Bait and Switch ...You be the judge

[NeoPhoenix83]

In the purest definition of bait and switch - this is not it. Bait and switch is when a dealer advertises a price that was never available to a buyer. This specific vehicle was available for purchase at the price and it was purchased by someone other than OP.

That's the debate here right? Was that specific vehicle actually ever available to the buyer? Or was it a false hook used to bring them in?

My personal experience is that I've seen dealers advertise a specific vehicle with a specific stock number. But when I came in, I heard "Oh man, it just sold, but I have something like it." But then as I continued to watch the market, that same vehicle is still listed weeks or months later on the dealer's website. Was it every actually there? Why do they continue to advertise it?

Sponsored

 

[710-oil-614]

That's the debate here right? Was that specific vehicle actually ever available to the buyer? Or was it a false hook used to bring them in?

My personal experience is that I've seen dealers advertise a specific vehicle with a specific stock number. But when I came in, I heard "Oh man, it just sold, but I have something like it." But then as I continued to watch the market, that same vehicle is still listed weeks or months later on the dealer's website. Was it every actually there? Why do they continue to advertise it?

As long as the stock number was available, and it was sold - the dealer has avoided it being a true bait and switch.

Since OP refuses to name dealer, or say much more than the dealer sent them a build sheet - one has to assume the vehicle was real and sold.

Scummy? Yes. Bait and switch? No.

 

[NeoPhoenix83]

As long as the stock number was available, and it was sold - the dealer has avoided it being a true bait and switch.

Since OP refuses to name dealer, or say much more than the dealer sent them a build sheet - one has to assume the vehicle was real and sold.

Scummy? Yes. Bait and switch? No.

But if the dealer gave them a build sheet on a vehicle that had already sold, and entered into discussions after the sale had already occurred, wouldn't that still be a bait and switch?

Say for instance the OP contacted them on 12/01 and the vehicle was for sale, but it sold on 12/4, then yes it would be scummy but not bait and switch.

But what I'm suggesting is, say the vehicle sold on 11/15 and the dealer still responded to the customer on 12/01 as if it were for sale, and gave them a price and build sheet on a vehicle that was already off their lot, would that not be a bait and switch?

Its impossible to tell what happened in this specific situation, but I have experienced that second scenario.

 

[710-oil-614]

But if the dealer gave them a build sheet on a vehicle that had already sold, and entered into discussions after the sale had already occurred, wouldn't that still be a bait and switch?

Say for instance the OP contacted them on 12/01 and the vehicle was for sale, but it sold on 12/4, then yes it would be scummy but not bait and switch.

But what I'm suggesting is, say the vehicle sold on 11/15 and the dealer still responded to the customer on 12/01 as if it were for sale, and gave them a price and build sheet on a vehicle that was already off their lot, would that not be a bait and switch?

Its impossible to tell what happened in this specific situation, but I have experienced that second scenario.

Generally bait and switch includes the advertising of a vehicle. So yes if the vehicle was still advertised on their website after it was sold and the dealer acted as if it was still available but it was sold then it would be bait and switch.

Dealers are adept at making sure they do not commit bait and switch - they'll dance around it.

The most likely scenario is that the dealer found a buyer who was going to net them more money on the sale and they sold it to them instead of an out of state, one time buyer, paying cash.

Sometimes there isn't more to a story, it's just the story.

 

[NeoPhoenix83]

Generally bait and switch includes the advertising of a vehicle. So yes if the vehicle was still advertised on their website after it was sold and the dealer acted as if it was still available but it was sold then it would be bait and switch.

Dealers are adept at making sure they do not commit bait and switch - they'll dance around it.

The most likely scenario is that the dealer found a buyer who was going to net them more money on the sale and they sold it to them instead of an out of state, one time buyer, paying cash.

Sometimes there isn't more to a story, it's just the story.

Again, it's impossible to tell the specifics here. I know what has happened to me, I don't know what happened to the OP. The only way to tell would be to have some sort of legal action that forced the dealer to come forward with the sale details of that vehicle- something that would cost more money and time than is worth it.

Either way this is why I don't travel for vehicle sales anymore. Dealers that advertise super low prices are usually too good to be true, and once you are hours from home, there's a lot of pressure to make the journey worth it.

 

[Taxman100]

One reason I try to deal with my local dealer, and build a relationship with a long term sales employee. Bonus that is it still a single family owned dealership that lives or dies by their reputation.

I might pay $200-$300 more than shopping within a 150 mile radius, but I know when my vehicle is in for service, I have another advocate at the dealer if there is an issue.

That is important as I use my Ford Rewards points only for service - I'm too old to deal with the poor design of 17 attachments to remove the underbody panel, plus the rest of the work, to change my own oil. A hybrid has maybe two oil changes a year - I'm still burning my points from 2023 on oil changes.

 

[NeoPhoenix83]

One reason I try to deal with my local dealer, and build a relationship with a long term sales employee. Bonus that is it still a single family owned dealership that lives or dies by their reputation.

100% on this. When I was ready to buy my Maverick, I texted a salesman I've worked with for years and said "Hey, looks like pricing is finally getting better. Can you get me X build, for X price?" Took him 2 weeks, but he went and got the vehicle I wanted. No drama when I walked in the dealership, just shook hands with people I already knew, got the truck I wanted and went about my day.

 

[TwoTone]

That’s not how this went down. There was never a truck that he wanted.
First thing out that greedy bastard salesman’s mouth was a lie.
There is a special place in Hell for that kind of person.

I love how you seem to present shit as fact when you really don't have a clue.

 

[TwoTone]

In the purest definition of bait and switch - this is not it. Bait and switch is when a dealer advertises a price that was never available to a buyer. This specific vehicle was available for purchase at the price and it was purchased by someone other than OP.

This is an internet forum, I find presenting fact to be in poor taste.
Speculation and innuendo are the rule of the day on forums.

 

[Cherokee]

I love how you seem to present shit as fact when you really don't have a clue.

Wisdom, it comes with awareness and a full measure of life. I used to sell cars. Experience.
If I caused you to feel insecure in your opinions enough to say that to me that’s fine.
I mean what I say I speak my mind.
And I’ve earned the right to be me. I’m not woke and freedom of speech still means something to me.

Make your life better, click on me and click ignore.

 

[TJ2023]

100% was bait and switch.
OP won't name the dealer or the salesperson because he knows it was his fault for not making a down payment. You shouldn't drive that far for a vehicle that you don't KNOW that it will be there when you get there. Shady AF on the salesman/dealer, but when they tell you that they don't want a down payment to hold the vehicle it's a tell tale sign that they don't really have it. If OP thought they really got screwed they would be writing bad reviews on every site, going to local news, causing a scene and doing everything they could so that that salesman/dealer never tried that again. Hopefully he learned his lesson, and hopefully others will learn from his mistake too.

 

[Mavster Mechanic]

"get a rope!" Bet you can't name that famous tv commercial. Anyway that was a screw job and they knew it.

Pace Picante Sauce.

"Made by people in San Antonio who know what Picante sauce should taste like."

"The other guy's are made in New York City."

"NEW YORK CITY!?!?l"

"Cookie, get a rope."

 

[Taxman100]

100% on this. When I was ready to buy my Maverick, I texted a salesman I've worked with for years and said "Hey, looks like pricing is finally getting better. Can you get me X build, for X price?" Took him 2 weeks, but he went and got the vehicle I wanted. No drama when I walked in the dealership, just shook hands with people I already knew, got the truck I wanted and went about my day.

Another example - I was having that sleep issue on my Maverick that pretty much every hybrid develops at some point. Nothing unusual.
I mentioned it to the dealer service rep when he came to my office to pick up truck to do an oil change/tire rotation. He drove it in to the dealership. Got a call about 2 hours later saying the battery failed a test, and they were replacing it under warranty with a new AGN battery.

I get it when you are young and literally every dollar counts. I am still that way with our old Prius, but I don't work on vehicles when they are under warranty.

 

[mav ir]

We have all probably been there. Smarmy salesman who knows he can sell you something you weren't interested in. Thinks the old 75 year old is a mark waiting to be convinced. Not caring the cost in time and .... well read on ...Ahhh so begins the tale:
We drove 4 1/2 hours based on assurances the truck would be ready and could close a deal right then. I offered a credit card to provide earnest money on the deal which was rejected and was sent a dealer Deal Sheet # 12619 listing all costs and final price. He had my cell phone number and I was on time. He waited until I was seated and told me the truck was sold 20 minutes earlier. Then he and a sales manager? tried to sell me a truck that I repeatedly said I was not interested in. I finally told them a price I would consider concerning the outgoing model year and what was below what I could do locally and to "make things right" knowing they would not take it and to show my disgust with how cavalier they were with what had occurred, And car dealers wonder why they are not trusted (2024 KPA Dealership Trust Survey conducted by The Harris Poll). Knowing I was coming, a reasonable salesman would insure the car would be available by placing a temporary hold on anyone selling it until after the time I said I would be there. The process turned into all the appearances of a classic bait and switch where the salesman knew if it was sold he could convince me to buy from older in stock vehicles. The alternative to that manipulation is indifference to buyers time and resources where a day of 2 peoples lives were wasted driving to this dealership. Time is a resource that can't be replaced.
We traveled 244 miles @ 70 cents per mile (IRS mileage rate)=$140.80 round trip $341.60 is a real cost not including eating on the road. They knew I wasn't local so why would they care if I never returned.
Now its your turn to add to the madness with your tale of woe

I feel for you, having just driven out of state to purchase a Mav that i bought sight unseen, over the phone, including a good faith deposit of $$$$.$$

Dealers in my surrounding areas can be swarmy, but even they wouldn't pull such a blatant bait & switch like that... (and yes, 'the car just sold twenty minutes ago', sounds like pure bravo sierra, and even if true, the salesman could have called you to say so.)

I agree, you should let us know the dealer, or maybe just the geographical area, you know, kind of like a "skunk crossing" warning?

 

[kevinmccune]

We have all probably been there. Smarmy salesman who knows he can sell you something you weren't interested in. Thinks the old 75 year old is a mark waiting to be convinced. Not caring the cost in time and .... well read on ...Ahhh so begins the tale:
We drove 4 1/2 hours based on assurances the truck would be ready and could close a deal right then. I offered a credit card to provide earnest money on the deal which was rejected and was sent a dealer Deal Sheet # 12619 listing all costs and final price. He had my cell phone number and I was on time. He waited until I was seated and told me the truck was sold 20 minutes earlier. Then he and a sales manager? tried to sell me a truck that I repeatedly said I was not interested in. I finally told them a price I would consider concerning the outgoing model year and what was below what I could do locally and to "make things right" knowing they would not take it and to show my disgust with how cavalier they were with what had occurred, And car dealers wonder why they are not trusted (2024 KPA Dealership Trust Survey conducted by The Harris Poll). Knowing I was coming, a reasonable salesman would insure the car would be available by placing a temporary hold on anyone selling it until after the time I said I would be there. The process turned into all the appearances of a classic bait and switch where the salesman knew if it was sold he could convince me to buy from older in stock vehicles. The alternative to that manipulation is indifference to buyers time and resources where a day of 2 peoples lives were wasted driving to this dealership. Time is a resource that can't be replaced.
We traveled 244 miles @ 70 cents per mile (IRS mileage rate)=$140.80 round trip $341.60 is a real cost not including eating on the road. They knew I wasn't local so why would they care if I never returned.
Now its your turn to add to the madness with your tale of woe

salesmen never had trouble telling me something was sold.kinda like the woman sitting at the counter at"waffle house"there were several vacant seats and the woman told me she was holding them for her friends( cant remember if we walked out or not-the same establishment brought me some runny eggs garnished with a black curly hair,glanced at the short order cook,naturally he wasn't wearing a hair net) so its a long while since "waffle house""diabetes supreme"!

Sponsored