Meekhof Tires needs to review its hiring standards, so they go beyond, "How many fingers do I have up?"
Meekhof Tires came highly recommended by one of their parts suppliers. My driver's side window ceased to function. After pressing the button, the window neither moved up or down and the driver was treated to a disturbing grinding noise. I brought the vehicle to my usual auto shop, Mason Street Garage. A certified, highly experienced mechanic diagnosed that the window regulator in the door needed to be replaced. However, they could not do it because part of the process involved removing the "skin" off the door and that work is more for a body shop.
I told my woes to a friend who works for the parts supplier and my friend said Meekhof could handle it and that they were customer focused, honest, and fair. None of which is true. My friend then offered to get the part at cost and even wrote a note for Meekhof with information regarding the repair. I telephoned Meekhof and explained to Elana the circumstances. I assumed she was reasonably competent and understood that the problem was diagnosed and that I made clear I would bring the part. I dropped the car off at 8:00 AM on 11/10/21 expecting it would be repaired by day's end. Elana said the mechanic would call with an estimate and an expected time for the finished repair.
By 3:00 I had not heard from Meekhof and called as the shop would close at 5:00. Elana transferred me to Brandon who told me, "We're looking at the car now and will let you know the cost." After the call, a red flag went up: Why are they looking at it? Shouldn't they be repairing it? However, based on the glowing recommendation from someone I trust, I assumed the mechanics were reasonably competent as well and were installing the part. Shortly after I received a text with the cost (very high for just labor: $337.50 for 2.7 hours work, that's $125.00 per hour) and that it could not be ready until "midday tomorrow barring complications." I responded "No, I will need to reschedule. Please put the part back in the car. Thank you." Another red flag went up. The mechanics knew what the problem was before they looked at the vehicle yet needed another half day to fix it even though they possessed the part. And they warned of "complications."
I walked to their shop (1640 Olson NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49503) and asked Elana for the key. Elana presented a bill for $58 and change - May Day.
"Why is there a charge?" I asked.
"The mechanics had to diagnose the problem," Elana said.
"I told you what the problem was. I even brought the part to fix it."
"They put in an hour and a half of work diagnosing the problem."
"Again, I already told you the problem. It is the window regulator, and it was diagnosed by a certified mechanic."
"You want to talk to Brandon?"
"Yes."
Elana calls Brandon. They talk. Brandon never comes to the front desk. Elana hangs up the phone.
"My bad. I didn't tell you there was a fee," Elana says.
"Fine. I'll pay the fee," pulling my credit card out of my wallet.
"No, I'm not charging you, but we won't do the repair."
"I'm banned. You're banning me."
"Yes, you said you didn't want the repair done."
"No, I told Brandon, I would reschedule."
From Meekhof's website: "We pride ourselves on our reliable customer service and our highly trained, experienced service staff. At Meekhof Tire, we want our customers to know that they can rely on us for accurate, knowledgeable, and friendly auto repairs and tire services." Bullshit!
I walked out the door.
My advice, never walk in it. read more
