Hey guys and gals, I'll start off by saying i couldn't find a section that this fit in, so this seemed like the best bet... Anyway my story starts in mid march when i was looking into buying a 2013 JK. I found the options i wanted, and i found what appears to be/was an AWESOME dealer. No bullshit, great price, no games, the guy i dealt with went out of his way to help me etc. Was told my delivery date was Monday, April 8th (99% sure may of been the next Monday. will look over emails in a bit) I emailed them to confirm (was a couple hour drive to this dealer) on Thursday the truck had arrived and everything was set up (was a dealer transfer and supposed to arrive the day before, Wednesday) and was told the dealer they were getting it from screwed them over and sold it. Found this odd they didn't tell me until 3 days before i was supposed to pick it up, but whatever. Shit happen, people get busy etc.

The sales guy i was dealing with then (from my end it looked like anyway) worked his ass off and found another with my options the next day, after being told the first one was "the only one in Western Canada" so that was a bit odd, and then was told this dealer transfer will take alot longer, this time May 1st. Again i said whatever not a problem. Fast forward to a ~week ago (7-8 days ago) i talked to them to see if May 1st was still a go and i was told that "it should be in sooner but it will be in by May 1st as it is an estimate) little odd. Now it's the 30th, i hear nothing from them until i send them an email today to see what time i should come in tomorrow to take delivery (even though it was supposed to be "before May 1st") and i'm told they now don't have any idea when it's going to be in as it is "still in transit" I did NOT hear from them at all, i had to initiate both the convo a week ago, and the one today. I just find the whole process a bit... Odd... And wanted your guys opinions on it. I really don't want to start making accusation and bitching at them because they've treated me so well up to the last couple weeks... But now i get the feeling something is up. They also keep saying things like "I can't wait to see you in your jeep" and "i've placed a call to see where it is..."

What do you guys think? I just get this feeling something is wrong/something is up... Or that i'm getting the run around.
Thanks.

EDIT: Thought i should mention i have left a deposit on it and got a credit approval.

 

I am not a salesperson, nor do I work for an automotive dealership of any kind. I'm pretty laid back, but this situation makes me think of some project management skills I picked up along the way... After proof reading my post, it seems a little aggressive, but the suggestion is here for you to use however you see fit.

That being said, I assume a huge portion of said Dealership's Customers arrive, settle for something on the lot, and complete the transaction same day (or a few days depending on their negotiations). If the Dealer doesn't often perform transfers or order custom builds from the Factory, they may not yet have the skillset necessary to communicate a reliable plan to you, the Customer.

You may have an opportunity on your hands.* Ask that the Dealership commit to small, obtainable milestones at which point in time they will reach out to you via your preffered method of communication (text, e-mail, etc.) to give you notice and allow you to gauge progress. To define the milestones, spend time reflecting on what information is important to you and what you define as success. Some examples of information I would want to receive are:
Which Dealership currently owns the JK?
Will the Awesome Dealership be required to purchase that JK in order to complete the transfer?
If yes, you should want notification when purchase is complete. (Milestone)
When is the transfer scheduled to depart current Dealership? (Milestone)
Will the transfer be direct or will the JK be loaded on and off multiple car haulers along the way?
What is the total transit time from current Dealer to Awesome Dealer?
What is the ETA of JK to Awesome Dealer (do the math to ensure departure date plus total transit time equals ETA)? (Milestone)
Will the Awesome Dealer inspect and clean the JK after transit and how much time will be required? (Milestone)

If you really want to go above and beyond, set up a Gantt chart in Excel (or Google Docs, etc.) to document the ability to reach the milestones within the committed timeframes as well as charting any delays. The Awesome Dealer should be interested to get feedback on their Customer Service (if one more Dealership asks me to fill out a survey while blatantly asking me for a perfect score I might puke on their Service Desk). *You may be able to "sell" the feedback to the Awesome Dealer in the form of a nice accessory they have on the rack (we can dream, can't we?)

Best of luck in your pursuit of a new JK!

 

It's hard to know if they are dicking you around, or are genuinely having issues from the other dealer. I had mine brought in from another province, and I will tell you to take a good look to make sure all the soft top parts are there, if applicable. My tinted windows mysteriously vanished somewhere between dealers, and it took me 6 weeks to get another set brought in.

 

I've learned the hard way about Chrysler dealers. They're only concerned with their own best interest. If it smells like shit, it most likely is. I find it very odd that they weren't calling you as you approached your due date. The whole thing seems tedious.

 

Thanks for the replys guys. I have to agree with what everyone's saying, and i love the milestone idea. I think i will do that. What i'm honestly thinking happened is they screwed up and the jeep won't be here for a couple weeks or so, so instead of manning up and admitting it at which point i'd want something to sweeten the pot, they figure simply telling me they don't know, and hoping i will wait. That is NOT going to work for me. As the "official" delivery date isn't until tomorrow, i think i will wait and call them on the second and (being polite as i'm not ready to burn bridges. Yet anyway.) See if someone can tell me what's going on. The other thing that kind of limits my options is the ENTIRE thing was through a sales manager. I did NOT even talk to a salesman. (That's another story about why i went with the sales manager) but if they can't give me a better answer than "we made a call to see how long" with no results i'll re consider my options. If the 5th or so rolls around with no Jeep in sight, i'll wait another week and if it STILL hasn't arrived, I may just tell them to scrap the deal completely. I think at that point i'll of waited a reasonable amount of time beyond the supposed date.

If they actually do know it's going to be a few more weeks, called me, worked out something small to appease me and sweeten the pot a bit (Tint perhaps, or Floor mats etc) and explained it'll be here on X date i'd be happy... But this whole "we don't know when it will be here" thing not only leaves a sour taste in my mouth, but really makes me wonder what they aren't telling me... Arghh. So F***ING frustrating.

 

They are in the business of selling Jeeps. No sale,no money. They are at the mercy of the other dealer.

Often times the other dealer is hoping you find out where your vehicle is coming from and then contact that dealer directly which gives them the sale.

Ask them to place a factory order for you.

 

One thing that can hold up a transfer is if the secondary dealer thinks they may have a buyer for the Jeep you wanted. They'll be less likely to let your dealer have it, if they think they can sell soon.

 

Do you have another dealership in your area? I would be interested in seeing if another dealer can obtain the same/similar JK for you any sooner...or just to create a lil competition to see who really wants to make a sale. They are playing you like a yo-yo; right now, you are a definate sale, so they can afford to put you on the back burner and focus on other customers who will settle for something on the lot. Remember...."outta sight, outta mind"...and "the squeaky wheel gets the oil". I hope everything works out for you.

 

Thanks. This is the problem though, The specific options are literally IMPOSSIBLE to find. After the dealer told me there was one in Western Canada i spent a day calling EVERY dealer i could find in Alberta and BC and lo and behold a grand total of one dealer in the interior had one, which the sold after everything had been set up for a dealer transfer. (atleast according to the dealer... who knows what's true anymore) I haven't hunted for one since then, but yeah...

 

Im on mobile so can't see your location. What dealer are you using? Are you in BC or Alberta? There are some bad dealers you should stay away from.