Let me just start by saying that I purchased a brand new Acura TL Type S in 2007. I fell in love with this car the second they came out and I dreamed about owning one someday soon. A year and a half later, I was ready to finally buy one. I had never owned an Acura before, mostly Honda's and a Volkswagen. I have owned few cars over the years due to taking my time to purchase the right vehicle for myself and lifestyle, budget, etc. And every car but one was purchased brand new, at different dealerships, so I have had my fair share of experience when it comes to working with salesman's and service departments.
In March of 2007 I voyaged out with my older brother to ultimately find that car and bring it home. Our first stop was Acura of Seattle. Now I am not on here to bash any dealerships, everyone has different, unique experiences with every activity you engage in. Having said that, we arrived at Acura of Seattle and the car was there. It was beautiful, it was perfect, I wanted it to be mine. As we sat down with the salesman, he seemed confused as to what we were actually needing to be "sold" on. I did not need to be sold on the car. I had driven it previously (at Hinshaw's Acura in Fife), I knew all the features, etc. What we needed to come to an agreement on was the price. The salesman was doing everything to entice me on a higher price, even going as far as to opening the showroom doors to pull out the car so we could test drive it. And like I said previously, it wasn't the car that I needed selling on, it was the price. After this had gone on for quite some time, my brother and I told them we were going to go "talk and think about it", AKA go somewhere else.
We got on the road and called HInshaw's Acura in Fife. We spoke to a salesman and explained the situation with Acura of Seattle and how I wanted the car, no need to sell me on the car, I needed to be sold on the price :)
Long story short, we took our business to Hinshaw's Acura, agreed on the price and I purchased my dream car. There was nothing stressful or annoying about working with the sales team at Hinshaw's. My salesman sat with me in my new car for over 3 hours going over all the navigation and other features, since it was my first car with all those types of bells and whistles. I was so pleased with the attention I had received and never felt like I was getting taken advantage of. Plus, our salesman had taken so much time with my brother and I that day, taking time to get to get to know us, etc. he had my favorite music playing on the xm radio when he put me in it to leave. It's those little touches that adds to excellent customer service.
Not but a week later I was driving and a rock hit my windshield and cracked it. I was so devastated. I called Acura and they told me to come down and they would take care of it. Since I have windshield coverage on my insurance, it cost me half the price. At that time I was introduced to Mike McCoy. He was courteous, patient, professional, and extremely accommodating. So much so, that I have taken my car in there for EVERY service it's ever needed for over 8 years. All of my service experiences were efficient and I leave with the satisfaction that my car is always well taken care of. Mike has always found time for me to get my car in, especially when I wait until the last minute to get my oil changed and I pretty much have zero oil life. He has never tried to coarse me into spending any more money that I wanted or could afford. He advises me of things that need to be done and if I decline, I receive zero backlash of pressure from him. Needless to say, that's why I continue to do my business with Hinshaw's Acura for my car service. The other service advisors would also acknowledge me, say hello, ask how my day was, etc. Kelly, the service manager, always greets me and the door and opens it for me. I have never been to a dealership and seen any sort of manager have such a well known appearance with all the customers. The service team there definitely treats their customers with the utmost respect and ensures that I will return each and every time.
You see, the moral of this story is, it's not about a one time purchase. You want to build relationships with people to ensure that you continue to get their business for life. With competition so high; whether it's hair stylist's, grocery stores, car service, airline tickets, etc etc etc. If you have a relationship built with your customers, you ensure that they will continue to go to you for your specialty.
I for one, am more than pleased with the purchase, service and overall experiences with my Acura. It is, by far, my most favorite car, and Hinshaw's Acura is by far, the best dealership and service department to work with. read more