Friday, June 10, 2011

Steve Marshall Ford

So in addition to the thousand things I did today...I was invited to a 'ladies night' at a very large Ford dealership in Nanaimo by my friend Deanna. No stippers, it's not that kind of ladies night. I wouldn't normally go but she said I'd have a fun and relaxing evening and so I went not knowing what to expect. Well, I'm happy to report that I did have a very enjoyable time and I also learned a lot too. Which is amazing to me because I always have visions of car salesmen as being slightly greasy (do you know what I mean?) and hovering with their sales pitch ready to pounce on you. These guys are obviously in the business not only to sell cars but to sell their service and get repeat customers. Very good business practice in my opinion. And I like being able to have my questions answered by knowledgeable staff who didn't treat me like an idiot.

So what did I learn? Forget the decorating and real estate stuff (though I learned about that a bit too) I was very interested in the presentation of lease vs. finance. I've always held the belief that leasing was a bad option because you pay and pay and don't own it at the end but now that I've had a chance to see how the figures work I think I'm sold on the idea. There are a few circumstances where the financing idea works best but overall for a small business like ours I think leasing a vehicle may turn out to be a really good option financially. But we'd have to find a suitable one. I also learned that you can lease and still put on a lot of km's if that's in your agreement and that you don't have to lease a brand new car if you don't want to, a 1 or 2 year old vehicle might work too.

I'm going to do some independent research and crunch the numbers but I think that's what I'm going to do for Steve's new vehicle once we've settled and got some money in the bank.

I know it's strange to hear me talking about spending money instead of saving it, but this saves me taxes so it's all good!

I did come home with a free 50 point inspection and a lavender plant...thanks Deanna!...and it was very entertaining, the magician was very funny. So would I recommend ladies night? Yes definitely.......now if only I could get them to sponsor us..... :)

****JUNE 23 FOLLOW UP******

Strange though it seems to me, this has become the most read post on my blog for the month of June. Lots of people wondering where they can get the info about lease vs. finance. So here's the good news. Steve Marshall Ford are working on getting some more info out there for us on their website, and of course I still HIGHLY RECOMMEND that you go down in person and talk to Ryan Fife about the details of your particular needs and wants. Or send him an e-mail I promise he'll give you all the info you need with no pressure and let you make your own decision. He's a straight talking and honest guy. If it's not right for you or he can suggest something better, he will. Trust me on this...he'll do what's best for YOU. Oh and my friend Deanna says that if you do buy a car please mention her name because she apparently gets a referral bonus, and why wouldn't you want to help someone out, right? So mention Deanna Scrafton! It doesn't cost you a penny but puts a few in her pocket. And maybe she'll take me out for lunch :)

3 comments:

  1. Wow! Thanks so much for the kind words...

    I know I've always loved Ladies Night, but I figured I was just biased! I'm really glad Deanna invited you to come!

    Karen Ann
    (About 10 years ago I also lost my skepticism of leasing!)

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  2. Thanks for reading Karen Ann. I really meant it, I like learning new things, and saving money by leasing was very interesting to me and also the oposite of ehat I thought I knew. I'm going to write more about this later in the month but right now I've got to wrack my brains about getting support and sponsors for our book/trip. Does Ford want to sponsor us? :) If I say lots of nice things and get lots of publicity? I'd even paint my trailer blue with the Ford logo and pull it 7100 km from coast to coast!

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  3. I think Shawn tried to comment or email here to get in touch with you about a couple things we may be able to help with.
    I know that we do do regular BBQ fundraiser, not sure what his suggestions may have been!
    Maybe it's in your Junk email? Or give him a call (you'll remember him as Zigster!) 250-758-7311

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