Why does the dealer always ask this?

[Wavelene]

Both times I've gone in to have my oil changed, the first question the service person asked was "Did you buy it here?" Why would they ask that? Why would they care? It's not like I'm having major work done, just a measly little oil change. Curious if this is a standard question, and why it's relevent.

[paprius4030]

Maybe they give you one of those little air freshners they hang from your mirror if you bought it there LOL

[David Beale]

Some dealers offer free oil changes if you bought the car there.

[kenmce]

Originally Posted by Wavelene

the first question the service person asked was "Did you buy it here?" Why would they ask that?

If you say "Yes" they wheel you out a Barcalounger, tea & bisquits, and set you up with the store Wi-Fi rig while you wait.

If you say "No" they send you out back and let you wait by the dumpster.

[venom700]

They probably want to know if they should really use the 0w20 or screw you with the conventional stuff.

[jim256]

Originally Posted by Wavelene

Both times I've gone in to have my oil changed, the first question the service person asked was "Did you buy it here?" Why would they ask that? Why would they care? It's not like I'm having major work done, just a measly little oil change. Curious if this is a standard question, and why it's relevent.

They'll look you up on the computer and eventually find you if you bought it there. 'Gives them a heads-up because some dealers are a little more generous with loaners if you bought there, rather than having to take the courtesy van or wait for 3 hours in the lounge. If you did buy there, you'd tend to expect a little better treatment than some new arrival. I sure do.

[chrisj428]

As a service writer, it helps me to at least know if it's your first time here or not. Reason being I need to collect more information (full VIN, license plate, etc.) before coming to write up your car. Knowing in advance saves me a second trip and saves you a little time as well.

[Wavelene]

Thanks, Chris, when you explained it from a service writer's perspective it made perfect sense.

[jburns]

Originally Posted by chrisj428

As a service writer, it helps me to at least know if it's your first time here or not. Reason being I need to collect more information (full VIN, license plate, etc.) before coming to write up your car. Knowing in advance saves me a second trip and saves you a little time as well.

Originally Posted by Wavelene

Thanks, Chris, when you explained it from a service writer's perspective it made perfect sense.

Actually it didn't. In that case shouldn't the question be, "Have you had your car serviced here before?"

[Vaughn]

At my dealership they put your vehicle in the system when purchased so either asking, did you buy the vehicle here or have you had the vehicle serviced here before, allows the service writer to save time for both parties and assure error free data the first time. A transposed number when coping the VIN sure slows the process.