In a Business it’s the Customer who’s opinions carry weight, the provider not so much. I will also say, that has been the normal the last 20 years, businesses that value your money are few and rare, the attitude changed into “ I don’t care if you buy from me” and whenever I sense that I take my money elsewhere, I can’t stand that kind of cavalier attitude and will spend more to be treated as if my money and I have value.
My thoughts...First shot was from the transporter saying..."what do you wanna pay?" And so some would say you have to barter and approach it like when you visit a car dealer. Should we become educated and realize in the future that transporters should be thought of as negotiating entities? Maybe? So...they all are in a position to not give a price up front? I'm not so sure about that...
As soon as he asked what do you want to pay I would be done with the conversation. Not professional at all in my opinion.
As a customer, I don't want or need my butt kissed. I want/need the person who is the expert to be agent for my interest and make a fair profit for the expertise and ability to do for me what I cannot, it am unable to do for myself. The reverse is true when I am asked to do or provide. I hate the "games", and almost always move on at the hint of "players". I will not insult, or be insulted. (With purpose or malice)
This is almost the identical conversation that I had with him. He is arrogant, cavalier, and non-professional to say the least. I’m glad you brought this to light because people need to know. He should be removed as a source of referral. Anyone with his attitude shouldn’t be allowed to use us as a resource for business.
This has happened on lots of forums, he seems to go from one forum to the next once his welcome is worn out.
Right or wrong, a person should always have the opportunity to explain their actions, that's why there is a judicial system. If you don't know both sides you don't know the whole story! Bob H.
Doesn't sound like there is much to be explained here after multiples of people have expressed their dissatisfaction in his ways of doing business. If it were only one or a handful of people complaining that would be different, but from the sounds of it their have been literally multiples of people that have expressed their dissatisfaction in him. Keith
For what it’s worth I just had a car shipped by Dave Phelps last week and he was awesome to deal with! Very upfront, honest, fair and did a great job communicating through the whole process. Dave Phelps (724) 815-6266
When a vendor or service provider tells you how great they are or how much they have accomplished be wary. When customers tell you how great a business is and give kudos it means far more.
When I towed my Model T to Florida from Massachusetts, gas cost me about .45 per mile. Wear and tear, tolls, food and nighttime accommodations for me - plus my time, are not included in that. I would not haul a single car for a buck per mile.
Your in a very different business, with plenty of unknowns that affect pricing there Ethan... so you feeling out a customer is a good thing.. Car transport on the other hand is cut and dried... it's X/per loaded mile, plus any other fees the vendor may impose. If it was me he told that to, the next thing out of my mouth would be "have a nice day".. as I walked away. I have heard stories, but don't have any direct experience with this guy, other than he has been a board contributor in the past. JW
I've given plenty of prices out. I have never quizzed someone about thier other estimates. It's always, "this is what I'm willing to do it for". I've had people tell me, "hey, I can get it done cheaper elsewhere". You get exactly what you pay for. Are they going to use quality parts? Do they know what they're doing? Are they going to perform the work to my level of detail? Are thry going to treat your car like thier own? Is it worth the small savings?
Come on man, haven't you ever seen Shipping Wars!? (Joke) I'd bet as a one man marching band, the guy is probably inudated with shipping calls and constantly told "well I can have it shipped for x amont on google" type remarks. Who knows, maybe he wanted to head in the other direction to get home for awhile. Maybe he's just a dick.
I think this guys rig and rigging should be transported to the farm. I can't imagine there are more than one "hot shot" haulers running around the country with a 20-25 year old truck that appears to be a gas job. I've been giving costumers quotes from $50-$1,500,000 for 35 years. When approached by uneducated potential clients with a project I may say "simular projects we have done like this usually run $xxx, is that a budget you are comfortable with? You will find out a ton from their answer. He has one line item. he knows the going rate. He knows a good run and a bad run. I'm trying hard not to say that this industry probably attracts a lot of unsavory, transient types, but I'll control myself.
I personally have a 1995 F350 with a well maintained 7.3 Powerstroke. It has 165,000 miles and still in great condition. I know several people who have 2017 and up trucks that are breaking down regulary. I also have an aluminum Featherlite 18ft deck trailer.Just because it's an old truck,don't criticize it.But his setup looks like it's seen it's share of snow and issues.
