Radio Code charge!

[Bossxr8]

Originally Posted by Auslandau

Why have codes in these anyway .... is not as if someone is going to steal a stock radio. And another point is .... FORD put these codes on ...... so they can make pocket money in the future?

Exactly. Why the hell would anybody go to the trouble of stealing a stock stereo anyway. Maybe that happened back in the 70's and 80's but the aftermarket stereo stuff has basically made stock stereo's worthless to anyone bar the owner of the car its fitted too.

[FG XR]

no $20 charge for a loyal customer now means repeat of business in the future. $20 is nothing for what the customer may purchase and recommend to his / her friends is a price im sure they can live with.

[flappist]

Originally Posted by Bossxr8

Exactly. Why the hell would anybody go to the trouble of stealing a stock stereo anyway. Maybe that happened back in the 70's and 80's but the aftermarket stereo stuff has basically made stock stereo's worthless to anyone bar the owner of the car its fitted too.

You do realise that FORD don't actually make the stereos don't you?
A large percentage of stereos share the same chipsets and you just pay more for the label.
Having a code would reduce insurance costs.

As far as the "faithful customer" and not charging, it really does go two ways. I have had customers for whom I have done many many freebies over many years go off to the opposition over tiny differences in sales price.

With regard to dealerships, the sales and service departments are completely separate with, in many cases, the service department being the more profitable. If they don't make profit, they die.

An open question to those who are all upset over this service charge.

How often do you do things for free for your boss or customers that cost YOU PERSONALLY?

Do you use your own petrol to drive out of your way to deliver something?
Do you use your own private mobile phone to do business to help out?
Do you buy a biro at the corner store with your own money when the one at work has been lost and there are none in the stationery cupboard just so you can do your job that day? Only 50c.
Do you pick up a tin of coffee or a dunny roll on the way to work if you notice that either is about to run out?

Or would you expect to be paid for any of those things.........

[Bushbasher]

They're all the same I recon. I went to the local Ford dealer to find out which ABS sensor was stuffed as the light was on and was told $40 to plug in the diagnostic unit and pull the error code. Once I paid it it took all of 3 minutes to tell me it was the right front and that included walking out the back to get the unit and coming out to the car. Not bad pocket money eh. :


Bushbasher

[ebxr8240]

Contacts on mobile .. Listed as..
Fairlane..2447
Or whatever the code is..

[Peter B - CV8]

The last 5 cars I have purchased (brand new & used - Holden, Ford, Mazda & Toyota) have all come with the radio code detailed on a small plastic/laminated credit card sized card. The codes are used to try & reduce the risk of theft - even if it's just a crappy factory issue stereo. Imagine all the extra druggo's etc that would be beating a path to our cars - if they knew that manufactures no longer protected their stereos with a pin.
I believe in a "user pays" system. If you lose the pin - then you should expect a service fee to have it replaced. Yes, it sucks - but it should be expected.

[Peter B - CV8]

Originally Posted by Bushbasher

They're all the same I recon. I went to the local Ford dealer to find out which ABS sensor was stuffed as the light was on and was told $40 to plug in the diagnostic unit and pull the error code. Once I paid it it took all of 3 minutes to tell me it was the right front and that included walking out the back to get the unit and coming out to the car. Not bad pocket money eh. :


Bushbasher

And what did that diagnostic unit cost the dealer.... why shouldn't they charge a nominal fee to diagnose your problem. And taking it to the next step - did you get them to fix the problem ??? Or just use their diagnostics to track the problem down & then get it repaired elsewhere.
Dealers aren't a charity service.

[234FPV]

Do they charge customers for quotes on cars or parts because they have to look on the computer? Sure they have to make money but they should still look after any customers with something as simple as that. I would definatly be annoyed aswel.

[MO]

^^Chill pill time.

[Lane351]

Originally Posted by Peter B - CV8

And what did that diagnostic unit cost the dealer.... why shouldn't they charge a nominal fee to diagnose your problem. And taking it to the next step - did you get them to fix the problem ??? Or just use their diagnostics to track the problem down & then get it repaired elsewhere.
Dealers aren't a charity service.

Yeh thats understandable but to retrieve a radio code which ony takes seconds and get charged $20 or so is a ripoff, I didn't have get off my chair I just sent a email to my Ford dealer and code was sent to my mobile at their expense and thats bloody good service .

[Auslandau]

Come on Flappist ... your in business. If a good long term known customer came and asked you for information on the phone (or person, doesn't matter) .... and I am talking information only that is readily available at your finger tips, would you have the gall to turn around and ask for $20.00 being the small amount it is? I wouldnt and I couldnt. Very different if it was costing me anything, then you would weigh up the options ....

As far as the list goes, I have and I am sure many have spent something out of their own pocket because of work. People at our place do, even if its a message in the morning say "Pick up milk"

And no Peter .... this should not be expected .... I massively believe in a users pay system ..... but not on information that is readily available to them which the only thing it does is endanger their customer relations with no danger to their bottom line not without at least finding out IF I am a customer, IF I bought the car from them, IF I get the car serviced there, IF I was just some one passing out of the blue.

I always qualify my customers .... builders and cabinet makers & regulars WILL get a little bit more from me, even if I do not mean too intentionally, I would be buggered if I try and penny pinch .... and I mean really penny pinch from my regulars. If I do not know them and they ask for something that may have any impact on the profit line, I will ask them " ..... and who are you!" If I think that little extra that hasn't really cost me will help out with future sales or in securing a long term relationship ..... no way would I behave like they did.

I think its common sense. I am not asking for them to go out of their way or to put there hands in their pocket or have any effect to their bottom line. If I did, I would pay. And no ... in all of this, it shouldn't suck.



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[Full Noise]

Originally Posted by Bushbasher

They're all the same I recon. I went to the local Ford dealer to find out which ABS sensor was stuffed as the light was on and was told $40 to plug in the diagnostic unit and pull the error code. Once I paid it it took all of 3 minutes to tell me it was the right front and that included walking out the back to get the unit and coming out to the car. Not bad pocket money eh. :


Bushbasher

I don’t have a problem with this, as $40 is a reasonable charge for the use of the equipment and labour costs, even if it did only take a couple of minutes, however, if you were to buy the part from them or have the job done at their workshop, you’d think that the $40 could be substantially reduced.

There are plenty of hidden costs involved in running a workshop and even thou this might seem like a big money maker, it probably offsets many other things that may not see full cost recovery. If they have to plug anything into the car you are at their mercy, however, I don’t see looking up a radio code in the same way.

In my opinion, something like a radio code should be given out free providing you come into the dealership or over the phone if you know someone who can vouch for your identity.

I’m not contradicting my first post in this thread as I was quite prepared to pay to have the airbag light reset, it’s just when the charge is over the top that you tend to wonder whether they’re shafting you.

[FG XR]

asking them to diagnose a problem with your car you would expect to be charge just as i would expect you would be at every other mechanic as they have to stop what they are doing. My cars tyre had a nail in it, took it to a tyre shop and found it was the drivers side and they repaired it for $10 all for 5 minutes work. Something like that you expect to get charged for however a simple thing to look up a code on a computer for all of 2 minutes is pretty steep whether or not they brought the car from that dealership shouldnt make a difference in the end it all comes down to customer satisfaction and quality of service. My 2c.

[Auslandau]

Originally Posted by Whoosha

Changing of the guard down there Dave, we have had 4 new cars threw them over the years as well as bits for the break every thing king . and have moved on to Nutters at Berwick for the last 2 years now and have found them great in all regards to service, purchase, or just general info on parts , some of the old staff is there as well, call me next time and I will hook you up :thebirds:

Will do Woosha ...... will be ready in August .... October .... November ... when ever a date is set for 'you know what'



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[pottery beige]

I coughed up big coin for a new Ford.. IF and WHEN i ever need a stereo code and was asked $20 for the pleasure.. I would be most phissed off!!..

[Bushbasher]

Originally Posted by Peter B - CV8

And what did that diagnostic unit cost the dealer.... why shouldn't they charge a nominal fee to diagnose your problem. And taking it to the next step - did you get them to fix the problem ??? Or just use their diagnostics to track the problem down & then get it repaired elsewhere.
Dealers aren't a charity service.

Hey, I don't have a problem paying for a service or indeed this service, I was expecting it, but $40 for 3 minutes for a machine that would have been paid for 100 times over I thought was a bit strong. I was all prepared to order a new sensor there and then even knowing I'd probably get stung for that too.... till they slugged me $40 for 3 minutes after me patiently waiting for over 25 minutes till the bloke behind the counter "had a spare minute" to sort it out. All of these things on their own might not matter but cumulatively the attitude of the bloke, time he kept me hanging around and ultimately the cost all added up to leaving a bad taste in my mouth which drove me to walk out and go source the part elsewhere and fit it myself.

I also had a radio code charge of $10 once from a dealer in SA and when I queried it I was told they had to charge it because FoA slugged the dealer every time they dialed in to accessing the data base, they also said if I was a prior service customer they'd waive the fee, I was and they did.

Bushbasher

[flappist]

Originally Posted by Auslandau

Come on Flappist ... your in business. If a good long term known customer came and asked you for information on the phone (or person, doesn't matter) .... and I am talking information only that is readily available at your finger tips, would you have the gall to turn around and ask for $20.00 being the small amount it is? I wouldnt and I couldnt. Very different if it was costing me anything, then you would weigh up the options ....

As far as the list goes, I have and I am sure many have spent something out of their own pocket because of work. People at our place do, even if its a message in the morning say "Pick up milk"

And no Peter .... this should not be expected .... I massively believe in a users pay system ..... but not on information that is readily available to them which the only thing it does is endanger their customer relations with no danger to their bottom line not without at least finding out IF I am a customer, IF I bought the car from them, IF I get the car serviced there, IF I was just some one passing out of the blue.

I always qualify my customers .... builders and cabinet makers & regulars WILL get a little bit more from me, even if I do not mean too intentionally, I would be buggered if I try and penny pinch .... and I mean really penny pinch from my regulars. If I do not know them and they ask for something that may have any impact on the profit line, I will ask them " ..... and who are you!" If I think that little extra that hasn't really cost me will help out with future sales or in securing a long term relationship ..... no way would I behave like they did.

I think its common sense. I am not asking for them to go out of their way or to put there hands in their pocket or have any effect to their bottom line. If I did, I would pay. And no ... in all of this, it shouldn't suck.

Yes you are right I usually help people for free as I am a great believer in karma but I also find a significant number of people take advantage and when it comes to quid quo pro they don't want to play anymore. This applies to employees as well as customers.

On the other hand the local FPV dealer provided a GT, GS, XR8 & XR6 for my wedding a couple of weeks ago at no charge whatsoever DESPITE me buying a 350Z instead of a FG in 2008. Their policy is to not provide vehicles but they did me a favour so I suspect my next few toys will come from them regardless of price.

Bottom line, you reap what you sow but strangly enough I know more rich bastards than rich nice guys and more poor nice guys than poor bastards so I suspect there is a lesson in there somewhere........

[Auslandau]

Originally Posted by Bushbasher

I also had a radio code charge of $10 once from a dealer in SA and when I queried it I was told they had to charge it because FoA slugged the dealer every time they dialed in to accessing the data base, they also said if I was a prior service customer they'd waive the fee, I was and they did.

Bushbasher

I can emphatically say ..... it costs them only the 15 - 20 seconds in time only to look up the code. FoA do not charge. (Unless of course this has changed in the last 12 months ... then FoA are the tight *****) They do it all day, everyday when a cars battery is disconnected.



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[galaxy xr8]

Originally Posted by Auslandau

Will do Woosha ...... will be ready in August .... October .... November ... when ever a date is set for 'you know what'

If I understand what you mean here, your a lucky lucky man, : :

[Rodp]

Originally Posted by flappist

How often do you do things for free for your boss or customers that cost YOU PERSONALLY?

Often.

Do you use your own petrol to drive out of your way to deliver something?

Yes.

Do you use your own private mobile phone to do business to help out?

Yes.

Do you buy a biro at the corner store with your own money when the one at work has been lost and there are none in the stationery cupboard just so you can do your job that day? Only 50c.

Yes.

[Bossxr8]

Originally Posted by flappist

You do realise that FORD don't actually make the stereos don't you?
A large percentage of stereos share the same chipsets and you just pay more for the label.

Oh really, I thought Ford brand stereos were available from the local Autobarn next to the Clarion, Pioneer and Alpine stuff. :

[ohzone]

How's this for irony?, I do work for a Holden Dealership and needed the code for my TE50, the Ford Dealership two doors down the road wanted to charge me $20 for the number, so I saw the service guy at the Holden Dealership, they rang Ford with the VIN and a couple of minutes later I had my "free" radio code.

[Jastel]

Can see both sides of this one

Whilst I have never been charged for a code, I am a very regular customer at my local Ford and know most blokes in there

But if someone flogged your stereo from an AU (why I know?)and you could just ring up and get the code the real owner would be cranky too so they have rules in place

When I took them out of the dash, I wrote it on the top in felt pen so even if I lost the card or swapped them from car to car, which I did often, I could reprogram

One BIG advantage of the BA on...no codes

[prydey]

Originally Posted by Peter B - CV8

Imagine all the extra druggo's etc that would be beating a path to our cars - if they knew that manufactures no longer protected their stereos with a pin.

b series falcons don't need a code. i've changed a battery in a few of them and the radio still works fine.

my first b series, i wasn't aware of it and rang the local dealer, who told me straight away that i didn't need a code.

stealing a radio from a modern car is a bit pointless as they are all incorporated into the dash/console, so its not like you can use it in something else.

[flappist]

Originally Posted by Bossxr8

Oh really, I thought Ford brand stereos were available from the local Autobarn next to the Clarion, Pioneer and Alpine stuff. :

No of course not but it is quite possible that you could buy a stereo with an identical chipset to the FORD one with a different OEM badge from Autobarn

[Bossxr8]

Ford stereos are now the lowest quality cheap crap they can get away with. Unlikely they would share anything with a quality branded headunit.

The Alpine premium sound setup from the E series may be the only ones applicable.

[Falcon Coupe]

Originally Posted by Auslandau

No ... not going down that track .... was annoyed about it this morning, still am a little but was never going to write to Ford?

But in what you are saying .... you own the car, you own the radio, you change the battery but will cost you 'whatever' for a code so you can turn your radio back on?

There is a service and there is just plain and simple service ... there is a very big difference.

It took him longer to argue on the phone about it than it would have to push the buttons. Its petty for them to ask, let alone for me to pursue it, but if he asked "Did you buy the car from us ......? OK here is the code then" ... "OH I see you spent $725.00 with us 3 weeks ago ...... OK here is the code then" "OH, I see you have bought 4 cars from us ..... OK here is the code then" What is wrong with that?

Good points, I agree entirely.
It's all about building a relationship and dropping enough coin in there to be valued. One expects a little extra over someone walking in off street for the first time.
We both know this happens at certain non dealer workshops.

[Auslandau]

Originally Posted by Falcon Coupe

Good points, I agree entirely.
It's all about building a relationship and dropping enough coin in there to be valued. One expects a little extra over someone walking in off street for the first time.
We both know this happens at certain non dealer workshops.

Great point .... Got Hallam Perf to put some extractors on the AU I happened across and Barney put them on on Thursday. I dropped the Landau in the next day, picked up the AU, asked how much and he said, "Fix it up later as it was only a bit of labor."

Sure I will be paying for it but the hand wasn't out and I know I will be looked after. Now I wonder why I go back there ......



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[prydey]

Originally Posted by Falcon Coupe

Good points, I agree entirely.
It's all about building a relationship and dropping enough coin in there to be valued. One expects a little extra over someone walking in off street for the first time.
We both know this happens at certain non dealer workshops.

you don't have to have spent a lot of money or bought cars from a dealer to get good service.

the dealer i go to (wayne phillis reynella for the s.a. members) is a service dept only, and although i had popped in on the odd occasion, i'd never had a car serviced there until my bf2, which i only did because it was under warranty still. they've done that many discounts and freebie's since, i've lost count. waived the $40/day charge on a fg loaner i had for 4 days

[FGII-XR6]

I would send a letter to the dealer principal setting out what you have said here. Im sure the issue isn't the money as such but the lack of customer service for a loyal customer. you will find the DP will kick some butts and bend over backwards to retain you as a loyal customer

Originally Posted by Auslandau

Been a faithfull customer to Freeway Ford for years now, even sung there praises on here with their service dept but totally annoyed this morning when I rang to ask for the radio code ......

I know its such a small thing but have done this before but was told by the service dept that they need to see the car and that will be $20.00!

I have never been charged for this before, proceeded to tell them I have bought 3 brand new cars from them over the past 3 years plus a second hand BA plus had them serviced there, thye have all my documents and know such and such & such and such (who unfortunatley were not working this morning) ...... which he promptly interupted and said, "Excuse me, doesnt matter what you have bought, we charge all our customers this...... " In other words .... don't give a crap.

I know it is SUCH a petty small thing, but was just dumb founded.

Anyone else been charged for this or am I just being stupid about it? $20.00 for them to look in the computer!!!!!! I would have spent nearly $150,000 with them over 4 years ..... for $20.00 they can stick it

Amazing how small things can get to you ....... bit of a rant but just want to know if this is a standard fee before I speak to the DP on Monday.