Mark101

I use iZettle and payments take about a week in total (to clear your account, whatever they tell you) but there is no contract and they charge 1.75%. Fantastic little bit of kit to be fair and no monthly subs. I don't mind waiting for the money, providing I know it is coming.

Should I do this on all policies under the 30 day threshold or just the one in question? Never using them again - never like Quentin Wilson anyway and at least I don’t have to see his smug mug on my desk anymore.

Which bit, warranty, reviews or both? I think I know your answer. I was mortified that a recent customer (less than 2 weeks ago) was sold a car by me with a top warranty and she was let down - didn’t even ask me to help, just accepted that it wasn’t covered. That is not how I operate, I am a professional and will stand by my cars unless specifically agreed at POS that they want a deal to take as is etc. So I paid WW £100+ for their Platinum Warranty and just paid another £197 to have her car fixed (I knew nothing about it until I asked for a review - glad I did because this was 100% the right thing to do)

Today, I have emailed a few of my customers over the last few months asking whether they would be prepared to leave feedback on my AT account, risky I know. One emailed back saying she had to have her car repaired due to a water leak and Warrantywise wouldn't cover it (Platinum Warranty) as was an existing fault - news to me. I have just paid her bill becuase I believe after 2 weeks that it should be covered. Another, Mini Cooper - wheel bearing - Warrantywise wouldn't pay - not covered only gearbox bearings covered? (only a bronze warranty due to age). Needless to say, just ordered 50 Lawgistics self administered booklets because I believe we should pay for genuine claims such as above after a very short period. I know, I was warned.....

Thanks Chief I naively thought same drivers etc, what’s the issue. I suppose I was responsible before but now the company is - just one of those things.

I know Simon, my fault for asking. My plan was to play dumb and just sort it at renewal - such is life and all that.

Called Insurance broker yesterday to enquire about adding additional "casual" drivers to my policy - I had this option as well as lending out courtesy cars when I had the pitch but apparanetly it has changed - all drivers need to be on the payroll nowadays - fair enough, I accept that but..... In my infinite wisdom and as I had been on hold for so long, I asked Autonet to change my trading name on the policy. Started as a sole trader in February and paid insurance in full upfront; I have since incorporated the business and used something other than my own name - a brand if you like. There has been no changes to the premises, drivers, phone numbers, address, indemnity levels etc etc etc, just a name change. As I am now a Ltd company, that'll be +£508 for the remainder of the policy Sir. I said, cancel the policy then, refund me and I will shop around. She said, I can do that Sir but as a fully paid up Tradewise customer, they will charge you 75% of the annual premium. So I am bolloxed then? Can you do anything? She said, on this occassion we will not charge you our £37 admin fee (this is the only reason I hadn't said anything sooner because I didn't want to pay an admin fee), so that'll be £471 Sir to pay in full now (which I did of course). She went on to say that I have an all singing all dancing 4* policy which covers are far broader range of vehicles, which is why it is so expensive. Great I said, are motorcycles covered - no she said, that'll be extra.

Called Insurance broker yesterday to enquire about adding additional "casual" drivers to my policy - I had this option as well as lending out courtesy cars when I had the pitch but apparanetly it has changed - all drivers need to be on the payroll nowadays - fair enough, I accept that but..... In my infinite wisdom and as I had been on hold for so long, I asked Autonet to change my trading name on the policy. Started as a sole trader in February and paid insurance in full upfront; I have since incorporated the business and used something other than my own name - a brand if you like. There has been no changes to the premises, drivers, phone numbers, address, indemnity levels etc etc etc, just a name change. As I am now a Ltd company, that'll be +£508 for the reaminder of the policy Sir. I said, cancel the policy then, refund me and I will shop around. She said, I can do that Sir but as fully paid up Tradewise customer, they will charge you 75% of the annual premium. So I am bolloxed then? Can you do anything. She said, on this occassion we will not charge you our £37 admin fee (this is the only reason I hadn't said anything sooner because I didn't want to pay an admin fee), so that'll be £471 Sir to pay in full now (which I did of course). She went on to say that I have an all singing all dancing 4* policy which covers are far broader range of vehicles, which is why it is so expensive. Great I said, are motorcycles covered - no she said, that'll be extra.

You can do the retention online whilst he is with you - do it for him £80. Then hold back on £100 until you receive new logbook. Wanker who part ex the Range Rover with me, promised he would send the new log book and swears he did. Now I am £25 worse off and waiting weeks and weeks for a new one and I have added a keeper.

Your first statement is correct, your second cannot happen until you have the "new" log book - a right PITA - going through it now on the Range Only option is to register the car to you or the buisness (+ 1 owner) and the retain the plate.

Like any business - we occassionally spot a niche (like your Maestro story) - you have to fill your boots becuase any success gets replicated. Trick is to be Maverick and be the first to spot and do things (whilst keeping your mouth shut, however tempting it is to broadcast success) and get out as the bubble is about to pop - repeat.... I am not clever enough though.

Tewkesbury was victim of the floods and never recovered but nice auction to travel to, all motorway, never any traffic and some really nice fellow traders, happens when you're a little more remote. I am wondering (never been) whether Bridgwater would be similar?

Thank you Simon Not really PITA customers at all (sorry OP), in fact really really nice genuine people. They bought my Cooper S a couple of weeks back; got a phone call saying they couldn't open the passenger door and would it be alright to pop around for me to have a look. I was hoping it was a case of pressing the remote twice (like some cars allow you to set up) but no wasn't that. Better than that, much better than that - there was nothing wrong at all, they just didn't squeeze the handle hard enough. I explained that the passenger door gets far less use and as such will stiffen up slightly (it wasn't bad). I told them you don't need a mechanic, you need a physiotherapist to strengthen your grip. They both laughed, have just recommended me to their friend who has already called me and have earmarked a Smart Fortwo for father in law - that's the customers I like and will bend over backwards to help whenever theyt want.

I find Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday slow, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday are my selling days (so far) Saturday is the best though. Doesn't matter what day of the week, I cannot tolerate customers who arrive with a massive chip on their shoulder, start off on the attack becuase they have preconceptions of what dealers are like. Maybe its because I'm a larger guy (about 16-18 stone depending on my calorie intake), and they feel a need to prove something but personally, I am a calm, level, polite and laid back guy, so I can usually soon disarm the attitude but I really do hate it, especially when they start talking dealer language and if anyone else mentions a flipping timing belt to me, that calm attitude of mine may just flip. On the flip side (daughter calls me Liam Neeson), when I do go, I really can dance.

Cafe was in a central glass room, just prior to auction lane (don't recall there being two but long time ago) overlooking the hall Isn't amazing - at the time you must have been totally devastated at the cost/loss, how to recover, stress, wishing you could undo the deal. Now just water under the bridge. had several nightmare buys but now I smile to myself about how it seemed to be the end of the world. Still have the odd one now but I don't sweat it, just hate the bastard car until the day it goes and they always do in the end.

I used to like Castle Bromwich BCA and Tewkesbury - crap cafe mind.

Awww thanks James, really appreciate that

I have often thought about setting up a "rent a wreck" business but never have - but I do have my "buy a wreck" business

Just sold my PX Golf for £595 with 10 Months Ticket (+ another 2 today) just after I said it had slowed up (9 for June so far from 11 average stock)

Clever - that got me, so thanks for settling it

They have already done this - it's clearly a get me out of here tactic - utter timewasters

My opinion - exempt or not, any car on a public highway should pass an annual MOT. You wait until this takes effect; Someone driving an MOT exempt vehicle has an accident and the unthinkable happens. As the driver of that vehicle, it is still your responsbility to ensure it is roadworthy, if the accident is a consequence of that vehicle being unfit - you're going to jail.

Started well, the last week has been slow but picked a number of enquiries up yesterday and today with 1 sales subject to finance, 1 viewing tomorrow and 1 PX enquiry.

I've currently got an 04 Golf Match in black (1.6 Petrol) - came in chop. Quite horrible but washed up okish, 114k with MOT until 4/19 - on at £695 (only because it cleaned up so well but will drop below 5). Guy asks me if it has service history and has the timing belt been done? ------------------------------- Tiguan enquiry: Can you read all the services out, date and mileage What was the last owner like as a person What brand of tyres are on it (I said black ones) Have VW inspected it following the emissions scandal (they have actually with a letter included) I am torn between yours and another one with a private seller, will you discount (no) Told him (and followed it through), added £500 to the advert, told him it was too cheap - goodbye. ------------------------------------ BMW (all this in the ad) How many owners (1 previous) Any History (Yes) Mileage 61k Is it due a service (it has just been done by us A&B) How long is the MOT (just done last week, no advisories) OK thanks, goodbye (what did he want?)

Curve ball - I have only good things to say about DVLA. I find them knowledgable, helpful and the Online services have really helped speed things up. The only criticism is the length of time it takes to obtain a replacement log book - otherwise, I get logbooks back in about 3 days.