Open doors vs. Open for Business

Harleyduo · 01-14-2008, 02:51 PM

When I called the Michigan dealership today, I was informed that they are 'technically' not open for business, yet. That statement caught me off guard to the point where I didn't ask them to clarify what that meant.

As I learned that they did not have accessories, yet, or parts, yet, or prices for extended warranties, yet, I realized that this 'soft opening' as some are calling it means that their doors are open and they are answering phones, but they really aren't prepared to do NORMAL BUSINESS, yet.

My question is whether anybody else has a dealer that is actually 'selling' stuff or even has any stuff to sell, yet? I guess, I misunderstood what Smart USA meant when they said their dealerships would be opening on January 14th. Obviously, it will take some longer to receive their products to sell, simply because it takes time to get it delivered and inventoried, etc. I'm just trying to gauge whether any dealerships are ahead of the others at this point. Any feedback?

spdickey · 01-14-2008, 02:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Harleyduo

When I called the Michigan dealership today, I was informed that they are 'technically' not open for business, yet. That statement caught me off guard to the point where I didn't ask them to clarify what that meant.

As I learned that they did not have accessories, yet, or parts, yet, or prices for extended warranties, yet, I realized that this 'soft opening' as some are calling it means that their doors are open and they are answering phones, but they really aren't prepared to do NORMAL BUSINESS, yet.

My question is whether anybody else has a dealer that is actually 'selling' stuff or even has any stuff to sell, yet? I guess, I misunderstood what Smart USA meant when they said their dealerships would be opening on January 14th. Obviously, it will take some longer to receive their products to sell, simply because it takes time to get it delivered and inventoried, etc. I'm just trying to gauge whether any dealerships are ahead of the others at this point. Any feedback?

No cars, no accessories, no t-shirts here at Beverly Hills today. Tomorrow is another day. People are walking in expecting to see cars and take test drives.

A "soft opening" in the retail trade is open for business without advertising a "Grand Opening." Time to get the kinks out before the crowds descend.

We 1173 expect a few "kinks" this week. We are on the bleeding edge here.

**SmartCard** · 01-14-2008, 03:00 PM

My dealership was "open" Saturday, with 3 people readily greeting us as we walk in the showroom to chat. Of course, talk was ALL we could do as they also did not have any parts, accessories, not even any brochures! They were expecting stuff this week, and jokingly suggested that the showroom goodies would be shipped in the boot of the arriving cars!

bmx43 · 01-14-2008, 04:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by spdickey

No cars, no accessories, no t-shirts here at Beverly Hills today. Tomorrow is another day. People are walking in expecting to see cars and take test drives.

A "soft opening" in the retail trade is open for business without advertising a "Grand Opening." Time to get the kinks out before the crowds descend.

We 1173 expect a few "kinks" this week. We are on the bleeding edge here.

OK, ur starting to scare me a bit. can you say obsession? do you go to your dealer every day? i hope you live right across the street or something...otherwise we might need to contact Dr Phil.

a2jack · 01-14-2008, 04:47 PM

God Yes... Get Dr. Phil here, right away. We are all going down for the count.

How long can we bear this wait? Worse, Harleyduo keeps rattling our cages

:

A2Jack.

SnakeFarm · 01-14-2008, 06:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bmx43

we might need to contact Dr Phil.

I'm thinking Dr. Phil is gonna' need back up on this one.

spdickey · 01-14-2008, 06:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bmx43

OK, ur starting to scare me a bit. can you say obsession? do you go to your dealer every day? i hope you live right across the street or something...otherwise we might need to contact Dr Phil.

No didn't go today, I was there Friday (been inside twice in a month), they said nothing was due to arrive until later this week, hence my "today" comment.

And I'm with Britanny on a Dr. Phil visit. Just say no.

SPDYII · 01-14-2008, 06:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by spdickey

No didn't go today, I was there Friday (been inside twice in a month), they said nothing was due to arrive until later this week, hence my "today" comment.

And I'm with Britanny on a Dr. Phil visit. Just say no.

What??? You didn't visit your dealer or the smarthouse today?

spdickey · 01-14-2008, 06:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SPDYII

What??? You didn't visit your dealer or the smarthouse today?

I would have, but it's closed Mondays (g). Forgot, I was at the dealer on Saturday, not Friday, along with the visits to the smart house and BH Motoring to check on the Brabus bits.

With cars arriving tomorrow (???) I might drop by during lunch (I work 2 miles away) to check things out.

SPDYII · 01-14-2008, 06:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by spdickey

I would have, but it's closed Mondays (g). Forgot, I was at the dealer on Saturday, not Friday, along with the visits to the smart house and BH Motoring to check on the Brabus bits.

With cars arriving tomorrow (???) I might drop by during lunch (I work 2 miles away) to check things out.

What???? You work?

(Sorry I could not resist.)