Rick Hendrick Atlanta Pricing.........
11-13-2011, 04:44 PM
#21
Team Owner
While your candor is appreciated, Rick, it doesn't change my feeling about some of your dealership's pricing practices. I wasn't going to go here but since you brought it up...the $499 doc fee is pure scam, regardless of whether or not, as you state, you "have reduced (your) price by the same amount to compensate for it." It allows the dealership to advertise prices that are $500 lower than what the customer will actually pay. Sure, it's probably mentioned in fine print somewhere but c'mon, Rick, are you really trying to tell us that the dealer isn't trying to slip one past the unsuspecting customer? If what I just said is wrong, then why not just price the car at the actual selling price and skip the doc fee? It all comes out to the same total, right?
I know that you don't set the dealership's pricing and advertising policy, Rick, so my disgust isn't aimed at you personally. What disappoints me, though, is that you choose to defend the practice. Why not just say something like, "Hey, I know it rubs some people the wrong way and I don't like it either. I've tried getting upper management to see the light but they're standing by their guns. Regardless, please give me a chance and I assure you that I can still get you out the door for less money than at anywhere else." If I recall correctly there was a similar discussion here several years back regarding the same policy at M/P; that one didn't end well either.
I know that you don't set the dealership's pricing and advertising policy, Rick, so my disgust isn't aimed at you personally. What disappoints me, though, is that you choose to defend the practice. Why not just say something like, "Hey, I know it rubs some people the wrong way and I don't like it either. I've tried getting upper management to see the light but they're standing by their guns. Regardless, please give me a chance and I assure you that I can still get you out the door for less money than at anywhere else." If I recall correctly there was a similar discussion here several years back regarding the same policy at M/P; that one didn't end well either.
Sadly, businesses seem to be incapable of policing themselves when it comes to deceptive practices. I remember a post a few years ago regarding another dealer that at one time was very well known on the forum in the same part of the country. He did not know about the $500 "fee" until he showed up from out of town thinking he had a price that was $500 less than it really was for just this reason.
11-13-2011, 04:48 PM
#22
Racer
Just what is a document fee? I have received so many explanations over the years from dealers that I don't think they know what it is. When I bought my Vette I was told the document fee was for arranging financing, registration, etc. I arranged my own financing and registration and refused to pay.
So - what does the document fee cover?
So - what does the document fee cover?
11-13-2011, 04:49 PM
#23
Team Owner
I don't make the pricing rules here, I just try to work within the guide lines that are set. I have been working this forum for 10 years and know this is not a fight I will win, but again it is the bottom line, the money that comes out of your pocket that matters and I know we are competitive with anyone.
....if the intent is to VERY CLEARLY disclose the fee, then why does the dealer have the extra fee instead of including the $499 in the advertised price? That's the point Rick - we are not stupid, and we don't like being insulted by insinuating it's fully disclosed. If the point is to fully disclose it then the dealer would not be doing this to begin with.
The dealership has the right to do it, and as potential buyers we have the right to tell you what we think of it.
11-13-2011, 04:51 PM
#24
Pro
Member Since: Sep 2009
Location: South of I-64 Illinois
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Be an educated buyer and don't expect the world to serve everything to you on a silver platter. Caveat Emptor.
No amount of regulation, policy or 'transparent business practice' will protect you more than using the head on your shoulders to watch out for our own interests.
This thread is such a microcosm for so many issues in our society today.
No amount of regulation, policy or 'transparent business practice' will protect you more than using the head on your shoulders to watch out for our own interests.
This thread is such a microcosm for so many issues in our society today.
11-13-2011, 05:03 PM
#25
Instructor
Member Since: May 2011
Location: San Diego CA
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St. Jude Donor '12
Be an educated buyer and don't expect the world to serve everything to you on a silver platter. Caveat Emptor.
No amount of regulation, policy or 'transparent business practice' will protect you more than using the head on your shoulders to watch out for our own interests.
This thread is such a microcosm for so many issues in our society today.
No amount of regulation, policy or 'transparent business practice' will protect you more than using the head on your shoulders to watch out for our own interests.
This thread is such a microcosm for so many issues in our society today.
11-13-2011, 05:07 PM
#26
Guest
Posts: n/a
Rick, I can live with the fact that you don't make the rules there, and I accept what you are saying. You are correct that the only thing that matters is the bottom line price. But if the fee is not VERY CLEARLY disclosed and I show up thinking.....wait a minute....
....if the intent is to VERY CLEARLY disclose the fee, then why does the dealer have the extra fee instead of including the $499 in the advertised price? That's the point Rick - we are not stupid, and we don't like being insulted by insinuating it's fully disclosed. If the point is to fully disclose it then the dealer would not be doing this to begin with.
The dealership has the right to do it, and as potential buyers we have the right to tell you what we think of it.
....if the intent is to VERY CLEARLY disclose the fee, then why does the dealer have the extra fee instead of including the $499 in the advertised price? That's the point Rick - we are not stupid, and we don't like being insulted by insinuating it's fully disclosed. If the point is to fully disclose it then the dealer would not be doing this to begin with.
The dealership has the right to do it, and as potential buyers we have the right to tell you what we think of it.
Here is the bottom line, if you want a great price that is competitive with any dealer in the nation and you want a selection that is second to none and you want world class customer service then give me a call. If not then I totally respect your decision.
11-13-2011, 05:39 PM
#27
Burning Brakes
Member Since: Nov 2003
Location: Lenoir City TN
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Unmodified C8 of the Year 2021 Finalist
Please close this thread.
This thread has ran its course.
(so has the other thread - "disappointed")
Rick has stated the facts concerning
the dealership that he represents.
There is no more value in this thread.
(so has the other thread - "disappointed")
Besides ..... Rick Daniels and his
dealership are a forum sponsor.
end of story ......... thank you.
(so has the other thread - "disappointed")
Rick has stated the facts concerning
the dealership that he represents.
There is no more value in this thread.
(so has the other thread - "disappointed")
Besides ..... Rick Daniels and his
dealership are a forum sponsor.
end of story ......... thank you.
Last edited by CACTI 1; 11-13-2011 at 05:43 PM.
11-13-2011, 05:47 PM
#28
Team Owner
Just what is a document fee? I have received so many explanations over the years from dealers that I don't think they know what it is. When I bought my Vette I was told the document fee was for arranging financing, registration, etc. I arranged my own financing and registration and refused to pay.
So - what does the document fee cover?
So - what does the document fee cover?
11-13-2011, 06:01 PM
#30
Racer
Some state laws limit doc fees
Some states limit doc fees, and they are substantially lower than $499. In Illinois, I believe the current maximum doc fee is $156.08:
http://www.cata.info/2011_illinois_d...imum_is_15608/
http://www.cata.info/2011_illinois_d...imum_is_15608/
11-13-2011, 06:11 PM
#32
Some states limit doc fees, and they are substantially lower than $499. In Illinois, I believe the current maximum doc fee is $156.08:
http://www.cata.info/2011_illinois_d...imum_is_15608/
http://www.cata.info/2011_illinois_d...imum_is_15608/
11-13-2011, 06:30 PM
#34
Racer
Sure doc fee is 499, but compared to what the dealership in Tampa was giving me in trade for my 07 Vert. It was no way near Rick Hendrick was giving me.
Anyway I got my yellow Z on Thursday and very happy.
Anyway I got my yellow Z on Thursday and very happy.
