Re: Poor Service from dealers and others

[Osman Parvez <oparvez1@nycap.rr.com>]

Not every dealer is a bad apple, although I believe that most need some
lessons in customer service. Unfortunately, AoA is rather horrendous at
enforcing/supporting/guiding their dealers actions. 
Although Audi produces a great product, I think the management of AoA
needs to be replaced. I wouldn't expect much help form AoA on any issue.

Again, only you the consumer will instigate change in the way your
dealer operates. You can do that by voting with your pocketbook.

Although I believe that the Audi master techs at my former employer are
competent, I can no longer afford their fees since I no longer get the
employee rate. 

Instead, I stick with an independent wrench who may not have the same
level of experience with Audis, but has much better rates and is
genuinely concerned with keeping my business. I can trust him to put
commitment into the work he does, and to not try to take advantage of
me. He is also willing to take time and explain the nature of my car's
problem to me, whether or not I elect to have the service done at that
time. His customer relations is by far the best I have seen at any shop. 

Use common sense when deciding whom you will do business with and learn
from your past mistakes. There are places out there that do know how to
treat a customer properly. Sometimes they can be difficult to find
though.

If you are having difficulty finding an independent tech, I would start
by asking the first owner of an older euopean car you come across.
Obviously, kudos if the car is an older Audi. If that means pulling up
next to a stranger in a parking lot and asking them who services their
car, so be it. 

Eventually you will find a mechanic you are comfortable with. 

-Osman

P.S. If you are really pissed at your dealer I wouldn't let it go. As
the old adage goes, the squeaky wheel gets the grease. I wonder if
anybody has any tales of picketing their mechanic's place of work. The
biggest confrontation I ever had erupted into a yelling match between me
and the manager of the Sears auto-store a couple of years back. Don't
get me started on Sears though, just thinking about my experience makes
me angry again.