[mixdman]

I'd like to share this with all of you. I have removed the name of the person that sent it.

xxx, when you requested a price from me regarding a stock #, I answered you promptly and with consideration to your perspective, not to mention polite customer service.* Obviously, you do not follow the same professionalism and courtesy.* Your forwarding my response to other websites is totally unethical, the exact complaint you have against our addendum.* Hypicrite!!* This was not only an attack on the dealership, but also against me personally.**You have the odasity to pose as a customer when all you are is a hypocrite with nothing better to do than to try to make yourself a hero.* You want to dog our dealership and play your childish games thinking you are so clever and use my e-mails as a weapon against me as an employee. * What you don't realize is how dishonest and blatantly rude you are.* I am not here to rip anyone off or charge unjustified mark-ups as you are accusing or suggesting.*This business is no different than any other business.* Take a business course.* It's economics and profit. Hello!* If you don't like it, fine but leave my name out of your stupidity. *I will not tolerate your behavior and be prey to your gross conspiracy against my integrity.* If you can't find anything better to do with your time than to play these childish games, a Ford Pinto fits your character best*anyway.* Take your business somewhere they don't know you, xxx, because anyone who does know you would refuse service to you as I will do.* You are now deleted.* I will document everything this office receives from you and anything else you forward to other sites with my name on it without my knowlege and make sure you are notified when I want to recover damages due to your conduct.* I know all I need to know about you to pursue any action if possible.* Now*leave your user name mixdman, xxx, and any other alius you use to disguise yourself on this e-mail so everyone knows who you really are*and play your games with someone else.
*
xxxxx xxxxx
Motoring Advisor
Niello MINI and Proud of It!*****

[lotatoys]

Well apparently SOMEONE doesn't want the world to know the real stories behind their dealer practices. Mixdman may not be the most politically correct person but the issues he raises are valid and the Niello Motoring Advisor clearly feels exposed. It's a natural response to try and lash out against accusations, but it looks like mixdman isn't the only one with the SAME complaints. Hmmm, maybe we are all misunderstanding something here. I suppose economics have a great deal to play in charging outrageous mark-ups on cars that, for the time being, are scarce. But when the newness wears off, Niello Mini will be left with the scars and reputation of a dealership who cared more about a fast buck than developing a loyal and satisfied customer base. Happy Motoring (I mean pilaging), Niello!

[Sejanus]

Funny how it is good economics and fair profit for a dealer to charge as much as they can, but apparently it is unfair for customers to complain and compare notes in the hopes of finding a better deal or creating pressure to bring prices down.
I'm amazed that the Niello salesperson would believe that an e-mail to a customer is some sort of privileged and confidential commuication. If you send someone a message it is their's to do with what they want. As I recall when mixdman posted it he said nothing critical about the rep in question, he simply let the e-mail speak for itself. (it basically admitted that the value of the paint protection did not equal the price being charged). Apparently, this person's idea of good customer service is to insult and threaten the potential client. Was mixdman being somewhat of a difficult customer? Perhaps, but so what? Every job I've ever worked in where you are dealing with customers you put up with with far worse attitudes and even unreasonable compliants as part of providing courteous, quality service. Unless there is profanity or threats involved that is the nature of the job. Emotional tirades, even in the form of an e-mail full of spelling errors, is not acceptable employee behavior anywhere I've ever worked.
Mixdman, awhile ago one of our MINI2 members received a rather rude e-mail (nowehere near as bad as the one you just posted) from a dealer in Colorado. He posted it with its own thread and the resulting criticism and anger aimed at the dealer and dealership was enough to produce a very humble apology. Perhaps the Niello rep e-mail deserves a thread of its very own so that everyone, not just those of us in the Sacramento area, can see this reps.' approach to customer service. Just a thought.

[M]

Wow, just read the last few posts including that e-mail. I can't believe it, is that sort of reponse from dealers common? you mention a similar one in Colorado Sejanus. I'm astounded that he was so stupid that he put it down in writing!!! the guy has surely sounded the death knell for that dealership amongst any potential customers using this site.

Its a bit different over here, and whilst dealers take a slating and everyone assumes they're slimey, sharp, crooked etc I think its safe to say that no-one on here has ever been accused of dishonesty, rudeness or hypocrisy by theirs.

[Daddu]

Sounds like that person at the dealership, NEEDS A NAP!!!

[Sejanus]

In all fairness to the dealer in Colorado his post wasn't anywhere near as hostile in tone as the one mixdman received. It was a "don't call me, I'll call you" rude sort of thing. I don't remember the link exactly, but off the top of my head I think it was under US Dealer Offends... somwehere in the feedback forum. Eventually, that dealer was extremely apologetic. Anyone wanna take bets as to whether we ever see that sort of response in this case?

[helava]

I'll bet against an apology, Sejanus. Frankly, anyone in a service oriented industry who has the "odasity" to call a customer a "hypicrite" is basically shooting themselves in the face.

Yes, I imagine that dealing with mixdman isn't exactly ... smooth sailing for Niello, if they sold the cars without their ridiculous markup, and lousy treatment of the people on the reserve list, exchanging loyalty for a quick buck, they'd have completely avoided this issue. And now, my HOPE is that this half-wit is out of a job, rather than even being given the chance to write an apology. Little good it would do, regardless.

Still, it's a sad state of affairs when a straight-up guy like Jarid Perry's out of a job, and this nincompoop at Niello's turning over Minis at insane profits to people who are either too desperate or too mind-bogglingly rich to care.

*shrugs*

seppo

[lotatoys]

Has anyone else noticed the "new improved" pricing on Niello's inventory listing for Cooper S models? Example: Indi Blue, Sport Package with white roof & mirrors...$23,995. If you build the same car on Mini USA it comes out to $20,250. Aside from the standard issue $995 dealer pack for scotch guard and floor mats, there's an additional $2750 hidden in there. Maybe they use TWO cans of scotch guard now. I've sent a request for more info on pricing but I don't expect to get a good explanation. Anyone else have updates?

[mixdman]

Here's the kind of response you will get from Niello.


"I understand you aren't getting $995.00 worth of product, however, the management has set that package and at this point isn't being altered or customized. I hope that clarifies everything."

That sure does clarify everything!

[lotatoys]

Hey Mixdman...Still no reply from Niello's web contact regarding their Cooper S pricing. I sent that last weeks and today I sent another one directly to their sales.mini@niello.com address.
Sejanus, any luck yet getting your CVT Mini? Where did (or will)you buy? I'm still on the list with Mini of Murray, hoping to have my Cooper S within a few months...

[Sejanus]

Quote:

Originally posted by lotatoys
Hey Mixdman...Still no reply from Niello's web contact regarding their Cooper S pricing. I sent that last weeks and today I sent another one directly to their sales.mini@niello.com address.
Sejanus, any luck yet getting your CVT Mini? Where did (or will)you buy? I'm still on the list with Mini of Murray, hoping to have my Cooper S within a few months...

I e-mailed them a question a few days ago about the equipment on an incoming CVT (I know, I know, but I'm tired of waiting, I was only slightly tempted to give in) and still haven't gotten an answer either. Either its sloppy customer service or they've figured out who a few of us are and are ignoring us. (It wouldn't be hard in my case given my city and MINI preference). Either scenario is believable.

In any case I've got a deposit down at East Bay and I know I should be happy with that. The wait is dragging though and its not due until Sept. Plus with all these production delays (Cooper sports package is the newest one) who knows how long I'll actually have to wait.

[mixdman]

Why am I not surprised you have received no response from Niello? :-)
On another note, I sent that nasty e-mail I received from one of the MINI advisors at Niello to MINI USA and basically got the "Oh my gosh, we're really sorry you were treated that way. " response. I guess they don't care how their "advisors" represent their company.

[lotatoys]

Mixdman...I sent a copy of your posting to Mini USA as well and received pretty much the same reply. However, I will say on their behalf that they really can't do anything (legally). And everyone's suggestions to run Mini like a Saturn dealer are just too late and expensive to impliment. After all, if they stopped sending cars to Niello in order to open their own value-priced dealership you know that the Niello lawyers would be demanding millions in their lawsuits! Niello spent so much money for the priviledge to rape customers and ruin the reputation of the new Mini that you should be reimbursed for their troubles.
Sejanus, I'm glad you're sticking to your guns by purchasing at East Bay. It would be great if you could manage to plan your service trips there as well, to avoid giving the Niello machine any of your business. I know that's what I'll be doing.
Interestingly. I spoke with someone on the "inside" at Niello BMW and they agreed that Niello has done a terrible job with the Mini. They also agreed that the infamous Demi LeMarquand is an egocentric jerk who treats every customer terrible, unless they have money falling out of their pockets!
Gotta love Niello, huh?!

[mixdman]

Lotatoys,
Thanks for sending my post to MINI USA. They did acknowledge that they have been forwarded my post by other MINI2 members. They also told me to take my business elsewhere and I have. But as far as Niello goes, I will still continue to keep my eye on them and hopefully, they will not be a MINI dealer next year.

[Sejanus]

Quote:

Originally posted by lotatoys

Sejanus, I'm glad you're sticking to your guns by purchasing at East Bay. It would be great if you could manage to plan your service trips there as well, to avoid giving the Niello machine any of your business. I know that's what I'll be doing.

It'd be nice, but that's a bit of a long haul for an oil change. Concord's the next closest so maybe I'll try them.

[mixdman]

Just posting to keep this thread closer to the top.
FYI.....MINI will not do a thing regarding the e-mail I received from a certain "advisor" at Niello. They contstantly skirt the issue. Oh well.

[lotatoys]

Well it's official! Niello Mini has installed another option on the Cooper S models for buyers to enjoy...called "Dealer Mark Up". I've been trying for a while now to get pricing information on the Cooper S models Niello has on their "inbound" website listing and it only took 3 e-mails and as many weeks to get an answer. In the case of a particular Cooper S, the Mini USA price would be $24,000 yet Niello's price is $26,495. That extra $2,495 gets you the same "protection" package as on their non S models (a $995 value!) plus an additional $1500 worth of Niello arrogance and poor customer service. The good thing is that, like any exceptional warranty, the arrogance and poor customer service will continue for the life of the vehicle! That's a lot for only $1500 extra. I'll bet you non-Cooper S buyers are regretting your decision now, huh?!
So there it is, more proof that the Niello machine is still chewing away at a potential long term loyal customer base for a few short-term dollars.
Anyone else care to share their Niello experiences?

[mixdman]

And the thing is, people are foolish enough to keep buying from Niello! Wait until they have to get their over-priced MINI serviced and get the shaft for that too from Niello...plus the crappy customer service to boot.
Fools abound!

[mixdman]

Scam #6: The "Additional Dealer Markup (ADM)" Scam
How the scam works:* These are just wasted bogus charges added by greedy dealers.* It means "Additional Dealer Markup" or "Additional Dealer Profit", and usually appears on an orange sticker next to manufacturer's MSRP sticker.**I call it Arrogant Dealer Markup.* ADM gives them an artificial buffer to bargain down the price, or worst case, it gives them more icing on the cake when they are already selling you a hot car like the Honda Odyssey for MSRP.* In 2001 when Honda Odysseys were in such hot demand, car buyers were paying $2000 over MSRP, thanks to these bogus ADM fees, and not even getting the color they wanted.* Honda dealers also had the audacity to charge people dealer prep, ad fees, and throw in overpriced extras like $350 Window Etching, and $300 Scotch Guard.* If you bought*a new Odyssey or PT Cruiser in 2000 or 2001, you really had the screws put to you.* If ADM is $2000 and you talk them down $800, you still paid MSRP plus $1200 for the car!* One reader bought a Honda Civic and the dealer tacked on a $1995 ADM!* Luckily she got them to drop it.* But what if she had no idea what was going on?* "Trade in buyers", who only care about what they are getting for their trade in, fall for this one a lot, because they don't concentrate on the entire deal.* The dealer gave them an extra $1000 for their car, an now they are so euphoric they don't see the $2000 ADM.* The dealer just sold them a new car for MSRP, got their $1000 back, and made another $1000 off the buyer.* Oh, baby, can you feel it sting?

How to avoid the scam:* If you see this toxic waste, have them nix it. You must realize that when you sell the car later, the market value is based only on a depreciated value from MSRP, not MSRP + ADM.* A future buyer of your car could care less that you paid $2000 over MSRP, because vehicle depreciation pricing only accounts for the MSRP.
http://www.carbuyingtips.com/scams.htm#Scam5

[lotatoys]

Mixdman:
You're right about the ADM. To give another example more relavent to the Niello gang, they sold a BMW Z8 for about $50k over MSRP back when they first came out. Now I see them (although few) in Autoweek Magazine for less than sticker. I wonder how the sucker who paid Niello's outrageous markup feels about them now. Of course as Niello's own Demi Lemarquand told me last year...if you can afford an expensive car you can afford to pay more for it! For his exact words, refer to the original post for this thread.
One more thing, once the Niello Mini "Motoring" representative finally replied to my e-mail requesting clarification of the the Cooper S's additional price (above the base Cooper models ADM), his smug answer was: "The additional $1500 is dealer mark up".