Shall we start again and forget November 5th happened?
Think the problem is the confusion from the start and a few points that reputable honest motor dealers have raised that have not been addressed but rather brushed aside in a condescending and patronising manor. I too applaud the sentiment and core values, I warmly welcomed the announcement and considered applying but wondered what I'd get for my £300. I have been in the industry for many years, growing my business, building contacts and making friends amongst many many people, dealers, suppliers and customers alike. People asked for a list of suppliers, we where told that Motortrade me was free to members but its a failed business that they tried to package as a value added product. asked if they could get discounts worth joining for, any money off the autotrader bill, and money off BCA, or Manheim - no reply
Last year we where told to get on-board with Jim Reids Autovolo dealer council 1000 voices.http://cardealermagazine.co.uk/publish/jim-reid-named-head-autovolo-dealer-council/119857 a scheme which sank without a trace but wanted investment from dealers.
They styled themselves as the "Magnificent 7" "Industry heavyweights" they would only accept reputable dealers into their club , Can I ask just how you decide who is reputable? - No offence but I've never heard of 5 of the 7 magnificent 7, Who are you to decide if I'm an honest and reputable motor dealer? better to ask my 100's of happy customers and I'll let my own customers decide after reading my 147 five star autotrader reviews
One of them works for Cox but is moonlighting for the IMDA so asked what that connection is? - never heard a reply.
Now its free to enter their club, but they're asking for donations.We were also advised to cancel our stock contracts with the autotrader. unfortunately advise which cost me several thousands of pounds in lost sales and hence the basis of my reticence to jump on board whole heartedly,
To end your post with "We will not be responding further to this thread" is beyond arrogant. You started this post, genuine questions and concerns were raised, no answers given.David , Umesh, Jim et al - to be a VOICE of the Industry surely you have to also LISTEN to the industry, not pack up, get on your horse and ride off into the sunset, 3 weeks after you've started your club
I tend not to jump on threads and forums as generally its just negative and depressing posts but have been fascinated watching this unfold and get angrier and angrier with the replies. genuinely wanted this to take off but left with so many unanswered questions and doubts, think if I applied now I wouldn't be accepted into the cliq
I'm saddened in a way, not for me, I have my own voice, I have my own business (built quite nicely without needing anyone to speak for me for the past 25+ years) I have my own suppliers, I have my own legal advisory service, I'm sad for the lost opportunity and squandered good will, and time I've now wasted writing this post because as Jim says - they wont be listening or replying