1. I have worked for some great companies that were very strong in customer service. Gateway
Auto Supply is where I credit my customer service skills. This was a company that started with
one location and grew to fourteen. They had some great customers. We were so strong that
other parts stores tried to copy our style of business and steal our employees.
I have been lucky to have worked with companies that wanted to grow. At Bledsoe Dodge we
were able to grow the wholesale business even with competition from larger dealers. At
Huggins Honda we were able to do the same thing. The key was to follow up with customers
while making sure their orders were correct and handling any damage issues or warranty issues
as fast as possible.
At Westway Ford I covered a territory from Arlington thru Dallas and up to Richardson. With
the Ford Interactive Network, we are able to design our own flyers for cold calls and mailers. I
am able to go out twice a week to follow up with customers and provide management with a
sales call report. I have had the privilege of having several Ford District Parts and Service
Managers ride along.
In wholesale we do not prejudge the size or location of a potential shop as it can become our
biggest customer. It’s all about exceeding your customer’s expectations. Your customers are
connected by friendships, by internet and by word of mouth. Time is money to your customers
and your knowledge is just as critical.
I enjoy working with various shops because it’s always something different with every one of
them. We can never stop learning or take our customers for granted.
Scott Haley