I've had a couple interesting experiences this week that have me wondering what has happened to our country.  I've been buying tires at a local company for 40+ years.  They've Mechanicalways been great, and I'm sure I've bought 500+ tires for the family vehicles and our company trucks.  I would imagine I've recommended them 100 times.

This Tuesday, I called to check on availability and price for a few replacement tires.  The sales manager gave me a price and said they definitely had the tires in stock.  Great!  I set up an early AM appointment and dropped the truck off. 

When I returned, the bill was much higher.  I asked what happened, and he proceeded to deny that he ever quoted the price I had on my note pad.  I had the price per tire, and then I had the price per tire mounted, balanced, new values and the old tires disposed of.  Where would I get those numbers considering I have no idea how they price each phase of the tire installation?  Ironically, my numbers were exactly what their numbers are for the services beyond the tire purchase. Weird, right?  He said I made the numbers up.  That was a mistake.

The manager was so vehement that he never gave me price, that I said, "OK," paid the bill and committed to never buy another tire from them.  That was my first local disappointment with a local business this week.

The second one was also a car repair shop.  This time, also on Tuesday, I called and received a quote for a specific repair.  I dropped the vehicle off last night with the sales person and restated the price and he confirmed it.  This morning, he called me to tell me what they found, which was exactly what was quoted, and the price was much higher.  Is this a trend?

I said,"Wait a minute. Just Tuesday, you said the price was . . . . Where is the discrepancy coming from?"  He stammered and stuttered a bit and then said, "Well, let me see what I can do to get the price down." 

Is it just me, or has truth, honesty and integrity left the country?  Friends often ask why I do most of my own auto maintenance.  There are two good reason in 2 days.  An honest car repair shop is hard to find in Winchester, VA.  If you know of one, let me know.  I've struck out every time.

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Mike Cooper, Real Estate Broker, Winchester, VAGive me a call for all your real estate needs, and let's make something amazing happen. 

Mike Cooper @ Cornerstone Business Group, Inc., 888-722-6029


Real Estate Sales and Property Management         

 

(Disclaimer:  All grammatical mistakes, punctuation breakdowns and misspellings are purely for your amusement and entertainment.   Feel free to cackle.)                                                                                                

 
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12 Comments on Is it just me, or has truth, honesty and integrity left the country?

NOV
15
511,722 Points 20 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master

Mike you have to wonder if they want your business down the road.  I always say, All is takes is one screw up and the competition will get the business.
10:53am • #1
551,568 Points 146 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

That's a fact, Will.  Well the tire company definitely lost it, let's see how the other repair shop fairs.  They haven't finished the repair yet.  I've jettisoned three car repair shops in the past couple years for the exact same thing.  I'd have a complex if one trip wasn't my wife.  Oy!
10:55am • #2
624,868 Points 11 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

I actually had someone say something to me on the phone this week and I asked for their name and they asked me why and I said because you just said "xyz" and they said I didn't say that.  It is frustrating sometimes.

 
12:12pm • #3
1,049,931 Points 284 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master

Mike, There's at least a couple of businesses there that have totally lost sight of the big picture.  Customer care is critical.  I rented a truck from Lowe's last year and the service clerk made me feel like a criminal and tried to assert that I hadn't put gas in when I had.  I'd driven a whopping 4 miles in each direction and put a couple of gallons in before I returned it.  Most unhappy after that.
12:19pm • #4
551,568 Points 146 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Debra, I was just thinking today that I guess we're going to have to record every call.

That is frustrating, Bliz.  I know that feeling well. 

12:25pm • #5
509,528 Points 2 Featured Posts

Sorry you are having those issues.  Most are on target in this area thank God.
12:46pm • #6
1,022,995 Points 15 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Called Shot Master

I would rather have them quote me a high price up front and do what they say they are going to do than lie, or go cheap and do a poor job.
1:49pm • #7
551,568 Points 146 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Caron, I'd love to know there are truly honest and reputable car repair shops in my area.  Unfortunately, I can't recommend one. 

I hear you, Gene. 

2:23pm • #8
1,210,444 Points 118 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Mike - it is a great question. I remember in Orlando the patrons of a high end chinese restaurant told the owners that they do someting wrong, and that they should rather make a recipe change, so that they do not disappoint their customers, who are familiar with chinese food. The owners aughed and said they did not care if people never come to them again. There were so many people visiting Orlando.

Isn't this weird?
10:02pm • #9
NOV
16
551,568 Points 146 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Unfortunately, that seems to the norm now days, Jon.  I've dumped 6 auto repair shops in the past 3-4 years.  All were dropped because they either lied, didn't fix something they charged for or tried to force a repair that was not necessary.   In most of those cases the bills were thousands of dollars, but when I made the repair on some of those issues they didn't exceed $150.  When I confronted them, they just stared at me with a blank look. 
4:32am • #10
NOV
17
422,923 Points 39 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Wow Mike... your deals on wheels took a lousy u-turn... I think I would've told the tire guy to take his tires and mount them where the sun doesn't shine.  Then I'd contact the owner of the shop and tell him you're going 'viral' with a post and perhaps he'd like the opportunity to make things right before you go from 0-60 in a matter of seconds ;)))  Just sayin'! 
10:28am • #11
551,568 Points 146 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Oh, I wanted to Mel, unfortunately, they were already on the vehicle.  I am writing the owner of the company a letter to share my frustration.  I doubt he cares, but we'll see.  I bugs me when I need something automotive that I can't do in my own garage. 
2:36pm • #12


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