At the Jag Dealership....

My friend Mike was the manager of the parts department at the Jaguar Dealer in Nashville back in the late seventies. The public could only gain access to the parts department  (in Jaguar talk that would be the Spares Depot) by walking through the showroom.

Mike got a phone order for a starter for a a 75 Jaguar (remember this was in 1979.) Mike explained to the customer that it would take a week or two (remember those days) because the started had to come from England. The total price was about $300.00 including s&h.


When the starter arrived the customer was notified and in a few days he showed up to pick up the starter. Mike gingerly laid the unopened parcel on the counter and reached for a box cutter to open it. Before he could turn around the customer ripped the bottom off the box and slipped the starter out into his hands, rolling it over and inspecting it from all angles.
"Yep," he said excitedly, "this is the baby I've been waitin' for. I can't wait to get it home."

Mike completed the transaction, handed over the receipt and the customer headed across the showroom to exit the building. When he reached the door he hesitated a second to adjust the box with the starter, and as he pulled the door open, the starter slipped out of the box and onto the floor with a loud thud. The nose cone broke in half rendering the starter useless.

He looked around to see if anyone was watching as he scooped up the pieces, jammed them back into the box and returned to the parts counter, box in hand.

He laid the box on the counter and got Mike's attention, "Excuse me, sir. I bought this a few moments ago and I would like to return it."

Having witnessed the entire episode and trying to hide his laugh Mike replied, "Sorry, sir, no refunds on parts that were broken after they leave the parts department."

"But I wasn't out of the building yet!" He exclaimed. It should be covered. I demand another starter!"

Mike and I laughed about that one for years!