Hendricks dealers Z06 buyers be aware of the $13K gouging fee
12-17-2021, 07:39 PM
#1
Intermediate
Thread Starter
Hendricks dealers Z06 buyers be aware of the $13K gouging fee
I put a $1,000 deposit with Rick Hendrick dealer in Duluth, GA in 2020 and I am #27 on the list.
I have emails that asked in writing before I made my deposit, if there will be any other fees on top of the MSRP. Any fees, dealer fees, packages fees, doc fees, made up fees, etc., the answer was only a $795 dealer doc fee.
Today I got a call from the sales person and then from his manager that said I either agree now on the $13K fee or they will send me my deposit back!
I told them I have it in writing, I sent them the emails, they don't care, they said every Z06 buyer will have to pay that, regardless when they made their deposit.
I wish I did it with another dealer, this is so unprofessional!
I have emails that asked in writing before I made my deposit, if there will be any other fees on top of the MSRP. Any fees, dealer fees, packages fees, doc fees, made up fees, etc., the answer was only a $795 dealer doc fee.
Today I got a call from the sales person and then from his manager that said I either agree now on the $13K fee or they will send me my deposit back!
I told them I have it in writing, I sent them the emails, they don't care, they said every Z06 buyer will have to pay that, regardless when they made their deposit.
I wish I did it with another dealer, this is so unprofessional!
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Popular Reply
12-18-2021, 08:34 PM
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I PM'd a few of you earlier. I am not going to publicly state anything at this time regarding my relationship with Hendrick, but I can tell you 4 things I know for certain. #1) Rick does not know on a day to day basis what each of his dealerships are doing #2) He absolutely does care about his name and reputation and #3) I am on a list at a Hendrick dealership (where I have bought before) and also promised MSRP #4) It was stated to me (by something who is pretty influential in the Hendrick Leadership) that they would not sell any C8's (including Z06's over MSRP). If the dealership I am working with plays this game with me I ways to get messages directly to Rick and force him to either at the very least be aware of what his dealerships are doing to his name.
I can tell you if enough people get messages up through the chain they will get to him and then that will force him to make a very simple ethical decision.... Either make a quick buck now and tarnish his reputation forever, or do business the right way and honor what his sales team has told their customers. At his level of wealth (and from what I know personally) his reputation at this point is time is extremely important to him more so than the money.
My strong recommendation to anyone on a Hendrick lists is to reach out to your store sales manager ASAP and get them on record of their intent in writing. At least get something stating their stance that you can shoot that up the chain if needed. The absolute worst thing anyone can do is just sit on your hands and say it is what it is. Use your voice it will make a difference in this case I know it.
Disclaimer: I have been very consistent with my messaging on MSRP and ADM. If a dealership wants to charge above MSRP, more power to them...what I am NOT for is a Dealership promising you MSRP to get you on a list then announcing a year later that they will not honor a price. I know some are OK with this type of business practice but I have a huge ethical issue with this type of practice and will call it out whenever I see it!
I can tell you if enough people get messages up through the chain they will get to him and then that will force him to make a very simple ethical decision.... Either make a quick buck now and tarnish his reputation forever, or do business the right way and honor what his sales team has told their customers. At his level of wealth (and from what I know personally) his reputation at this point is time is extremely important to him more so than the money.
My strong recommendation to anyone on a Hendrick lists is to reach out to your store sales manager ASAP and get them on record of their intent in writing. At least get something stating their stance that you can shoot that up the chain if needed. The absolute worst thing anyone can do is just sit on your hands and say it is what it is. Use your voice it will make a difference in this case I know it.
Disclaimer: I have been very consistent with my messaging on MSRP and ADM. If a dealership wants to charge above MSRP, more power to them...what I am NOT for is a Dealership promising you MSRP to get you on a list then announcing a year later that they will not honor a price. I know some are OK with this type of business practice but I have a huge ethical issue with this type of practice and will call it out whenever I see it!
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raduziub (12-18-2021)
12-18-2021, 07:56 AM
#3
I put a $1,000 deposit with Rick Hendrick dealer in Duluth, GA in 2020 and I am #27 on the list.
I have emails that asked in writing before I made my deposit, if there will be any other fees on top of the MSRP. Any fees, dealer fees, packages fees, doc fees, made up fees, etc., the answer was only a $795 dealer doc fee.
Today I got a call from the sales person and then from his manager that said I either agree now on the $13K fee or they will send me my deposit back!
I told them I have it in writing, I sent them the emails, they don't care, they said every Z06 buyer will have to pay that, regardless when they made their deposit.
I wish I did it with another dealer, this is so unprofessional!
I have emails that asked in writing before I made my deposit, if there will be any other fees on top of the MSRP. Any fees, dealer fees, packages fees, doc fees, made up fees, etc., the answer was only a $795 dealer doc fee.
Today I got a call from the sales person and then from his manager that said I either agree now on the $13K fee or they will send me my deposit back!
I told them I have it in writing, I sent them the emails, they don't care, they said every Z06 buyer will have to pay that, regardless when they made their deposit.
I wish I did it with another dealer, this is so unprofessional!
12-18-2021, 08:44 AM
#5
Old news. Their original Corvette sales manager, Chris Lindamood, left the dealership shortly after this change was instituted by the Duluth General Manager. I personally believe that the GM forced the change hoping to cause Chris to leave. This is just my personal theory, I don't really have a factual basis for it. Chris is a great salesman who had built Hendrick Duluth into one of the top ten Corvette dealers in the country and was on track to break into the top five. I bought my 2020 from Chris and the transaction was flawless. This change was so stupid and shortsighted. The Corvette community will not forget this. Meanwhile Reggie Stagmaier at Jim Ellis Chevrolet in Atlanta is selling the Z06 at MSRP.
Like many others, I don't particularly like car salesman and consider them a necessary evil that I have to circumvent to get the car that I am trying to purchase. But, dealing with Chris was different. He is a car guy that knows what he is talking about and who would spend time with you to establish a relationship. He will be sorely missed.
Like many others, I don't particularly like car salesman and consider them a necessary evil that I have to circumvent to get the car that I am trying to purchase. But, dealing with Chris was different. He is a car guy that knows what he is talking about and who would spend time with you to establish a relationship. He will be sorely missed.
Last edited by PurpleLion; 12-18-2021 at 09:00 AM.
12-18-2021, 08:58 AM
#6
Banned Scam/Spammer
So many people are just expecting and accepting dealer markups on this and many other cars that I dont think this will damage their reputation one bit. Just the way it is right now.
12-18-2021, 09:18 AM
#7
The top ten Corvette dealers typically get into the top ten by NOT charging over MSRP regardless of the circumstances. Like Ciocca/Kerbeck, MM and Mike Furman. And, breaking your word for a measly 13K, just stupid.
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12-18-2021, 09:38 AM
#8
Not one bit huh? Going back on your word this late into the process is particularly scummy. I guess Rick feels that if he is gonna pay a million plus on the first Z06, we can pony up another $13,000. Good luck with that.
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12-18-2021, 10:03 AM
#9
Intermediate
Thread Starter
Hi Nitro-C5, got the PM, thank you for your help and offer! I am not sure how to reply to that message with the info I have, the email and all other semi-private info. Maybe I do not have the right privileges to reply to a PM.
But here is the info:
Sales person Justin Cochran, his manager John Moore?
Some of the details from emails:
_______________From: Rick Hendrick Chevrolet Duluth <rickhendrickchevroletduluth@gpc.hendric kauto.com>
Sent: Friday, December 17, 2021, 9:00 AM
To: raduziub
Subject: RE:Re: Re: RE: C8 Z06 dealer tours news & do you still take deposits for the C8 Z06?
Our dealership will be requiring an accessory package with each of our Corvette orders, will include items such as paint protection film, ceramic coating, window tint and a few other items
Total cost for it will likely be ~$13,000
Best,
Justin Cochran
___________________
From: Rick Hendrick Chevrolet Duluth
Sent: Tuesday, October 27, 2020 3:23 PM
To: raduziub
Subject: RE:RE: RE: RE: Corvette
No worries! We have a dealer administration charge of $749.
Best,
Justin Cochran
Rick Hendrick Chevrolet Duluth
3277 Satellite Blvd
Duluth, GA 30096
Email Optout Link
Click here if you are having problems viewing this email_____
_____________
From: raduziub
Sent: Tuesday, October 27, 2020 2:49 PM
To: 'Rick Hendrick Chevrolet Duluth' rickhendrickchevroletduluth@gpc.hendrick auto.com
Subject: RE: RE: RE: Corvette
😊 thanks and sorry for all these questions.
Last question before deposit, I promise 😊, outside of taxes, tag fee, etc., what is your dealer fee, doc fee, etc.? Any other package or mark up fees?
Thanks a mil!
Best Regards,
Radu
__________________
But here is the info:
Sales person Justin Cochran, his manager John Moore?
Some of the details from emails:
_______________From: Rick Hendrick Chevrolet Duluth <rickhendrickchevroletduluth@gpc.hendric kauto.com>
Sent: Friday, December 17, 2021, 9:00 AM
To: raduziub
Subject: RE:Re: Re: RE: C8 Z06 dealer tours news & do you still take deposits for the C8 Z06?
Our dealership will be requiring an accessory package with each of our Corvette orders, will include items such as paint protection film, ceramic coating, window tint and a few other items
Total cost for it will likely be ~$13,000
Best,
Justin Cochran
___________________
From: Rick Hendrick Chevrolet Duluth
Sent: Tuesday, October 27, 2020 3:23 PM
To: raduziub
Subject: RE:RE: RE: RE: Corvette
No worries! We have a dealer administration charge of $749.
Best,
Justin Cochran
Rick Hendrick Chevrolet Duluth
3277 Satellite Blvd
Duluth, GA 30096
Email Optout Link
Click here if you are having problems viewing this email_____
_____________
From: raduziub
Sent: Tuesday, October 27, 2020 2:49 PM
To: 'Rick Hendrick Chevrolet Duluth' rickhendrickchevroletduluth@gpc.hendrick auto.com
Subject: RE: RE: RE: Corvette
😊 thanks and sorry for all these questions.
Last question before deposit, I promise 😊, outside of taxes, tag fee, etc., what is your dealer fee, doc fee, etc.? Any other package or mark up fees?
Thanks a mil!
Best Regards,
Radu
__________________
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BTT (12-20-2021)
12-18-2021, 10:08 AM
#10
Intermediate
Thread Starter
We need to make everybody aware of this situation, and hopefully somebody at GM reads these posts and will take actions by lowering their allocation. Over time that will affect their business.
ALSO, VERY IMPORTANT, not sure who moderates and can edit the list of 100 Corvette dealers but I made my decision AFTER I checked the top 100# list that showed Yes or No for dealers that charge MSRP or not. Hendrick dealerships are all still listed as Yes-sells at MSRP.
We need to make the moderator of that list aware to change the status to No, so other buyers do not get fooled.
Not sure who that is.
ALSO, VERY IMPORTANT, not sure who moderates and can edit the list of 100 Corvette dealers but I made my decision AFTER I checked the top 100# list that showed Yes or No for dealers that charge MSRP or not. Hendrick dealerships are all still listed as Yes-sells at MSRP.
We need to make the moderator of that list aware to change the status to No, so other buyers do not get fooled.
Not sure who that is.
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12-18-2021, 10:13 AM
#11
Intermediate
Thread Starter
PurpleLion, I agree 110% with everything you say and I wish I knew better! When I made my deposit in 2020 I could've been on another honest dealer's list and still get a Z06 in about same time frame. I was an early believer that the new Z06 was going to be amazing, way before anything close to official specs and design cues were out.
12-18-2021, 10:16 AM
#12
Instructor
Might make sense to research Georgia’s unfair trade practices/consumer protection laws and/or consult an attorney. Many such laws, if applicable, have provisions for recovery of treble damages and attorneys fees. Good luck.
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12-18-2021, 10:22 AM
#13
That sucks OP..But either pay It or move along...The greedy have smelled blood in the water and more of this will be happening. It's the American Way..
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Joefab (12-19-2021)
12-18-2021, 10:42 AM
#14
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We need to make everybody aware of this situation, and hopefully somebody at GM reads these posts and will take actions by lowering their allocation. Over time that will affect their business.
ALSO, VERY IMPORTANT, not sure who moderates and can edit the list of 100 Corvette dealers but I made my decision AFTER I checked the top 100# list that showed Yes or No for dealers that charge MSRP or not. Hendrick dealerships are all still listed as Yes-sells at MSRP.
We need to make the moderator of that list aware to change the status to No, so other buyers do not get fooled.
Not sure who that is.
ALSO, VERY IMPORTANT, not sure who moderates and can edit the list of 100 Corvette dealers but I made my decision AFTER I checked the top 100# list that showed Yes or No for dealers that charge MSRP or not. Hendrick dealerships are all still listed as Yes-sells at MSRP.
We need to make the moderator of that list aware to change the status to No, so other buyers do not get fooled.
Not sure who that is.
12-18-2021, 11:09 AM
#15
Its very simple, pay the filing fee at the court house (normally 50 bucks) and file a breach of contract order. It is the same thing as a small claims case. You dont need an attorney and its a very simple process
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12-18-2021, 11:29 AM
#17
Except it's not a breach of contract because he never signed a contract. A buyers order , if one was signed, is not binding on the dealer in any way. Get a hold of one and read the back side. They can back out at any time or change the deal structure or whatever they want. They are specifically written in this way to protect dealers.
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12-18-2021, 11:30 AM
#18
Le Mans Master
Old news. Their original Corvette sales manager, Chris Lindamood, left the dealership shortly after this change was instituted by the Duluth General Manager. I personally believe that the GM forced the change hoping to cause Chris to leave. This is just my personal theory, I don't really have a factual basis for it. Chris is a great salesman who had built Hendrick Duluth into one of the top ten Corvette dealers in the country and was on track to break into the top five. I bought my 2020 from Chris and the transaction was flawless. This change was so stupid and shortsighted. The Corvette community will not forget this. Meanwhile Reggie Stagmaier at Jim Ellis Chevrolet in Atlanta is selling the Z06 at MSRP.
Like many others, I don't particularly like car salesman and consider them a necessary evil that I have to circumvent to get the car that I am trying to purchase. But, dealing with Chris was different. He is a car guy that knows what he is talking about and who would spend time with you to establish a relationship. He will be sorely missed.
Like many others, I don't particularly like car salesman and consider them a necessary evil that I have to circumvent to get the car that I am trying to purchase. But, dealing with Chris was different. He is a car guy that knows what he is talking about and who would spend time with you to establish a relationship. He will be sorely missed.
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corvettewill (12-20-2021)
12-18-2021, 04:54 PM
#20
Melting Slicks
Why? MacMulkin, arguably the most honest Corvette dealer, tried to do it on C7Zs and only backed off due to the uproar it caused. Virtually EVERYONE will compromise their ethics if the price is right.
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ATC399 (12-18-2021)