apparently the regional reps that serve the dealers have no clout whatsoever, I've decided that it's time to start complaining to D-C customer service, daily if necessary. Today, after the rep checked with her supervisor, she came back with the story that the vehicles will take 2-4 weeks in the US port before shipping so that US Customs can inspect them all. It has been sitting in Baltimore for over two weeks now, less than two hours from here!





On order: 3500 QC, SWB, SRW, 4x4, SLT, Silver... ordered October 10, 2003.

 

[FATCAT]

Homeland security stuff ... gotta make sure there are no Nukes in those trucks.

 

[TCDiesel]

It has been almost six months WOW, All of mind were within 7 weeks after order date,is it still on the ship or is it on land.

 

[JLockhart]

It's "in bay in facility" in Insight-speak.

 

[swexlin]

I'm right with you, JLockhart. Mine has been "in Bay" in Baltimore since 3/18. A half dozen other of my dealer's trucks also. Two were hauled on Monday, and delivered to the dealership, but the rest of us are SOL. I sat for 2 hours last Friday at the dealers trying to get my truck here. They "made a call'. almost here, all sorts of BS. Bottom line, no amount of bugging them makes a damn bit of difference. I ain't buyin' the Customs stuff. I personally know one person who got them to get his truck 3 days after it came into port.



I have a lead on a truck at another dealer that was ordered, but the buyer backed out. The dealer must really want to move this truck, because he is offering some good numbers. This is a full-toot Laramie - my ordered truck is SLT, almost Laramied-up with options. IF he will match the trade-in value, then I think it will bite. I just hope it is still there when I get there tonight after work. Since today is the last day of the month, and quarter, and Dodge truck month, someone may walk in and buy it.



Then, I will go get my deposit back from my current dealer.

 

[NDanecker]

Originally posted by swexlin

Then, I will go get my deposit back from my current dealer.

Way to go Wex!!! Good luck with that dealer, and with getting your money back! Was it put on your credit card or cash? If CC, just call your bank and dispute..... you paid for service that wasn't rendered.



Either way... Good Luck!!!

 

[Buzzer]

I agree. Let us know how you make out Scott.

 

[swexlin]

DID the DEED. Proud owner of a new dually. Oo.



I'll make a separate post. Going out for a little ride now.



SCott

 

[swexlin]

Way to go Wex!!! Good luck with that dealer, and with getting your money back! Was it put on your credit card or cash? If CC, just call your bank and dispute..... you paid for service that wasn't rendered

I wrote a check back in January. Long since cleared. I'm just going to go down there tomorrow evening (in my Neon ), and state that due to unforseen financial considerations, I'm not going to be able to take delivery (whenver that would happen).



If they should refuse, then I'll just get the Better Business Bureau involved.

 

[Badunit]

I ALWAYS have the dealer put in writing on the contract that I can cancel the deal after 12 weeks and get my deposit back. That way I have a signed contract that tells them to give me back my money if there is a long delay; I don't have to count on them being nice. Luckily I haven't had to enforce it; I've never waited more than 7-8 weeks. My dealer is very good but I like things in writing just the same.

 

[SKargo]

Just to let you know, it is illegal for a dealer to keep your deposit for any means. If you don't want the truck, you can get your money back. No need to make up excuses, just tell them you want it back.



We send deposits back all the time.



And as far as the truck being at the port, they can actually go to the port and pick them up if needed. We picked up 3 last month, because we needed the numbers to make our month. Maybe dealers will only be able to do that in those situations? I don't know.

 

[swexlin]

Yesterday, I got my deposit back, and they didn't make a stink over it either. When I walked in, my salesman's boss, the really slick one, the one who supposedly "helped me" when I spent TWO hours at the saleman's desk last Friday, came over, shook my hand, and said: "Your truck's in Baltimore, you know. We can send a driver down tomorrow to get it".



GEE, FRICKIN' REALLY?? I didin't know that! (I didn't say that, but I should have. ) I just said, thanks, but I'm taking my business to another dealer who actually wants to sell me a truck. LAST WEEK, they weren't sure if they'd be able to able to send someone down to get it. Had to "make some calls" and get back to me. Which of course they never did, even when I called fo updates. I'll I got was doubletalk. Now that I'm walking, they're backpedaling. Lying SOBs.



My salesman was on the phone the whole time I was in the dealership (about 15 minutes while they cut me a check) and made no effort to come over.



The manager of the dealership handed me my check. I explained to him that I wouldn't have minded that the truck was taking this long, if only my calls would be returned (only two), and someone actually made the effort they said they would to go retrieve my truck. He looked at me and nodded his head. He was a little apologetic, and said: (remember, he doesn't know I already have a new truck) "If the other dealer doesn't work, come see me to get your truck", and handed me his card. I told him that I work in the service industry also (home mortgage business) and that if the people in my company acted like this, we'd be out of business, and jobs. He agreed with that also.



Me thinks my salesman and the other slickster might get a little butt-chewing. Let me say I get NO satisfaction from this. I found the whole state of affairs very distastful

 

[Badunit]

SKargo, that's an interesting statement you made. what you stated basically says that the purchaser can cancel the order at any time for any reason and get their deposit back. While I make no claims about knowing the law, that doesn't sound right.



I know for a fact this is not what is in the small print on the back of my last purchase order, it says the dealer has the right to keep the deposit if the purchaser cancels the deal for any reason other than the dealer has upped the price (which is allowed if the mfg ups the price on them).

 

[TCDiesel]

I have never left a deposit on a vehicle that could be sold to the general public after placing a order,and their are many reasons why just a few are mention in this thread,Now when I place a order for a commercial unit I do leave a good faith deposit. The dealer cannot place the unit on his lot and sell it so easily when it is spec out for a special purpose or job. also if it does not have to sit on consignment, and the dealer will not have to finger print it ,the dealer will usually expedite it with God"s speed.

 

[SKargo]

Badunit,

I'm sure laws differ state to state.

I do know here, that you aren't bound to that vehicle, even if you sign the buyer's order. It's yours when you actually take delivery.

 

[Badunit]

Interesting law. Doesn't quite seem fair to the dealership which might get stuck with a vehicle with options that might be harder to sell. Great for the consumer, though.