I am writing to express my serious disappointment with the customer service I received during my…read morerecent visit to Mercedes-Benz Manhattan.
On Saturday, September 12, 2026, my wife and I visited your dealership because my current BMW 5 Series lease is approaching its expiration. I have previously leased several BMW vehicles, and with approximately five months remaining on my current lease, I was seriously considering changing to Mercedes-Benz.
When we entered the dealership, nobody approached us or offered assistance. I eventually had to find someone myself to help us. I was then assisted by Mr. George Baptiste.
Unfortunately, from the beginning, I felt that Mr. Baptiste did not appear interested in helping us or showing us the vehicles. His attitude made me uncomfortable and gave me the impression that assisting us was an inconvenience to him. I believe that when a customer walks into a luxury dealership, especially someone who is seriously considering purchasing or leasing a vehicle, the customer should be greeted professionally and made to feel welcome.
I explained to Mr. Baptiste that my BMW lease was nearing its end and that I was considering switching brands. I also explained that CarMax was interested in purchasing my BMW and had offered approximately $6,000 in connection with the transaction.
Mr. Baptiste asked me to take photographs of my BMW, including the mileage, and send them to him. He told me that he would see whether Mercedes-Benz Manhattan could do better than CarMax and that he would let me know by Monday.
Unfortunately, the entire interaction felt rushed. Mr. Baptiste showed me two different Mercedes-Benz vehicles, but his manner continued to give me the impression that he was frustrated about spending time with me. I believe that if he was unhappy with his job, perhaps he should consider doing something else, because his attitude was very noticeable.
On Tuesday, September 15, 2026, as requested, I sent Mr. Baptiste six photographs of my BMW along with the vehicle's mileage. He responded by asking again how much CarMax was offering. I repeated that the amount was approximately $6,000.
I then waited for a response.
A full week passed without any follow-up whatsoever. I ultimately had to text Mr. Baptiste myself to ask what had happened and whether Mercedes-Benz Manhattan had been able to come up with an offer.
His response was simply:
"Just sell it."
I found this response extremely disappointing and unprofessional.
There was no telephone call, no explanation, no effort to discuss the situation, and no attempt to maintain me as a potential Mercedes-Benz customer. I had to chase the salesperson myself after he had specifically told me that he would get back to me.
I have purchased and leased vehicles for many years, and I understand that not every customer or every vehicle transaction will result in a sale. However, the way a customer is treated should not depend on whether the salesperson believes the transaction will be profitable or easy.
What makes this experience even more disappointing is what happened when I subsequently visited Ray Catena in New Jersey. The difference in customer service was remarkable. I was treated professionally, respectfully, and like a valued customer. As a result of that experience, I am currently moving forward with purchasing a new Mercedes-Benz through Ray Catena.
Mercedes-Benz is a luxury brand, and I believe the customer experience should reflect that standard.
I am therefore asking management at Mercedes-Benz Manhattan to review this matter, particularly Mr. Baptiste's handling of my inquiry and the complete lack of follow-up after he specifically requested information from me.
I believe Mr. Baptiste would benefit from additional customer-service training, particularly regarding communication, follow-up, professionalism, and how to treat customers who are considering a significant purchase. If he is unable or unwilling to provide that level of service, management should seriously evaluate whether he is the right person to represent the Mercedes-Benz brand.
I am not writing this letter simply because I did not receive the deal I wanted. I am writing because I was treated as though my business was not important, and that is not the experience I expected when visiting a Mercedes-Benz dealership.
I hope management will take this complaint seriously and use it as an opportunity to improve the customer experience at Mercedes-Benz Manhattan.
Sincerely,
Pasquale Vecchiarelli