Product of the System

You know, I’ve noticed that almost every time you speak with someone who cuts you a little slack on something, it back-fires. At least that seems to be the truth when it comes to making late payments or payment arrangements.

Today, I’m talking about “Stretching out your car payments” and how I spoke with someone (name omitted) at my car dealer who told me one thing but then I got a call today from the dealer demanding payment. They were very persistent about it and became more adamant when I told them I had spoken with someone about this already. There were -apparently- no notes or traces that I spoke with someone on the 18th about making late payments until my insurance reimburses me for my medical expenses. So, this is where most people will break down and make a payment.

But, it is always better to ask to speak to the manager in these cases. Don’t be afraid to ask for help. The managers or team leaders are just people -like you and me. Don’t let them intimidate you. More times than not, they are not intending to be mean but it’s just that they have to do their job. If you explain your situation and ask them to help you, they will often times give you tips “off the record” or maybe be a little flexible -if they are able to be.

In my case, they made notes to my account and just asked that I keep in touch with them. Since I have a 2-year payment history that is always on-time and always a few cents more than the minimum (even a few pennies matters here), I will be given a little more leeway than normal. So, that’s good.

Anyway, the manager was more understanding of my situation when he looked into it, and we both realized that I never spoke to him on the 18th -like I had been told. Someone else must’ve answered the phone in his stead and then transferred me. It really doesn’t matter, because once he realized my predicament, he said we would just play it by ear. The dealership may call him at some point and demand the car back, but if that happens; we’ll deal with it then.

So, the moral of the story is that you may have one person tell you one thing but remember that it must be in writing or you may have to continue to deal with other people about that same issue. I’ve learned over the past year or two, that solving a payment or credit problem is typically only temporary. The system is designed to keep you down. That’s why people say “it is so tough to climb your way out of a hole.”

It’s very true. But, I will dig my way out with hard work and perseverance. It’s much easier to do when you don’t have an undeserved “felony” and can work, but I will still make my way back onto solid ground.

Comments RSS TrackBack Identifier URI