Well there are always different opinions. I'm going to go a bit left field, and maybe upset a few people, but in my opinion the standards of service received from most of the dealers I've dealt with in the UK has left much to be desired.
Having visited 6 European dealerships during our recent European sojourn I can honestly say we are hard done by here in this country. I've said it before and I'll say it again, the only dealership in the UK who have impressed me have been RPM. I've never actually dealt with them but the set up seems ideal, and I have heard enough good things about them. I am not in anyway denigrating the enthusiasm of most uk dealerships but I'm not enamoured with the way they do business.
To give an example, before the Nordkapp trip I spoke to one dealer, told him I was selling my Aero 8 on my return as I'd agreed to buy the Plus 8. Heard nothing on my return so called about 4 weeks after. When I introduced myself he responded "of course I remember you, I have your business card here stapled in my diary" (yet no call?). I then discuss my Aero 8 again to which he says he'll need to go and check on the prices (he's a Morgan main dealer??). I then tell him what I want, and he says "oh it'll sell very quickly at that price, but I'll do a bit if research and get back to you" (not sure what research he needs to do?).
Two weeks later and I've heard nothing. Not even a 'by your leave'. Now maybe you might say that he needs no more stock, or isn't willing to part with a load of much needed cashflow? You may be right. But we were talking about
sale or return!! no outlay, minimal risk and more exposure? And to make matters worse, he has a series 3 for sale at a gnats whisker more than my series 4 would go up for with less mileage, and a few choice extras (auto, twin side exits and Supersport wheels).
Now who will please explain the commercial sense in that? If I were a Morgan dealer I'd sniff out who's selling what (how many times have I mentioned it on here???) and be calling daily to get my car (any car!!) on board.
Are Stratstones the answer? No idea really, maybe not. But the majority of current UK dealers need a good wake up call, and need to get commercially savvy pretty quick. My advice? Go and see your European counterparts!!
Rant over
