In an effort to build our Internet Department, I reached out to an Internet Lead Management Vendor (ILM), iMagic Labs, and was shocked at the amazing apathy displayed in that organization.

I basically asked if they would be willing to work out some type of trade out for their ILM product and the response was that they were not interested. I really did not have a problem with them not being interested with advertising on two automotive marketing blogs for a trade out of their services or a reduced rate. What I have a problem with is the lack of honesty in their response to this proposition.

Their sales rep replied: “I forwarded these to Keith but he is not interested. Sorry.” But based on traffic stats Keith nor she even visited the sites in question.

In responses from the owner at iMagic Labs they do not barter services, which is all the sales rep had to say to begin with. But based on these interactions I would never spend money with this company, even if they had the only product in the Internet Lead Management Arena.

Automotive vendors need to realize, that someone will always come around and do it better for less, and being smug in your dealings with the people on the ground using the products hurts them long term.

So I guess the moral of the story is if you are going to lie to customers or potential customers make sure you cover your tracks or take the path of honesty from the start.