Getting Ranger to check dealers - need help

[RangerSam]

Good Evening BBC

I'm wondering if anyone has advice on how to get the Ranger dealer network to stand behind the product that Ranger backs so well. I have dropped off my boat for service in October and the dealer has not touched my rig yet. I have sent Ranger an email but have not been contacted back. I am really trying to keep Rangers name out of this and make it about the dealer who is clearly in the wrong, but Ranger needs to check these purveyor's of their good name and product.
Who at Ranger can I reach out to? Seems customer service is out to lunch - for several weeks.

[TopgunZ521C]

I would go get my boat and find another dealer that's totally unacceptable maybe if it's warranty contact Sam wilson.

[Jeff Hahn]

Go get the boat and never go back to that dealer. Without going into detail, I had a couple of experiences several years ago with a two different dealers. I spoke to the regional Ranger rep both times and he told me to go talk to the dealer. Obviously, I had done that already. So, he said there was nothing he could do. In short, as far as I can tell, as long as a dealer is moving boats, Ranger is not going to rock the boat. If the issue you are having is a warranty issue, then call Ranger and they will get involved. If it is not a warranty issue, then you're on your own and I doubt ranger will get involved.

[Rickybobby]

Good Evening BBC

I'm wondering if anyone has advice on how to get the Ranger dealer network to stand behind the product that Ranger backs so well. I have dropped off my boat for service in October and the dealer has not touched my rig yet. I have sent Ranger an email but have not been contacted back. I am really trying to keep Rangers name out of this and make it about the dealer who is clearly in the wrong, but Ranger needs to check these purveyor's of their good name and product.
Who at Ranger can I reach out to? Seems customer service is out to lunch - for several weeks.

Hate your having problems but what are your issues and as Jeff stated is warranty or not under warranty.Also if you have a Chevy and you carry it to a dealer and there not full filling your needs are you able to contact Detroit I don't think so.Your best bet is to go get your rig and carry it to another dealer and spread the name on this dealer if you feel there not treating you well.And may I ask the name of the dealer and where your located......

[kadas]

Go get the boat and never go back to that dealer. Without going into detail, I had a couple of experiences several years ago with a two different dealers. I spoke to the regional Ranger rep both times and he told me to go talk to the dealer. Obviously, I had done that already. So, he said there was nothing he could do. In short, as far as I can tell, as long as a dealer is moving boats, Ranger is not going to rock the boat. If the issue you are having is a warranty issue, then call Ranger and they will get involved. If it is not a warranty issue, then you're on your own and I doubt ranger will get involved.

^^^ This^^ agree with above posts--if it is not warranty and actually even if it is there is no reason for this amount of time to pass. Go get it and find another dealer and never grace that dealers showroom again

[OH_Ranger]

Ya, share the dealership names so the rest of us can avoid them. You too, Jeff.

[Ranger Ryan]

Go get the boat and never go back to that dealer. Without going into detail, I had a couple of experiences several years ago with a two different dealers. I spoke to the regional Ranger rep both times and he told me to go talk to the dealer. Obviously, I had done that already. So, he said there was nothing he could do. In short, as far as I can tell, as long as a dealer is moving boats, Ranger is not going to rock the boat. If the issue you are having is a warranty issue, then call Ranger and they will get involved. If it is not a warranty issue, then you're on your own and I doubt ranger will get involved.

Went through the very same thing here in Oklahoma. There's only one Ranger "glass boat" dealer in my state and they know it. Rep for my area wasn't really willing to get very involved. The dealer actually told me the next nearest dealer was in Ft. Smith, Arkansas. And, therefore my experience with the out of state dealer was fantastic and worth the drive. I liked them so much I ended up upgrading all electronics and added power poles spending several thousand dollars. Today, Cabelas opened a store in OKC and believe it or not, they have also been terrific to work with. Well guess what, I ended up buying another Ranger, this time aluminum from them and also spending several thousand upgrading many items. So, we have two new Rangers both of which were not purchased at or will never see "Nichols Marine". I really hate to call them by name but, they get what they deserve in my book.

[barkleyhawggitter]

shop around, i did and found a great certified rude tech to work on my motor. the ranger dealer in west ky wanted to keep my boat for four months just to do the three year service on it.

[Jeff Hahn]

Ya, share the dealership names so the rest of us can avoid them. You too, Jeff.

Both are out of business now...gee, I wonder why?

My gripe with both dealers was their mechanical work was horrible. And, that became know throughout the bass fishing guys in the area. Neither had certified mechanics who had attended the school for the brands of motors that they sold. I had a Ranger promotional deal at the time and I would not have gotten a boat through either dealer and would certainly never let them touch my current boat. Instead, I either did the work myself or drove 3 1/2 hours to the dealer where I originally bought the boat.

Turns out, a few years later it was discovered that the owner of one dealer was a thief, as well. He took sales tax money on a friend's boat and on another friend's motor and never sent it in to the state. So, these guys did not have titles to their boat/motor. The guy with the new boat finally got an attorney and put the fear of God in the owner and got a clear title. The guy with the motor never did get a title and had a hard time selling his boat years later because he had no title for it. The same dealer also took extended warranty money and never sent it to the motor manufacturer. After he went out of business, my old tournament partner tried to get extended warranty work done on his motor and the manufacturer said "What extended warranty? You don't have one." My old tournament partner and I ran into the former owner at a boat show...he was working as the sales manager at another dealership in the area. When my partner confronted him, he expressed surprise and said that he would refund his $1000. That was 15 years ago and he's still waiting.

[greendragon]

I also had a bad experience with a Ranger dealer in my area. Fortunately for me it was a brand new boat. I contacted Ranger and all was taken care of at that dealer ship. He has passed away now and had his dealership taken from Ranger boats. People warned me to not get a boat from him, but I didn't listen and paid the price. This all took place in 1996. I dealt directly with Ranger after that, but really didn't have any more issues with the boat. By the way the issue was over a swelled interstate battery. When my boat came in and I picked it up and put it in the garage. I didn't notice the battery, but it was clearly a used battery and he would not replace it. Ranger made him replace it and I never went back.

[RangerSam]

Gentlemen thank you all for the advice and stories of your experiences with both Ranger and its dealer network. One point was a complaint going back to Detroit over a Chevy product. As all Ranger owners know, they stand behind their product well and I am sure if I contact Mr. Wilson he would intercede on my behalf. I have been working so much lately I have had little time to bird dog this problem. My wife did call Friday to the local dealer and they stated work had started, but I had called a few days before on Monday and was told differently. I tried to call the owner and my number was given so that he could return my call, he was "on the lot". I never got a call back. No matter, I am considering running a full add (color) about my problem, the dealer, and possibly the manufacturer in several publications for "boat show" advertising. That might get some attention.

I was PM'd by a gentleman from Bull Shoals that offered his assistance without even talking to me - very kind. This is a brand new boat and is warranty work. Funny thing is, I tried to buy the boat from the local guy but they had no inventory. When I went to visit his lot and talk about ordering, or obtaining from another dealer, no one would even ask me if I needed any help.
There are so few dealers local that they must feel they can get away with this - boat show in Greenville, SC next weekend .... I'll try and be there ...

[zrp]

No matter, I am considering running a full add (color) about my problem, the dealer, and possibly the manufacturer in several publications for "boat show" advertising. That might get some attention.

Yeah... from the dealer's attorney. You will become extremely familiar with the very real world of "Defamation of Character" via a lawsuit.

[Mike198P]

Te dealer apparently does not have any character to de-fame. I would advertise to, but with a sign standing next to his booth at the show. " Ask me about service after the sale"

[Jeff Hahn]

No matter, I am considering running a full add (color) about my problem, the dealer, and possibly the manufacturer in several publications for "boat show" advertising. That might get some attention.

As justifiably PO'ed as you are and as sweet as such revenge might be, think about it long and hard before doing it. The dealer's attorney can make you spend lots of money to defend yourself in court, even if you are right.

[Lou r Pitcher]

The dealer may be swamped or has lost his techs and is unable yet to hire replacements. He may be about to go bankrupt. Or his tech may be simply stumped or is not disclosing he has caused further engine damage and is awaiting parts.

At a major equipment manufacturer, I helped oversee our servicing dealers numbering in the hundreds. While your boat is there do not go public. Though difficult be polite and very consistent. Stop making phone calls at this point. Communicate all inquiries in writing summarizing dates and present situation with a cc to Ranger, attention RANGER DEALER SERVICE SUPPORT DEPARTMENT.

Here's why don't go public. We actually found some dealers had a practice of keeping a stock of prior customer's removed failed parts. Then when a customer refused an estimate or became unruly not allowing the repair and billing of warranty work, the dealer took (stole) some good parts out of the complaining customer's product and kept them for himself for future use and sale as new, while putting bad parts in their place. Never refuse to pay for an estimate or not allow the dealer to charge his labor for warranty repairs.

[alli ss]

Nothing good can come out of anything youre wanting to do or was suggested to you. Best thing is just move along and dont go back. You start hanging out at a boat show with a picket sign you will look like that crybaby guy that pumps his fist at kids driving too fast with that debbil music blasting down your street. Plus you may find yourself with a bat to the kneecaps by a hoodie wearing gentleman on the way to your truck. Anything you try to do to defame a dealership will never make you happy you did it 2yrs later and any legal action will make your pocketbook lighter- and for what? Nothing you can possibly do is gonna shut them down. They may close but that will be coming naturally.

[RangerSam]

Good sound advice from clearer, more level heads. I certainly understand that today's "legal" system only applies to the person with the most cash, and would not go there unless I absolutely had to. I will hope and pray for the best - I have vented and will keep the council of people who are certainly more honest and concerned than the "business men" who represent Ranger so poorly.
Strange world we live in friends - very odd indeed.

Sam

[alli ss]

Cooler heads prevail my man. The worst thing you can do to them is not go back and tell your close friends why. Dont get too overboard and only state facts so as to not get sued for slander

[Jeff Hahn]

Good sound advice from clearer, more level heads. I certainly understand that today's "legal" system only applies to the person with the most cash, and would not go there unless I absolutely had to. I will hope and pray for the best - I have vented and will keep the council of people who are certainly more honest and concerned than the "business men" who represent Ranger so poorly.
Strange world we live in friends - very odd indeed.

Sam

I agree...you have every right to be PO'ed. And, I also agree with you than Ranger, or any other company that sells expensive products, would do well to police their dealers. Like it or not, customers often, rightly or wrongly, misrepresent a bad dealer by blaming the manufacturer. If you run into horrible service from an auto dealer, likely the manufacturer is not all that concerned, as long as that dealer is selling vehicles. Looks like some (or all) of that bleeds over into the marine market, as well.

[Bassgod]

I know of a 2016 Z520C that was sent to the factory in November with 9-10 top cap cracks that supposedly he is getting a new top cap.
He was told this week by his ranger dealer, and they showed him the email from the factory, that his boat is at least 9-10 weeks out.
That's 3 or 4 months without his 6 month old boat.
This dealer stepped up and is letting him use any used boat on the lot in the interim though, that's awesome.
So it's not just dealers that are dragging their feet.