After speaking a couple of times with a salesman, I took time out of my busy day to drive to Stafford, VA to test drive a green 2013 Land Rover Range Rover Evoque. The car was in great condition and drove smoothly. Thus, upon completion of the test drive, I went inside the facility to discuss numbers. My salesman was absolutely great! He asked me about using his company's financing, but I told him I had already been pre-approved by my credit union. He inquired further but was not pushy about trying to convince me otherwise. Then, he drafted the preliminary paperwork for his finance department to use in developing a 'Bill of Sale.' I would then need to provide my credit union this purchase agreement, after which the credit union would tender a check to Car Web for the agreed-upon price of the car, as shown on the 'Bill of Sale.'
The owner walks in... Right off the bat, he was unprofessional, speaking loudly about work being performed at this home, etc. I heard him even though I was not sitting near him because his voice was amplified. When he came through the door, I was not looking in is direction or listening intently, as I was on my cell phone speaking to colleagues and working remotely, but I heard him barking at his employees. After waiting 15 minutes or so, I then began moving around in my chair looking for my salesman. Since I knew it would take at least 24 hours to get my credit union to release the funds to cover the purchase price, I did not think it was necessary to wait needlessly at Car Web. As I turned towards the owner's desk, I noticed that it was surrounded by at least four people. It appeared they were in a meeting, and I heard the owner say, "This is not a church...," it's a dealership. After a few more minutes, I arose from my chair and proceeded in the direction of the door. I asked a young man who worked for Car Web, who was coming inside the facility, to ask my salesman to call me after his meeting. The young man approached my salesman and asked him to speak with me. My salesman said, "We need you to sign the 'Bill of Sale'...just give it a few more minutes."
Less than 5 - 7 minutes later, the owner and his entourage approached the desk where I was sitting. [Apparently, this impromptu sales meeting was all about me!] He said, "I own this [place]," then proceeds to ask me a series of questions regarding my decision NOT to use Car Web's financing, including the interest rate quoted by my credit union and my credit score. Now, I have the owner, my salesperson, and about three other people standing over me. I told the owner I was uncomfortable talking to his entire sales team about my personal information, and he responded by sending one of them away.
In the end, the owner opted NOT to sell me the car because he said he received a call from someone else who wanted to use Car Web to finance this same vehicle and purchase a limited warranty for it. The owner also accused me of disrespecting him. He said, in his experience, "people," [and I'm not sure if he meant all people or just African-American females] who say they are going to return to purchase a car from him, typically do not. And he reiterated this sentiment more than one time, to which I replied, "Car salesman don't have the best reputation either," so there's risk on both sides. He quickly said, "You've just disrespected me, and I am not going to sell a car to anyone who disrespects me." Translated: I believe I can make more money off this car from the potential buyer who "said" she would come later today, so later for you! I left promptly and peacefully.
All in all... this clown did me a favor! Even though I honestly feel his decision was rooted heavily in racism, I certainly do not care to waste my precious time pursuing the purchase of a second car from someone who clearly doesn't value me or my business.
Peace & Love
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