CAR DEALERSHIP COMPLAINTS FROM WOMEN
(In random order)

1. False Advertising – We hear from women that they get really offended and taken aback when they see an ad and then go to the dealership only to get the run around or told they don't have what they're looking. To counter this, women can try shopping online and getting quotes via the Internet or by phone.

2. Lack of Respect at the Dealership – Women have experienced everything from being ignored to being shown cars they're not interested in to being treated as if they're ignorant at the dealership. This is frustrating to say the least. The best thing to do when this occurs is to voice your complaint and leave if you need to. Let them know why you're leaving, that you won't be back, and they can kiss any referrals goodbye. Until dealerships understand their bottom line is being affected there won't be changes. Make sure you make your voice and your buying power known.

3. No Recourse – Women often feel there's no recourse if something goes wrong at a dealership. The question becomes where do I go and who can I complain to if something goes wrong? That's a good question. We suggest you start with the dealership directly. Take your complaints to the General Manager and the owner if you have to and do it in writing. If you don't get any satisfaction or concern for your problem then you know what type of establishment you're dealing with and you'll have to take things a bit further. Where you go next depends on the situation. Here are a few suggestions: Consumer advocacy groups such as Better Business Bureau are used to voice complaints; Voicing your concerns to the media via consumer alerts and consumer advice sections might help and allows your story to possibly be investigated and shared with others. Zone and Regional Managers might assist with moving things along and if necessary, you may need to seek legal council. Other organizations and operations might be useful such as your local motor vehicle division or dealer associations. Different states have different laws and guidelines but you do have to be diligent.


4. Pressure Sales – No one likes to feel pressure, especially when you're making a major decision that will affect your life. Buying a car is a big deal. It's for most people, an essential aspect of their life and something most people use on a daily basis, and it's not an inexpensive purchase. Therefore, you should be able to take the time you need to make the best decision. Often those in dealership sales are eager to help you make that decision –they may want you to buy on the first day or buy out of emotion. That's because the less time you have the think the more likely you are to make a decision that benefits them versus one that benefits you. Never yield to purchasing under pressure. Buying in this atmosphere puts you at a disadvantage.


5. Gender Bias – Women have often shared that they get different treatment when they are on the dealership lot with a male figure. While they may be the main buyer, they are often disregarded and the male is looked upon to conduct the business and do the decision-making. Women have shared stories of sales staff speaking directly to the male and not to them and on one occasion a salesperson actually refused to deal with the woman that was there. What irony! Considering women influence 85% of all buying decisions and are buying 50% of all new cars and 48% of used cars. Dealerships with this mentally are way behind the times and don't deserve to have your business. Don't waste your time in an establishment like this because they're obviously operating within a “good old boy” establishment.