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Customer service lesson

By
Real Estate Agent with Atlanta Communities 303302

Yesterday I had the fun of stopping at my local Ford dealer to ask about the backup camera on my 2020 Explorer. It seems to be working about half the time. I walked over to a young lady and asked her about the issue. 

It seems that the 2020 Fords all have this issue and there are 60,000 backup cameras back ordered for this problem, she said. Could be months to get one in.

She said I should bring my car in (In two weeks as that was the first available appointment) and have it diagnosed. Would need to leave for 2 days she said. Nope, I said.

I told her I planned to leave and be mad at Ford for a month, writing continuously on-line about how disappointed I am in Ford in general, and my choice of cars in particular.

So, before I even get home from the dealership, my phone rings and it is the young lady from the dealership. She had gone to the parts department and asked about the cameras and was told the dealership was starting to receive these in. She ordered one for me and will probably have it by Monday.

I was very pleased that this worker did not let my problem die the moment I left. She followed up on her end and had a solution for me before I even got home. In my mind, very good customer service. Thank you local ford dealer for hiring and training this young lady in the murky arts of customer service.

Posted by

Peter den Boer, Associate Broker, Realtor

Atlanta Communities Real estate Brokerage

 

Ph. 770.713.1545

www.denboerhomes.com

 

I write about daily life as a Realtor in the Towne Lake Community in Woodstock Georgia.

Comments(7)

Gwen Fowler SC Lakes & Mountains 864-710-4518
Gwen Fowler Real Estate, Inc - Walhalla, SC
Gwen Fowler Real Estate, Inc.

Ford has been very good to me.  I hope to be loyal on the next purchase.  Good luck with the camera.

Aug 05, 2021 05:53 AM
Wayne Martin
Wayne M Martin - Chicago, IL
Real Estate Broker - Retired

Good morning Peter. Some work for the check and some work to please those they service. They are the ones that deserve every dime they get and more. Enjoy your day.

Aug 05, 2021 05:55 AM
Michael Jacobs
Pasadena, CA
Pasadena And Southern California 818.516.4393

Hello Peter - maybe I "missed" something(that's not so unusual) but I did read your post twice.  If the manufacturer and the dealer were aware of the issue, wasn't there a recall informing those who had purchased the vehicle?  While I can appreciate the follow-through of the representative, I am wondering about the communication glitch that is unfortunately in evidence in many organizations.  Each of us can do better.  

Aug 05, 2021 06:30 AM
Peter den Boer

Hi Michael Jacobs , she said she thought there was a recall, but I have not seen anything yet on it. So FORD needs to get on the ball and be more like this employee!

Aug 05, 2021 07:08 AM
Michael Jacobs

Peter - 🤞

Aug 05, 2021 07:19 AM
Ron and Alexandra Seigel
Napa Consultants - Carpinteria, CA
Luxury Real Estate Branding, Marketing & Strategy

Peter,

Do you think it was the fact that you threatened with negative letters, that she was moved to talk to the parts department?  Like Michael Jacobs I am confused by the story. We recently got a recall letter re the tech on our car in the instant location if in a crash. When I called, they let me know it would be done electronically, no need to bring the car in, and it was...A

Aug 05, 2021 06:35 AM
Peter den Boer

No, I get the impression that she did this on her own. My veiled threats were not strongly given.

Aug 05, 2021 07:09 AM
Sham Reddy CRS
Howard Hanna RE Services, Dayton, OH - Dayton, OH
CRS

Thanks for sharing your experience Peter!

Dedicated employees do make a big difference. All it takes is one caring person to win your trust 

Aug 05, 2021 06:36 AM
Kathy Streib
Cypress, TX
Home Stager/Redesign

Hi Peter- what is a shame is that had you not spoken up who knows what would have happened. And that's something that a customer should not have to do...fight for good service. 

Aug 05, 2021 07:16 PM
Carol Williams
Although I'm retired, I love sharing my knowledge and learning from other real estate industry professionals. - Wenatchee, WA
Retired Agent / Broker / Prop. Mgr, Wenatchee, WA

Hi Peter,
I've been pleased with my Ford dealership with the exception that there is such a long wait time for appointments.  I wonder if that is the case with ALL dealerships.

Aug 12, 2021 06:12 AM