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The vans OSH booth

Now I'm wondering what the poor guy who thought the people at Van's tent were standoffish thinks. I've never seen two kids arguing over who's Dad was the biggest invest in much in an argument that can't be won.
 
Poor customer service at OSH

8CW said:
When I walked up to the counter, there was no other customer anywhere in the tent. There were four people behind the counter, two at the left end and two at the right end who I recognized as very senior members of Van’s staff by having seen their pictures in the RVator. Both pairs of people were having conversations among themselves. I walked up to the counter, closer to the senior members, but still somewhat between the two pairs. As I was walking toward the counter, the two guys on the right end made eye contact with me then went back to their conversation. I stood at the counter, waiting for them to finish thinking they’ll get to me in a minute. After what seemed like a surprising amount of time, they stopped talking to each other and turned around and just looked at me with a straight face. No smile, no “Hi, how are you?” or “Can I help you?”, nothing. So I said, “Hi, can I ask you a question?” The response I got was “Go ahead.” So I introduced myself and said I wanted to build an RV-8, and how do I go about ordering a Kit? I was told I needed to order a preview plans set and was given a package with some forms to fill out to send back in. I said “Thank-you” and one of them said “You’re welcome”. I thought this was kind of strange since I just basically told them I would like to give them tens of thousands of my hard earned dollars and I’m the one thanking.
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I had the exact same experience. Watched 3 guys talk behind the counter, was treated like they couldn't have cared less if I was there. It was NOT busy.

They guy escorting folks into the airplanes was cool. But I was seriously disappointed by the rest of the booth staff. It made me wonder what kind of service would be provided after the sale.

As far as booth layout, I agree that there's no need to spend money like Icon when Vans does so well. But, I have to say, it makes me hesitate to spend hard earned money when treated that way. And I understand long hours at a booth, been there/done that.

Love the product, but this really took the wind out of my sails.
 
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Where is the precentage?

I arrived on Thursday before the show this year,rode my scooter down to war birds and stopped at Vans tent for a photo,... Nothing there, I mean a tent and that is all,no crates,no planes,no display counter,Nothing! The same is true throughout the show. Everything comes together at the last minute and comes apart starting Sunday at the end of the show. Van has been at this game since 1973, I never had a problem engaging him in conversation,never was told I couldn't sit in a demo plane, never had a direct,relevant question unanswered.I also have left the area feeling the staff was cold and unwelcoming,kind of like there part of an inner circle and your not,one reason I have never gone to a Banquet dinner,I've thought its more of the same.Corporate culture has everything to do with how we are treated.Still it would be nice to hear just once"Thank you for buying our kit." I started my kit based on the product, what it is and what it can do for the money,resale if I have to bail out. Save $60 grand to buy a plane would never happen for me. Barrow money for a hobby...no way! I've got too many mouths to feed on little income,So one piece at a time will work if I don't run out of Time,but hay that's the Risk. Some people like to run and dive in the pool others like to put one toe in at a time. In the end we all go for a swim.
Bob
 
And all this time I thought it was just ME that they did not like! Glad to see I was not the only one.:mad:
Flyingfanatic said:
I had the exact same experience. Watched 3 guys talk behind the counter, was treated like they couldn't have cared less if I was there. It was NOT busy.

They guy escorting folks into the airplanes was cool. But I was seriously disappointed by the rest of the booth staff. It made me wonder what kind of service would be provided after the sale.

As far as booth layout, I agree that there's no need to spend money like Icon when Vans does so well. But, I have to say, it makes me hesitate to spend hard earned money when treated that way. And I understand long hours at a booth, been there/done that.

Love the product, but this really took the wind out of my sails.
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My thoughts....

I think they rock.

And I think flying across the country, then standing 70 hours in a field on your feet answering mostly the same questions repeatedly, then flying across the country, then going back to the office without a day off....is some of the hardest work in the industry. Then they get to read on the web, after being away from home for about twelve days, that someone is upset because they didn't smile right. (pounding head against wall)

I choose to give 'em a break, and buy 'em a beer when they let me. They've rarely let me.

If I want a backrub in a showroom and a big cake with 'Thanks for coming in!!!!' on it, I'll go to a Lamborghini dealership. <rimshot>.

haters.jpg


beating.jpg


You can disagree, but you’re wrong ;).​
 
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I never got the warm fuzzies from them either. I also thought it was just me. After all, this was VAN's! As can be seen from reading this thread, it can't be Van's! During the build I had some OK interactions with them and some disappointing ones.

I sure don't see anything wrong with expecting a company with which you are spending 25K+ to be pleasant, though. And, it is not like it would cost them anything to do so. Yes, they are the best anyway. Kind of like the prettiest girl in school not having a good personality. Why? Because she doesn't have to.
 
Vans

I'm with Doug........Vans makes it work and they do a splendid job. I seriously believe that some folks would grumble if you hung 'em with a brand new rope. And that's all I'm gonna say about that.
 
Great product and stability and support, or friendly booth salesmen (or booth "babes" as evidenced by some). I don't disagree with the OP, but I know what I'd pick.

Question... how many times have you heard of a big marketing hype kit manufacturer (or alt engine provider) leaving innocent buyers hanging? What really matters?
 
java said:
Great product and stability and support, or friendly booth salesmen (or booth "babes" as evidenced by some). I don't disagree with the OP, but I know what I'd pick.

Question... how many times have you heard of a big marketing hype kit manufacturer (or alt engine provider) leaving innocent buyers hanging? What really matters?
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I absolutely agree and made my choice accordingly! It just doesn't have to be an either/or thing.
 
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