I had a guy stop in the shop yesterday. First he spent 15 minutes looking over all the old iron out front then came in to waste my time. Comes right out asking if I had any 49-50 Ford cars for sale. Then immediately stated he was looking for one to "resell on ebay for a profit". Not hinting around about it, came right out and said it, second sentance out of his mouth. I have no problem selling something to someone knowing they are going to try to resell it, long as I get what I want. But why would you tell someone that you just want it cheap so you can turn it? Some people just have no brains. He wasn't even the usually deadbeat in a rusty Aerostar looking at a $10,000 car, he was driving a nice truck, was maybe 60ish and clean cut. I politely said I had nothing for him and got back to the project I was working on. My other big problem is that people just stop by to kick tires and look at stuff. They usually just walk right past me over to a car they like and jump in it, pop the hood and work it over like it is their own, without even asking. Does anyone else have this problem and how do you deal with it?
At least he was upfront about buying to sell ... I would rather deal with him than some of the lying, cheating scumbags who try to buy your stuff cheap ... saying they always wanted one, it is their DREAM car and so on ... and less than 2 weeks later ... they are trying to sell it for a big profit ... I have one of those here ... plays the buddy card ... then sells it ... I call him a WHORE ... to his face ... and have nothing to do with him now ... If a fellow buys something I had for sale ... and he paid the price ... I have no issues with him selling it ... it is his to do this as he pleases ... but if he begged and pleated ... and talked me into selling him something he was going to keep forever ... Never again ...
I get guys doing the same thing in the bike shop. Walk up and just climb on the bike, start twisting the throttle, etc. What's most nerve wracking is when they start to set the bike back on the kickstand, hoping they do it right and the bike doesn't fall over.
Put up signs threatening their life or their wife, or their wallet. Something like: DO NOT touch cars, sit in cars, sit on cars, drool on cars, or pop the hood (refer to rules #1 and #3) Or the old antique store addage: "I break, I cry, you break, you buy" Have it heavily posted and be prepared to get nasty with the "temporairly illiterate" types. Seen it done, and although I personally would never have the inconsiderate balls to touch, much less sit in another dudes ride, seeing such a sign adds another foot of distance between me and said car, just in case the invisible mist from my breath might mar the paint.
I work at a hot rod shop, and it NEVER ceases to amaze me how DUMB some of these guys can be. If I'm in the hot rod biz, storefront, shop, the whole bit, how could anyone possibly think that I would sell for any less than market value? I'm there to MAKE MONEY, not to find shit for other people to make money on. It's what I do, all day, every day- buy and sell and build hot rods. I know the market. Not saying that I'd get upset if somebody bought something and flipped it for a profit, just saying they are going to pay my price first. The other side of this phenomenon is just as amazing- the guy who comes to me to sell something at top dollar. Who in their right mind would try to sell something to a RETAILER, at retail price!!?? I have to buy low enough to be able to mark it up, so I can make a profit, or I won't be in buisiness at all.
I used to manage a rod shop in Marquette, Michigan, and in the summer we liked to have the doors of the shop open to enjoy the few weeks of nice weather we had in the summer. I always put a bright yellow rope across the door with a big Keep OUT -- employees only sign right in the middle. Inevitably someone would walk up te rope, pick it up over their head and walk in to the shop. I used to say to them, "Oh, I didn;t realize you worked here too!" When they would respond that they didn't I would point out the sign and ask them to re-enter through the Customer Door. In the 3 years I worked there, I only had one or two people get in a huff and drive away...(or maybe it was a Saab they got in, I'm not sure )! But even though most were respectful it used to irk the hell out of me when people did that kind of stuff. I just try remind myself that it is just part of working with the public...
I'm not a businessman, just a guy who's got an old car hobby, but I can relate to being bothered. My 28 Model A woodie sat in the driveway at my girl friend's place and one Sunday afternoon this past fall a guy comes over and knocks on the door, asking about my car. He's already asking it it runs. Funny thing is, it's the last car in the driveway.... He asked if it was for sale, and I told him, "no, but if you really want it make me an offer--let's start at $15 grand and go up from there". I get this dumb-ass look from him... He then proceeds to tell me about the cherry 41 Ford at home and this 29 A that he's got and he's telling me that he needs a Ford script radiator badge for the A, and he has no idea where to find it. I told him that I think that you can still get one from Snyder's or Mac's or one of the other supplier's for about $20.....he had no idea of any of the parts suppliers to the Model A hobby. Where do these people come from? Not too long before that, another guy stops over and asks if I'll sell this 30 A coupe body (sitting on the trailor) to this friend of his...who's this big time hot rodder, he builds old Fords, (rat rods) etc. I ask him where this guy is, a phone number, as I'm short a couple of clips and springs for my 28 woodie's 47 Ford juice brakes, and wondering if he has any parts to spare....(The body belongs to my youngest son Dan....and not for sale...) Oh, can't do that, you might come over and steal all of his shit.... I ended up getting the clips and springs from HAMBer Levis Classic.... I don't mind visits from real car guys...but where some of these people come from I have no idea....
They crawl out from under a rock once every decade, whether they need to or not. In the information age, it is really astounding to run into someone who is "un-informed" I don't even mind visits from wanna be car guys, if they aren't jerks. But there is another thread about that already so I won't go there!
Cliff, you remember the guy that bought that Challenger from me? He gave me a 20 minute speech about how he's been looking for one for years to restore and how much he really wanted it, then he had it on eBay 2 weeks later. Not that I care, I got what I wanted, but it's amazing what people will tell you when they want to buy something. Either make up a huge load of bullshit for no reason, or come right out and tell you they want to fuck you over to make a quick buck. Unreal.
I see both sides, if you do not want people in your shop, put up a sign that says (ask permission before entering shop or touching cars/bike) or take down your sign out front and dont advertise what you do. some guys are car people but may not be socially skilled on how to handle themselves and just need to be brought back to reality. I like going into shops and looking around (you never know what you may find) but I also know that I am not supposed to mess with a car or bike with out getting approve first.
I get this at least once or twice a week....more when they are airing Barrett Jackson on Speed. Best one is some moron who bugs me at least twice a month to buy his 70 something 4cyl auto VERY RUSTY vega for $4200 which he needs to sell ASAP because he needs the cash really bad. I will buy anything for the right price and buy stuff from walk-ins all the time. I pay cash and don't ask questions, best buyer there is. People think I just like old cars and want more.
Cliffy, You struck a chord with this post.... I have some of the same in my shop almost weekly. Another area that comes up fequently at my shop is the "request for infomation"..... Now anyone who has known me, for any length of time or who is on the HAMB, knows that I will share SOME information with almost anyone.... Hell I even post "how to" stuff here on the board [and thru PMs as I feel like it]- from time to time...BUT...ONLY-WHEN I WANT TO.... But to have a guy call me up and just say: "I WANT TO KNOW HOW TO CHOP MY CAR, SO I CAN DO IT MYSELF"...is a little over the top -in my opinion... You cannot believe the conversations that follow some of these requests . It is..... after all how I earn my living,and have for some 30 odd years..... and I do sell that very information[C copywrighted] on a site, I have on the web... I honestly think that "JoePublic", believes nobody earns a living within the car hobby....it is just a game they can play and we are not to be taken very seriously in our ventures. Good topic here ,that could use some clarification it seems......
I stopped all the Drop in B.S. years ago with a 6' chain link fence and a Gate at the street. No cal Box just a sign with a Phone number that says Call for apointment. I can easily see the Gate and when the Phone rings. I look to see who it is and decide if I'm going to answer it or if it goes the the Answering machine. The Dog's runing loose also keep those "Buddys" from wanting to just hang out. I've never had a shortage of work to do and now I get 8 hours of work done in about 9 hours instead of 12. The Wizzard
That seems effective PistnBroke.... Another line I use if the call comes thru is this:"Let me go freshen up, ......-If I look that stupid"-I'll get right back wit ya!
That's similar to the guys that call me to find out some old and/or obscure part number, because their favorite parts man can't find it. I've also run into the theory that because someone knows me, it would be evil to actually GIVE ME MONEY for something. If I'm not willing to give it to them for free, then the obvious choice (in their pea brains) is to give money to a complete stranger for the same thing.
I like that line "go Freshen up" It really is up to us to controll our loss of time. There is a certain amount of P.R. we must do to get the work. I've found if I keep it strictly Buisness the Customers feel better about the Long term projects and the Link to there Check Book. One of the best things I've found they like is when Talking with the Customer in the Shop is to let the Phone Ring. They deserve your Full attention when there. I have a strict rule, Zero Drop in's. Call first. It hasn't hurt me one bit. The Wizzard
Yes it can be very annoying. I used to get it weekly in my shop-owner days. Had a really big guy come in once (big to me and I ain't little!) and ask about setting up a gear in his 8.8 axle. I told him about $200 parts and labor and I'd tell him what to buy and bring in. He said so-n-so would do it for $150...$200 is a lotta money. When I looked him dead in the eye and said "Then what the fuck are you doin here?" he looked like he wanted to fight. To bad for me he declined. Selling, working building, not much respect from any but our true peers. Those that know. That have done it or even had it done "for real" by our peers. I try not to get that attitude goin on dealings but it gets tougher with age. I thought I'd mellow out by now.
goes both ways havin been in the auto parts biz for twenty years ive had guys call..beggin pleadin me to bring parts to thier shop on my way home ....bought it with my cash .. delivered it out of my way .. only when i asked for money did they scratch around for the cash .. no tip or even a beer! saved lotsa guys asses this way.. then at later date when i was needin somthing done rush they had no time to do it after hours or they sold the parts/car before i could get there with the cash... memories get short in the auto biz i guess dealin with the public , friends , family ,so called buddys.. there is always room for improved relations set your expectations lower and be amazed at the results.. setting examples of good business is a great sign here on the hamb! paperdog
must be that time of the month haha... Man this really really really pisses me off... I get really smokin mad when people come over to my shop and kick the tires on my roadster... they leave these marks on the whitewalls that I have to really work at to get off... ASSHOLES... anybody know a good way of removing shoe smucks off of a firestone??? haha... Just trying to lighten the mood around here... I'm gonna run to town and buy some Westleys Bleech White... Tuck
how about this, this guy gets referred to me from a previous customer, he brings his truck to my shop and we talk about his paint job, he wants a 2 tone job and has some ideas that are way out there and would look like shit, so I spend an hour with him and tell him how i would paint the truck. he likes my idea so i give him a price. 1 month later i see the truck painted exactly the way i told him i would do it. i thought he probably got somebody to do it cheaper, whatever, later i find out he paid almost a grand more because the other guy quoted him less than me but jacked the price 1500 bucks when he was done. this made me laugh a litte bit, the stupid thing is that now whenever i run into the guy that owns the truck he has the balls to try and talk to me like i'm his buddy. I've refrained from telling him off, because whenever i see him i'm in a public place and if i go off i'll look like a jackass to everyone who doesn't know the situation, this guys a landscaper so i'm kind of thinking about getting him to draw me up a landscape design for my yard and then getting someone else to do the work.
hows about the flip side - i dropped off my truck with a metal fab guy. Made a deal. Go by there two weeks later - the truck and the guy are not there. I wonder??? Then 10 minutes later I hear my engine and truck rumble uip . The fucker is driving my truck around - I pay it cool - pop the hood after he get out. He hasn't even begum the work. A - hole I got my keys and told him the deal was off. A-holes are A-holes - don't be a dick.
Maybe a little off topic, but close. I have a couple friends, one with a welding/fab. shop and the other is a machinist and old parts collector/seller. When I have something done or try to buy something, they are too generous; either working for free or giving me parts. I have to hide money under the desk mat to pay. I tell these friends that if they don't make enough money then they'll shut down and I'll be deprived of their services. So, a reminder to you guys with friends in the business; don't ask for freebees and if they get too generous, find a way to make it right.
Its all gonna start again soon,Just wait until the auctions over,Ive shown three different people some of my stuff in the last four days,Theyre looking for " A good project and were told I had this or that"They are all gonna get back to me,"after I do a little checking to see how much this will cost or that will cost",If I dont know what Im looking at,I dont buy it,These people think theyre gonna get in it and drive it away,wash it and turn it for a huge profit,Like I didnt do my homework,go find the car,take time off work,use my car hauler,which I pay to maintain and so on ,so I can have them tell me they know what I paid and what its really worth..Its irritating,but humorous at the same time,i like to mess with them also,One of them 'HAS A HEMI" that hes been saving just for a special project for like ten years,But doesnt want to spend any money on a rolling chassis or decent body,knowing its going to cost him "Quite a bit to rebuild my motor"...Duhhh?,,,Well like I said its only gonna get worse,or better,whichever way you look at it.It oughtta be an interesting february and march.....
Well, I'm not not in the car business,but these people are my customers,too. Fortunately,they don't kick the merchandise-I mean we're an animal hospital so we don't need any injuries. Still there is constantly somebody wanting something for free, or less, or if I don't want to give them free services then I must hate animals. If you meet me in Walmart or someplace,even after a 12 hour day, I'll spend half an hour discussing your pet and giving out free advice. But when you bring your pet in to see me, I expect to get paid. It's how my staff and I make a living. And I have no problem with people who charge less for their services-they more than anyone should know what they're worth. But the days of a considerate public and customers are long gone, I'm afraid.
It seems to me that the people with the least amount of money want the most done for nothing and then still bitch about price when you cut them the best deal in the world. I no longer cut breaks. It cost what it costs and if they don't like it, go somewhere else. I am the least expensive shop in town by $15 per hour and I barely mark up my parts. By the way, I can still make a good profit. If they can get it down by someone else with no experience, out of their garage, with no warranty, fine do it...then come to me to fix it the second time around.
Gee Cliffy - you are in the business to buy and sell cars. So is he. Most dealers can't stand other dealers because they are competing with each other to make a buck. Dumb to say it to you ? Maybe - but like you said if you get what you want out of it - who gives a rip ? Hell - he was honest with you, so if he tried to low ball you - I can understand you being pissed but you didn't say so no harm no foul. If he gave you want you want - good times for you, but just would knaw on you if he put it on Ebay and made more. Always does - be honest. has happened to me before and I usually say - DAMN I could have sold it on Ebay and made more. Just the entrepenuer in all of us. Cob
The Jalopy Journal
