1996 Carrera4S

My friend drove me to my mechanic the other day so I could show my mechanic my recently cracked wheel and get his opinion. While there, my friend decided to take out a '99 Mercedes E55 AMG for a test drive. He liked it so much, he's going to buy it. Does anybody think I could get a piece of the action from my mechanic/dealer that is selling my friend this incredible car? I think it's referred to as a bird dog in the sales game. The deal hasn't been inked yet. What do you guys think?

Matt B.

Traffic53

i think you're looking for trouble.

rmani

i would just remind your dealer that you recommended him as being trustworthy when your friend was considering the purchase of the e55. Perhaps he'll give you a discount on your next service/repair.

Bogwan

It is a very standard practice in the industry to reward a loyal customer who refers a new sales customer to the dealership with a 'bird-dog', or as more professionally put, a customer referral fee. Different dealers have different ways of doing it, usually a check or a credit in the parts/service department(cash works best(imagine that)). Domestic dealers usually around $100 or so, depending on how expensive the vehicle is. I have seen upwards of $2000 for real special situations. I'm in the industry, if you are wondering.

96C4S

My guy at the local posche dealer cut me a 300.00 cheque for a referal which netted him a sale.

Davies

Fascinating discussion. I refer people to my p-car mechanic, my favorite dealer (sometimes for specific cars), heck, even my favorite restaurants, and I just consider it sharing the wealth. Wouldn't even occur to me to expect a kickback for that. Damn, I am so naive

ZombiePorsche44

I helped a friend find a super clean 91 Turbo a few years ago and even though I didn't ask for anything, they each gave me $500.00 for getting them together and driving the buyer from San Diego to Oxnard to pick up the car.

Contrary to an earlier reply, it is customary for some type of consideration from your dealer/mechanic, whether it be a deal on future parts, service or cash in the pocket doesn't matter as much as making sure the dealer/mechanic knows who helped put some money in their pocket.

Ray Calvo

I think you're a moron. He's a friend, ferchristsakes; you shouldn't be looking to make a profit on a friend. If it was a total stranger, might be different.

ZombiePorsche44

Ray....please don't hold back! come on and say what you really feel........

Talk about rude..........Geez

Chaos

Wow this one has potential...

KOAN

I have referred many friends to my mechanic, who does a great job with alignments on 993s. He has also done many Cargraphic Oil cooler installs, suspensions, and spoiler (F & R) painting and installs at my recommendation. I've pulled customers from another state to him. I am very happy to have put my friends on the right track (no pun intended), and like my mechanic. That is enough of a win-win for me. I had never considered getting a kick back. Now that you mention it...I still think I like things the way they are. Granted, it isn't a car sale, but it has given him many new customers and lots of work. My friends are very satisfied as well.

1996 Carrera4S

My mechanic is the one who'll make a profit. About $8000 on the E55 and about $4000 on my friends trade-in. Not to mention the four cars I've bought from, and traded back in to my mechanic/dealer. He's probably up at least $30,000 on my buying his cars. My friend is the one who taught me the term "bird dog" and suggested my mechanic might offer me one. I wonder if Calvo is Italian for fecal freckle. Good luck with that Tourette's Syndrome big guy.

Anir

Matt,

The world may be getting ruder, but we're all losing something important in the process. Please just stop for a second and ask yourself if you would say that to a fellow Rennlister if he was standing right in front of you. You may actually meet some of these folks someday - at a trackday, the USGP, a PCA event, etc.

I imagine most Rennlisters are adults that have achieved some level of success in their lives to afford a Porsche. I doubt this success was achieved through liberal use of immature, tasteless rhetoric.

1996 Carrera4S

Had he not called me a moron, I would agree with you. It is one thing to initiate, and another thing to defend yourself.

Anir

Matt,

I understand. However, that's how these exchanges begin. You don't lose much by just walking away.