Kudos to Ferman

navy2kcoupe · 03-12-2008, 12:21 PM

I had to have the A/C on my 2000 coupe worked on, nothing but hot air was coming out of the vents. I wasn't sure where to take the Vette to be worked on, but Jim Kill told me to contact Tommy Farruggio at Ferman in Brandon for information. After a few e-mails to Tommy, I was convinced enough to set up an appointment with Ferman in Brandon to have the A/C looked at. There was an $89.95 diagnostic fee that would be waived if I elected to have Ferman do the work. I showed up there at my 10:00 appointment time on the 10th of March and was greeted by Gina Nieves, one of the service advisors. I explained what was wrong, and she said that she would call me back between 11:00 and 1:30 depending upon how long it took to get a diagnosis. I got a call at 11:30, Gina told me what they found, gave me a list of parts that they were going to change, and quoted me a price including tax. I agreed to everything (and was glad that they weren't going to reuse gaskets and o-rings), and Gina said that she would call me when it was done. They are open until 6:00 and I would be able to pick the Vette up right up till closing time if it was finished. It needed a compressor (and the o-rings, gaskets, etc), and I wasn't sure how long it would take. Gina called me at 4:00 to tell me that the Vette was done and was in the detail bay being washed! I was in Venice at the time having lunch with friends, and headed for Brandon after I got the call. I picked up the Vette at 5:30 and paid the bill. It was EXACTLY the price quoted, and I thought it was a fair price. I was amazed by the friendly, personal service I received from Gina, as well as the short length of time to get the Vette repaired! The A/C now works like it is supposed to, and there is a lifetime guarantee on the compressor! I know that this is only a one time shot, but 1) I was able to book on line, 2) they listened!, 3) they quoted me a price and stuck to it, 4) dealing with Gina was just a pleasure, 5) I got my Vette back the same day when I was prepared to leave it overnight, 6) it was washed and vacuumed when I picked it up, and 7) I was able to print, cut out, and use a 10% off coupon on the quoted price. All in all a dealer visit that I will remember for a long time. Too many times we hear horror stories about dealers, and I just thought a good story needed to be told too. I'll admit that I was somewhat reluctant to go to a dealer, but Jim Kill, Tommy Farruggio, and Gina Nieves put my fears to rest regarding Ferman in Brandon. THANK YOU JIM for recommending that I e-mail Tommy, THANK YOU TOMMY for convincing me that Ferman could work with me and was worthy of doing the work, and THANK YOU GINA, for taking care of all of the details and keeping me informed while the Vette was there.
Andy (freezin' again - YEA!) Anderson

Ms. AntiVenom · 03-12-2008, 12:24 PM

Ferman is the best, the guys there are awesome, and Tommy rules!!!

Gannet · 03-12-2008, 01:03 PM

Great story, thanks for sharing!

When I buy a new one I hope they can be competitive on price. I'd just as soon keep the business local. We'll see.

LEJ ZO6 · 03-12-2008, 01:28 PM

Yea, we'll see.

JIM KILL · 03-12-2008, 02:38 PM

Thank you for trusting me and the Ferman Dealership. Ferman has assured us at Tampa Bay Vettes that they will do everything in there power to keep us Corvetters running and be given a fair price. Tommy is the best around and as our President of TBV.... and its an honor to be his Vice-President. Thank you for sharing this with all of us and if you don't mind I would like to read it tonight at our meeting.

Jim

als2052 · 03-12-2008, 04:37 PM

Kudos to the Ferman Staff...

navy2kcoupe · 03-12-2008, 09:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JIM KILL

Thank you for trusting me and the Ferman Dealership. Ferman has assured us at Tampa Bay Vettes that they will do everything in there power to keep us Corvetters running and be given a fair price. Tommy is the best around and as our President of TBV.... and its an honor to be his Vice-President. Thank you for sharing this with all of us and if you don't mind I would like to read it tonight at our meeting.

Jim

Jim......just now saw your reply, and no, I don't mind at all! It's fair game if it's up here as far as I'm concerned. Positive reinforcement goes a long way toward making something better........even if it's ALREADY good to begin with.
Andy

thebeepster · 03-13-2008, 08:11 AM

Great to hear!! Congrats to Tommy and the Fermam/Brandon staff! I only wish it would rubb off on the Ferman/Tarpon Springs location...they don't even know the right amount of oil to add to a vette with an oil change!!

"Backyard Mechanic" · 03-13-2008, 09:35 AM

Good to hear a good outcome from a dealership

At there show last year,they seem to be nice people working there.

Now that you are back in the cold,you don't need the ac.

THOR · 03-13-2008, 11:31 PM

Wow, great service and thanks for sharing the story. I agree it's nice to hear of great service and pride vs. the ranting.