EPV

Indeed i’d say £1800 i’ve just had a 3.0 petrol x5 engine recon’d. It’s not a complete disaster albeit far from ideal, refund the customer, I like Rory’s idea and get it repaired and sold again. Can’t let these setbacks stop you.

Yeah I suppose there is that side to it, fair enough

Not really. They were shoved off the OP’s pitch because the boyfriend started asking annoying questions. Annoying as they may be, they haven’t done anything wrong. You couldn’t even claim they have cost you money, OP sold the car 2 hours later. I wouldn’t be running round to get them it back but withholding it would be wrong in these circumstances.

As I recall, there’s no set deduction per mile.

Why are you ringing them to give them their deposit back? They'll come crawling round soon enough to get it.

I think the AA and RAC sandwich boards on the cars look good on a pitch and professional. As a doorstepper I'd never consider it. Anyway, welcome and good luck. Read this forum to death, it's a proper gold mine.

Yes mate that's exactly it. I don't imagine that most punters using the chat function at 11pm at night would expect the actual business owners to be manning the chats. If someone didn't want to leave any details or engage with someone who was clearly outsourced to deal with their enquiries because they felt uncomfortable then lord knows what they would be like when I eventually got hold of them and started asking about their intentions. It works for me, it isn't revolutionary and I don't get bundles of leads. But for what I pay (£50pm) I only need one lead per month to make it worthwhile, that person looking at 10pm on a Sunday night who acts a little on impulse and MUST know if the car is available and if their part exchange is acceptable. Wooden or not, obviously outsourced foreign or not, it captures a few leads a month for me and pays for itself.

As you say, worth finding a way of nabbing them mate, despite what some people think about punters who use this method of contact, there are def some proper leads and conversions.

Works OK for me R. Sometimes people will pop up and the usual "is it available?" question is asked and if I am busy I simply say "the car is available and I'll be happy to answer any further questions you have, can I take a name and number and call you back?" and that in turn provides a phone call opportunity that you can subtlety grill them about their intentions. I never get "best price bruv" types on there but usually people who are looking in the evening or at work and can't speak. It's not a rival for sliced bread but I have seen plenty of conversions to know its worth having. It's free with AT so why wouldn't you? I also pay £50pm for a firm who manage my chat leads on my website, they have real time operators 24/7 and the conversations go something like this, this was 8pm midweek; Visitor: Hi interested in BMW x5 3.0 petrol lpg was wondering if you do finance or cards and cash only thankyou Operator: Hi there Operator: Let me help you with that. Operator: Could you confirm if this is the vehicle of interest? 2005 54 BMW X5 3.0i SPORT £5,500 Visitor: Yes in black with good history black wheels, I can call in morning if that is ok Operator: Sure you can contact us. Operator: Do you have a vehicle that you would like valued for a part exchange? Visitor: Ford Mondeo 2.0 tdci 2005 but some damage on rear bumper and age related marks, it is just a Mondeo lol Operator: No problem, I'll ask my colleague to prepare a valuation for you. Could I take the mileage and registration of your exchange please? Visitor: FN55 BND just under 114000 miles Operator: Thanks, do you have a value in mind for your part exchange? Visitor: If it could cover a deposit that would be good and also if finance could be arranged or is it card/cash only Operator: Okay, thank you. Do you have any outstanding finance on the vehicle and if so, do you know how much is outstanding? Visitor: No finance outstanding Operator: Okay, thank you. Please provide me with your name and contact number so I will ask the salesperson to run a vehicle valuation for you and get back to you with a very approximate price and options for part exchange. Operator: Are we still connected? Visitor: yes but got to go now but name Dave number is07903869147 I am available tomorrow day thankyou Operator: Okay, I've that noted. Can I take an email address for you there? Visitor: (removed) Operator: Thanks, I have that noted. I’ll pass on your details and one of my colleagues will contact you. Is there anything else I could help you with today? Visitor: No thankyou for your help Operator: You're welcome. Operator: Thank you for getting in touch with us. Here's another, this was a conversion, nice couple, paid full price; Visitor: Hi, I am really interested in the Mercedes e320 Operator: Hi there Visitor: Please could you let me know your opening hours today? Visitor: Hi Operator: Let me just check our stock for you, please allow me a moment. Visitor: Thanks Operator: Could you confirm if this is the vehicle of interest? MERCEDES-BENZ E CLASS 3.2 E320 ELEGANCE £2,995 Visitor: Yes, that's the one Operator: Thank you and do you have a vehicle that you would like valued for a part exchange? Visitor: No, hopefully you take debt cards? Operator: That shouldn't be a problem. But I will leave the details for you to discuss with one of the team when they call. Operator: Can I take your name and a contact number to reach you on? Visitor: Yes sure: Visitor: (removed) Operator: Thanks, is there a preferred time for us to call? Visitor: As soon as possible Operator: When would you like to view the vehicle? Visitor: This afternoon? Visitor: Any time after 12 o'clock Operator: Ok, I'll ask the team to check the diary and get this confirmed for you. Operator: Can I take an email address for you there? Visitor: Thank you Visitor: (removed) Operator: Is there anything else I can help with today? Visitor: No, that's pretty much it. Thanks again. Operator: You’re welcome. Thank you for getting in touch with us.

I help my customers tax their car all the time. Ownership gets transferred online and tax done at the same time. I ask them if they want direct debit or card payments, get them to the screen where it’s payment time and hand the laptop over.

There are definitely bits going through at decent prices. Luck of the draw I think, how many want it, who’s there at the time etc

Yeah, called Contact at Once.

Good enough, cheers.

Why DO bmw’s Use oil like that?

I just used the free service. Have the app on my phone and just take some basic details when people come through on chat.

Trust me, it's started. An X5 went for retail money, £22k, £19k book, hall bid..

No, everything in the sale was making 10%+ Over cap clean. Silly stuff.

Without knowing the ins and outs of it all, you’re in a weak position. The car you sold wasn’t fit for purpose, unless you’re planning to repair the car you should issue a refund less 50p per mile for his usage. With any luck he’s done a couple of thousand miles which will ease your pain. Recon the engine, sell it again and wipe your mouth and move on.

Is that you peering through the window of my office?

Certainly overpriced down here mate I won't argue with that.

Or even planning on bidding on the BMW Top Car lots? i have a viewing on a car tomorrow between 9 and 11 and the auction starts at 10 and I don’t like leaving proxy bids as I am willing to pay well over cap clean on this and I think i’ll potentially get trotted up. Beer tokens in exchange obviously...

Fuck you he’s mine

Less your fuel costs plus any overnight expenses and I can't believe he's doing 10 a day five days a week anyway. Don't get me wrong it's not exactly road sweepers money but sounds like an awful lot of work for a modest income. Depends on where he lives I suppose, his situation etc. Anyway, whatever, good luck to him if he's happy with his lot, who am I etc...

Sounds like shit money to me!