Everything is negotiable


This is a simple example of how patience and negotiation with a smile on your face can sometimes pay off, literally.

I went to the Best Buy in Tustin for the Dell s2409w monitor, and it was being sold for $279. Ouch, I thought. So I whipped out my iPhone and checked Dell's website. Sure enough, $219 + free shipping. Since Best Buy has a price match policy, I decided to check with an employee to see if he would match the price. Of course not, but he'd check with his manager. After about 10 minutes, she came over and pulled up a screen that supposedly showed the lowest price they could sell the monitor at: $239. I said, "no thanks, I'll get it online cheaper" and left.

I'm in Ventura right now, and was looking at purchasing the monitor online, but didn't want to wait 5-7 days for it to get to me, so I decided to stop by the Best Buy in Oxnard. Asked a sales rep up here, even worse result: "we can't price match with Dell at all." So I decided to speak to a manager. I think I got the head manager for the whole store. I told her I could get the monitor from Dell for $219. With no questions asked, she entered a $219 price, and within minutes, I was on my way.

I live by the motto that everything in life is negotiable, and this was no exception. Despite being turned down three times, I was able to get what I wanted by finding the right person and stating my case.

And by the way, if you're in the market for a new monitor, this Dell s2409w is great. This is my second one. =]

Why I'm a Newport Lexus customer for life

Part of the Newport Lexus lobby. Just took this on my iPhone.

Although I bought my Lexus GS at Tustin Lexus, I was disappointed early on by the ethics and attitudes of the staff, so I decided to try Newport Lexus for my service. Having been here for service maybe half a dozen times and received a couple dozen free car washes, I can safely say that I love this place. Of course, I haven't been through the car buying experience, but the customer service is fantastic. From the staff that receives cars coming in for service to the service managers to the cashiers, the entire staff is friendly and accomodating.

Like with any car, there have been several non-scheduled maintenance issues that have caused me to pay Newport Lexus a visit, but each time, I look forward to visiting. Unlike most situations where I would be frustrated to have to venture out of my "home to Starbucks and back" routine, I actually want to visit Newport Lexus. In fact, I like this place so much that I sometimes want to visit even when I don't need to take my car in.

It has gotten to the point where, when my car needs service, the idea of taking it to Tustin Lexus, the dealership just a couple minutes from my house, doesn't even cross my mind. Instead, I drive out of my way to Newport Beach, because Newport Lexus has nailed every aspect of the customer experience, and I am treated the way a customer should be treated. There aren't many brands that I use that I'm excited to talk about, but this is one of the few that I will sing praises of all day long.

The next car I was planning on buying was going to be a BMW 6-series, but I have become such a fan of Newport Lexus since I bought my Lexus last summer that I have already decided to make my next purchase from Newport Lexus. That's what this entire customer experience is for - to increase brand loyalty and encourage repeat customers. And in that regard, Lexus has most certainly succeeded. Newport Lexus - I'll see you in 2011 for the Lexus GS-F.