Joined: 15 May 2007 Posts: 774 Location: Baton Rouge, LA
Posted: Mon Sep 24, 2007 9:09 am Post subject: GM Sting Operation, A "HOT" Topic
A local GM dealership just received quite a wake up call. It seems GM has, for some time, been monitoring EBay for auto parts sales. They are investigating sales of new parts, reputedly "stolen" by dealership personnel.
In this case it appears a tech, "flat rated" a set of diesel injectors. The replacements appeared several days later on EBay. At least two employees were fired. Apparently GM does not consider this "spoils" of the job.
Last year, I was approached by a dealer tech trying to sell new OEM A/T fluid and Antifreeze at a discount price. His excuse was they give him more than he needs for each job? I passed on his offer. I wonder how widespread this is?
Joined: 15 May 2007 Posts: 146 Location: Garden City, KS
Posted: Mon Sep 24, 2007 3:55 pm Post subject:
I think it is more widespread then anyone is really willing to admit. I've heard all kinds of horror stories similar to this. Recommending and getting paid to replace an EGR Valve, but only cleaning it and then selling the EGR to another shop or buddy, or even using it at home on side work. This too, is an issue: A tech will recommend a part be replaced on a vehicle, clean the part on the vehicle up nice and then take the new part home for a vehicle that really does need it. Usually goes un-noticed by the dealer, after all...they got paid.
I could go on, but I think it just points to a system issue. What these people are doing is wrong. There's no doubt about it, no excuse. But, I feel it too dismissive to not investigate the enviroment that may just cultivate such actions. After all, not everyone has an iron will. House payment is coming up, wanna take the kids to Disney, just want to be able to provide for their family...sometimes the temptation is just too much. I don't excuse them...but I can't say that I don't sympathize with the nature behind the action.
Your right matt its really widespread! I have seen it from the top brass at dealers right down through to the managers and the techs.Sort of a snowball effect, "if they can do it why cant I". Even flat rate corner shops with techs that have a bottom drawer full of spark plugs and one valve cover gasket left from each set they change.
The sad thing is the automotive trade seems to get exposed more than other trades.This stuff happens in all kinds of companies and in the end we as consumers have to help pick up the tab and as automotive service providers get slapped with the good old dishonest label, deserve it or not.
Joined: 15 May 2007 Posts: 774 Location: Baton Rouge, LA
Posted: Mon Oct 08, 2007 7:56 pm Post subject:
MattFMN wrote:
I think it is more widespread then anyone is really willing to admit. I've heard all kinds of horror stories similar to this. Recommending and getting paid to replace an EGR Valve, but only cleaning it and then selling the EGR to another shop or buddy, or even using it at home on side work. This too, is an issue: A tech will recommend a part be replaced on a vehicle, clean the part on the vehicle up nice and then take the new part home for a vehicle that really does need it. Usually goes un-noticed by the dealer, after all...they got paid.
I could go on, but I think it just points to a system issue. What these people are doing is wrong. There's no doubt about it, no excuse. But, I feel it too dismissive to not investigate the enviroment that may just cultivate such actions. After all, not everyone has an iron will. House payment is coming up, wanna take the kids to Disney, just want to be able to provide for their family...sometimes the temptation is just too much. I don't excuse them...but I can't say that I don't sympathize with the nature behind the action.
Thanks for the post, Louis! Later, Matt.
Hi Matt,
I think there are a multitude of "fine lines" that can be crossed everyday. Things that are not completely wrong or at least illegal, but tend to compromise morals. My thought is, what I sell is trust, if I cannot be trusted, I am out of business. To me, true trust is what I do when no one will know, except me.
My Dad always told me, "Never do anything you wouldn't want everyone to know about." I find this a pretty good test. If I'm not willing to stand up in front of my clients and tell them about what I do, I probably shouldn't be doing it.
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