“Seems to me that you could possibly just be of the personality that needs to have their way and won’t take direction from anyone else.”

Hardly. I’ve been on both sides of sales and marketing in retail; led sales teams; carried a bag myself; so know the drill. Unlike some, when I am presented with a situation that’s not right, I admit to not being meek. Perhaps you cheerfully comply when some person says, “Well sir, that’s just our policy.”

“I’ve worked at a highly regarded (in terms of customer service) dealership in the past, and the copy of the license is simply in case you damage or steal their product.”

Let’s not be naive. They wouldn’t let the car go out without a salesperson so that’s not true.

Did you read my post? The receptionist, saleswoman and manager ALL agreed it was for lead generation. In fact, the manager, willing to comply with my request, then stated I’d have to give her my name, phone number and email address since it WAS for lead generation. How much clearer does that have to be?

BTW, I was quite friendly but firm. Just like I am when someone, anyone, who clearly doesn’t need it, insists it’s “standard procedure” or “our policy” that I fork over my Social Security number. Not gonna happen, but you’d probably cheerfully fork it over, right?

I’ve worked at a highly regarded (in terms of customer service) dealership in the past, and the copy of the license is simply in case you damage or steal their product.

People try to come into these dealerships every day looking for a way to take advantage of their good will. In the off chance you drove up in a stolen Mercedes, sure they have the license plate to track, but that wouldn’t be you. So, the copy of the license is standard procedure at most locations in order to get the best shot at having some recourse should you be a criminal.

They were willing to shred the information upon your safe return. As you stated yourself, they were acting as if “if you’re not interested, someone else will be.” This indicates to me that they don’t need you as a “lead” since they already have a two year list of people waiting for ordered cars, and a list of other people waiting for the rejects. Why would they want or need to waste their time pestering to buy a car they don’t even have?

It’s too bad you took such a personal attack away from this to ruin any chance of you enjoying the wonderful experience of owning this car. Lighten up. You’re a Minnesotan for Pete’s sake. Be friendly, not pompous.

First off, look at this post within the context of this blog. I write about social media, its impact and conversational marketing. What occurred is counter to the trends and old school. If you participate on the ‘net at all (which you do, Stephen, as I’ve read several of your articles at Stephen’s Web) then you’ll ‘get’ the inflexibility of the approach.

Of course I don’t make inference’s from a single data point though will you be my astrologer? S Johnson, glad you stopped by my spooky blog and take everything here at face value.

> So in one inflexible interaction this morning the Smart car is forever off of our list.

You should know as well as anyone that making an inference from one datapoint is unsound. You may as well consult your astrologer.