RE: Oh what we did!!

[Civil_War_Buff]

 MPTDAT
Sent off the following:
 
 I am writing on behalf of the Talbert family whom obviously is having a problem with your dealership.  Their request for a refund does not sound unreasonable, and I would hope that you will find returning thier money a very good business decision.  
 I too frequent the Pop Up Times website, and I have a personal website as well, and I will place a clear warning to anyone considering a purchase at your dealership.  As a business you must be aware of how powerful word of mouth advertising can be, and I would think that the potential negative impact of not satisfying the Talberts would be greater than you would be willing to risk.  
 Seeing as your dealership has such a wide variety of manufacturers represented, and how closely we RVers are linked via the Internet, it is a fact that the Talbert story will go far beyond the confines of Pop Up Times.  As several of us realize that your company clearly mistreated the Talberts, I would hope that beginning today you will truly commit to customer satisfaction and do the right thing for this hard working family.
 
 I appeal to your your sense of what is right, not just what is profitable, and ask that you go out of your way to satisfy the Talberts.
 
 *****************************************************************
 
 Keep us informed as to what you hear.
 
 

[MPTDAT]

 MPTDAT
Toni, that letter sounds perfect. I don t think the guy my DH talked to cared too much when he mentioned Pop Up Times. Hopefully that will help them realize that this situation is a serious one. It seems as though we have been nothing more than a joke to them. Jim, I know what you mean about the service in repairs too. DH talked to two people yesterday. One was the service guy, he said the pop up is almost ready with the exception of an outlet that was just ordered (seems the original one wasn t grounded) and the valances that were missing were just ordered. They have had my pop up since Friday. They are just now ordering the parts for it?? He told DH that he could come get it but he would have to bring it back so they could put the parts on when they come (he said it would take almost a week to get them). DH told him to just keep it there. The service guy also said he couldn t put the rear bumper storage on it because it doesn t come on that model. Dh argued and told him it says in the brochure that it is standard on that model. The guy told him he would have to talk to his sales rep. (Dennis Donahue - the guys who screwed us to begin with). DH then got a call a few hours later from Walt Michal s right hand man s assistant. No, not the man himself. DH really got no where with this guy. The man told him in the brochure it may say that it is standard but it also says it is subject to change. DH told him that the salesman promised it would be on when we picked it up. This guy tells him Dennis said he never promised you guys anything. (We see how well his promises go - " They put the bike rack on the wrong pop up. But I promise that I personally will make sure everything is perfect on that pop up when you pick it up."  - YEAH RIGHT!!) Although this guy did tell DH " Yeah, we screwed up, how can I fix this situation?"  DH tells them " I want the bumper storage and at least free sheets" . The guy said he will call back after he talks to his bosses. We ll have to see. I personally think that what we have been through is worth alot more than a bumper storage and sheets. I m thinking more along the lines of AC and a big apology!! Anyhow, I will let you know what he says when (if) he calls.

[Jim in Michigan]

 MPTDAT
Debby,
 
 Your getting preferential treatment from the service department if they have only had it a week.  It took me four weeks to get mine on the schedule the last time it was there and it took them three weeks to fix it and they didn t have to order any parts!
 
 Before that I broke a leaf spring on mine and I ended up replacing it myself because they would have had it practically the whole summer if I waited to get on their schedule.

[maromeo]

 MPTDAT
Debby,
 I have been following your post here throughout your ordeal. I am so sorry you are being put through this. We purchased a 2002 Legends GP 2575 ST and we can honestly say the dealer has backed us 100%.  They have been absolutely wonderful from the owner down. We had some issues with things that needed to be fixed, our dealer even picked it up at our home to bring it in for repairs. They have fixed or replaced a few items. When we first got our PU we called and talked to the owner regarding questions or concerns. Sometimes we even have talked to our service man for advice. Installing an A/C unit was one. And yes, the pole storage box is one that does come standard on your unit. That one should not even be a bargaining issue.
 
 DH and I searched different manufacturers and dealers here in the Phoenix area and the reason we did not choose Coleman was the local dealers. Our friend s son had a Coleman with an ABS roof that cracked in about 2 months of owning and it was new, the dealer would not replace without charging them 1000 for labor and freight. We also checked with the BBB and they have several complaints that have not been resolved yet. Our dealer had zero.
 
 I really think your next step would be to call or write a letter to Clint Rumble, president of Viking RV. I think he needs to be made aware of your frustrations and run arounds, and bait and switch. I am sure he would not be happy with that situation.  
 
 Again, I am sorry you have experienced such problem with your dealer and unit. I hope it will be resolved soon. Take care.
 Mary Romeo

[Flacamper]

 MPTDAT
Just sent off my response.  I bet you ll be hearing something from them.  Keep us posted.

[brainpause]

 MPTDAT
I have been following your story, and finally decided to get involved, as many others have done. I encourage others to send a short (or long) note to Walt Michals. Go to www.waltmichals.com and then click on " Contact Us" .
 
 Here is what I sent:
 
 I am writing to your company out of concern for the Talbert family, who recently purchased a popup from your dealership. I am a member of PopUp Times, one of the largest popup clubs in the nation.
 
 The Talbert Family was so excited when they purchased their 2004 Viking 2465. Debby posted on our board about how happy she and the family was! She actually said, " I can t wait to try it out for the first time!! I am actually giddy!!"
 
 Now, they are faced with dealing with the BBB, possibly the Attorney General s office, and any number of other unnecessary bureaucracies, just because they bought a popup!
 
 I must also inform you that you are receiving much bad publicity concerning this unfaithful transaction. Although I live many miles from your dealership, I do have other online friends who ask for opinions concerning their own local dealerships. You can bet that I will remember the Walt Michals name.
 
 I plead with you to make this transaction right. They were happy with everything, apparently up until the pickup date. If you " deliver"  on your promise, and the Talbert family is happy, I can also tell you that you will be rewarded with better publicity at Popup Times and other online popup communities.
 
 Thank you for your time in reading our emails, and we hope to hear good things about Walt Michals RV Center soon.
 
 Larry Crockett
 

[MPTDAT]

 MPTDAT
Well, the last time we heard from them was Thursday. I hope no news is good news!! I hope that they are taking their time and reading over all the comments and e-mails that were sent to them before deciding to call us. I haven t even heard from the service people as to an update on the progress of the repairs on the pop up. I once again want to thank everyone for making me feel like a part of the family and for sending your comments. I am honored to be among such wonderful people.
 
 -Debby

[tlhdoc]

 MPTDAT
I hope that they do the right thing for you.

[Miss-Teri]

 MPTDAT
Sent mine, also.  Everyone s was worded so well that I didn t think anything else needed to be said, but numbers of e-mails should still help so here was my simple e-mail:
 
 100% customer satisfaction until product delivery?  No, I don t think so.  I am not particularly happy with what has been happening to the Talbert family who purchased a Pop-Up camper from you since their purchase.
 In the hopes for a real 100% satisfaction for your customers, I do hope you will do an about-turn and treat them like you would like to be treated.
 -Teri
 (PopUp Times member)
 
 Not written well in any way, but I doubt they re looking for content at this point, anyway.  The rest of you got the point across very eloquently - good job!  []

[wiininkwe]

 MPTDAT
Wouldn t you just love to be a mouse in a corner to watch and listen as they read all these emails that we ve sent?!   teeheehee  I know that it s most honorable to do a helpful deed and not look for reward, but this is one of those times that I think it would be most satisfying to us to know what the folks from Walt Michals dealership are thinking.
 T
 []

[tlhdoc]

 MPTDAT
I wonder how many people have read this and will not buy from good old Walt.  I wonder if they have any idea about how many people this information will go to.

[scottw]

 tlhdoc
I chimed in on Walt s email as well. Very short and sweet and to the point. [: (]
 
 I fully agree that the dealer can make or break whether or not to buy a certain brand.
 Viking really seems like a great company, so I m sure they would be more than interested in this unresolved situation.
 
 Best of luck Debby. Keep up the good fight (even though you never asked for it).
 
 -S

[vjm1639]

 tlhdoc
Anyone gotten a response back from them?? I just got this one
 
 hello,my name is Jeremy Miller one of the salesmanagers here at Walt michals
 RV center, we understand that there are forums out there and some dealerships
 dont have as many negative remarks however where the comments count threw
 the better business bureau we have excellent standings, but we try to make everyone
 happy but in some cases that just cant be done we stand behind our products and
 our service we average over 275 sales per month that is 3,300 units sold a year
 i am not sure how many complaints are on that site but iam sure we are in the
 90% + range for satisfied customers, i understand if the forum detours you away
 from doing business with us here however as large as we are we buy all our rvs
 in bulk there for we can sell them less than anyone in the midwest, if you would
 like to stop in and visit with me i would be more than happy to answer any questions
 and earn your business thank you for your time.
 Jeremy miller
 
 I m thinking they need some serious editing work when their sales staff responds to emails!  LOL...good grief....
 
 

[brainpause]

 wiininkwe

 

ORIGINAL:  wiininkwe
 
 Wouldn t you just love to be a mouse in a corner to watch and listen as they read all these emails that we ve sent?!   teeheehee  I know that it s most honorable to do a helpful deed and not look for reward, but this is one of those times that I think it would be most satisfying to us to know what the folks from Walt Michals dealership are thinking.
 T
 []
 

 Agree.
 
 Something I forgot to point out, but maybe someone who HASN T sent an email could put in their email: The emails they HAVE received are only a small percentage of the ones that have actually read this thread. The many emails they have gotten are only the ones that have taken the time to type an email.
 
 Larry
 

[brainpause]

 vjm1639

 

ORIGINAL:  vjm1639
 
 Anyone gotten a response back from them?? I just got this one
 
 hello,my name is Jeremy Miller one of the salesmanagers here at Walt michals
 RV center, we understand that there are forums out there and some dealerships
 dont have as many negative remarks however where the comments count threw
 the better business bureau we have excellent standings, but we try to make everyone
 happy but in some cases that just cant be done we stand behind our products and
 our service we average over 275 sales per month that is 3,300 units sold a year
 i am not sure how many complaints are on that site but iam sure we are in the
 90% + range for satisfied customers, i understand if the forum detours you away
 from doing business with us here however as large as we are we buy all our rvs
 in bulk there for we can sell them less than anyone in the midwest, if you would
 like to stop in and visit with me i would be more than happy to answer any questions
 and earn your business thank you for your time.
 Jeremy miller
 
 I m thinking they need some serious editing work when their sales staff responds to emails!  LOL...good grief....
 
 
 

 Good grief is right. If you copied and pasted that email, that is sad. I think there is only one period in that email. One LONG sentence.
 
 
 

iam sure we are in the
 90% + range for satisfied customers

 I sell you a ticket for an airplane ride. 90% of the time the seat doesn t fall out of the plane. Does that make me satisfied?
 
 Larry