29th June 25. Sunday!!!

One of my customers had asked me a few weeks ago if I could deliver a car to a retail customer today, Sunday. I had nothing planned so agreed, as it was only going to London SW17, Wimbledon/ Tooting to be exact.

2015 Mercedes E 220 d

I left early as usual to arrive at the customers address for around 9.00am . Which I had agreed with the dealership to inform their customer. Of course I arrived at the address and rang the doorbell to find them still in bed at 9.30.

They came out after a few minutes and had a look around the car as they hadn't seen it before buying online.

Buying a car online. Having worked in the car retail business for so long. And actually never liked people reserving a car online and eventually turning up on a Saturday to inform us that they had reserved numerous cars and would look and drive it and decide later.. That's the important word. "Reserved"

Legally we could not call it a deposit as that meant a contract had been entered onto and it caused issues for both sides.

So people reserved cars and decided later.

But when cars are reserved, they come off sale. An order form is produced and in the bosses mind. It's a deal done so get it on the board and count it on the weekly forecast. Only to go backwards when the customer doesn't buy. And bollockings only till downhill.

Ordering a car online and having it delivered. Is a different sales process. Called " Distance selling" the power and protection this gives the customer is something car dealers don't want to tell you.

Basically for any reason you want, as a customer. You can return the car in six months, sometimes longer. And get all your money back.

Of course I never tell customers this, when delivering a car.

This customer wanted a full handover and shown all the controls and features of the car. Not my job, but it helps my business for my customers to know I can do this.

An hour later. Car explained I started the walk to the station.

It was, to be honest a strange car for a youngish couple living in central London to buy. A large 2015 diesel engined E class Mercedes. A lovely car. But it just didn't suit these people for some reason.

So walking to the station, without looking properly. I headed for Tooting Station.. knowing it's on the correct line to get me eventually to Marylebone Station.

So I walked towards Tooting Station got there and realised it was wrong. I wanted Tooting Broadway underground..

It was another lovely morning so the walk was enjoyable through fairly empty south London streets.

Passing the obvious 30 something couples having to be seen, in various fashionable street cafés with the young child or children who really don't want to be there. With the polo shirt with obligatory jumper round the neck with the male looking at a newspaper or phone and the poor mum dealing with trying to force feed crying kids with avocado on toast.

I did pass this old 1970 Triumph Dolomite parked up and wondered how this was used here, considering the £12.50 daily ULEZ charge for Mr Khans coffers.

1970 Triumph Dolomite

I hope the car has moved because as I write. It's MOT has expired.

I eventually got to the right station and took the Northern line from Tooting Broadway to Charing Cross and then the Bakerloo line to Marylebone and the train home to Aylesbury.

Thankfully missing earlier the expected heavy traffic and green Land Rovers all driving around the area to ferry players and whoever to and from Wimbledon tennis club as the championship starts tomorrow.

So half a Sunday at home 🏠

Another week starts tomorrow