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| Zagato Site Supporter Member Since: 08 Jan 2011 Location: Billingshurst West Sussex Posts: 5013  
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Climbing the management ladder in my previous career and proper job I tried the "Mr popular" technique of people management and it works to a point with a small team but when you get up to 80 staff ultimately a slice of fear was the way to manage and get the best out of them
No I don't want them to love me.... I expect them to look after the vehicle professionally and do the job right not send me valentines cards! Very few places around here do a proper job  Most of the garages around here have a poor reputation but there seems to be quite a lot of business, probably as so many new people come into this growing area....most being high earners!
My father has dealt with Riders a few times to buy new vehicles and highly recommends them. He takes his motors to an independent for servicing though. Can't believe the labour rates down their £25 + an hour and he gets his hair cut for £3  Lowest up here is about £50 + and £13 for a chop! What an old woman I'm turning into £13 for a blue rinse - sucking of teeth! |
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16th May 2011 7:08pm |
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| DefenderOfTheEarth Member Since: 09 Nov 2010 Location: Cornwall, UK Posts: 1304 
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Zagato - moved from Surrey when I was 14 - it certainly is VERY pricey there now.
I get the wife to "shear" me every few weeks - so my £15 clippers have been great VFM  Defender 110XS SW gone... now VW California 180 4 Motion. |
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16th May 2011 7:22pm |
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| Zagato Site Supporter Member Since: 08 Jan 2011 Location: Billingshurst West Sussex Posts: 5013
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Sounds like an amicable arrangement you must enjoy returning the favour
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16th May 2011 7:30pm |
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| DefenderOfTheEarth Member Since: 09 Nov 2010 Location: Cornwall, UK Posts: 1304
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   Defender 110XS SW gone... now VW California 180 4 Motion. |
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16th May 2011 7:32pm |
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| BigMike Member Since: 13 Jul 2010 Location: Lancashire Posts: 2253
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And insisting you watch them work on your vehicle (ie I don't trust you) is a way to get good service from a garage? |
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16th May 2011 8:41pm |
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| Zagato Site Supporter Member Since: 08 Jan 2011 Location: Billingshurst West Sussex Posts: 5013
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As with many dealerships they have one wall as one big window so customers can feel at ease I suppose more with whats going on with their pride and joy. A Honda dealership I used once had the customer seating area directly facing the window! I suppose the thinking is a bit like open restaurants where you can see the food being prepared. It gives reassurance the job is being done properly and your sprockets aren't just bunged in a micro-wave
I may not be allowed in on Health & Safety grounds but I always hang about and talk with the guys as it's obviously a good idea to get to know them but you learn so much at the same time - not all good unfortunately which is why I stick around  |
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16th May 2011 9:24pm |
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| BigMike Member Since: 13 Jul 2010 Location: Lancashire Posts: 2253
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Insisting you watch them work on the vehicle is a little different to watching through a window I think you ll agree. I've never seen a landrover dealer with a large window you can see the workshop through and sit down whilst youre doing it.
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16th May 2011 11:10pm |
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| Zagato Site Supporter Member Since: 08 Jan 2011 Location: Billingshurst West Sussex Posts: 5013
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Chill Mike, nobodies insisting on anything! As said I doubt you can hang around the workshop in a dealership due to H&S but you can watch the guys working on your motor through the window provided !
When I picked up the vehicle, the staff I would be dealing with were called out and introduced to me which I thought was very good practice. They know me and my vehicle and have seen it since I have done the work on it!!! They know it's a cherished private one not a business farm hack! They said quite a few of the recent customers that have bought new are cherished ones that owners are going to keep long term - nice to know it's not only me and there is still such a lot of enthusiasm for the Defender. Came across a black 90 07 model in car park last weekend that was mint - I spoke to the owner and yes it is going to be his pride and joy for a very long time. In complete contrast I saw 4 working Puma's near a harbour that were in a hell of a state, mud, rust etc but they'll go on for years like that. I know the owner of the business and he wouldn't have anything else - don't think a Toyota would last long in salty climes!  |
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17th May 2011 5:44am |
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| RED-DOT Member Since: 29 Jun 2009 Location: stirling Posts: 2363 
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Zagato... you are on the bottom of a steep learning curve. Even after asking every question ever asked about Defenders it will still give you hassle that all the underseal in the world won't do a bit of help with.
As for the right to watch mechanics work on your car i think that is only for MOT tests. I wouldn't fancy customers watching or in other words not trusting me and i bet super longevity is not an advantage to your dealer as they like replacing rusty and worked hard parts and my dealer gives everyone the same level of courtesty and Anal owners are in the a/hole folder? 2008 RS4 gone, 123d M Sport, and a Puma 90 XS.. |
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17th May 2011 8:34am |
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| Zagato Site Supporter Member Since: 08 Jan 2011 Location: Billingshurst West Sussex Posts: 5013
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It sounds as though you are a mechanic from your post Red Dot. It's good to hear you regard yourself as good and contientious at what you do though! I wish there were more with the same ethos down in this neck of the woods
No that's not an invitation your OK up there Last edited by Zagato on 17th May 2011 8:56am. Edited 1 time in total |
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17th May 2011 8:51am |
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| RED-DOT Member Since: 29 Jun 2009 Location: stirling Posts: 2363
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Coconut to Zag.....
2008 RS4 gone, 123d M Sport, and a Puma 90 XS.. |
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17th May 2011 8:55am |
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| Zagato Site Supporter Member Since: 08 Jan 2011 Location: Billingshurst West Sussex Posts: 5013
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I thang yoo!
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17th May 2011 8:58am |
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| Happyoldgit Member Since: 14 Sep 2007 Location: Norfolk Posts: 3471 
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How do you know, you've only had your Defender for a few short weeks. Steve. Owned numerous Land Rover vehicles of all shapes and sizes over the decades. Current Defender: A non tarts hand-bagged Puma 110 XS USW. [Insert something impressive here such as extensive list of previous Land Rovers or examples of your prestigeous and expensive items, trinkets, houses, bikes, vehicles etc] http://forums.lr4x4.com I used to be Miserable ...but now I'm ecstatic. |
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17th May 2011 9:04am |
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| Zagato Site Supporter Member Since: 08 Jan 2011 Location: Billingshurst West Sussex Posts: 5013
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Eh! |
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17th May 2011 9:40am |
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