More Problems With Rick Hendrick Chevrolet
Race Director
Joined: Aug 2019
Posts: 12,351
Likes: 14,185
From: Central Illinois
SIDEBAR ANSWER
Reminded of the early 1980's when the fabrication economy started into a depression! Recall my competitor, Lincoln Electric District Manger in Pittsburg, told me his business was down 50%. I was in Corporate Office managing a Market Development Group. The VP Sales from Lincoln said he was going to stop selling to our owned distributorships (we owned 20, all with multiple branches and over 100 locations) if they didn't buy 95% of all overlapping products from them. Owned stores was about 1/3 of our equipment business.
I was put in charge of seeing what the sales and profit impact would be to our Owed Stores. Had all our distributor store managers come to a meeting. Recall the equipment GM had a lot of excess inventory based on the foolish MRP forecast the sales department a responsible! Our Owned Stores slashed inventory to maintain profit. I went into the President (and friend) office. Of interest when Corporate Office they moved it from a 50 store building in NYC to CT they attempted to change the culture. We all had the same size off and the ONLY one with a door was our Division President.
Closed the door and said, "Jack you have a lot of excess inventory sitting in 'YOUR' equipment plant in SC. "YOUR" distributor stores are empty cutting inventory to maintain their bottom line. He said, you're right! But if I tell them to put 'MY' excess equipment inventor in "THEIR" stores, end year that would be the reason they didn't meet their bottom line!
He said, "Jerry why don't you convince both sides it's in 'THEIR' interest! I tried and convinced the equipment GM to give 90 days delayed payment. BUT he would NOT give consigned stock as that was on his P&L. The stores felt the same with delayed payment, still on their books. Helped some but not enough.
HAVE ANOTHER WELDING DISTIBUTOR ANALOGY.
When we formed a leverage buyout of the welding hardgoods business in 1985 Peter McCausland had recently bought his 1st welding distributorship with ~3 million in sales. When he sold the business in 2016 to a French industrial gas company for $10 billion they had about 1/3 of the US welling distributorship stores with >1000 stores. Each ran totally independently. Had to sell to each one separately. My analogy, it was like having to call on each Sear's Store to take on your products. Thought it was crazy. BUT Sears is out of business and Peter McCausland retired at 66 with about a billion in stock!
If Peter did what I thought was smart might have been like Sears! Smart Guy. Big sail-boater and always wore Top-Siders with no socks and a Bow Tie. He did his thing!
BOTTOM LINE
Rick Hendrick in 1976, at 26 years old bought a struggling Chevy franchise in Bennettsville SC (~30 miles from where I live.) He sold his 1971 Corvette to raise the funds. Rick Hendrick how owns 140 dealerships. The largest privately held dealership group in the United States. They sell approximately 200,000 cars annually and service 2.6 million vehicles per year.
If Hendrick followed what I was taught at an early age and have always followed, "The Customer Is Always Right" he would NOT be the Billionaire he is today!
When folks did not want to move to NYC (including me) to work in the 50 story Corporate Office on Park Avenue they built a sprawling office in CT. Had ~1000 offices. Unlike NYC where depending on your position you got a certain size office and could have a fixed number of plants etc, we all had equal size offices. BUT the only one with a door was on the Division President's. BTW parked on the same level as your office. All had large window and great view! Turned out was not affordable and Corporation dissolved in 2001!
Reminded of the early 1980's when the fabrication economy started into a depression! Recall my competitor, Lincoln Electric District Manger in Pittsburg, told me his business was down 50%. I was in Corporate Office managing a Market Development Group. The VP Sales from Lincoln said he was going to stop selling to our owned distributorships (we owned 20, all with multiple branches and over 100 locations) if they didn't buy 95% of all overlapping products from them. Owned stores was about 1/3 of our equipment business.
I was put in charge of seeing what the sales and profit impact would be to our Owed Stores. Had all our distributor store managers come to a meeting. Recall the equipment GM had a lot of excess inventory based on the foolish MRP forecast the sales department a responsible! Our Owned Stores slashed inventory to maintain profit. I went into the President (and friend) office. Of interest when Corporate Office they moved it from a 50 store building in NYC to CT they attempted to change the culture. We all had the same size off and the ONLY one with a door was our Division President.
Closed the door and said, "Jack you have a lot of excess inventory sitting in 'YOUR' equipment plant in SC. "YOUR" distributor stores are empty cutting inventory to maintain their bottom line. He said, you're right! But if I tell them to put 'MY' excess equipment inventor in "THEIR" stores, end year that would be the reason they didn't meet their bottom line!
He said, "Jerry why don't you convince both sides it's in 'THEIR' interest! I tried and convinced the equipment GM to give 90 days delayed payment. BUT he would NOT give consigned stock as that was on his P&L. The stores felt the same with delayed payment, still on their books. Helped some but not enough.
HAVE ANOTHER WELDING DISTIBUTOR ANALOGY.
When we formed a leverage buyout of the welding hardgoods business in 1985 Peter McCausland had recently bought his 1st welding distributorship with ~3 million in sales. When he sold the business in 2016 to a French industrial gas company for $10 billion they had about 1/3 of the US welling distributorship stores with >1000 stores. Each ran totally independently. Had to sell to each one separately. My analogy, it was like having to call on each Sear's Store to take on your products. Thought it was crazy. BUT Sears is out of business and Peter McCausland retired at 66 with about a billion in stock!
If Peter did what I thought was smart might have been like Sears! Smart Guy. Big sail-boater and always wore Top-Siders with no socks and a Bow Tie. He did his thing!
BOTTOM LINE
Rick Hendrick in 1976, at 26 years old bought a struggling Chevy franchise in Bennettsville SC (~30 miles from where I live.) He sold his 1971 Corvette to raise the funds. Rick Hendrick how owns 140 dealerships. The largest privately held dealership group in the United States. They sell approximately 200,000 cars annually and service 2.6 million vehicles per year.
If Hendrick followed what I was taught at an early age and have always followed, "The Customer Is Always Right" he would NOT be the Billionaire he is today!
When folks did not want to move to NYC (including me) to work in the 50 story Corporate Office on Park Avenue they built a sprawling office in CT. Had ~1000 offices. Unlike NYC where depending on your position you got a certain size office and could have a fixed number of plants etc, we all had equal size offices. BUT the only one with a door was on the Division President's. BTW parked on the same level as your office. All had large window and great view! Turned out was not affordable and Corporation dissolved in 2001!
E-Ray, 3LZ, ZER, LIFT
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 35,045
Likes: 12,412
From: NE South Carolina
I'm sorry Jerry, but I can't read another chapter out of War and Peace. Just read post #17 by a guy that was in direct contact with Hendrick and the car business. All those stores report to a higher level in the organization. I suspect a LOT of the store problems get swept under the rug so the reporting staff (the store general manager) isn't on the carpet. Glen E has real world actual car business experience, he knows how it works.
Sure Hedrick has a well run operation. Would not have started with one store selling his 1971 Vette for the funds to buy and now with 140 dealerships is a Billionaire! Recently visited his car museum in Concord NC, near Charlotte which is at his huge NASCAR Racing complex. Very well organized. Some just will never understand smart entrepreneurs must make each store responsible for their bottom line. Tell them how to operate and never become a billionaire!
Last edited by JerryU; Jul 25, 2025 at 12:10 PM.
Pro
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 674
Likes: 855
From: DFW
The only problem with this recommendation is that when you elect R8C (Museum Delivery), you must pay for the car in full prior to Delivery. Therefore, the car is yours regardless of "accepting delivery", in essence, you've already accepted delivery PRIOR to seeing the car. You could ask for pictures of the car in advance of making the trip to the Museum, however, again, you may have already paid for it. I have never asked for photos of my car in advance of delivery. This is the only downside that I'm aware of in having the R8C delivery program.
That said, I've personally done 3 Museum Deliveries and all have been flawless deliveries in not only the delivery, but, also the ordering process. Each car was exactly as ordered. The OP unfortunately had a mix up at the Dealership level, ordering the wrong optioned car.
I will continue to consider R8C delivery in my future Corvette deliveries.
E-Ray, 3LZ, ZER, LIFT
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 35,045
Likes: 12,412
From: NE South Carolina
^^^
Yep you "Will Have Paid" for it to be shipped to the Museum. They don't drive it across the street it's trucked as if going to the Chevy Dealer in BG. Same fixed shipping price if going to BG or San Diego, now $1895. Been that way for many years! Also you pay a $1495 Museum Delivery fee. I have had my last 3 Vettes delivered to a small Chevy dealer near my home for a flat $350 Courtesy Delivery fee. I now use them for all my servcie. Great folks.
Been to the museum when on a business trip in ~1995 when I had my 1993 Vette. Also got a private plant tour, the same as given to visitors at the time. I got to start the car that was just finished on the line, as was done at the time on factory tours.
Yep you "Will Have Paid" for it to be shipped to the Museum. They don't drive it across the street it's trucked as if going to the Chevy Dealer in BG. Same fixed shipping price if going to BG or San Diego, now $1895. Been that way for many years! Also you pay a $1495 Museum Delivery fee. I have had my last 3 Vettes delivered to a small Chevy dealer near my home for a flat $350 Courtesy Delivery fee. I now use them for all my servcie. Great folks.Been to the museum when on a business trip in ~1995 when I had my 1993 Vette. Also got a private plant tour, the same as given to visitors at the time. I got to start the car that was just finished on the line, as was done at the time on factory tours.
Last edited by JerryU; Jul 25, 2025 at 12:08 PM.
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Feb 2025
Posts: 25
Likes: 19
From: P.B.G., Florida
Just one example: I would not be the new dealer's customer -- that would be Hendrick, so what if the new dealer (looked them up; bad reputation) screwed something up? Hendrick would tell me it wasn't their fault and the new dealer would say it was like that when they got the car -- go pound sand. ALSO from your comment I don't think you have any idea of the work involved. The pieces on the grill alone required removing the whole nose of the car including cameras and sensors. The pieces on the sides and back total 8 more (again sensors on the back) all to be stripped, primed, painted, clear coated and re-installed. ...the work took more than a week. The dealer had already accepted responsibility, they were deliberately dragging their feet.
Perhaps you could offer another well-reasoned response as to why they won't pay the $5000.00 deposit I wasn't credited for?
Thanks for reading and responding -- it's what makes this forum great!
Race Director
Joined: Aug 2019
Posts: 12,351
Likes: 14,185
From: Central Illinois
Did they ever have you sign a copy of the GM Workbench order to verify it was going in exactly the way wanted before it was submitted?
Last edited by Phil1098; Jul 25, 2025 at 12:30 PM.
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Feb 2025
Posts: 25
Likes: 19
From: P.B.G., Florida
Wonderful News
On July 9, 2025 "Big_C" posted on this site about his service problem(s) at Rick Hendrick Chevrolet Naples; his post included the advice (in bold letters) "Stay far away from Rick Hendrick Chevrolet". Unfortunately that advice came too late for me. I am going to paste a copy of the email letter I sent to GM/Concierge Service that explains (in brief) my problem(s) with Rick Hendrick Chevrolet in the faint hope that someone on this forum will read it and offer a solution other than the courts and lawyers. I have done preliminary investigation on how to proceed using the court system and it's messy and expensive (even small claims court) with no guarantee of a good outcome even when you are in the right. Rick Hendrick Chevrolet (the finance mgr.) admitted they owe me $5000.00 (plus sales tax) and the work to correct the color of the body trim parts involved much more work than one might think -- I believe the $3000.00 I was charged was more than fair.
Dear Sir or Madam,
Is there any help for someone like me who has a problem with the dealer (in my case it is Hendrick Chevrolet Naples) they bought their car from? I’ve tried to resolve my problem with the dealer directly, but they’ve stopped responding to my emails and will not return phone calls. FYI, I reside in Palm Beach County +/- 200 miles from the dealer.
A short summary of my problem:
1. I put a $5000.00 deposit on a new Eray to secure the next one allotted to the dealer on 01/29/2025. I submitted my “build sheet” online and at the dealer and specified museum delivery. When my “Big Day” at the museum finally arrived (05/23/2025) is when my problem(s) began. The Corvette waiting for me was/is not the Corvette I ordered.
The exterior body trim pieces were supposed to be “carbon flash metallic”, but were the body color (arctic white). I have all the paper-work and records to show the mistake was the dealer’s, not mine.
2. In trying to resolve the problem outlined above, I became aware that when I completed the purchase at the dealer — it involved a frantic, last minute trip (200 miles each way) to the dealer to complete the paperwork for the museum delivery/transaction — the finance manager at Hendrick Chevrolet never gave me credit for the original $5,000.00 deposit. I, of course, have the paper-work for that too, and the finance manager confirmed it.
3. I spent more than a month trying to get the exterior trim pieces problem resolved without Hendrick coming up with an acceptable/workable solution. I took the Corvette to my local Chevrolet dealer’s body shop — they told me that they refuse to work on ANY car unless it’s through an insurance company. I then found a local body shop with an excellent reputation and experience with new Corvettes (they hadn’t done an Eray yet) and had the work done there. Cost: just under $3,000.00.
My Corvette Eray now looks just like I ordered it and it’s spectacular! …but I’m being ghosted by Hendrick Chevrolet Naples. I sent a registered letter by certified mail to the business manager at Hendrick, but no response, nothing, nada. Common advice is “get a lawyer”, but I have extensive experience with lawyers and would like to resolve this some other way if possible, so this letter is a request for your help. I also wonder if Edward J. Brown III, the President of Hendrick Automotive Group is aware of the way customers are being treated?
Respectfully,
Dear Sir or Madam,
Is there any help for someone like me who has a problem with the dealer (in my case it is Hendrick Chevrolet Naples) they bought their car from? I’ve tried to resolve my problem with the dealer directly, but they’ve stopped responding to my emails and will not return phone calls. FYI, I reside in Palm Beach County +/- 200 miles from the dealer.
A short summary of my problem:
1. I put a $5000.00 deposit on a new Eray to secure the next one allotted to the dealer on 01/29/2025. I submitted my “build sheet” online and at the dealer and specified museum delivery. When my “Big Day” at the museum finally arrived (05/23/2025) is when my problem(s) began. The Corvette waiting for me was/is not the Corvette I ordered.
The exterior body trim pieces were supposed to be “carbon flash metallic”, but were the body color (arctic white). I have all the paper-work and records to show the mistake was the dealer’s, not mine.
2. In trying to resolve the problem outlined above, I became aware that when I completed the purchase at the dealer — it involved a frantic, last minute trip (200 miles each way) to the dealer to complete the paperwork for the museum delivery/transaction — the finance manager at Hendrick Chevrolet never gave me credit for the original $5,000.00 deposit. I, of course, have the paper-work for that too, and the finance manager confirmed it.
3. I spent more than a month trying to get the exterior trim pieces problem resolved without Hendrick coming up with an acceptable/workable solution. I took the Corvette to my local Chevrolet dealer’s body shop — they told me that they refuse to work on ANY car unless it’s through an insurance company. I then found a local body shop with an excellent reputation and experience with new Corvettes (they hadn’t done an Eray yet) and had the work done there. Cost: just under $3,000.00.
My Corvette Eray now looks just like I ordered it and it’s spectacular! …but I’m being ghosted by Hendrick Chevrolet Naples. I sent a registered letter by certified mail to the business manager at Hendrick, but no response, nothing, nada. Common advice is “get a lawyer”, but I have extensive experience with lawyers and would like to resolve this some other way if possible, so this letter is a request for your help. I also wonder if Edward J. Brown III, the President of Hendrick Automotive Group is aware of the way customers are being treated?
Respectfully,
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 11,825
Likes: 2,477
From: Ft Lauderdale
Tech Contributor
congrats, this is in line with the way I know most of these big chains operate, they are corporations, huge corporations, and can’t afford to have things like this out there floating in social media… I imagine this service manager and a few other people, their days are numbered…
it my experience it's the small time guys that own one or two dealerships That get a hair up their *** and decide to be stubborn, and they tell you to go pound sand… Not so with the big boys…
it my experience it's the small time guys that own one or two dealerships That get a hair up their *** and decide to be stubborn, and they tell you to go pound sand… Not so with the big boys…
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Banned Scam/Spammer
Joined: Nov 2014
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Hmm, when the car is at the Museum it's just a Courtesy Delivery location (for which you pay a fee of $1495 PLUS the $1895 fix charge for delivery beit to San Diego or Bowling Green.) The car is already paid for to whatever dealer you purchased it from!
Not accepting option is like cutting off your nose to spit your face!
Not accepting option is like cutting off your nose to spit your face!
E-Ray, 3LZ, ZER, LIFT
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 35,045
Likes: 12,412
From: NE South Carolina
congrats, this is in line with the way I know most of these big chains operate, they are corporations, huge corporations, and can’t afford to have things like this out there floating in social media… I imagine this service manager and a few other people, their days are numbered…
it my experience it's the small time guys that own one or two dealerships That get a hair up their *** and decide to be stubborn, and they tell you to go pound sand… Not so with the big boys…
it my experience it's the small time guys that own one or two dealerships That get a hair up their *** and decide to be stubborn, and they tell you to go pound sand… Not so with the big boys…
SIDEBAR
When I started working part time at 15 for what became a major grocery chain when I was still working part time 7 years later thru college. The Store Manager was a great guy, looked like Mr. Clean. With a bunch of high school kids running registers etc he had a philosophy he would repeat often. The customer is always right. You have two choices to whatever complaint. Can say yes Mam or Sir and take back that dented $0.50 can of whatever or call me. Because I make all the decisions on who we want as customers- NOT YOU!
He also would preach be penny foolish and $ wise. Like that old dented can the customer was trying to return. Just smile take it back and we'll toss!
Last edited by JerryU; Jul 25, 2025 at 05:17 PM.
Race Director
Joined: Aug 2019
Posts: 12,351
Likes: 14,185
From: Central Illinois
My front doorbell just rang1. I went to the door and there was a FEDEX envelope on the step. Inside were two checks from Hendrick Chevrolet Naples -- one for $5000 the other for $3,300.00. No letter, no note, no email or phone call. But boy, am I happy. I think my long (and polite) letter to the Business Mgr. must've done it.... I'll probably never know. I thank everyone for their kind and concerned responses. All's well that ends well.
Race Director
Joined: Nov 2017
Posts: 12,759
Likes: 10,657
From: Prosper TX/Austin TX
2020 C6 of the Year Winner - Modified
We had a similar situation with a '23 Grand Cherokee my wife ordered. We included the High Altitude pkg for $2,000 that was supposed to include, gloss black exterior trim, gloss black emblems, gloss black wheels & gloss black roof rails - essentially the exterior was supposed to be blacked out.
We ordered from a dealership in IA (we're in TX). The vehicle arrived and my wife drove 12 hours to pick it up. When she got there she immediately noticed bright silver roof rails, gunmetal grey wheels & grey emblems. The only thing that was gloss black was the front grille. Additionally, 3 of the 4 wheels had scratches/chips from transport damage.
She confirmed her order with the dealership that showed the high altitude pkg. The included build sheet stated gloss black wheels, emblems, & roof rails were installed, despite the fact that they weren't. My wife couldn't hang around IA & had to get home, so she completed the purchase and drove home.
The difference in our situation was the dealership bent l over backwards trying to get it resolved for us. They submitted photos, copies of our confirmed order & the build sheet showing the pkg, etc. Their regional rep would do nothing & when escalated up to Jeep HQ, they also refused to do anything or compensate us for cost of the pkg that we obviously didn't receive. A local dealer that we had a relationship with ended up painting the roof rails gloss black for us for free & tried to get the wheels replaced under warranty but got denied.
We had to live with the vehicle the way it was or pay to have the wheels & trim painted (minus the roof rails). I don't think you're going to get a judgement in your favor if you pursue this, unfortunately.
* Saw your update. Nice of Hendrick to step up and resolve the issue.
Pro
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 588
Likes: 222
From: Fuquay-Varina
Just a comment about my purchase of an early 2014 C7 Z51 in Hendrik in Cary NC. They were great! Where the only dealership I found willing to take my MSRP order and put in wring that would be the price in January 2013 soon after the Launch. Another Hendrick dealership closer to me would not. They one in Georgia wanted a premium over MSRP. Kerbeck where I bought my 2008 Corvette (and other Vettes with Courtesy Delivery to a local Chevy Dealer) was not taking Hold-A-Spot orders as GM pricing was not available and wasn't for ~3 months.
When I contacted Hendrick in Cary NC to ask about E-Ray the same fellow who managed phone orders in 2014 was still there. Great guy. Very honest and said because I had bought from them before he would add my name but he already had so many folks on the list it would be way beyond their allocation, whatever it might be.
Bottom Line:
All Hendrick Dealerships operate differently. Can't Blame Rick as he own's ~100 dealerships and has to hold them to the bottom line! Can't dictate how to operate!
When I contacted Hendrick in Cary NC to ask about E-Ray the same fellow who managed phone orders in 2014 was still there. Great guy. Very honest and said because I had bought from them before he would add my name but he already had so many folks on the list it would be way beyond their allocation, whatever it might be.
Bottom Line:
All Hendrick Dealerships operate differently. Can't Blame Rick as he own's ~100 dealerships and has to hold them to the bottom line! Can't dictate how to operate!
Race Director
Joined: Aug 2019
Posts: 12,351
Likes: 14,185
From: Central Illinois
You know, when you step back and look at it, the big plus (by far) is you got your proper dollar amount back. But when you think about absolutely no note, letter, apology, or any acknowledgement whatsoever, it's a bit of the middle finger. Like, "here's your money, now F off". Would it have taken anything to say "Sorry for your troubles, we value all our customers and apologize for your hassle and distress"? You got your money, but it's pretty clear they just want you to go away.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2016
Posts: 2,876
Likes: 2,506
The reality is as to what the Corvette customer is actually worth. Many of them are worth very little. Then there are those who act like because they bought the car they are now entitled to be recognized as significant.
There are those who purchase from hundreds of miles away, this one for example, and will never buy from that dealer again regardless of how that sale goes. Those have very little long term value, are but a single sale out of the thousands done yearly, and the profit made insignificant on a yearly basis.
While many of us think we are somewhat important when we are out paying Corvette money, reality is that we are not in comparison to the local folks buying yearly for decades but with no thought one would be a Corvette.
There are those who purchase from hundreds of miles away, this one for example, and will never buy from that dealer again regardless of how that sale goes. Those have very little long term value, are but a single sale out of the thousands done yearly, and the profit made insignificant on a yearly basis.
While many of us think we are somewhat important when we are out paying Corvette money, reality is that we are not in comparison to the local folks buying yearly for decades but with no thought one would be a Corvette.
Race Director
Joined: Aug 2019
Posts: 12,351
Likes: 14,185
From: Central Illinois
The reality is as to what the Corvette customer is actually worth. Many of them are worth very little. Then there are those who act like because they bought the car they are now entitled to be recognized as significant.
There are those who purchase from hundreds of miles away, this one for example, and will never buy from that dealer again regardless of how that sale goes. Those have very little long term value, are but a single sale out of the thousands done yearly, and the profit made insignificant on a yearly basis.
While many of us think we are somewhat important when we are out paying Corvette money, reality is that we are not in comparison to the local folks buying yearly for decades but with no thought one would be a Corvette.
There are those who purchase from hundreds of miles away, this one for example, and will never buy from that dealer again regardless of how that sale goes. Those have very little long term value, are but a single sale out of the thousands done yearly, and the profit made insignificant on a yearly basis.
While many of us think we are somewhat important when we are out paying Corvette money, reality is that we are not in comparison to the local folks buying yearly for decades but with no thought one would be a Corvette.
Safety Car
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 4,120
Likes: 1,230
From: Madeira Beach, FL
2024 C8 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
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One thing this thread has taught me is that I’m staying with McMulkin if I ever purchase a new corvette again.
Marshal
Marshal
E-Ray, 3LZ, ZER, LIFT
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 35,045
Likes: 12,412
From: NE South Carolina
The reality is as to what the Corvette customer is actually worth. Many of them are worth very little. Then there are those who act like because they bought the car they are now entitled to be recognized as significant.
There are those who purchase from hundreds of miles away, this one for example, and will never buy from that dealer again regardless of how that sale goes. Those have very little long term value, are but a single sale out of the thousands done yearly, and the profit made insignificant on a yearly basis.
While many of us think we are somewhat important when we are out paying Corvette money, reality is that we are not in comparison to the local folks buying yearly for decades but with no thought one would be a Corvette.
There are those who purchase from hundreds of miles away, this one for example, and will never buy from that dealer again regardless of how that sale goes. Those have very little long term value, are but a single sale out of the thousands done yearly, and the profit made insignificant on a yearly basis.
While many of us think we are somewhat important when we are out paying Corvette money, reality is that we are not in comparison to the local folks buying yearly for decades but with no thought one would be a Corvette.
As an example, when my C8 was delivered from BG late in the day, the service manager (who's wife had a C7) called and asked if I wanted to see them remove the white plastic. I said sure but can't get there until ~5:00. He said no problem I'll be here.
When I arrived all Techs had gone home so the servcie manager and the dealership owner's son removed the plastic covering while I took Pics. They do great service work and have earned my business. Would NOT do Courtesy Delivery with a dealer far from home whoever recommend.
Have recommend that approach to others. Worked for a friend in California who lives in a rural area. That is how he got his C8 Courtesy Delivered. Today with lower C8 demand may be easier to buy from a smaller dealer if you check on their Vette servcie ability.
Last edited by JerryU; Jul 26, 2025 at 06:00 PM.
Drifting
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 1,478
Likes: 985
From: Houston Texas
No saint, from Google:
Hendrick was indicted on one count of conspiracy, one count of mail fraud, and 13 counts of money laundering.
The charges arose from an investigation into bribery allegations against Honda executives, with Hendrick accused of offering bribes (including cash, cars, and homes) in exchange for preferential treatment in acquiring Honda dealerships.
In 1997, Hendrick pleaded guilty to mail fraud. He was initially sentenced to a year in prison, but his sentence was commuted to house arrest due to his leukemia diagnosis. Two years later, he received a full pardon from President Clinton
Hendrick was indicted on one count of conspiracy, one count of mail fraud, and 13 counts of money laundering.
The charges arose from an investigation into bribery allegations against Honda executives, with Hendrick accused of offering bribes (including cash, cars, and homes) in exchange for preferential treatment in acquiring Honda dealerships.
In 1997, Hendrick pleaded guilty to mail fraud. He was initially sentenced to a year in prison, but his sentence was commuted to house arrest due to his leukemia diagnosis. Two years later, he received a full pardon from President Clinton