Work as a service driver for the local M-Benz dealership and people are still buying them although there is currently a trend towards recent second hand motors rather than new ones. The scrappage scheme has attracted some owners of old Mercs to trade them in and it's a shame to see some beautifully kept older motors being carted off for scrap. I'm not surprised that a number of 'scrapped' cars are turning up in eastern europe and Africa. The dealership, however is owned by a large outfit based in the North and although Mercs are holding their own in a depressed market, other brands are struggling and thus the company as a whole isn't doing so well so there's a chance we may be sold to help pay the bills. There's no doubt though that people are looking for the cheaper option when it comes to servicing rather than pay MB prices. Every day we go past places we once collected from but don't any more.because the owners are going to indepedent garages that have lower hourly rates : the downside to that is that the all important service book will not be stamped by an MB dealership and the car's value could be effected.
We were busy up until November, the sterling crashing against the dollar absolutely battered us......we buy and sell dental products by the way, also about the same time invested in a company that has been a complete waste of money, and in July a customer went into Liquidation owing me alot of money(so I wont see that money again).
But it is now starting again to pick up, august crap month but this is the holiday season for the dentists. I believe September will be a good month as have deals in the pipeline.
It seems we have alot of people from different industries on here that could well help eachother out, dunno if theres a thread on here about that (I know theres a job search thread) but maybe there should be one thats for small businesses as well?
[cite]Posted By: 1989cafc[/cite]We were busy up until November, the sterling crashing against the dollar absolutely battered us......we buy and sell dental products by the way
Work as a service driver for the local M-Benz dealership and people are still buying them although there is currently a trend towards recent second hand motors rather than new ones. The scrappage scheme has attracted some owners of old Mercs to trade them in and it's a shame to see some beautifully kept older motors being carted off for scrap. I'm not surprised that a number of 'scrapped' cars are turning up in eastern europe and Africa. The dealership, however is owned by a large outfit based in the North and although Mercs are holding their own in a depressed market, other brands are struggling and thus the company as a whole isn't doing so well so there's a chance we may be sold to help pay the bills. There's no doubt though that people are looking for the cheaper option when it comes to servicing rather than pay MB prices. Every day we go past places we once collected from but don't any more.because the owners are going to indepedent garages that have lower hourly rates : the downside to that is that the all important service book will not be stamped by an MB dealership and the car's value could be effected.....quote March 51
Interesting post, I am working on some material for work on this scheme. I noticed my ford dealer was not too busy in Bexley re servicing but that might have more to do with the attitude of the staff, and one of the main reasons why I will not be buying ford again.
I think that you will find that BMW and Mercs like to keep there servicing at a 'premium' as not to devalue the brand, not sure about the marketing of this, seems rather out of date. Do they do an oil change and quick inspection deal, check pads! etc. Probably people are scarred of big bills, and put it off till another 10,000 miles and hope!. There are a couple of specialist dealers around, never used them and heard varied reports. I tend to drive either new or very old cars, because of the warranty with new.
I got a stonking deal in february, I worked the deal back and they sold at a loss, admittedly an old model, but a sports ford with £6000 off. Like to think it was because I was a regular customer I think it had more to do with cash flow and not wanting an old model they were landed with. Been to car giant, very impressive for anyone thinking of buying a car second hand, they are nearly all fleet but have some great deals, worth a visit.
Been really quite turnover last month hit rock bottom however with that we took the most orders last month we have taken in 2 years and this month we have been having sometimes 2 pre order meetings per day and our turnover is well past the previous in only 14 days. Things are moving at last and although its not great profits we would like at the moment they are definately creeping up.
Everyone at Shepherd neame is busy at the moment although they did get rid of a load of long service staff a month or so ago. The demand for beer is so high that some brands are running out of stock which is unusual here apparently.
[cite]Posted By: Ketman[/cite]Everyone at Shepherd neame is busy at the moment although they did get rid of a load of long service staff a month or so ago. The demand for beer is so high that some brands are running out of stock which is unusual here apparently.
DA9, sorry for delay in replying: since 'they' confiscated my computer my visits to CL are few and far between during the day! Anyway, M-B of Redhill, formerly Rose and Young who were based in Caterham : in the last 10 years we've had 5 different owners - it's a funny old game, the motor trade, as you probably know!
i must admit things are picking up at work,i have taken some nice orders this week for big projects and the clients did not haggle over the prices!That alone i find amazing as the last year or so i have had to cut the price to the bone on most orders.
I think this goes to show that companies that are prepared to ride a recession and support their staff where they can, can only come out of this a lot stronger when things get better.
Not saying i have had a easy time of it though with my employer and i know a lot of us on here are and have been in the same boat.
[cite]Posted By: March51[/cite]DA9, sorry for delay in replying: since 'they' confiscated my computer my visits to CL are few and far between during the day! Anyway, M-B of Redhill, formerly Rose and Young who were based in Caterham : in the last 10 years we've had 5 different owners - it's a funny old game, the motor trade, as you probably know!
Cheers fella, I deal with MB in Dartford and Bromley now & then, and one of my pals works at the Dartford site (are they franchises?)
Certainly the Dartford dealership is, but I'm not sure about Bromley, it did close for a while. MB aren't keen on 'independents' and four or five years ago insisted that all dealerships be re-named 'Mercedes Benz of (wherever)' and be dedicated to the brand. Some, like S.G Smith at Crystal Palace didn't want to lose their identity and told them to stuff it: they are now a VW outlet.I've heard that down in Kent, Canterbury way, MB have closed the official dealership because the independent local garage has such a loyal bunch of customers they couldn't compete. One up to the little guy!
Comments
But it is now starting again to pick up, august crap month but this is the holiday season for the dentists. I believe September will be a good month as have deals in the pipeline.
It seems we have alot of people from different industries on here that could well help eachother out, dunno if theres a thread on here about that (I know theres a job search thread) but maybe there should be one thats for small businesses as well?
everybody say "aaaaaaah" :-)
Ignore him mate, he's the resident board bully. Big fella though, so give him a wide bearth if you ever see him.
You'll soon learn that I'm the only one on here that talks any sense.
PS. Welcome!
Interesting post, I am working on some material for work on this scheme. I noticed my ford dealer was not too busy in Bexley re servicing but that might have more to do with the attitude of the staff, and one of the main reasons why I will not be buying ford again.
I think that you will find that BMW and Mercs like to keep there servicing at a 'premium' as not to devalue the brand, not sure about the marketing of this, seems rather out of date. Do they do an oil change and quick inspection deal, check pads! etc.
Probably people are scarred of big bills, and put it off till another 10,000 miles and hope!. There are a couple of specialist dealers around, never used them and heard varied reports. I tend to drive either new or very old cars, because of the warranty with new.
I got a stonking deal in february, I worked the deal back and they sold at a loss, admittedly an old model, but a sports ford with £6000 off. Like to think it was because I was a regular customer I think it had more to do with cash flow and not wanting an old model they were landed with. Been to car giant, very impressive for anyone thinking of buying a car second hand, they are nearly all fleet but have some great deals, worth a visit.
What M-Benz dealership you at?
DId the tour there last month, great time.
LOL...me & 40 other large lumps (including Goonerhater)
I think this goes to show that companies that are prepared to ride a recession and support their staff where they can, can only come out of this a lot stronger when things get better.
Not saying i have had a easy time of it though with my employer and i know a lot of us on here are and have been in the same boat.
Cheers fella, I deal with MB in Dartford and Bromley now & then, and one of my pals works at the Dartford site (are they franchises?)