New Honda HR-V Delayed Delivery - Compensation

LRanagade on 20/07/2016 - 23:27
Last edited 23/07/2016 - 15:04

I bought a new Honda HR-V on 25 June, 2016. The salesman said delivery would be in first week of July. I was going overseas on a business trip on 28 June for a couple of weeks, so I requested the salesman to arrange delivery on 15 July at 9am, the day after I returned.

When I got back from overseas on 14 July, I called the salesman to confirm delivery next day at 9am. He tells me that there has been a delay in delivery of the vehicle, and it will not be delivered for another week!

I did a lot of running around on 14 July to get the bank cheque ready from my bank. I also cut my overseas business trip short to come back to take delivery of the vehicle. I could have stayed a few days longer to complete some tasks that were delayed overseas.

I got really angry with the salesman on the phone, telling him that I had already given him more days to organise the delivery after he told me delivery would be earlier. He also didn't bother to contact me and tell me about the delayed delivery. If I had not called him to confirm our appointment, I would have arrived at the dealership the next day and there would be no car for me!

The salesman told me that he will compensate me for my inconvenience.

So, Ozbargain people, what would be a reasonable ask for such a compensation?

Thank you.

EDIT:
It seems like some people are thinking that I'm trying to milk the salesman for compensation. I should have mentioned that the salesman offered the compensation… I did not ask for it. The reason for my forum post is to get an idea of what would be a reasonable compensation, knowing the situation.

FINAL UPDATE - CAR DELIVERED:
I picked up my new Honda HR-V yesterday. The salesman met me personally and profusely apologised for the delay. He told me that he had gone on leave for 2 weeks, and the someone else was supposed to inform me about the delay, but they didn't.

He then asked me what type of compensation I would like. I suggested to him "Free servicing?". He agreed right away, and gave me 10k and 20k free servicing! He then said I have more compensation for you. Here is fuel voucher for full tank of petrol, 2 umbrellas, 2 keychains, and a big teddy bear! I was totally stoked!

So everyone who gave good suggestions and sympathised with my situation, a HUGE THANK YOU to you all!

And to those who thought I was demanding compensation for nothing, you can see what I requested, and the extras the salesman threw in without asking, knowing that they were at fault for not informing me.

The Honda HR-V is a fantastic car to drive. I am loving every moment of driving it!

Mods may close this forum post as necessary.

Automotive

Comments

  • nocure on 20/07/2016 - 23:29
    +29

    Free loaner until yours is ready

    • Ranagade on 21/07/2016 - 00:32

      I have a car which is being traded in, so don't really need a loaner.

      • [Deactivated] on 22/07/2016 - 15:57
        -2

        So if you already got a car it's not really hurting you. Maybe he wants to give you a free keychain? It's only a week late… I don't think that you are owed anything other than an apology. You did not need to cut your business trip short just to get delivery of a car that you wouldn't have been able to use anyway while you were still away… that was 100% your choice.

        • treeman on 22/07/2016 - 19:44

          Yeah similar thing happened to me with a Honda HRV. I didn't change any plans for it though.
          Got a loan car for approximately 2 weeks in place.

        • Ranagade on 23/07/2016 - 14:28

          It was not a matter of being late. It was a matter of them not informing me of the delay.

    • spackbace on 21/07/2016 - 01:13
      +36

      That's about the only compensation required here

      • Musing Outloud on 21/07/2016 - 19:10
        +1

        As the price is contractually locked in, I'd be going for some extras that sweeten the deal such as tow ball, roof racks and the like.

        • spackbace on 21/07/2016 - 19:12

          Tow bar? So this wait time is worthy of a $600+ accessory… wow ok

        • Slippery Fish on 21/07/2016 - 22:53
          +8

          @Spackbace: he should ask for the first born daughter of this man after such outragious treatment!

          Lol seriously though hthe boss likely got yours in, sold it and now the salesman is left holding the ball. Grow up Nd realise shit happens… Then ask for a free lightbar as they are great.

  • indium on 20/07/2016 - 23:34
    +1

    Free uber rides until car delivered

  • hell0 on 21/07/2016 - 00:23
    +9

    "I also cut my overseas business trip short to come back to take delivery of the vehicle"
    Why did you do that? He didn't specify the date and demand you cut your trip short, you did.

    Put on your big boys pants and get on with your life.

    • Ranagade on 21/07/2016 - 00:28
      +7

      If you read my post, we agreed delivery on 15 July at 9am.

        • Ranagade on 21/07/2016 - 08:22
          +3

          Yes it was CONFIRMED that delivery would be on 15th July at 9am. I could have extended my trip a few more days to complete some tasks if I was notified of the delay. I have been a huge fan of the HR-V since it was announced, so I was extremely excited about driving my new car.

        • wyrmy on 21/07/2016 - 21:16
          -7

          @ranagade: Then the tasks were not that important if your excitement for a new piece of metal took priority. And you made overseas business travel decisions based on a car without any confirmation it was on track for delivery? Seriously?

        • RockyRaccoon on 22/07/2016 - 14:26
          +2

          @ranagade: I think you are making too big a deal about your overseas trip and the fact you could have stayed longer.

          Yes that would have been nice to do, but by your own admission you wanted your car, so the decision not to stay was made on the basis that your personal desires were more important than any business need. If it was that important you would have stayed and delayed your pick up of the car.

          The old adage "if it doesnt add it detracts" applies with this part of your argument.

          Now having addressed that relevancy. You have a right to be upset with the lack of communication and given as you said you want compensation which the salesperson willing offered. Issue here is the amount the salesman is willing to give.

          All I can say is when he makes his first offer, just say "is that the best you can do". Then keep quiet. The one who then speaks first will weaken their argument.

          Good Luck and enjoy your new drive

      • p1 ama on 22/07/2016 - 22:14
        +4

        That's not really the point though, I don't think you get what hell0 is trying to say.

        It's really not a big deal and nothing worth getting angry over. If you really have to be angry, the salesman isn't the person who you should be getting angry with. It's not his fault that it's delayed and getting angry at him won't help you get your car any sooner. In fact, he wants the car to arrive just as much as you do, because a happy customer is a win for him and he gets his commission on the sale.

        I understand that you agreed on some date at some time, but at the end of the day, you're getting it next week, not in three months time or whatever. The best thing for you to do is to just patiently wait it out and accept that sometimes things don't always go to plan. People make mistakes and sure, compensation is fair when their mistake causes someone else some form of loss, but here, it's inconvenienced you, yes, but hasn't really caused you any harm.

        Be thankful you are alive, that your car is coming and that you'll get it soon. No point being a little child who throws a tantrum because he doesn't get his toy instantly.

    • MrMcHairyHead on 24/07/2016 - 15:30

      If you actually read the post, it explains that the delivery date was agreed upon.

  • spackbace on 21/07/2016 - 01:08
    +20

    These things happen. Without knowing the content of the calls, there's every chance he thought you'd be unreachable until the day of delivery.

    To say you cut the trip short is a bit OTT. Like you'd hurry back to pick up the car! Unless it was some amazing sports car… But why would you hurry back to the country for a Honda?

    If you could've stayed overseas a bit longer, and if you needed longer to complete tasks, why didn't you just simply push back delivery of the new car (when you thought it was the original date)? It would just stay in the showroom until you were ready

    Put it down to bad communication on both sides, take a breath and move on.

    • Ranagade on 21/07/2016 - 08:15
      +2

      Ok so I think I should have made it clearer in my explanation. He knew I was coming back on the 14th. We confirmed 9am delivery on the 15th. He had my email address. There was no bad communication on both sides. He could have at least emailed me about the delay. I could have then extended my business trip a few more days to complete tasks. I'm not sure about others who buy new cars, but I was super excited about getting my new car! So I came back to pick up my new car on the AGREED day and time. Also, I didn't ask the salesman for any compensation. He offered compensation knowing how he had not communicated about the delivery delay to me. That's why I asked in the forum what would be a reasonable compensation for this situation.

      • dr on 21/07/2016 - 08:22

        Free car? :-P

        • Ranagade on 21/07/2016 - 08:32

          LOL! I might try that!

      • spackbace on 21/07/2016 - 10:12
        -2

        He offered compensation knowing how he had not communicated about the delivery delay to me. That's why I asked in the forum what would be a reasonable compensation for this situation.

        But why go in with an expectation of what that might be? Why not just wait and see? This forum could give you all sorts of crazy answers of what they might want to expect, but at the end of the day, they aren't that salesperson and they aren't that dealership.

        If you go in expecting the world, and they don't deliver it, you'll be disappointed. If you didn't post this thread, and just went in their blind, you'd likely be happy. Which would you rather be when picking up your >$30k car?

        • Ranagade on 21/07/2016 - 11:02
          +8

          I just wanted an idea of what to expect. Isn't that what forums are for? To get various opinions of different people? And knowing how many good advices have been given through Ozbargain before, I thought I'd post my own.

    • ykwon10 on 21/07/2016 - 08:48
      +17

      What is wrong with being excited to pick up a brand new Honda? Not everyone has the financial capability to buy an amazing sports car! Especially if OP saved for ages and worked his ass off to buy this Honda, I see every reason why he is excited.

      • Ranagade on 21/07/2016 - 09:32
        +4

        Thank you! Yes, for me the Honda HR-V is a DREAM car! And I was over the moon to come pick up the car!

        • norimono on 21/07/2016 - 14:09
          +3

          I just picked up a Honda HRV less than a month ago. It's a brilliant car and really enjoying it!

          Since the dealer offered some compensation, a free service or something like that (after the first free initial service) seems okay to me. I'd be peeved if I was in your situation but since no particular harm done, I wouldn't be that inclined to push. I think since you were offered something, you can certainly accept it but then again if it's no big deal then there's nothing wrong about being graceful about it either.

        • Ranagade on 21/07/2016 - 16:42
          +1

          @norimono: Thank you. Excellent suggestion! Can't wait to drive my HR-V!

        • ykwon10 on 21/07/2016 - 10:20
          +2

          Prepared to wait for the mutually agreed timing which is 2 weeks not 3 weeks. Also, OP doesn't have a problem with that anyways, it was the sales person that didn't notify OP about the extra delay.

          Its like saying someone bought a property off the plan and that shows he is prepared to wait since he didn't buy existing property. So its surely ok to delay the building process and not deliver on time.

        • Ranagade on 21/07/2016 - 11:04
          +21

          I think it is very rude of you to say that I need to dream higher. You don't know my financial situation. Not everyone can own a $100,000 sports car. Please be considerate in your comments. Also, I bought the VTI-L, top of the range model, so your CarsGuide link does not apply.

        • [Deactivated] on 21/07/2016 - 12:33
          +2

          @ranagade:

          I agree with you. I could dream of getting a lamborghini but whats the point. I will never get a lamborghini until I can buy it with a month of my post-tax earnings. I'd rather put the money into appreciating assets.

          My dreams are hopes and my hopes are practical.

          I think if you keep aiming for impractically high you'll find yourself expending resources that matter to chase for something that you can control "how much it matters to you".

          TLDR, it is always better to adjust expectations when to re-allocate resources. Especially when it comes to a car.

        • cheesecactus on 21/07/2016 - 14:37
          +6

          @Spackbace:

          Always dream higher, never be happy, buy a more expensive car…. I think the car salesman part of your brain is beating the 'being a normal human' part.

        • spackbace on 21/07/2016 - 15:30

          @cheesecactus:

          So you never set higher aspirations? Never aim to be the boss of the company?

          If you won Powerball tonight, 15mil, the car you'd go out and buy as soon as the cheque cleared would be something similar to OPs?

        • theguyrules on 21/07/2016 - 15:42
          +4

          @Spackbace:
          C'mon man, there's DREAM cars, but surely you have a realistic dream car too?
          Like a dream car for me would be some stupidly expensive BMW or Audi, but a realistic dream car of mine would be something like a Golf GTi.
          Now the actual cars aren't important, just the point that its not silly to have a realistic dream car and be excited about it.

        • spackbace on 21/07/2016 - 15:44

          @theguyrules:

          Yeah course, and it's why I've stated (twice now) that there is a difference. But people read what they wanna read.

        • theguyrules on 21/07/2016 - 16:22
          +5

          @Spackbace:
          Not really, you said that there's cars you can afford now, and dream cars you'd never be able to afford unless you won the lottery.
          I'm talking about (and so is the OP I suspect) about a car you hope to be able to afford in a couple of years. For him, that's his HR-V.
          As someone else said, you're sounding way too much like a dealer here. I don't understand why you'd come in here and berate him for saying the HR-V is his dream car, aside from the fact you don't seem to like them.

        • Mikeologos on 21/07/2016 - 18:00
          +2

          @theguyrules: What makes it worse is that he isn't interested in the actual HRV. Rather he just began peddling his own car without adding anything practical to the conversation.

        • spackbace on 21/07/2016 - 18:42
          -4

          @Mikeologos:

          Began peddling? Seriously, 1 link is me beginning to peddle? Wow if that's peddling, I'd hate to think what you'd think of my actual sales process!

          I added something practical, I added that to guess what the salesman is going to include is like we're in some sort of game…

          Welcome ladies and gentlemen to today's edition of Guess what the salesman is throwing in!

          We start off with no hints, and no knowledge of the salesman or the deal done, and we try to guess what he will throw in for an extra weeks wait for a new car!

          Over to you, Steve…!

        • ceebee on 21/07/2016 - 20:57

          @Spackbace:

          Why? We determine what 'high-end' means— big house, expensive cars, they aren't necessarily always 'better' — they're more superficial, sure, but they're not better.

          If I won 50 million, I'd never buy a luxury sports car. Have you ever driven a sports car? I've had to, before. They are impractical, expensive to run and own, difficult to drive and park, low to the ground, often handle awfully, and are a hassle to commute in. You tend to drive them only on the weekend, and oh they're so freaking fast, BUT you can't drive over the speed limit anyway, lest you get reamed by the cops, so it winds up sitting in your garage most of the time. You're better off going to one of those speedway hire places where they let you rent one to drive fast around the track than getting a dream car. Like most 'dreams' they seem better in your head than in reality. Sports cars aren't that great.

          The things I'd pay extra for are convenience and life experiences. If I bought a house it would need to be in a convenient location for my needs, not a huge mansion for the sake of saying "I have a huge mansion". Huge houses are a hassle to live in and run. And I'd pay extra for first class travel because economy sucks balls, etc. And I'd pay for experiences— travel and things difficult/expensive to get here like artisanal food or dumb stuff like Reeses Puffs from the US. I wouldn't waste it on stuff that makes me look good to other people, superficial high-end crap, most of which is made for cheap anyway (like designer brands) and you are paying for a brand. But I suppose you want a life with a trophy wife and luxury car and house. Good luck with that. Hope that brings you happiness.

        • banana365 on 22/07/2016 - 11:16
          +4

          @Spackbace: The bigger your dream, the bigger your mismatch to reality. That's a common path to unhappiness. This "dream big" concept is just total bollocks.

        • [Deactivated] on 22/07/2016 - 13:53
          +2

          @banana365: Great way to die unfulfilled. Oh gosh why didn't I end up owning that jet.

        • yoyomaster123 on 22/07/2016 - 17:43
          +1

          @ceebee:

          The definition of a sports car is to handle well not just blitz the straight (which any car can do), I'm not sure what cars you've been driving but if they handle awful then they are truly not sports cars.

          Also sports luxury cars don't really exist. Slapping coils and a v8 onto a 3 series like the M3 does not make it a sports car.

        • johnno07 on 26/07/2016 - 08:06

          @ceebee: Hows that for a rant? Just because you'd happily drive a '95 Hyndai Excel around while you have $50m in your pocket, doesn't mean somebody else would - or should. Hell, there is plenty of room in 50 million dollars to buy a Lambo or two, a mansion, invest for some passive income AND do all of the things you said. But by all means, put others down because they want to buy a bloody sports car.

      • Serapis on 21/07/2016 - 21:47

        LOL right… HR-V a 'sports car'

        Last I heard they haven't manufactured a sports car since the last NSX (or Type Rs and S2000s if you want to lower the standards.) Only new one to roll out is the upcoming NSX. Calling HR-V a sports car is a tad bit insulting.

    • ozeebee on 22/07/2016 - 01:01
      +5

      I understand that you're in the industry, so you may see yourself as some sort of automobile messiah, but you're way off the mark with your comments this time.

      This kind of attitude only pushes customers away instead of inviting them in to want to spend their hard earned.

      It's not a myth that most car salespeople new/used have a general lack of communication skills. Funny because they rely on communication to sell. But the OP has every right to be peeved in this instance. There was no indication from the salesman that there was going to be a delay. A simple email or sms would have sufficed but as trade standard, once the customer signs the paper all customer service gets thrown out of the window.

      OP, I would ask for extra accesories if they are willing, for eg, genuine car mats, paint protection, parking sensors etc.

      • spackbace on 22/07/2016 - 01:18
        -2

        This kind of attitude only pushes customers away instead of inviting them in to want to spend their hard earned.

        What did I say that's off the mark?

        Everyone knows someone that's bad at their job, or at the least they're worse than you. The bad part is when outsiders generalise all employees from their experience with that one particular employee.

        Get what I'm getting at here?

        The (supposed - remember, we've only heard from 1 side) lack of communication from the salesman isn't what any good salesman would do. We're assessed on customer satisfaction results, all customers get a survey from the manufacturer after they take delivery. These results, if bad, are not only sent to our department managers and dealer principals, but state reps of the brand as well.

        So the whole 'customer service is out the window once you've bought' thing is a bunch of crap. There's basically a team of people working to get that car ready, and the salesperson is at the centre. They're liaising between customer, manager, service, licensing, after care, to get that car ready.

        If that car isn't ready for you, the customer, at time of delivery, or is something is missing, the blame comes straight to us. You kick up a stink at us, but it might not have been our fault, but we're the face of the company that you deal with.

        So excuse me while I post another honest comment that will likely get negged down, just purely because I actually give a shit about my customer service, and I know salesmen that are the same way.

        Now tell me, what do you do for a living so I can slag off your job? Seems ok to generalise about mine.

        • ozeebee on 22/07/2016 - 01:48
          +5

          Thank you for the summary of what happens in the background, but as a customer, we only care about commitments being kept. It doesn't matter what happens in the background whether there is a manufacturing delay, cargo ship sinking etc.

          I think you just keep missing the point the OP made, he was not notified, nothing at all. A simple email or sms would most likely have gone into the OP's good books instead of being annoyed. Stop looking at the issue from the salesmans eyes, instead look at it from the customers POV.

          Ps. I work in a bank and there's no need to slag my job because I already do that.

        • spackbace on 22/07/2016 - 10:23
          -1

          @ozeebee:

          I think you just keep missing the point the OP made, he was not notified, nothing at all.

          Did I miss that point, or did you just not read my reply?

          The (supposed - remember, we've only heard from 1 side) lack of communication from the salesman isn't what any good salesman would do.

        • ozeebee on 22/07/2016 - 17:52
          +3

          @Spackbace:

          This thread was started because of a lack of communication from a salesman! It's black and white. The reason why so many are commenting is because it doesn't only happen to one person, a lot of other people have experienced the same issue.

          If you are great at what you do, congrats to you but stop making excuses for your industry when the norm is what the OP experienced. Perhaps share the delearship that you work for so we can purchase cars from you instead.

        • spackbace on 22/07/2016 - 21:30

          @Spackbace:

          Oops, comment needs an edit from re-reading OP:

          This thread was started because of a lack of communication from a salesman!

          Again, from what we know, which is 1-sided.

          OP called the day before delivery. Now, salesperson might have noted that OP has been overseas, hence the lack of call (roaming costs etc), and you certainly don't want to email someone that sort of news if possible.

          So depending on what time of day OP called, really affects whether there was actually a lack of communication here.

          A call the day before, knowing full well that OP was overseas till then, is sufficient in my opinion. I wouldn't call someone who told me they were overseas (either holiday or business), but I'd want to personally inform them of the delay (hence not emailing).

        • p1 ama on 22/07/2016 - 22:17

          @ozeebee:

          Thank you for the summary of what happens in the background, but as a customer, we only care about commitments being kept. It doesn't matter what happens in the background whether there is a manufacturing delay, cargo ship sinking etc.

          I'm not a car salesman, so I'm not biased, but really? You're so small minded that all you care about is some commitment about some date being kept that you're not willing to consider whether there are delays or issues which are completely not at all the salesman's fault? That's ridiculous.

        • ozeebee on 23/07/2016 - 01:01

          @psterio:

          Communication communication communication! That's all.

          Do you not understand the issue here?

  • dr on 21/07/2016 - 08:20
    +6

    OP you said:

    I was going overseas on a business trip on 28 June for a couple of weeks, so I requested the salesman to arrange delivery on 15 July at 9am, the day after I returned.

    So it seems that you could have also requested the car to be delivered on 22 July or any other arbitrary date. Stating that you have cut short your business trip for car delivery indeed seems OTT. Get over it and stop wasting everyone's time (including ours here).

    • Ranagade on 21/07/2016 - 08:31
      +2

      A confirmed appointment on a certain date and time from a professional business person who could not meet it, and didn't even bother informing me about it? How is that now my fault?

      • SnoozeAndLose on 21/07/2016 - 08:40
        +9

        You called Car salesman a " professional business person"?

        This is just a communication error, after your deposit paid and your name signed on the paper, they do not really care.

        Also on your contract of sale there should be a set agreed delivery date which if they date have not been reach you can not break out of the contract. Compensation is just a good will from them not by law.

  • 17833 on 21/07/2016 - 08:33
    +2

    If the sales person offered compensation they must have had a rough idea of what they could offer before stating that. Perhaps ask him what he had in mind. Don't know much about new cars, but something like a full tank of fuel? Or genuine floor mats maybe (that would be good, I think they are expensive to buy).

    • Ranagade on 21/07/2016 - 08:37

      Thank you for the suggestion. I already have mats. I will call the salesman and ask him as you suggested. I think full tank of petrol sounds very reasonable.

      • Ryanek on 21/07/2016 - 09:17
        +4

        A full tank is generally standard when purchasing a new car.

        • Ranagade on 21/07/2016 - 09:29

          Thank you for this information. I was not aware of this.

  • robertbruce on 21/07/2016 - 08:37

    so has he told you about the price rise yet?

    • Ranagade on 21/07/2016 - 09:29

      Sorry?

      • robertbruce on 21/07/2016 - 10:20

        so did he ring you or did you ring him about the price rise?

        • Ranagade on 21/07/2016 - 11:08

          There was no price rise. I rang him a day before the appointment to confirm delivery.

        • robertbruce on 21/07/2016 - 11:13
          -1

          @ranagade: nahh, they won't slip the price rise in until delivery day, too hard otherwise - how much did the aussie dollar go up while you've been waiting?

        • Ranagade on 21/07/2016 - 11:16

          @robertbruce: I'm not aware of dealerships asking for a higher price, when the contract I signed was for a said amount. Is this normal?

        • robertbruce on 21/07/2016 - 12:14

          @ranagade: They are not asking for a higher price. They will be asking for the fluctuation in the value in the currency. I wouldn't be too worried, it would only be a small amount..

        • [Deactivated] on 21/07/2016 - 12:35

          @robertbruce: Is that legal?

        • robertbruce on 21/07/2016 - 12:38
          -5

          @lolbbq: it's hardly the franchise's fault the price of the car increases because the government can't implement policy to keep the dollar stable…

        • pegaxs on 21/07/2016 - 22:37
          +2

          @robertbruce: Rubbish. Absolute rubbish. Once that contract of sale has been signed, the price is locked in. You think they would give you a refund on your contracted price if the Aussie dollary doo went up in value? No. Likewise if the currency goes down. Vehicles are purchased months in advance for supply, so a movement in our money would not see much of an immediate impact on car prices anyway.

        • robertbruce on 22/07/2016 - 07:30

          @pegaxs: sorry to crack your nicely ordered image of the world, but yeah, aint no grubby dp going to pay for your car!

        • pegaxs on 22/07/2016 - 08:57
          +1

          @robertbruce: have you ever bought a car before? I have sold plenty in my time. But I am pretty sure that once the contract is signed off on, dealers can't turn around to you and say "oh, sorry, the Aussie dollar slumped overnight, just remember to bring in $1500 extra when you come in to pick up your car. We need to adjust for movement in the currency market…" And why is is only when the currency goes down, why not get a refund when it goes up? Or, hey, why not just write out an IOU note on a post-it instead of a contract.

          Cars are generally bought from stock the maker has in Australia, on the way to Australia or on the production line. If I sign a contract for a car today but can't pick it up till late August, that car is allocated from dealer stock, storage stock, shipping stock or on the production line stock. So currency market fluctuations have little to no effect on vehicle costs that way.

          If you preorder a car model that is not made yet, then maybe you will have a leg to stand on with your example. But this is a run of the mill Honda HRV.

          Sorry to bust your bubble, but I can not think of any dealer saying to a customer, hey, remember that contract you signed, well, the Aussie dollar lost a few points over the week and well, you owe us another 4.6% on top of the original contracted price. They are just as likely to say that as, hey, good news! Aussie dollar went up over the past week and you're getting a new car plus a 4.6% refund on your contracted price.

          I would be keen to see a car sales contract that would allow them to charge a customer extra after it has been signed due to "market fluctuations". I would love to sell cars at work for whatever I could and just add more on later as the market goes up. Great way to make budget!

        • robertbruce on 22/07/2016 - 09:27

          @pegaxs: pegs, I can't deal with your whole reply, to lengthy, but you are so wrong…

          Cars are not payed for until they reach the franchise's premises, the price fluctuates on them but this is usually sorted by the new-car stock-allocator.
          If there is a flucuation that is too great the franchise will pass the cost on.

          People like to think the business picks up the slack but the business would not exist if it did!

        • robertbruce on 22/07/2016 - 09:55
          -1

          @pegaxs: lana, lolbbq, pega, FM and SB…

          On the back of MTAQ New Vehicle Sales Contract Forms
          Section 3
          Subheading "Price"
          Paragraph 3

          Words to the effect - dealer reserves right to change price!

          a warm and fuzzy globalisation it is not!

        • pegaxs on 22/07/2016 - 09:59
          +5

          @robertbruce: I know you're not going to read this, but this is for the information of all the other people who don't know who are subject to your misinformation… So feel free to ignore me Bob. You have already up to this point…

          I've never been the stock allocator/controller, so I can't vouch for that part. But I know that vehicles can be bought while on the production line, in transit or at the holding yards before even getting to the dealer.

          But you are wrong. If every car dealer got a customer to sign a contract without knowing the price that their stock was going to cost, they shoudnt be a dealer and that's what would send them out of business.

          The other thing is, how fast do you think it would show up on Today/Tonight or A Current Affair or taken to ACCC or fair trading if dealers started adding "currency fluctuations" to every signed contract at time of pickup? These dealers would not last long due too being shifty pricks. Everyone in this industry is dodgy as, but that shit just wouldn't fly and would make the news in a big way. News outlets love dodgy car dealer stories!

          I'm still keen to see where on a contract of sale it says, "don't worry about what you signed for as your agreed price, we can change that if the dollary doo goes down in value."

          TL;DR: Still appears you are making up scare monger stories.

          Edit:

          From NSW Fair Trading website. Your state may vary.

          Variations and price rises
          When a contract is formed to purchase any goods the conditions of the agreement, including the price, are agreed upon. Neither party has the right to vary any of these conditions without the approval of the other party.
          Often consumers will contact Fair Trading after having signed for the purchase of a new car only to be told by the dealer that there has been a factory increase in price. The order form that has been signed will generally cover this eventuality. It states if a consumer signs and agrees to pay a certain price they are not required to pay the increase. However, consumers cannot force the dealer to sell the vehicle at the order form price. They have the option to purchase at the new price or cancel the order.

          So it basically says, neither party can change a contract unless both agree. You can either agree to buy it at the increased price or tell the dealer to stick it… They can't "force" you to pay extra for your vehicle. They are changing the contract, so you have the right to renegotiate the deal, as do they.

          From NRMA car buying tips

          The order usually states the price is 'on delivery'. If your car has to be ordered from the factory, any price increase before delivery will be passed on to you.

          But this information would be on the contract of sale conditions. IE: preordered cars that are not yet in production or long wait list cars.

        • robertbruce on 22/07/2016 - 10:01

          On the back of MTAQ New Vehicle Sales Contract Forms
          Section 3
          Subheading "Price"
          Paragraph 3

          Words to the effect - dealer reserves right to change price!

          a warm and fuzzy globalisation it is not!

        • pegaxs on 22/07/2016 - 10:52

          @robertbruce: Don’t forget to leave out the parts that don’t fit with your side of the story ok ;)

          From my latest contract of sale from from the dealer… Under terms and conditions, clause 2 says;

          The purchase price may be varied if before the time of delivery of the motor vehicle, there is a change in the manufacturer's recommended retail price, statutory charges or applicable taxes and duties. The Dealer shall give the Customer written notice of any variation in the purchase price. If the purchase price is varied due to an increase in the recommended retail price, the Customer may rescind this contract at any time within three (3) days receipt of the written notice of the variation. (This only applies to new cars.)

          @robertbruce: on 21/07/2016 - 10:20

          so did he ring you or did you ring him about the price rise?

          So, turning up at the dealer to pick up your new car and them just magically forcing you to pay extra is bunkum and bullsnot. It would need to be in writing, not a phone call. And a change in contract require the consent of both parties.

          Copy of sales contract terms and conditions for verifications

        • robertbruce on 22/07/2016 - 13:11

          @pegaxs:

          your contradicting yourself pegs!
          it's not what you say and it is written on the back of your forms!

          Firstly you say the price can't be changed, Oh Wait, then you say it can but… for goodness sake man, take a stand on this would you!

          just before he turns up the dealerships accountant (whom you hardly know) says there is a letter on your desk for the customer…

          A business would not survive being locked into a deal..

        • pegaxs on 22/07/2016 - 14:06

          @robertbruce: It cant be changed. I have had the same story from the start. are you reading others posts and think that's what i said??

          A dealer does not have the right to ring someone and say… "oh, by the way, your car is now $2000 more expensive. Just bring a cheque in with you when you come to pick it later today…"

          You are the one saying that this is the case. I've had the same story all along. A dealer can not just jam more money onto a vehicle and expect you to pay. It's a contract that buyers and sellers sign. If there is a change, the contract has room in it for either party, should there be an unexpected price change, to accept or decline the contract or renegotiate the deal.

          The dealer has the right to let you know that the price has gone up or unexpected costs have been incurred. The customer has the right to tell the dealer to stick the extra charges up his arse and stick to the contract. The dealer then has the right to tell the customer, no, you stick it. What a dealer can NOT do is, re-write a contract of sale, add what ever they need to the price and tell the customer to wear it.

          And even if that letter about the price change is on the accountants desk, you, as the customer, can pick it up, read through it, take 3 days to read it, get legal advice, make paper aeroplanes out of it, write your shopping list on the back of it, go back to the dealer with YOUR letter telling them to stick their price rise up their arse. You don’t like their offer, they don’t like yours, contract becomes null and void and you re-negotiate or take your business elsewhere.

          The only thing you did get right is that a business could not survive with ever changing prices on a world economy and keeping the same price for years on end. What you fail to realise is that sometimes a business would take a hit at the risk of the customer telling them to stick their price hike post contract up their butt and rescinding the original contract and taking business elsewhere.

          In case you missed it, I'm still saying… "The price cannot be changed on that contract." And you are mincing words. Anything can be changed, yes, but BOTH parties have to agree to the changes.

          All of your comments in this post to date are incorrect. So far, all of my comments have proven to be correct and backed up with links and evidence. Your best attempt was "Words to the effect." No proof of what it actually says, just a "meh, I think this is what it says and it helps my story if I don’t put in all the other correct information."

          @robertbruce: so has he told you about the price rise yet?
          @robertbruce: so did he ring you or did you ring him about the price rise?

          Incorrect. Needs to be in writing. cant just call someone and tell them that the contract has changed.

          @robertbruce: nahh, they won't slip the price rise in until delivery day, too hard otherwise - how much did the aussie dollar go up while you've been waiting?

          Incorect. They can NOT change a contract on the spot. You have to be notified in writing AND have 3 days to think about it. You also have the right to decline their change and submit your own, ie: no price rise.

          robertbruce: They are not asking for a higher price. They will be asking for the fluctuation in the value in the currency. I wouldn't be too worried, it would only be a small amount..

          Incorrect. They can't just add money onto a finalised contracted price without notifying you and you accepting the changes or submitting your own and them accepting yours. As for currency fluctuations, grow a brain. This is a mass produced Honda HRV, not a Koenigsegg that takes 12 months to build. My comments on "currency fluctuations" is already outlined above

          @robertbruce: it's hardly the franchise's fault the price of the car increases because the government can't implement policy to keep the dollar stable…

          So, it's our governments fault? or the US governments fault? or Japan's governments fault? and just how big are these fluctuations? I suppose on a $500,000 Lambo, a drop of $0.0123 would equate to massing losses… Oh hold on! next week it's back up $0.0123!!

          @robertbruce: sorry to crack your nicely ordered image of the world, but yeah, aint no grubby dp going to pay for your car!

          No, you're right, the DP isn't going to "pay" for my car. But if the difference is making $1800 on a car instead of $2000 and risk the customer rescinding the deal and them making $0 on it… well, I know what would make smart business sense.

          @robertbruce: Words to the effect - dealer reserves right to change price!

          Huh? I'm sure "Yes, Your Honour, it was Words to that effect." would stand up and be very convincing in court. Add in a "Sorta-like, you know" and that case is sealed! How about some hard copy of a sales contract where we can see Clause 12, sub clause b, paragraph 2, subsection J, appendix 9.02…

          @robertbruce: A business would not survive being locked into a deal..

          A business would not have any customers left and be up to their eyeballs in law suits if they just started tacking on extra charged and amending prices on contracts ad-hoc without the consent and agreement with the customer.

          How many more times do I need to prove that what you are suggesting is utter bullshit??

          shutdown.jpg

        • robertbruce on 22/07/2016 - 15:30
          -1

          @pegaxs: pegs, your forking your tongue between "telling a customer" and "tacking it on", that could probably be expected eh, but i never said that..

          Also, i was very specific about the MTAQ form, ie Section 3, Subheading "Price", Paragraph 3, Your Worship,

          wheras you just got lost in your own BS eh….lol…

        • John on 22/07/2016 - 15:50

          Relax boys. Grab a beer and continue with your days.

        • Bnjam3 on 22/07/2016 - 18:22

          @robertbruce: Have you ever heard about forward rate? Those big business dealing with alot of foreign currency alot of the times buy or sell in forward rate(Eg;You agree to pay the bank $1.3 for $1USD next month regardless of what happen on the future, if price goes up you to $1.5 then you saved money and only pay $1.3 if price goes down to $1 you will lose and still pay $1.3).

        • pegaxs on 22/07/2016 - 18:23
          +1

          @robertbruce: Now I know you're just trolling. But lucky I have a big bag of troll food here :)

          MTAQ Form 6M82, Section 3, under subheading Price, paragraph 3, it states;

          Words to the effect - dealer reserves right to change price!

          Considering I don't work in Qld, sorry I don't have a lazy copy of the MTAQ Contract of Sales form laying around on my desk anywhere… Form 6M82 or 6M82/O (if Google is correct) I think the form is called. Care to scan the relevant section and post it for us? Guess not, it wont help your case…

          You are the one that said

          They are not asking for a higher price. They will be asking for the fluctuation in the value in the currency.

          So if they are only asking, it's Ok to say no, right?? Or are they telling the customer. Because telling implies a change of contract conditions in regards to price… (In case you didn’t read about contracts on new vehicle sales and any changes to said contract, read above.)

          Snookered again Bob ;)

        • johnno07 on 26/07/2016 - 08:15

          @robertbruce: This is pretty simple stuff. No-one is legally obligated to pay more than they agreed to. As with all contract law, if terms change, the parties need to re-sign (i.e. come to another agreement). The only difference here is that according to NSW Fair Trading:

          consumers cannot force the dealer to sell the vehicle at the order form price.

          This means that the buyer is not entitled to specific performance of the contract - a remedy generally available under contract law. It's pretty cut and dry, man. If you agree to a price, that's the price you're obligated to pay. If the dealer changes the price at the last minute, you need to re-agree, and if this is something that happens habitually, that dealer is going to get SLAMMED in social/traditional media.

      • STRAPIFY Watch Strap on 21/07/2016 - 19:04
        +1

        Don't think Robert has bought a car before… You've agreed on price with signatures. There won't be any change in price unless the salesman is trying to cover a mistake with another mistake.

        • spackbace on 21/07/2016 - 19:13

          I'm not sure if he's serious or not. Yes, it is stated in the terms of the contract that prices can change, however I've never seen it happen.

          12.1 Subject to clause 12.2, if the cost of a Vehicle changes in accordance with clause 3.2 because the manufacturer releases a new model and the model at the date of this Contract is no longer available, the Total Purchase Price will be adjusted by the corresponding amount.
          12.2 If the increase exceeds 5% of the Total Factory Price of the Vehicle, the Purchaser may terminate this Contract and obtain a refund on the deposit in accordance with 7.2 of this Contract.

          And there's pretty much the same one, just saying that if the Manufacturer lifts the price, customer pays, unless it's over 5%.

          So basically, an increase of the price <5% is acceptable, but I've never seen it.

        • robertbruce on 22/07/2016 - 07:29
          -1

          I don't think fattyman has read a contract before - that deal isn't worth the paper it is signed upon, because it isnt signed! Maybe it's signed by the customer and saleperson but I'd lay 2-1 odds it isnt signed by the manager, DP or authorised agent. Until they sign it it aint nuthin'.

        • robertbruce on 22/07/2016 - 07:41
          +1

          @Spackbace: thanks SB but that's not the clause. The proper clause or covering statement will be in there somewhere unless it has been legislated into the system but i doubt it…

        • spackbace on 22/07/2016 - 10:20

          @robertbruce:

          Nope that's it, besides the point I summarised, if the manufacturer increases the cost of the vehicle to the dealer, the dealer can only pass on a 5% increase to the customer.

          And again, I have yet to ever see a deal change to any extent, including cars ordered 4-5 months in advance.

        • robertbruce on 22/07/2016 - 12:47

          @Spackbace: It isn't really a manufactoring cost and I did say to ranagade it wouldn't be much, i figure that matchs your "deal change to any extent". Is that an MTAQ form?

        • spackbace on 22/07/2016 - 13:11

          @robertbruce:

          It's not MTAQ, because I'm clearly not in Queensland.

          But what me and peg are trying to say, is that as salespeople, we have yet to see any deal cost change due to a change in currency price.

        • robertbruce on 22/07/2016 - 13:25

          @Spackbace: no worries, doesnt happen often but will usually happen on a out-of-allocation car that is not on floor-plan that the stock allocator hasn't being able to batch over using everything from the current month…

          that is what ranagads Honda was looking like to me, not to mention there is a trade….

        • spackbace on 22/07/2016 - 13:38
          +2

          @robertbruce:

          Once again, haven't seen a price change when ordering a car directly from the factory in Japan.

        • pegaxs on 22/07/2016 - 14:19

          @Spackbace: I have been in and out of the automotive sales trade for the better part of 25 years and I have NEVER had to ring a client/customer and/or send a letter out telling them that their car has gone up in price and they would need to pay the difference. Even cars that we have had to wait up to 6 months for (pre-order or excluse stock, re: cars like the current Mustang waitlist.) I have never had to call and say, sorry, wrong amount, come in and cut us a cheque for the extra $xxxx…

          It's starting to sound more and more like Bob here got scammed and is in the denial phase or the justification phase. If i did this to any client after the contract was signed, I would expect a phone full of angry expletives…

          Next time I buy a new car, I'm going to wait for the Aussie dollary doo to go up, then I'm going to go back to the dealer and demand a refund of the difference in currency value… I'm just going to change the contract!

          Oh, wait…

        • robertbruce on 22/07/2016 - 14:46

          @pegaxs: if you aint done none of those things pegs, you ain't been workin' hard enough!

        • pegaxs on 22/07/2016 - 17:56
          +1

          @robertbruce: If you're a salesman (and I highly doubt that) and have EVER had to do this, let alone do it multiple times, you are the worst car sales consultant, ever. Either you're a shit salesman or your stock controller is an idiot or you DM is retarded to let you get away with it multiple times. I'm picking D: All of the above.

          Your advice in this thread is so wrong and so misleading. People should read what you wrote here and do exactly the opposite…

  • robbyjones on 21/07/2016 - 08:39
    +4

    I don't get why some posters are getting bent out of shape about your post, OP, being upset about not being notified of a delay in delivery of anything is valid, regardless of whether there would be an inconvenience to you or not. I would aim high and then settle on a bit less, I doubt you would get any money back but maybe ask for free servicing, car mats, window tinting, or any add ons you would like. The cost to the dealer is negligible and the value to you worth more.

    • Ranagade on 21/07/2016 - 08:43
      +1

      THANK YOU! I think some people are thinking I'm trying to milk compensation from the salesman. So I edited my original post to make my intentions clearer. Your suggestions are highly appreciated!

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