What do you think?
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Pro
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From: Waddell Arizona
What do you think?
I was in Arizona this past week for a little vacation. When I purchased my B&B Bullets I notice that Billy Boat was in Phoenix. I thought it was a good ideal to check an see if they gave tours at the plant. They do! My wife and myself talk to a very nice gentleman named Gary. He took us thru the plant, very nice facility. When Gary took us pass Billy's office he could not even take the time to say hi. I thought that was a little rude. We all spend a lot of money on "his" exhaust systems. You would think he could spare a little time. After we were getting ready to leave I did ask Gary if Billy would give me an autograph on the catalog that was on the counter. Gary took it back to Mr. Boat,my wife and myself waited about ten minutes for it. Gary brought it back and I thank him.
Gary
Gary
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From: Hells Sister City Phoenix AZ
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I had a similar experience at Eckler's when I was on vacation in FL. I don't think some vendors realize what a little customer recognition does for future sales.
On a side note, you were in AZ and didn't let the ACE (AZ Corvette Enthusiasts) folks know? We'd have surely gotten some type of lunch, etc. together.
On a side note, you were in AZ and didn't let the ACE (AZ Corvette Enthusiasts) folks know? We'd have surely gotten some type of lunch, etc. together.
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I have not had the displeasure of meeting Mr. Boat, but your story is certainly not the first I've heard about him being too busy to say hello or to greet a customer. He might make the best exhaust system in the world - but I personally will never buy one, based on accounts like this and others. It's funny we were just discussing this attitude on Saturday.
One of my close friends has an AMG SL55. When B & B wanted to borrow my friend's car to use it for a test to make systems, Mr. Boat was polite. Since that time, my friend bought several systems from B & B and has had a minor problem with one system that is custom. Mr. Boat has eventually fixed the problems - but hasn't been very gracious. This is in no way intended to slam his products - from what I see, they look and fit very nice. Mr. Boat himself is the issue here.
Sorry your trip to Phoenix was less than pleasurable. You should have said something about being here - we could have directed you to a great car show! Maybe next time!
One of my close friends has an AMG SL55. When B & B wanted to borrow my friend's car to use it for a test to make systems, Mr. Boat was polite. Since that time, my friend bought several systems from B & B and has had a minor problem with one system that is custom. Mr. Boat has eventually fixed the problems - but hasn't been very gracious. This is in no way intended to slam his products - from what I see, they look and fit very nice. Mr. Boat himself is the issue here.
Sorry your trip to Phoenix was less than pleasurable. You should have said something about being here - we could have directed you to a great car show! Maybe next time!
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I'm like you - would have thought he could have at least came out and given you a handshake. 
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From: Lake Havasu City, AZ
If you were unannounced, and he was busy and working on a key project or under a tight deadline, I would understand.....
some business people strictly adhere to a fundamental time management principle that says.... i accept disruptions between x and y time... other than that, No interuptions...
or he could be an introvert and feels uncomfortable making small talk with stangers so avoids them even if they are customers
or he could just not care.....
some business people strictly adhere to a fundamental time management principle that says.... i accept disruptions between x and y time... other than that, No interuptions...
or he could be an introvert and feels uncomfortable making small talk with stangers so avoids them even if they are customers
or he could just not care.....
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From: Newberry FL
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Originally Posted by eddie44
I had a similar experience at Eckler's when I was on vacation in FL. I don't think some vendors realize what a little customer recognition does for future sales.
On a side note, you were in AZ and didn't let the ACE (AZ Corvette Enthusiasts) folks know? We'd have surely gotten some type of lunch, etc. together.
On a side note, you were in AZ and didn't let the ACE (AZ Corvette Enthusiasts) folks know? We'd have surely gotten some type of lunch, etc. together.
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Originally Posted by rws.1
If you were unannounced, and he was busy and working on a key project or under a tight deadline, I would understand.....
.....
.....
give the guy a break..he is the president of the company, what do you expect.. he makes a good product everyone on the forum raves about the exhaust's he puts out.. had you made an appointment or been on his schedule that is totally different..and he did take the time to autograph your catalog. I would not be upset.
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Originally Posted by FrankTank
give the guy a break..he is the president of the company, what do you expect.. he makes a good product everyone on the forum raves about the exhaust's he puts out.. had you made an appointment or been on his schedule that is totally different..and he did take the time to autograph your catalog. I would not be upset.
We're not talking about the president of Intel or Bill Gates. We're talking about a guy that has tried to capitalize on his celebrity status by designing a product in the motorsports industry. Spending 5 minutes to give a customer that took the time to come to his facility is not only good business, but it's also common courtesy.
His company does make a nice product, but he has a lot to learn about being a human being. There are too many other companies making similar products that I personally have no sense of compulsion to buy from someone that behaves in this manner. My two cents.....
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I would have thrown that catalog n the trash, RIGHT THERE.
You waited 10 minutes????
Please, and Billy Boat only THINKS he's a race car driver.....
You waited 10 minutes????
Please, and Billy Boat only THINKS he's a race car driver.....
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Originally Posted by FrankTank
give the guy a break..he is the president of the company, what do you expect.. he makes a good product everyone on the forum raves about the exhaust's he puts out.. had you made an appointment or been on his schedule that is totally different..and he did take the time to autograph your catalog. I would not be upset.
Also, I certainly don't rave about his crap exhaust.
He couldn't take the time for a customer, 1 minute or less to come out and say hi and sign the book for him.
That sucks..... I'll bet he was really busy.....
IF he had half a brain, he'd have made that trip out to sign his catalog and listen to what he might have had to say about his exhaust..
AND after that, the post on this forum would have had a much better slant in favor of B&B exhasut and the companie's president.
INSTEAD, this post is what he got...
That was a mistake....
